Deseret News | Hero's welcome planned for Archuleta

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Hero's welcome planned for Archuleta

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Murray resident | 12:24 a.m. May 7, 2008

Welcome back David! We love what you are doing for yourself, for Murray, and the state of Utah!

hesitant | 1:04 a.m. May 7, 2008

My wife loves him more than she loves me. I'll be at murray high with her.... but going to the game with my bro. I bet my wife wishes she could be at the Jazz game now. haha

Who is... | 1:29 a.m. May 7, 2008

Who is David Archuleta?

Comments continue below

Utah resident | 4:33 a.m. May 7, 2008

Alright David Archuleta! I saw Tues. Night's "American Idol" and you did "crush the competition"! I'm sure our family will be at the festivities in Murray, our daughter will be sure of that. She wants to marry you!!

Idol fan in MS | 5:51 a.m. May 7, 2008

To Who Is, get a life and wake up, your missing some great Television and a wonderful story.

I said no-no-no | 6:05 a.m. May 7, 2008

Seems kinda special education, and I've already quit watching the show.

Lee | 6:09 a.m. May 7, 2008

So whats up with Randy continually dissing Syesha? Does he go deaf when she is permorming?I thought both of her songs were great!David A.is extremely talented and is blessed with an angelic voice! He might beat out David Cook to win it all.If "Dreadlocks" isn't cut tonight,then the Earth is FLAT!He should have gone weeks ago!

Glado | 6:33 a.m. May 7, 2008

What is it that makes him a HERO????
All he does is sing.

Anonymous | 6:44 a.m. May 7, 2008

Yeah, I was also wondering, who is this guy?

Hero? | 6:47 a.m. May 7, 2008

Look I am cheering for David as much as the next guy, but the term "Hero's Welcome" does NOT fit. He is not a hero he is a talented singer, lets not over due our celebrity worship people! Our men and women in uniform are heros. Soliders, firemen, and policemen, not a kid who can sing.

Resident | 7:09 a.m. May 7, 2008

Don't get so caught up in the words. Let the people have thier fun. Let the kid have his moment in the sun. If he makes them feel good or inspired....good for them and good for him. Relax.

Congrats... | 7:09 a.m. May 7, 2008

Well deserving!

jr | 7:11 a.m. May 7, 2008

Since when is an entertainer a HERO, we sure have lost ground of what is a HERO, what has David done to save anyones life, what has David done to be a HERO, for goodness sake he is a young entertainer at this point. Where are the headlines for our soldiers on the front lines? Reporters are sure shallow in their idea of important stories

georgiaonmymind | 7:19 a.m. May 7, 2008

re Glado, Anon, Hero? All of you need to take your happy pills! Sheesh cheer up and enjoy the good news for once!!!!!!!!!

Hero!! | 7:24 a.m. May 7, 2008

No one is minimizing our heroes in uniform but find me one who single-handedly has put Murray on the map and I will for sure shout his/her praises from the steps of the state capitol. This is about a great young Utahn who has performed solo in front of tens of millions every week for about ten weeks and has been nearly flawless in the process. This is about a clean-cut young man who the entire state can be proud of. Our young people need examples like this young man to look to rather than so many entertainers whose public image is far less than exemplary. Hero can have many definitions and can come in many forms. Let's allow this one hero status rather than so many others whose notoriety is far less than desireable by any standard.

Dr M | 7:26 a.m. May 7, 2008

We are talking about a young man who has a talent, not a "Medal of Honor" recipient right?

Anonymous | 7:41 a.m. May 7, 2008

He may not be a hero, but I think that it is wonderful that we can support him in what he's doing. What an opportunity for Utah to stand behind one of their own! We're proud of you David!

bhparkman | 7:44 a.m. May 7, 2008

I find this story very disturbing.

When media outlets spend more efforts on smoke and mirror stories like this; also to declare who is heroic and who is not based on the minority pop culture viewpoint is irresponsible at best. Now our elected officals are getting in on this, and that is not what they were hired for.

The rest of us are dealing with real life issues. The local media is largely ignoring most of the social/political/economical portents that are gaining strength, and American Idol is not one of these portents. It is a commercial venture to continue the music industry with fair results - nothing more. A man's ability to sing is not a scarce talent here, and we'll never be in short supply of aspiring singers.

News outlets are protected under the 1st Amendment and State Constitution, and through back-door political channels to report hard news that affects us all. Instead they go for what will sell commercials and increase the bottom line. This story is not news, but just a way to capitalize on something a minority of Utahn's see as important.

I Agree | 7:47 a.m. May 7, 2008

Hero is right--He is not a Hero! Just a kid who can sing really really good. He will really become a "Hero" if he does not turn "Hollywood". So many do-- If he doesn't ma an pa might. That is what can be sad for these young people. He really is talented. I hope he will use it for good in this world.

I agree | 7:46 a.m. May 7, 2008

Hero is really over the top. He is a great singer and from what I see and hear a very good young man. Heroes are people who put their lifes on the line to rescue or help someone.

I would not be surprised at all if he doesn't win the contest.

I am not a doomsdayer, but for some reason I had an uneasy feeling last night when they talked about a balloon ride. I have gone up in a balloon and it was great and want to do it again, but once more I just had an uneasy feeling when they said that. Hope I am soooo wrong.

As far as those claiming they don't know who he is they are trying to be funny, or they really don't have a life. They certainly couldn't be reading the newspaper or even pay attention to this website.

MAYHEM MIKE | 8:01 a.m. May 7, 2008

David Archuleta IS a hero, but a "conditional" one: His "hero" status is conditional upon him remaining kind, gentle, drug-free and genuine despite gaining celebrity status. Pray he doesn't go the way of Britney, Lindsay and other young performers.

Connie K | 8:07 a.m. May 7, 2008

David is a talented young man, but hero, why? A hero is someone who puts his life on the line, who people can look up to, emulate. He's only 17 and hasn't lived life enough to be called a hero..

Hilda | 8:08 a.m. May 7, 2008

There's a great article about Archuleta and other Mormons on Newsweek's website right now. Looks like the national media is catching on to the talent in Utah.

CELEBRATE ~ | 8:08 a.m. May 7, 2008

We need to allow celebration for all that is good!!! That's what we have gotten away from in this country - LET'S CELEBRATE THE GOOD NEWS! -

to "Hero!!" @ 0724am | 8:16 a.m. May 7, 2008

You claim nobody is minimizing our heroes in uniform...

But every time one of you refers to some pop singer as a "hero" you do exactly that.

Anytime you use a label to describe multiple, disparate individuals or groups, you therefore equate them, and in doing so, reduce the general meaning of that label to the lowest level of said recipients.

In other words, if both some American Idol whatever and, for example, a soldier saving lives, or a fireman who died in the WTC getting others to safety, or a person who died fighting terrorists on Flight 93, if they're all equally described as heroes to you, then you think of them equally.

An American Idol equally heroic to those others?

That's just sad. And a sad commentary on our reality-show-based culture.

Mrs. L | 8:18 a.m. May 7, 2008

Come on! Why quibble over an expression like "hero"? This is a GOOD NEWS story for once! Something to celebrate and be happy about amidst all the gloom and destruction that usually cover the front pages. He's my hero for giving us something to cheer about! We love you, David! Good luck!

SLC gal | 8:20 a.m. May 7, 2008

Those of you who are saying he's not a hero becuase heros are military need to get a grip!!!!! I have the greatest respect for the military! Many of my family members have been involved directly with the operations going on in the Middle East. Yes those guys are heros, as are police, firefighters, paramedics, etc.....

As many have said, David is establishing himself as a different type of hero. Kids are greatly influenced by celeberties. Now I don't have kids, but I'd rather have my nephews influenced by David then Eminem or Snoop Dogg!!! He's a hero in the sense that he is making UT proud.

Dorothy | 8:21 a.m. May 7, 2008

How exciting for the state of Utah to have one of our own. It is great to see some positive for a change. Good luck Dave. We love ya and are rooting for you all the way.
For those of you who don't know who he is are missing something special. Even if he doesn't win.

Relax | 8:21 a.m. May 7, 2008

Nobody has called him a war hero. You really don't have to be so critical

From Austin | 8:37 a.m. May 7, 2008

In my opinion, anyone that can maintain humility and kindness and who can honorably represent his state in a time when there is so much rottenness in the world, deserves a hero's welcome. David appears to be someone I would be happy to have my kids look up to (unlike nearly every other celebrity I can think of). I just hope he can keep it all.

Wow! | 8:43 a.m. May 7, 2008

What an amazing bunch of sour grape comments? I've never seen such a barrage of negativity about someone or something you apparently know little about.

First off, have you never been lifted and inspired by music? Has a certain song never touched your life in such a way to turn your life around for the better? Apparently not. In spite of your needs (or lack thereof), there are literally thousands, in this day of wars and extremely severe economic struggles, who have found solace in uplifting song. People who would have otherwise lost nearly all hope have had their hope renewed because of David Archuleta (and other's like him).

So, those of you looking at only the thorns, lighten up! Look beyond the promotional acts of the TV show and think of the many people who have respect for an honest hearted kid from Murray, UT who has selflessly given hope to the hopeless through the gift of his music. See the rose, not the thorns, it's a beautiful view.

Oh, and if you still don't think music has a positive influence then just think of the USO shows to the military through the years.

What is a HERO? | 8:44 a.m. May 7, 2008

I read all these peoples comments and wonder why you feel that David isn't a hero??? What is a hero? I think it is someone who inspires...David A has obviously inspired many people. For he(ck) sakes, he is 17 and is putting Murray UT on the map. A hero is whatever you want it to be. David is a hero to many (not me) but to many people...I will agree that someone who is serving their country, their state, city or whatever is a hero on a different level, but give the kid a break, he has done something amazing.

Kiaoraguy | 8:52 a.m. May 7, 2008

Hero is surely not the correct word- more potential idol. With all the crud going on in the world today, just sit back and enjoy the show- it's harmless and often fills an entertainment gap. 'Imagine' is what locked David in place!

m | 8:56 a.m. May 7, 2008

I am very impressed with this young man. He is tallented but he also seems to be a wonderful example of a down to earth good person. What is a hero - a hero is someone others look up to. Someone others can try to be like. I have "heros" in my life but most of them haven't done anything super fantastic. Is David A. a hero? I think so. He sure impresses me.

Sheesh! | 8:58 a.m. May 7, 2008

They said he's coming home to a hero's welcome -- not that he is a hero. They are using a well known metaphor to describe what will happen when he comes home so everybody understands the scope of the plans. Nobody disputes that great singing is not enough to be a "hero", but gimme a break -- we need great role models for our kids and David is a great kid. I'm glad that he's in the spotlight; I'm glad that Murray city is getting some good PR; and therefore Utah, too. Take a chill pill, people. Let's celebrate this kid for all the fun experiences he's having!

Calm down! | 8:59 a.m. May 7, 2008

People, people. No one ever said he was a hero, the article simply said "Hero's welcome planned. . . " "Hero's welcome" is just a turn of phrase meaning lots of pomp and praise, etc. Honestly. People will get all riled up over anything these days.

Read People | 9:01 a.m. May 7, 2008

Read the article people. No where does it say DA is a hero, like unto those serving out country. It says he is receiving a "Hero's Welcome". In other words he is comming back with fanfair. The word is describing his return not him. Many people get "Hero's Welcomes", Heros, sports figures, celebrities, and people of good example. Back off, nobody is saying DA has saved the world. Relax and enjoy sombody setting a good example.

Lynn | 9:06 a.m. May 7, 2008

Everybody has different heros. In my opinion, a hero is someone you look up to. Why shouldn't people look up to David? I certainly don't think what he's doing is easy, and he's bringing happiness to so many.

Perhaps some people are concerned about the term, hero, being taken too lightly. And, of course, people who are putting their lives on the line on behalf of our country, etc, should have more recognition. Maybe our "hero-gripers" should do something about that instead of spending time bashing a good guy.

In my opinion, it's ok for David to be admired, and for kids (and adults) to want to sing like him. I mostly admire his stage presence and smooth demeanor. ~Pretty cool for a 17 year old!

The Texan | 9:11 a.m. May 7, 2008

As for me I'm always wonder who Anonymous is? Big question, no answer.

Go David. We need more humble heroes. The ones the press foist on us stink.

Definition | 9:19 a.m. May 7, 2008

Here is the dictionary definition for all the critics

"hero (male) and heroine (female) came to refer to characters that, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice, that is, heroism, for some greater good, originally of martial courage or excellence but extended to more general moral excellence"

now think what you will about him being a hero based on the dictionary. Let me just say that either way you decide you are wrong but either way is right in my opinion.

Utahns are wierd | 9:22 a.m. May 7, 2008

Get a grip people. So they called the kid a hero. Big deal. Did you read the story yesterday about a book of over 1000 people who say that Davids singing has changed their lives for the better, helped them to look at life with more hope and determination? Sounds like a super hero to me.

Soooo | 9:25 a.m. May 7, 2008

Is he still a "Hero" if he gets booted off the show tonight?? Or is the whole show rigged and they already know he's going into the top 4??

Franz | 9:28 a.m. May 7, 2008

True, the police, firemen, military, etc. are heros. Anybody who choses good when there is pressure to not, is a hero in my book. Here is a kid who is not posing semi-nude or bad-mouthing anybody. I have no trouble calling David a hero; according to Doug Robinson's article there are actually people whose lives have been changed by his example. He hasn't affected me like that, but I have to admit I am a fan; he is very good, and he is very talented.
There are a lot of heros in each of our lives, but usually they are quiet, personal heros. It just happens that David A. has an opportunity to be seen more widely and affect more people thereby.

According to.... | 9:31 a.m. May 7, 2008

According to Merriam Webster he could considered a hero:
1 a: a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b: an illustrious warrior c: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d: one that shows great courage
2 a: the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work b: the central figure in an event, period, or movement
3plural usually heros : submarine 2
4: an object of extreme admiration and devotion : idol

David fan in murray | 9:49 a.m. May 7, 2008

One definition of a hero is:
a man who is idealized for having superior qualities in any field. So you see David can be classified as a hero. if you ask a child who his or hero is they might say their brother or sister mom or dad or best friend. a hero is someone you look up to and a lot of people look up to David So yes He is a HERO.... WAY TO GO David. We will be sure to come see you.

Captain Hero | 9:58 a.m. May 7, 2008

I agree with all of you who were thrust into the black and disturbed depths of shock due to the preposterous misuse of the word 'hero'. I can relate to you. I was maddeningly disturbed when I saw the Superman movies. It offended me to the core of my bowels that society considers a grown man gallivanting in spandex a hero. In fact, they call him a 'SUPERHERO', which puts him on a higher pedestal than our brave soldiers. Captain America, Batman, kids who say their dad is their hero, David Archuleta--all of this is deeply deeply offensive. How will our children ever sort through this confusion and identify real heroes? I can't possibly see how we can support fictional "superheroes" (much less David Archuleta), and support our troops at the same time. I propose we boycott the Archuleta events in Murray and the Jazz playoffs. In respect for fire fighters and soldiers, we simply must not admire Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams, not when our brave sons and daughters are in Iraq. I propose we sell our TV's and use the scrap metal to manufacture more war medals.

Go Jazz! Go David A! Go Superman! USA! USA!

Birdman | 10:16 a.m. May 7, 2008

I'm not seeing anything that says David is a "hero" in this article. I'm seeing a headline that says he'll receive a "hero's welcome" when he returns to Utah for the first time since the Idol competition began. That means lots of recognition and fanfare, but those receptions can be organized for outstanding citizens as well as true "heros". The common phrase in these situations is "a hero's welcome". It's a reference to the type of reception the person receives, not his status as a "hero" or not.

To the Hero Phobics | 10:33 a.m. May 7, 2008

Hate to burst your bubbles about the "hero's welcome", but they do it for the final three every season. The top three have had days honoring them, they have parades, they have whole cities there to honor them. So don't think that this is new and crazy just for David, it is for all of them. David is very accomplished and has endured months of this competition and add three hours a day of school onto that. Has anyone noticed that he seems to be getting more energy and putting more into his work, but Brooke was worn down, Jason has been removed from this for weeks, I wonder if he is trying to get out of this competition? I am touched by the sacrifice that is given by our soldiers, they are a hero to me, but David is also a hero to me, he isn't protecting our country, but he is bringing joy to many people in our country.

Greatest idea ever | 10:35 a.m. May 7, 2008

Ok so the 2 best contestants are the 2 Davids so here is what we do. Everyone vote for David A and Jason. Jason is by far the worst of the finalists so what we do is vote for the one we want and for the worst. That way when it comes down to the final 2 you have a clear and overwhelming winner in David A. You always take out the strongest first and so let's get rid of David C first and weaken the competition. Keep voting for Jason and get him to the finals and just keep letting him embarrass himself with his poor performances.

American Idol | 10:51 a.m. May 7, 2008

Individuals who associate American Idol contestants as "hero's" are pathetic. Get a life...

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