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Archuleta sets hens a-clucking

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A. Nony Mouse | 1:33 p.m. April 30, 2008
David Archuleta did NOT do a good job performing Neil Diamond songs. This from a 30+ year Diamond fan. Sorry, but he was mediocre.

This was the first time I ever watched Idol, and it was only because Neil Diamond was on, so please don't tell me I'm being biased. I'm basing my comment on how the people performed and their choice of music. David went with safe stuff, and did not do well at all.
Susan | 1:33 p.m. April 30, 2008
David A. has a very good voice, but his personality is a mystery. He's a nice kid in the interviews, but never shows his personality, sense of humor, or real feelings in his generic answers. Age can't be an excuse, because Jordin Sparks was young when she competed and always showed her personality. I'm not sure if maturity would change him.
Jabo | 1:46 p.m. April 30, 2008
David Archuleta has a rare talent that you don't see everyday. It would be a shame for him to get lost in the cracks, and allow someone like David Cook to win American Idol. Cook has tried to overshadow everyone on the show, like getting the best spot on group photos, using his brothers illness to gain the pity vote. Always tries to hog the camera when it is on another contestant. At best, his talent is only mediocre, and he looks more like the guy who sweeps the floor after the show is over, than a contestant for Ammerican Idol. The last three standing should be David A, Brooke, and Syesha.

Comments continue below
gal50 | 1:58 p.m. April 30, 2008
I guess to be a critic, you have to find fault with everything and everyone. Critics must think it is a wonderful sport to bring down the great among us. Why pick on old political geezers with thick skin when you can go after an innocent 17 year-old boy and do some real damage. The negative comments, as usual say more about the nature of the critic than they do about David. After all, the opinions of the critics have been extremely diverse and they can't all be right.

Jacob Arlow, a famous psychoanalyst once said that the most difficult thing about his success was dealing with the envy. Hope someone will help David deal with the negatives of success.
Matt | 2:01 p.m. April 30, 2008
Obviously having some moral values sets one apart in our world where many value porn, R rated movies with sexual overtones, and the attitude that its "all about ME." It's all about choice, that is the gift we have living here in this country. David Archuleta, best of luck to you! Peculiar people will always stand out in a crowd. Continue to hold true to your values and your talents. Don't compromise - you have just as much right to choose to believe how you believe as the next person who can choose to disagree with your belief system. That is the greatness of the right to practice religion according to or not to, according to the dictates of one's heart. It would be great if we would just value one another and accept people for who and what they are and not judge because of their religion .... Mormons in particular. Do we know what religious preference the remaining contestants are? I didn't think so. I don't care. Same old misconception, different circumstances. Obviously, all of the contestants on American Idol are very talented. Best of luck to each of them!
Grandma | 2:02 p.m. April 30, 2008
I am one of those grandmothers that watch American Idol and I love David A. And why do the ones that critize him think he is a "phoney" That boy is a true wholesome, humble boy. I love to hear him sing. I for one do not like Rockers and would not vote for David Cook. He is from Tulsa now and when he comes on to sing I can't look at him. He looks like a person that can't find anything decent to wear and his hair scares me. David A. is clean cut and a wonderful smile. I have grandsons that are as humble as he is and I know that there are many of thousands out there that are too. The young people are not all like the "attitute" ones that the critiquers are used to. I say to David A. please keep up the good work. And to the statement that David A has fallen to third place----where did that come from?????
Sione--I agree with Steve... | 2:08 p.m. April 30, 2008
Yeah, I think David should not win...On that same note, I don't think the other one-trick ponies (namely Lionel Richie, Phil Collins, Jack Johnson, Madonna, Tina Turner, John Mayer, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond, Elvis, etc) should have had so much success because I never heard them do any great rap songs. Sorry to say it David, but it's just not in the cards for you. But keep doing your thing kid and stay real, and who knows, maybe one day you might get lucky, get noticed, and make a buck or two at it; that is, if you could only find your niche...
granny5 | 2:31 p.m. April 30, 2008
Personally, I don't watch American Idol. However, when I found out that we had a Utah boy on, from my neighboring area, I checked him out on u-tube. I just listen to him, don't check the others out. I enjoy his singing, his shyness, and generally everything about him. Maybe he won't be number one -but I would bet money that he ends up with a big contract somewhere - Vegas with the Osmonds comes to mind or even Disney. Whatever he does, wherever he goes, I wish him love and luck. Bless you, David, for being you!
ohio | 2:37 p.m. April 30, 2008
Go David!!!!
Geez | 2:57 p.m. April 30, 2008
Leave the poor kid alone, people are so mean. If he read all of this stuff it would probably make him cry. Then all the critics would say "Oh, I guess he does have feelings, oops."

Itsjustme | 3:21 p.m. April 30, 2008
David A is a good kid from Murray, Utah. He isn't from Beverly Hills or any of the big cities He is a good singer. I think all the negative should stop.
Paul Potts from England looked unlikely to be the winner of Britain's Got Talent when he came on stage to sing his opera song, but when he sang it was so beautiful. David is like Paul, a good guy with a great voice.
Steve - Re: Jabo | 3:23 p.m. April 30, 2008
Jabo:

The only thing I agree with you on about David Cook is that he looks like your averge Joe... but then Archuleta doesn't exactly "look like a star" either. As for everything else you said about Cook, I disagree. To me it sounds like you're a bit jealous/threatened or angered by Archuleta's main competition (Cook), with people talking about this being a "battle of the David's".

Cook's talent mediocre??? Have you been watching all season? He has demonstrated to be well rounded, equally able to do rock songs and ballads with style and sounding great in both... but Archuleta has only shown he can successfully pull off ballads. And you say Cook doesn't deserve to win more? Again though, I'd rather have Archuleta win and Cook come in 2nd as the runner ups tend to have better luck after "Idol" and aren't controled by the show.

As for the final 3? It should be: Archuleta, David Cook, and Carly (if she hadn't been eliminated last week). Brooke should've been gone quite some time ago (last week especially)... but then it's about popularity at this point and not talent, so she's still around.
Justme | 3:27 p.m. April 30, 2008
David is a good kid from Murray. Of all the contestants I have heard since Idol began in the States I think he has been very solid in his vocals. Find the positive in people instead of the negative. I think the world would be a much better place if we did.
Steve - Re: Sione | 3:33 p.m. April 30, 2008
Thanks for agreeing with me, but if you're serious about what you said then your judgement is way off.... all those famous stars you named are most definately NOT one trick ponys. Oh and rap is not a tool to use for judgement about singing/voice ability... rap is not singing, it's talking to a beat in the background.
Rob | 4:26 p.m. April 30, 2008
I don't know David A so I can't judge him on character. But just some advice, celebrity brings scrutiny. People like to see unknowns rise but they also love to see them fall. Whether he is a nice guy or not I hope he has developed some thick skin.
anonymous | 4:32 p.m. April 30, 2008
david archuleta is the real deal and deserves way more respect than he is given from the cynics out there. they cannot stand to see good people do well.
Steve - Re: Justme | 4:37 p.m. April 30, 2008
There's a thing called constructive criticism... which means you point out negatives that need to be improved on, with the intention of helping the person. If all you hear are nice things, the things you're doing right, then how are you to ever improve or be aware there are areas you need to work on?

Constructive criticism: David Archuleta needs to work on his delivery of many songs, most specifically the up-tempo ones. He needs to be able to pull them off as well as he can with the ballads, and by that I don't just mean carrying a tune. Don't sound like you're doing a ballad when doing an up-tempo song, put some grit into the rock or up-tempos. You can't fill a CD with just ballads or sing only them for a whole concert. And as Andrew Lloyd Weber pointed out to him, try to keep your eyes open while singing... don't close them so much (once in a while and briefly at that is fine).

See how you can learn from that? Much better than just hearing "You can sing anything, you could sing the phonebook and I'd love it" from Paula & Randy.
Lana Roberts | 4:54 p.m. April 30, 2008
David Archuleta is awesome, great voice for ballads, America was great. Even if he doesn't win Idol he will do great and be very successful. David Cook will win Idol because he has been in a band, played 400 shows, has the experience, excellent songwriter and he rocks. Knows how to perform and sing is the key!!!
Mike | 6:28 p.m. April 30, 2008
I think it is funny how some of the critics are trying to break David fans down. They keep saying his fan following are nothing but the teeny bopper fans who call over and over, but don't have the money to buy his CD's. I Got news for them. There are many of us in our 30's-50's at my workplace (and we are not living in Utah) who are calling in for David also! Would I buy his CD's? Yeah...and so would my daughters. If the adults don't buy them for themselves...you can bet they will buy them for their kids. Go David Archuleta!!!
wallyworld | 6:52 p.m. April 30, 2008
At least he's doing it, while you all who are putting the hate for this kid are at home wishing you could be on TV singing and having peolpe liking you.. Leave the kid alone.
addy | 7:57 p.m. April 30, 2008
David Archuletta will have a great career regardless of how he comes out on Idol. He is by far the most deserving of the No 1 spot. Go Little David!!!!!!!
LLL | 9:21 p.m. April 30, 2008
David Archuleta will become an instant millionaire, no matter where he finishes, after the current AI ends. I'm sure some promoter has already set the wheels in motion...just imagine teaming up with Miley Cirus on a concert tour. They could each do their own thing, and then get together for a couple of duets. If you think Miley's concert tickets are expensive (and sell out instantly) wait until it's a Miley/David ticket. And I expect to see David in one of the next "High School Musical" sequences, which will go on forever. I don't think David will ever again walk the hallowed halls of Murray High School. He's already got it made.
fostermomrules | 9:29 p.m. April 30, 2008
this is so childish. so called adults who should be role models, are belittling a child. i hope you get paid enough for your obnoxious articles.
Lauri | 9:35 p.m. April 30, 2008
I agree with the above comments in defense of a humble and very talented young man. How refreshing to see someone who is truly humble and grateful for the confidence being shown in him. A rarity in our world.To the above writer, Steve, first of all David doesn't sing "good" he sings "well". ( You might brush up on your grammer!) Also, of course he has a certain style. Don't they all! David Cook whom you seem to love is older, more experienced and has been in a band for years. His voice also always sounds the same; raspy! We all have our own taste. A style, sound, body language, personality and on and on. I just wonder what the point is to spread negativity about anyone. Especially a 17 year old young man who is talented, and a great "idol" in many ways, for us all!
Anonymous | 11:02 p.m. April 30, 2008
Lay off the kid. What is he, 17? 18? He's done more in a few weeks than a lot of the so called professional or amatuer critics will do in a life time. If you don't like him, just don't listen or watch.
Mom in Panama | 11:37 p.m. April 30, 2008
David A. has never been off tune or pitch, flat, etc. He is a great role model to a lot of teens, he is humble, greatful, sincere, has no ill intentions, great voice, always looking for inspiring songs. What else do people want!!!! They just cannot believe the world still has great teenagers anymore. I am proud of you David. And I am NOT a teenager, but a mother of 5, who loves his voice, his personality and who looks forward to hearing him sing every week. Go David, and don't pay attention to all the criticism.
Robin | 11:49 p.m. April 30, 2008
Archie all the way!! I think he will be in the final 2 and I feel he may win it. He is young and cute and has a great voice. Why is everyone so critical that he is polite and soft spoken? It sure beats 17 year old kids who are violent and disrespectful! GO DAVID!!!!
gerwin of philippines | 12:37 a.m. May 1, 2008
david archuleta is great singer ... he has everything ... the looks. the talent, the attitude and the character ...
gerwin gabiola | 12:40 a.m. May 1, 2008
aside from the above mention, david archuleta is the next american idol ultimate winner ...


david archuleta, dream, believe and survive!!!
Boston Terry | 2:23 a.m. May 1, 2008
Beantown Ben, I'm glad you wrote that about Boston. In the 25 great years I've lived in Boston I've seen their instinctive distrust of anything that does NOT have a dark underside. I love the east coast folks I know, but they are a cynical bunch. In their eyes No one is truly honest, or good, or devoid of some terrible flaw, especially if they have a childlike innocense or no history behind them. They just don't get it, probably because of their long term experience with self serving politicians and Catholic church leaders. This suspician is true from New York to Boston. I'm not LDS but I did live in Utah and know that many people who posses that sweetness are genuine. Americans in small towns away from the Coasts and Canadians have it that sweetness as well. East coasters are a jaded lot as a whole.
Bookaholic | 9:10 a.m. May 1, 2008
David INSPIRES people. Here are some comments from folks around the world out of the fanblast guestbook:

"Your modesty, enthusiasm, and good nature are wholly infectious, and your enormous musical talent is mind-boggling."

"David, you touch a place deep in my heart with your music. Whenever I listen to you, it always makes me smile. Thank you for reminding me the world is really a wonderful place."

David, you are a rare, unique talent with the ability to lift us up to a higher realm.

"More than your voice, thank you for being you. Humanity needs their faith restored in people, and I think this is what you were born to do."

"You are truly an inspirational young man, both musically and personally. Your pure and beautiful soul is unmistakable. I hope you never lose your sense of joy and wonder, your smile and laughter are positively infectious."

"When I listen to your voice, I feel at peace."

It is so comforting to know that there are still people like you in this world. You are an inspiration to many.

"Your voice and your presence are therapeutic."

"Postponed my trip home to the Philippines just so I can vote."
Lovin' Idol | 9:26 a.m. May 1, 2008
Idol is entertainment. And it is interesting watching talent evolve. If you want to check out someone who in my opinion is "faking" it take a close look at David Cook. He has taken some tips from the boy wonder and is himself reacting "shyly." I appreciate David A's talent and enjoy listening to him. But he does have to step it up - show he can sing other things. I don't think he is fake.
Bookaholic | 10:10 a.m. May 1, 2008
I'm SO looking forward to an end to all these weird theme weeks. Neil Diamond was the worst. Talk about a cheesefest. Jeez!

I can't wait to hear David Archuleta sing songs that HE likes, that are close to his heart, that make his blood pump. All this old fogey stuff is a big turnoff. I'm in my 50s, and even I found some of it hard to listen to.

Not David's songs, of course. I've enjoyed him immensely. I've bought all his songs off iTunes. And, to think I stopped listening to popular music 20+ years ago--until I came across the Archulator on American Idol a couple months ago!

BIG HEADS UP--Emmy Rossum who portrayed Christine in Phantom of the Opera and sang "Think of Me" in the movie wrote: "Did any of you happen to see American Idol last night? I tuned in as I�d heard it was Andrew Llyod Webber night. David Archuleta sang �Think of Me� (a conventionally poperatic female song) from Phantom of the Opera. His interpretation was a sexy smooth pop ballad and it was STUNNING. His performance was BREATHTAKING."

Pretty heady praise coming from the professional who sang it in the movie! Wow!
AT | 10:32 a.m. May 1, 2008
David A. may not win but he has an interesting life and a great career ahead of him regardless. That is more than most can say, particularly most entertainment critics!
Former Math Teacher | 2:08 p.m. May 1, 2008
I taught David as an 8th grader at Hillcrest Jr High. His is not a fake. He has always been shy and very modest about his talents. Is everyone just shocked that someone as talented as he is, is actually...normal, humble...human?
The Texan | 2:11 p.m. May 1, 2008
With fame certain things come. Question is whether Mr. David A. is able to withstand them or not. Sort of like a bunch of crabs in a pot, none get out because anything some gets near the getting out they drag him back in. Too bad show business can't be about better human activities than it is.

Bsen Nevis | 2:14 p.m. May 1, 2008
To: Beantown Ben, You really should not be reading the BOSTON GLOBE. That "rag" is an embrassment to thinking people. As for the comment by ARCHULETTO, you are the type of reader the Globe loves, a self centered egoist, and what we around here call a "meatball or meathead". Take your pick.
Anonymous | 3:26 p.m. May 1, 2008
Why are we analyzing his personality? I think he seems like a good role model for teenagers. He is very positive and humble.
Glad | 5:08 p.m. May 1, 2008
I'm glad that david A. is too busy singing and doing something with his life to read this article.
mindy from canada | 3:16 p.m. May 2, 2008
my admiration to this young lad David A keeps growing
week after. not only does he do the idol photoshoots, commercials, rehearsals with the rest of the competitors, he also goes to school 3 hours
a day! and still takes the challenge like a man. You,
Americans, should be proud that there is still
someone like him still exist in your country where
violence seems to be the norm. he is an inspiration
that is growing around the world. and if you, journalists, can not see that. then there is something wrong .
doubters | 11:10 a.m. May 3, 2008
Oh ye of little faith! David is plain and simple the best possible thing to hit Reality TV! He is pure, genuine talent and he is doing what he loves, for the right reason, with thought, passion and consideration. I LOVE HIM! Go David!
ChaCha | 11:13 a.m. May 3, 2008
I Love this BOY! All you bashers with no understanding of sweetness and who can't see the light that surrounds David? Pack light. I hear it's pretty warm where you're going!
love david a. | 6:23 p.m. May 4, 2008
this article is pure RUBBISH, period.
grandma | 9:22 p.m. May 4, 2008
I think David A. is the best singer they have had on the show in the last five years. He has a great pure sounding voice that you can actually understand what he is saying unlike David C. who sounds just like all the other loud mouth rock singers they have. Some people just don't know or appreciate real talent.
barb | 7:03 a.m. May 5, 2008
Why would you bring up the tab choir? What do they have to do with any of the trash talking about David a., Archuletto. I have many friends who sing in that magnificent Choir and until you actually sit in the audience and listen to them personally, you will never know about them. Gees get a life. As far As David goes, he could probably sing with the choir. Sting wanted the choir to go with him on tour after the 2002 winter Olympics.
Archangelia | 7:12 p.m. May 25, 2008
I remember from Season 5 of 2 years ago, that there were many scoffing comments made about a certain artist in the competition being g a "one trick pony". The artist in question was a rocker and remained true to his "rocker" image. He was voted off in 4th place. Of course, by now, you realize I am talking about none other than Chris Daughtry, who, with his "one trick pony" has gone on to sell 4 million plus copies of CDs and at 78 weeks on the chart has not strayed from the top 30 on Billboard.

Isn't it conceivable that another "one trick pony" like David Archuleta can do the same thing in the Pop field. Frankly, I think David A. has one of the most magnificent voice I have ever heard and just think, he is only 17 and has got a lot of growing to do. What he is capable of achieving in the next few years becomes mind-boggling. So lay off the kid, it is wonderful to see a teenager will real class.

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Frank Micelotta, Fox

The negative spin on performer David Archuleta has run the gamut, from "a giant phony" and "bland" to "no apparent personality."

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