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Natural talent + fate = Utah 'Idol' Archuleta

Call me ignorant, but what does one do on a church mission? Is it more like helping the needy? (Rather than 'spreading the word'...)

Also, I heard that he was 5"6 1/2.

Nice article =)

This kid absolutely kills me. I didn't think it was possible to like him any more than I already did, but after reading this article, I do. In addition to his voice being a gift, I find it astonishing to think about the kinds of prescient goals he had as an 8-year-old. That was a gift, too. Go, Elder Archuleta!

Great article. It is interesting to hear about his background. What a huge story it'll be when he takes a break from being a star to go on a mission!! He's been a great example so far, keep it up.

One question, how do you know who gets the most votes? It stated that he has been first in the popular vote.

To Samara:
If David follows through on his plan to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he will indicate his willingness to serve at age 19. He will then be issued a call to serve in one of the Church's 344 missions worldwide. He would join 53,000 missionaries: young men, young women and couples. Each pays his or her own way--there is no salary or stipend. For two years he will set aside school, career plans and dating and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who express interest.

Missionaries are also involved in organized and ad hoc service projects on a regular basis, and will occasionally be called on to provide disaster relief if a catastrophe strikes near where they serve.

Hope that answers your question (can't help on the height issue...).

Samara, it's both. Spreading the word and helping the needy are both part of a mission.

"He has ranked first in the "American Idol" popular vote in every round." Nice try but the auditing firm does not release those numbers.

A church mission is both. You spend a lot of time "spreading the word" but you are also able to go out and help the needy quite a bit. For me it was an incredible life changing experience as I worked with the people of Brazil.

From what I have seen of David, he would make a great missionary. He seems humble, talented, likeable, etc. The shyness would probably disappear a bit. I was very shy but quickly came out of my shell as a missionary.

Hope that helps.

Great article. Great to learn more about an exceptional young man who understands about focus and goal-setting. Can't wait to watch him perform again this week!

I think David will serve a mission with a microphone in his hand. He will be too famous to serve a regular mission. I remember Donny Osmond went to President Kimball and offered to serve, and the prophet told him to keep doing what he was doing. I think the same thing will happen with David.

I believe David will provoke a great deal of goodwill towards the Church because he is such an incredible example of a good Christian youth, and is so completely cute and winsome. It's impossible to dislike him if you're a normal human being. And, that voice! It's like magic, it's so soothing, soulful and passionate.

Favorite comments that I've read about him: 1) "If Heaven could sing, David, it would sound like you." 2) "Just can't get enough of David's soothing voice. He is food for the soul." 3) Following 'Imagine'--"I'm 6'4", 210 pounds, covered with tatoos. I watched this and cried like a schoolgirl." 4) "This kid could sing the phonebook, and it would sound beautiful."

His iTunes version of 'Imagine' is #1 and completely dwarfs the iTunes purchases of ALL the other contestants COMBINED; he has 4 in the top 18.

Yes, this kid has guts! Great voice and personality. Checking several on-line sources to hear him sing at various stages of his life, there is one little thing I hear that could knock him out of winning Idol. There is something in his breathing, almost gasping. Perhaps it is the microphones being used, and someone needs to help him deal with this. (I know Sanjaya Malakar did some amazing American Idol studio work that most people never heard.) I really hope David wins. He has what it takes to be a true star.

He is as cute as can be. I am glad that he is an active member of the Church and I am proud that I belong to the same Church. Great voice, great gift. No doubt he will make it!! God Bless you David and your family.

It might not be possible to serve a mission. However, it would be wonderful if he told the world: "Call me in 2 years. I'll be busy serving the Lord until then." What a wonderful example that will be! (Ok, he's already a good example!)

There is a website called, "DialIdol.com," which is not in any way affiliated with the show. The website purports to measure and predict the vote each week by measuring the busy signal for each Idol contestant. If DialIdol is able to easily get through by calling a contestant's phone#, it means that contestant is NOT doing well in the vote. On the other hand, if it is nearly impossible to get through (nothing but busy signal), it is thought that contestant is being deluged by votes. The results are posted each week on DialIdol.com, along with the website's predictions. For the past several years, the website has been correct more than 85% of the time. So far, this season, it has shown David Archuleta as receiving far, far more votes than any of the other contestants. Brooke White (also LDS, and from Arizona and California) would appear to be a distant second. So that's why the reporter is able to make the statement he did about David "ranking first" in every round. Hope that's helpful.

Finally, an article that had me beaming with pride for a young man whose voice fills me with such peace and joy. He is exactly what our younger generation needs right now. American Idol or not, he is destined for greatness and I, for one, cannot wait to watch.

To put it simply, everything about David makes me happy. Period.

I've never voted for an American Idol contestant until now, nor have I ever purchased music from any Idol contestant/winner--until now. I want to be first in line to buy whatever David A. sings. He is blessed with an amazing gift, and we are blessed to have him share that gift. Go David !!!

It's amazing to see a young man like David Archuleta. He has had an astonishing impact on people with his gift and his spirit shines throughout his very being. His mission has already begun and his spirit is touching hearts around the world. The Archuleta family should be very proud of the example he sets for the church and because the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!!! Keep it up David!

Impossible not to adore him...and he was born to sing. God gives gifts to everyone, and singing with the heart is his gift!

It will be interesting to see if he will serve a mission, there are many areas that will not know who he is, can you imagine his using his voice on a mission? I am really pleased with his sweet nature and also Brooke's both of them have such gentle souls and we in this nation really need that. I also feel that way about Jason, he is a sweet kid too. The other night when they were with the last group, Brooke whispered to David A to go sit down, how lucky he is to have someone there that has strong values, not to say others don't. It doesn't matter if either Brooke or David win, they both will do well, and they both have such unique voices, part of Davids breathy voice is a result of having had paralized vocal chords.

I've also read in American Idol's info that David is 5'6 1/2" tall.

I don't think that his height is going to hurt him, though. He has the huge, soaring vocals that everyone loves, and his passion for music and that exquisite voice are contagious. Besides that, David is cute as can be and has such a winsome, endearing personality that you can't help but love him.

Look at how America feels about Michael J. Fox. I think it will be the same way with David. Height or no height, they'll love him coz they love him. Period.

I think Brooke has a good future in the music business ahead of her. She also brings a wholesomeness that is very appealing, and she has a new Carol King-like vibe that is attracting a lot of attention.

YouTube is a fantastic place to go to see what these two really have to offer. David has some incredible old stuff out from EFY, talent shows, etc. His Christmas songs are jaw dropping! Also, watch David's great interviews out on YouTube. For being SO shy, he's doing really well!

I think Brooke will place high, that David will ultimately win. Good luck, guys!

David is amazing, he is almost perfect, he's lds, he is an amazing singer, he's really sweet, he will go far, and he will win american idol, no doubt. I will be on my phone when the numbers come on the tv and vote like 100 something times! Utah has got his back. Love you David!!! <3