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.

people are just full of lies...they seem to have nothing better to do then trash the sweetest boy on earths family. David i love you and believe anything you say, you are amazing. You have inspired me and i will be voting like crazy tonight i wish you the best and hope you win!!!!!

Love your number 1 fan in Colorado!!!!

David is just l7. Fox requires that anyone under l8 needs a guardian. I totally agree. Who has a child's best interest in mind more than a parent. I am sure after what has happened the Archuleta's are wondering if they want to be part of such a culture that is ready to trash you for no reason. What unnamed sources? Good grief...I could call and be an unnamed source. I hope those unnamed sources get themselves fired because they are potentially ruining the "star" that shines for us each week on the idol. No one has ever "moved" me on that show like David Archuleta. He has been a gift to all of us who at one time loved music(before the rockers and heavy metal people took hold of our youth). David is a light at the end of the tunnel, a breath of fresh air, and a pure spirit that we all wish we could be more like. You Go David A. Strut your stuff and sing your heart out because the world is waiting for your sunrise. Love to you and your wonderful family who should not have to endure this pain.

It's also been reported that David's father was the stage dad from hell at Star Search a few years ago. I think daddy is living through his child. The kid is so nervous on stage.. He's probably afraid to disappoint daddy.

Who cares? The only two states left watching this dying TV show are Utah and Kansas.

American Idol is on it's way out, and that is because every season is the same. It is the same boring voices over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over.

Did you read into my object lesson above? Thats right, you stop reading the same words, just like you will stop watching that lame show.

I hope someone other than the Utahn wins, I am sick of having this Idol stuff in my face all day.

I am very proud of David and how mature he is for his young age. And I'm glad they finally gave him the chance to speak out for himself and for his dad. I never believed Jeff was an overbearing parent or a "stage dad"... You can tell by how David acts that he was raised very well by both of his parents! Good Luck David!! Just know you're fans are behind you (AND your Dad!). ~Jenn

I am happy to know David point of view in this story.
L think David is an amazing talent. His voice...wow..I felt in love with his voice from the audition.
Abd David really is not a guy who will break a rule if the producers told him. So, I am sure the producers knew his version of SBM and try to put the blame on David father. But David is strong. He overcome in life more than some gossips.
Go David! We love you!

Steve,

With all due respect, every great vocalist has their own style. For David Cook, it is rock (gritty). Syesha has found her niche in musical theater. David is more into ballads. If you think of other great singers, they have their style too. If you like David C's rock, vote for him- Syesha's musical theater style- vote for her- David A's ballad style, vote for him. He doesn't need to change. There are a lot of people who like his style. May the best (most popular) man or woman win.

I have been following the D.A. On AI I think that his dad should not be behind the sceenes if no other dad can with their son or daughters, that are trying out for AI I think that David is trying hard to do his best, but the best to everybody, May the best person win, Thanks to Murray H.S. for their time & effort that they put in to make it worth while for him when he made his trip to Utah,

Good points to all who said Jeff just does his job and is being a good, protective and supportive parent! I'd like to point out another aspect: I can't help thinking that AI simply readily chose Jeff Archuleta to be their sacrificial lamb for more media attention to gain higher rates. The viewing rates of the show were reclining, the media was getting bored with the show after 7 years... And after David's Imagine-performance the show's outcome seemed decided early on, too. So what to do to stir things up and keep the show interesting? Right! First reveal stripper-past of one contestant, and as soon as he's off the show, spread rumours about contestant's father being a "stage-Dad from hell"! I mean, look at how much media attention AI got within the last few days! I feel for Jeff and the Archuleta family! They cannot defend themselves due to contracts, and the AI producers are doing nothing to support them at all, and are probably just watching it all unfold in unabashed glee and think that this is "good entertainment"! I hope David wins and shows them all! Go get'em tiger! You can do it!

Parents are the best!

We should resist our natural impulses to find fault with others, and to exagerate other's flaws to help ourselves feel better about our own. We don't want to become a community governed by Jerry Springerism. I'm convinced that neither David, nor his father Jeff is perfect, and neither am I or anyone else for that matter. That said, why not give the benefit of the doubt? Are we really making important decisions that depend on an accurate perception of Jeff Archuleta? If not, why not be generous in our judgments of others. If we are not inclined to be generous towards others, maybe we should be looking inwards, and not at Jeff. Be happy for David, and David, and Syesha. They are doing something quite extraordinary, and all showing great courage, especially considering that some of the population watching are self-congratulatory self-important no-named recliner hypercritics.

David is such an inspiration at 17. I don't know him and I have not met him but what he brings to me is great joy and like Paula - you just want to hug him.

If he brings that kind of feeling to so many people, then he has his calling. Basically it comes down to this - he's a sweetheart with a great way to express himself in a song.

I hope that he can continue to do what he is doing for a very long time.

All the best to you, David.

I agree with Steve. You might remember a singer on Idol by the name of Carrie Underwood. Heard of her lately? The judges used to complain that she made every song a country song. And now she's a multi-millionaire, won Grammy's, is on the cover of magazines every month. And all she sings is country.

Go, David! Sing those ballads that we love to hear. Your vocals are tremendous. I could listen forever and I'll definitely be buying your CD's, whether you win Idol or not. You are a great example of humility and wholesome goodness for your fans. Thanks to you...and your parents for that!

Some critics want David Archuleta to sing more like David Cook. Some of us prefer Archuleta's smooth, musical tones over the growling, howling, shouting style espoused by Cook and other rock stars. Each vocalist should have his own style and stick to it, not trying to be like somebody else. Archuleta will have a long career and can afford to be unique. He's at the same approximate age as many vocal prodigies have been discovered -- Barbra Streisand (16), Alicia Keys (16), Elvis Presley (18) and others. Some great singers were discovered even sooner, Stevie Wonder at 12 and Celine Dion at 14. His age really has nothing to do with his talent.

I predict a tie....yeah stupid, but great for the media. Their songs styles don't really overlap so why not promote,(aka OWN) both of them.

Guess this is publicity, isn't it? Unfortunately, a 17 year old is the object of media exploitation. So everyone watch and see how David does! Maybe the ratings will go up.

I always people say they wish David A would step it up and be more like David Cook, etc... Well, I don't. I like David A's style, tone, voice and choice of songs. If he sang like David Cook, then we wouldn't have variety...would we? I like that we have different kinds of artists singing their own style of song.

I'm glad David finally got to stick up for his dad and finally end this. His dad has been great through this all, but this is the media. These things DO happen :
good luck david :]

I like his dad...his love for David shines through his eyes.

Finally,some reasonable comments on Jeff A. It's an unfair comparison to talk about David in the same tone as Lindsay or Britney...his background & upbringing are totally different & his parents' attitudes are,as well. Trying to read all this angst into David's attitudes & emotions just doesn't fly. ALL the contestants are battling nerves at some point...and fatigue,at this stage in the competition, plus David also has 3 hrs. of school every day that cuts into practice time. The reason for all the drama was that the 5 word phrase added near the end of "Stand By Me" borrowed from another artist... cost AI extra $ in royalties & they don't like that,so no more bright ideas from David's dad!! even if it made the song better.

Some of you are missing an important point.
The father added a verse, which caused the Idol powers that be to have to pay an additional royalty to the composer. That shows that they are "niggardly" in wanting to spend (the same thing happened in their not wanting to pay anything to the Jazz / NBA for his singing the Anthem. The father may be a little pushy, but I think that the father is doing the right things.

Earth to Idol fans: it's not about David's dad.

After tonight's performances, in my home we are more convinced than ever that Syesha and Cook should be our finalists.

Syesha has more performance power than Archuleta will ever have. Archuleta is a great crooner, but crooners don't make good pop artists (e.g., where's Ruben Studdard today, and where's Aiken?) And Cook has also got that "something" that bodes for a long, star-powered career.

I think David is lucky to having loving parents who care and love and support him.

To have parents being involved in your life is a very lucky thing, which sometimes only those whithout parents or with disintrersted parents can understand and be envious about.

Of course, most people are concerned for David that he is not a victim of didactic parents, which will not be healthy for David.

It is difficult for any one outside to know, but even if so, in time I am confident that David will definitely be able to find his own voice as he is very talented, and that alone will guide save him.

If you read the article...the AI producer has said that there is no foundation to the rumors. And really - can you tell me that none of the other contestants consult family memebers or friends for ideas. Ha! I applaud the way David's parents have raised him! He is a great young man and has a great gift! I am sure the family has sacrificed alot to help David reach his goals! We should all congratulate them rather than buy into the rumormill to promote whatever sleezy news outlet or to get better ratings because of scandal. Also, David sang SBM several times in rehearsals and no one ever approached him to say there was a problem. This is all just trying to make something out of nothing.
David - You are amazing! Thank you for handling yourself so well! You did great tonight! We will all be voting for you here!

I just wish those of you who are so quick to critize and judge would open your eyes to see, and listen with your ears of just what the young teens need. That is what the program is all about. TEEN IDOLS. We need someone like David A. Remember, Elvis, Gene Pitney, Barabra, Richie Valin,(spell)Neil, to name a few of the clean, mellow example setting singers who were in their teens. Teens looked at then as peers and you see now what some of the peer setters are doing to our kids. Life is pushing our teens into adulthood sooner than they can handle it. Just look at the homeless teens, (where are you mom and dad)? or those in correction centers and the like. You SEE their graffity,and LISTEN to what they are saying by their rapp and or loud music vibrating in their car. What are they asking for? Our teens need to grow at the pace we once ENJOYED. If we PARENTS would just stop to look and listen, and remember, maybe just maybe our teens, the adults of the future would have a better chance.....

Jeff Archuleta is a great guy who has done the best for his kid. A lot of times when kids start to succeed, people start to get Jealous. A few years ago, I was on the same list as Jeff and he proudly informed the list members that his son was doing very well in his singing and that some writer had equated his son David's singing style to Celine Dion.

Some people teased Jeff for the comparison of a very young David with a female singer. He defended his son promptly and some of us rose to his defence.

It's a dog eat dog world out there; Jeff has made sure his son is tough when he needs to be, defends him when he needs to and done what every proud parent would do. I am sure David is and will continue to be the better for it.

Israel Ameh

Does anyone else feel like I do that the producers picked the song that would really show off David Cooks voice but not a good one for the other two?
I may be crazy but I think it has already been deceided by the producers and judges that David Cook is the winner.

I'm with J. I fear that they have already slated Cook to win, even though both Archuleta and Mercado have much better voices than he does. I just wish David A. had saved "Smoky Mountain" for the finals, but I guess contestants can't afford to hold back their best each time out. Smoky Mountain was one awesome performance. I hope he has something equally good for the finals.

I agree that the judges and producers are doing their best to push Cook as the AI. I don't know why, unless they are trying to get more rockers tuned into AI, and, unfortunately, at David Archuleta's expense. This kid can sing rings around Cook, and Cook's teeth look like they are coming out of his mouth when he tries to shout the song.
Even if AI succeeds in giving the title to Cook, Archuleta will still be the much brighter star and make more money.. Just looking at the judges tonight told me that something crooked is going on... Why else have they let this untrue rumor about David's Dad keep going when a small anouncement would have nipped it in the bud????

All the contestants have people who help them. Melinda Doolittle from last year had a full-time vocal coach and fashion assistant who helped her. The rest have people who help/guide them, too.

Cook sang in a rock band from 1999-2007, eight straight years of nights spent on stage. He cut an album as did Carly, Brooke, and Kristy Lee. Meanwhile, David's been in school choir and two contests (which he won). No comparison.

David's a high school student who has 3 hours less per day to practice. Jt--stuff it. You don't know squat about David. You've never even met him. For as shy as David is, he's doing fine in interviews. With 7-8 more years in the public eye like Cook/Syesha, and he'll be great!

David has a real gift--a beautiful, soaring voice and the ability to emote through a song that is highly unusual. There are several songs of his that I can't listen to without getting choked up and teary. Maybe you're not so sensitive, like hard rock like my son, but to each his own.

Personally, I want David Archuleta singing to me FOREVER. His voice is captivating, he's totally charming and way past cute. Go, David!!