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Archuleta dismisses gossip about father, is likely to go to finals

I am impressed that TV Guide when to David and asked him, rather then just rehashing the rumors. David, I am glad that you stood up for your father, I would believe that you enjoy being the easy going calm person and that your dad is more outspoken, that is not wrong. It is sad that people see this and think that you are being abused or walked on. You and your dad remind me of myself and my daughter, she is more quiet and passive, I kind of have lots to say, of course the quiet ones are more likable. You sing your heart out tonight, I have recorded my favorites from the different shows, and I have more of you than anyone.

of course david is going to back his father. he is lost without him. cannot make any decisions for himself. too bad as that will be part of his life soon and he will have to learn to make decisions whether they are good or bad. it is a growing up process. so many times you see these young people driven by their parents and when they wake up and realize that all their decisions were not good, they go crazy. if and when he becomes the idol, he will have to go by his agents, not his father. looks like his father needs some education on butting out.

I just read on one of David Archuleta's web sites that a spokes person for American Idol said that they do not let any parents back stage the last two weeks, and that they have had no problems with Jeff Archuleta.

I agree with you in part JT. One thing to keep in mind is that Archuleta is only 17. He is a minor. He has lived a relatively sheltered life in Murray Utah. I would expect parents of a 17 year old NOT to butt out at this point in his life. They are responsible for him and they have in interest in looking out for their child. There will be a time when Archuleta will cut the apron strings. But, for now, when Archuleta is navigating uncharted waters, it is probably a confort to have someone around that loves him whether he can sing or not.

It takes a good dad to raise such a great kid. The stories are prima facie ridiculous. David himself is shining proof that Dad's a good guy, and is being maligned by bad people.

To jt:

Where do you get the idea that David's dad needs to learn to "butt out", as you say it? Were I in David's position (which would never happen, unfortunately, lol), I would trust my father and mother much more readily than I would an agent who is only in it for the money. It sounds like you have bitten into the rumormill, at least to the point that you distrust David's father for some reason. What grounds to you have to discount David's own refuting of the rumors?
As far as I can tell, David is a well-adjusted, humble young man with enormous talent. I have a hard time believing that that is the product of an abusive, oppressive homelife.

I think it is so sad that David and his family, especially his father, have to deal with this deliberately slanted misinformation at this crucial point in AI competition. Why are people so mean, and why do others insist they "know" more than David himself and the other people actually involved? A lot of people these days evidently prefer sensationalism to actual truth.

I hope David and his family are able to put this ridiculous nonsense out of their minds and concentrate on what is necessary.

Go Archie!

AI can't have it both ways. They require a minor child like David to live with a parent while competing in Hollywood but now they don't want the parent to be able to communicate with the child. How stupid are these producers?

It's parents like you advocate (who realize they need to "but out" because their child is 17) that leads to pop-culture icons like Lindsey Lohan, Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton and other "gone bad" types turning out the way they did.

They let agents and entertainment managers lead their lives and look how they turned out. Most of them are wishing they had let their parents stay more involved.

Just because you are 17 doesn't mean your parents should quit being part of your life.

To jt & others:

You say about David, "he (David) is lost without him (David's dad), cannot make any decisions for himself." I have been singing for many years and have raised three wonderful children. If you knew anything about music, except just listening, you would know that David possesses a deep understanding of human feelings and how to portry those feelings through his singing voice. In short, David sings the words in such a way that you feel them. This is why he brings people to tears when he sings. This is a rare talent. It takes a very intelligent singer to be able to do this. The singer must be able to understand the feelings he wants the listener to feel from the song, and then be must be able to sing it in such a way that the listener will feel it. Some people have great sounding voices but never develop this ability. Others take years to develop this ability. David has sensibilty in his voice beyond his years. David would only have learned this through loving, caring and sensitive parents. It shows through in his voice. David will be fine!!!

What's wrong with a parent's help???
If you have done right when raising your child - ONCE A PARENT - ALWAYS A PARENT.
It doesn't stop when they turn 18 yrs.of age.

I am fortunate to have a good relationship with my own parents and still seek their advice at times as well as my children do with me.
I want to wish David A. lots of good luck - I have enjoyed watching him weekly singing his heart out. He's doing just fine with the help he receives.
Go get em David A. You're doing wonderful!!

Brian I think you're mistaken about David's ability to connect with the song and sell the song's message and feelings to the listener. The flaw I'm speaking of has been pointed out by others as well.

The problem is in his delivery of songs... he doesn't alter his style of delivery to fit the song, he sings all of them the same: like a power ballad at full force. Even when doing up-tempo/rock songs. He managed to make Neil Diamond's two songs sound like ballads even though the music wasn't arranged that way.

He needs to cut back on the power, put some grit in his voice, alter the manner in which he sings (softer in some spots for example)... just stop making everything seem like a ballad.

I'm really doubting he currently has the ability to perform a rock or up-tempo song in the manner it should be and/or to really "sell it" (make it believable and appear natural).

Don't get me wrong. David has an awesome voice, he just needs ALOT of work on his stage presence and delivery of his songs. He's a work in progress.

To JT,

"of course david is going to back his father."

Have you ever met a teenager? Teens are time in life when most feel they need to break away from parents and be more independent. I have found that when there is a situation that can be interpreted in a number of different ways, those that choose to make a negative interpretation are actually demonstrating their own outlook on life and people in general. If you look for the negative you will find it. By tearing others down they feel better about themselves. I'm not really a David Archuletta fan, but attacking his family reveals the character of the attackers rather than their targets.

It has not been a fair competition, for him to have help with song choices, musical arrangements. They probably rehearse throughout the night, with his father acting as his coach. The others are not so much oler, that they had to choose their own songs, come up with their own arrangements. In future all contestants should be allowed to bring in a manager, music director, producer and song arranger.

What was David supposed to say, "yes my father is a stage dad from hell.". I think everyone misses the point, his father may have changed the lyrics, but the voice that actually still disobeyed the rules was David himself. It is not like he is a puppet played by the ventriloquist. That came out of his own mouth.

David is a young boy with the world of talent. He may only be 17 but he is a lot more grown up than anyone his age. He doesnt need his father making decisions for him but having him there makes him fel better, so let him stay. I love David and think he has it to be the next American Idol. He makes me cry everytime I hear him sing.

Neither David Cook nor Syesha Mercado have the added stress of being targets of tabloid trash. They have no such distractions and many more years of experience - so they are the ones with the unfair advantage.

david a. is an awesome guy!!!ilove you david.be grateful to your father because he is the reason why you are here in the world right now.you are a gift from god so keep it up!!!!

To Steve:

You said that David needs to cut back on his power. First, I think that must be mixing up Syesha with David. David does not have the strong type of voice that she has. She is the one trying to push it so hard that it comes out like she is shouting. Simon said as much about her and he has never said that about David. Second, I never said that David was perfect, only that he has sensitivity in his voice beyong his years. I has listened to and studied different types of music for years. The great opera singer Pavarotti, was a master of the strong singing voice and yet possessed a magnificent sensitivity in his voice but you probably never listened to him sing. Both Davids are very good but the younger David has the greater potential.

David is where he is clearly because of a gift, but more importantly because of loving, caring, sensitive parents who were willing to nurture his talent. If everyone remembers the media bashed Tiger Wood's father also. More parents should be like the Archuleta's.They have raised David to be one of the dearest people I have ever seen. What a sad commentary on the world we live in when we cannot wait to bring someone up...only to try to bash them and trash them in the media. We see through it all and know that the purity of David's heart and soul come through his music to all who listen. His smile puts sunshine in our lives and makes everyone feel hopeful for the next day. Please don't listen to the tabloid journalism who is out to only sell. Your music never fails to give me chills, bring me to tears, and makes me feel refreshed. We love you David and your parents. A child like David is rare...like a diamond in the rough and needs to be treated with the love and respect that he gives to the world.