Reader comments
Carmen Rasmusen: Utahn David Archuleta has got what 'it' takes

Anonymous | 2:55 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Micahel Johns is 29. He says so in his introduction, which can be seen on Youtube.

Allison | 4:57 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Michael Johns is 29. Not 20.

Dutchman | 7:58 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

If you watched American Idol this week then this article was really worthless and a waste of time. Sorry Carmen, I know you mean well. You just repeated what American Idol fans already know and heard. I would like to know more about the contestants themselves especially our local product David Archuleta.

Comments continue below

Sports Fan | 8:45 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Dadid Archuleta is amazing. I knew the first time I heard him sing he would make it huge. It was impossible that this guy would not be famous. He reminded me of Kenny Loggins and had incredible power and range in his voice that blew me away. I lived in his music trainers neighborhood which is why I knew who he was. The only reason why I own a TV is to watch sports. I cant stand reality TV or American Idol. But I am happy for David and hope his career is remembered 100% out of that show and in his own career as a star.

Anonymous | 8:43 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

and guess what.... david archuleta and jason castro... latinos 100%... ha!

David's Fan | 10:05 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

David performed at a company party during the last holiday season. Our comments at the time were "This kid needs exposure by competing on something like Americal Idol".

God Bless and best of life David

Linda | 10:29 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Not only can this kid sing, frankly, EVERYONE who has made it this far on "Idol" can sing, he has a great personality! Something about him is very appealing - and I hope he wins it all.

To Dutchman | 10:29 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

I didn't watch American Idol this week and found the article informative. Ever think that Carmen was writing for people like me?

Anonymous | 10:41 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

As we have seen in years past on Idol, age does not matter. What matters is if a contestant can come out and dazzle audiences from the start and stay consistent from performance to performance. Simon was right on with his comments when he would say contestants were forgettable or had no relevance. Michael Johns is 29, and just to be fair Carmen, we did say goodbye to a 17 and an 18 year old last night, but good try on the commentary.

AI Fan | 11:00 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Dear Dutchman,

You're right. Carmen's article was a nice review of last weeks American Idol. Isn't that the point? For those AI fans (like myself) that weren't able to watch, it's nice to read Carmen's article and get a nice summary of what happened. I really like Carmen and the way she talkes about the performances and mixes in her own experiences and points of view. Great Job Carmen.

Jennifer | 11:05 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

I love Carmen. She's such a sweetheart. I met her once and she is seriously so down to earth and so nice. I wish there were more entertainers like her out there.

Bentley | 11:07 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

David and Carmen should sing a duet or something. That would be way cool.

Cougar Fan | 11:25 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Loved the article Carmen. Keep em comin'.

Dutchman | 11:44 a.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Didn't watch American Idol this week? Too much church work? I thought the article was lazy. You can find this information on a zillion web sites. Best of luck to David. He seems like a nice kid but then again I don't know much about him.

Steve - Michael Johns | 12:11 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

I'm a big fan of David's, but did he sing best? I'd say no. I say Michael Johns gave the best performance this week and a VERY good one in the Hollywood round. In the end I think David's going to have to possibly struggle to beat him.

Don't get me wrong, I love David and want him to go as far as possible in this or even win it (that would be awesome!) but Michael Johns is going to be very hard to beat. That's my prediction/judgement thus far... we'll see if my opinion changes over the next few weeks (each should be around that long as they're both popular).

Another one for David to watch out for is that dreadlocks guy.

Oh, and I wasn't all that impressed with ANY of the female singers... none of them has inspired a desire in me to call in and make sure they don't get eliminated. All my votes are going to the 3 guys I've refered to in this post (giving a large bunch to David/the majority and a few votes each to the other two just to help them stay around).

Steve - Bentley, no thanks | 12:15 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Re: Bentley... oh please no, David and Carmen doing a duet would NOT be cool. Pair him up with someone else instead. I don't want her vibrato invading his song, that would ruin it for me.

Steve -Advice to David Archuleta | 12:32 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Some advice to David Archuleta...

Besides being very talented & looking comfortable on stage, you seem like a very nice guy. You deserve to go far in this and I'd even like to see you win. But you really need to tone down the gosh/golly-gee/aw shucks behavior... take it down a few knotches. If it slightly bugged me (a fan of yours) I'm sure it is probably annoying many out there and it could start to hurt you if you keep acting like you did this week (mainly when the judges gave their response and Ryan Seacrest was talking to you).

Enthusiasm and honest surprise to comments is fine, but you should watch how you show it. I mean look at what Simon would often say to Melinda Doolittle last year, he kept telling her she didn't need to always looks so shocked etc. So I'm sure he'll eventually say something along the lines of what I've just said... don't give him that chance, make some changes now.

I know it's just you being you and that's great at home, but you're trying to win a national contest... find an alternate way to express your humility.

Heather | 1:13 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

These articles are American Idol reviews. Carmen isn't able to interview the contestants. She simply comments on what she sees on the show and recaps it while trying to throw in a few things she knows from experience.

Also, anyone who is mentioning Carmen's vibrato obviously hasn't heard her sing post Idol, because its essentially gone. Her voice has matured immensely since the show.

Anonymous | 1:26 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

David is the first real talented person from Utah to ever be on American idol.

Keep writing Carmen | 1:52 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Carmen, thanks for the nice review. Don't worry about the negative comments - they come with the territory. I used to write for the paper, and learned that some folks just don't agree with the topic of the day.

You know who you are, and you know where you've been, so keep up the good work. It's nice to have someone local who's had some success put their spin on these new kids.

Dutchman | 2:53 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

How hard would it be to do an article on what other critics are saying about David from around the nation? All these milquetoast comments make me believe the commenters here are big Paula Abdul fans. All the nice comments do not push someone with talent like Carmen to be a better writer.

Murray Alum | 3:00 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

It was just fun to hear my old high school mentioned on National tv...and Good for David!!!!!

Steve - Re: Dutchman | 3:06 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Dutchman, how are my comments here?

re: Dutchman | 3:12 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

i don't know Carmen and i don't know you, but i have to ask- what's wrong with you? it seems that you are trying too hard to look smart. seriously, your posts make you look small. it's embarassing.

To previous posters: | 3:50 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Reread the article people, it states that Johns is 29. Before you get upset and point out mistakes of others make sure of what you are reading. It says, and I quote:

Another 20-something who has "it," according to Simon, is Michael Johns. Originally from Australia, Johns, 29, threw "all caution to the wind," according to judge Randy Jackson, with his edgy version of "Light My Fire."

MoJules | 4:32 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

David and Jason both made me smile, they are both polite and gracious. Wouldn't it be nice if all of us could learn from these young men and speak kindly, but then some of us have to be more like Simon. I agree with Simon all the time, but sometimes he doesn't know when to put a sock in it. Oh and not just the personality of David and Jason, but I loved their singing and Michael Johns.

KK | 4:36 p.m. Feb. 22, 2008

Informative article. I really hope David Archuleta wins cause he is my favorite. I think a lot of people find not only his singing but also his personality very appealing.

KH | 5:24 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008

Thanks for the article. I'm a new, over-18, loyal David Archuleta fan. Although Jason Castro was wonderful and I can see the appeal of Michael Johns, I'd say that David A. is the one to beat.

I've been an Idol fan since season 3, but because of David I'll be watching with greater interest this year.

Carmen Fan | 10:27 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008

Go check out Carmen's music video "Nothin Like the Summer" on youtube and tell me she hasn't come 100 miles since American Idol. It's awesome. She's converted me into a big fan.

Anonymous | 10:19 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008

I personally loved David Archuleta. He's my absolute favorite, I hope he wins. But I also like Jason Castro and Michael Johns. I think they are all fabulous singers, and they all have wonderful personalities.
To those who don't like what Carmen wrote, you could have stopped reading it when you found out that it was saying what you already knew, you didn't have to bag on it. If you have a negative comment, keep it to yourself. Everyone has their own oppinions, so let them express it without getting bagged on.

Dutchman | 2:28 p.m. Feb. 26, 2008

I have been using the handle "Dutchman" for a long time. I don't hide behind some psuedo name like "anonymous" or KK or KH whatever. Like you say, "Everyone has their own opinions, so let them express it without getting bagged on." Exactly, so let me express my opinions without getting bagged on by you and others. In my posts I did say that I liked David and I said Carmen has talent. Maybe what Carment could do is write an article rehashing what happens on the show for all those who do not or cannot watch and then do another more indepth article for those of us who want to explore more. How is that or am I trying too hard to look smart?

marie | 3:26 p.m. Feb. 27, 2008

david don' t listen to steve . . listen whats in your heart, i think ur humble personality is what makes you. youh ! .. nothing can change the way you act. I just want to say i love your voice, it makes me picture the lyrics, and there isnt that many songs that let me do that ;D

Steve - Re: marie | 1:17 p.m. Feb. 28, 2008

David, don't listen to marie. :)

There's nothing wrong with being humble. Take my advice I gave earlier in this thread (on Feb. 22). You did better this week, you had a little less of that "aw shucks/gosh/golly gee" behavior when listening to the judges and talking to Ryan. The less you do that the better it will be for you.

Mary | 2:30 a.m. March 3, 2008

to steve..you are an idiot!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE it when hes all shy and stuff! Thats one of the reasons i like him so much. It makes him cute and attractive. Not only does he have a great voice he has a great personality so leave him alone!! David DO NOT listen to Steve cause he doesn't know what he is talking about! You are sweet and cute so keep doing what your doing!!

Bookaholic | 12:58 a.m. March 9, 2008

I absolutely love listening to and watching David! His voice is MAGIC, and his personality is extremely endearing to a LOT of us out here. Plus, how cute can you be?!

Steve, I don't think David is the manipulative type. He said in an interview, you have to prepare yourself for harsh comments, tell yourself to "be strong". Because of that, I think he half-way expected/dreaded some negative feedback. When it was effusive instead, he was floored. That's where the shock/gosh! came from. He may try to be strong and present himself better, but I don't think he's really capable of putting on a face. The kid is REAL. And, we love him for it.

I'm behind you all the way, David! Am looking forward to your first Christmas CD which I will stand in line to purchase on the first day available. I will buy everything you put out.

No more social activism songs, though. Entertainment is the name of the game at this point. Win American Idol first, David, then sing at Live Aid/Farm Aid.

"IF HEAVEN COULD SING, DAVID, IT WOULD SOUND LIKE YOU."

That's the best comment I've read about him! Best of luck to David!

Traci | 11:16 a.m. March 11, 2008

I think that David Archuleta is the cutest person in the whole entire universe! He is the BEST singer on American Idol and he is gonna win! He beats all the others by a trillion miles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bookaholic | 5:32 a.m. April 5, 2008

Actually, I got the vote count from a site called davidarchuletafanblast(dot)com. I went back to see if they sourced it because I couldn't remember if I'd read it. It's gone already.

The other thing I like to look for is sale totals on itunes at the end of the week. I understand you can find the information on the itunes site, but I haven't had any luck digging it out. I can sometimes find them on the fanblast or another site. No luck so far this week.

I've been really anxious to see how David did this week. I actually prefer "Smokey Mountain Memories" to "Imagine" which is one of the highest selling songs in Idol history, I believe.

I was curious because Dolly's song is country and David sang the verse that referred to God. I'm wondering how the populace will respond. Will they buy because of his beautiful, sweeping, golden-toned voice? Or, will they pull back because it's country and God is involved?

If anyone knows where I can find that graph they put out that shows this week's sales, please let me know!

All the best and good luck to my favorite guy and singer, David Archuleta!

cheryl | 9:03 p.m. Nov. 11, 2008

I love david a voice I have he songs on my ipod and i sleep do you beleve in god you are so good I love All the best singer in the guy David Archuleta I LOVe you oh and you cD is the best are u make more album if you are i will buy them

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