Deseret News | Hero's welcome planned for Archuleta

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Hero's welcome planned for Archuleta

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Panda | 10:51 a.m. May 7, 2008

Good for anyone succeeding in this life... boost them up... cheer them on...

I don't watch the show but with accidental pain medication overdoses winning the death toll over motor vehicle accidents in Utah, Utah being the highest prescriber of Prozac in the country, the crowded jails, and the crowded homeless shelter, seems as though the kid is doing just fine.

YEAAAHHH!! For good old fashioned hard work and courage to put yourself out there and actually succeed. Cheers to you!

(Don't listen to them David, they haven't been off their couches or computer chairs for a loooong time)

bob | 10:52 a.m. May 7, 2008

i think he is great. i could just eat him up!!!!!

richard noggin | 10:57 a.m. May 7, 2008

he very good. but hero? maybe to his peer group.

Comments continue below

A "HERO"? NOT | 11:05 a.m. May 7, 2008

What NONSENSE!

Enlightened (lol) | 11:11 a.m. May 7, 2008

For those who take this article as serious earth shattering news I say...LIGHTEN UP! This is about entertainment. Movie stars, athletes, singers, They are all about bringing some enjoyment from the daily stress of life. Some people enjoy entertainment more than others but the gist of what is going on here is people love to have entertainment. I am wondering what the negative commenters have for entertainment? I suspect it is to troll these message boards and shed their negative attitude about enjoying life.

Duh! | 11:22 a.m. May 7, 2008

For those of you responding to this article that are asking who David is, why the Heck are you even commending? don't you have a job to go to or something? Allow others to enjoy this fantastic dream being unfolded. Duh!

T | 11:21 a.m. May 7, 2008

My nine-year old son is a huge fan of the Jazz and NBA. He has a ticket to the Jazz-Lakers playoff game in Salt Lake on Friday. When I asked him this morning if he was excited to watch the game, his only response was that he is excited to hear David Archuleta sing the national anthem. Given the choices of potential "role models" out there for our young people to admire and to try to emulate, for good or bad, I am happy my son is more excited to watch David perform than Kobe Bryant on Friday.

RebelRebel | 11:44 a.m. May 7, 2008

American Idol has helped to destroy the music industry. Did the band "The Used" from Orem ever get a hero's welcome....they are internationaly known and sold tons of records. Maybe Utah was scared it would "hurt our image"

KL | 11:48 a.m. May 7, 2008

David is a wonderful young talent deserving of the attention he will receive over the weekend in Utah. I don't know him, but he's won my admiration for his talent and for being a young person with strong character traits.

The term 'hero' need not be narrowly defined.

TO duh: | 11:54 a.m. May 7, 2008

Well when the Deseret news Says that somebody is getting a "Hero's welcome" that might perk some interest. Then you find out it's a singer and you wonder what the fuss is all about.

Not everybody watches American Idol

Not that important | 12:00 p.m. May 7, 2008

He's being met by the governor, the mayor, has his own parade and is being sent off in an air balloon? How ridiculous. I mean, sounds like the welcome for a war hero to me, not a teeny-bopper singer! I admit that david is amazingly talented and very humble, but he doesn't need this. And I don't think we're doing him any favors by treating him like he's better than everyone else.

TJ | 12:24 p.m. May 7, 2008

I would love to see the finalists sing Billy Jean by Michael Jackson. That would be awesome. I would like to see some different music performed by the finalists. Maybe some Van Halen, Foo Fighters, Weezer, 30 Seconds to Mars, Chevelle, Dashboard Confessional, Panic at the Disco, The All American Rejects, Fallout Boy or maybe something like Papa Roach or Metallica. Those would show so much about the contestants. Are there rules about what a contestant can sing? How about some Nirvana or one that would be great to see if one of the finalists can do is November Rain by Guns n Roses. Simon would have a heart attack if someone did that.

Bookaholic | 12:37 p.m. May 7, 2008

David deserves his hero's welcome. He's barely 17 years old, and he's put himself out there on the big stage and is following his dream despite being painfully shy. The top three always get a celebration.

David is doing EXTREMELY well because he has an exquisitely beautiful, soaring, emotive voice that touches people deeply. Plus, people who know him say he is one of the kindest, most humble kids on the planet. His pianist/music arranger said after praising his voice to the RAFTERS that David is an even better person than he is a singer.

Those two things have endeared David to millions of people who vote their fingers off for him the full two hours every Tuesday. (I'm one.)

The article doesn't call David a hero and I'm sure he doesn't consider himself one, but according to the dictionary, he WOULD qualify: "HERO--a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities." So there!

I am driving up for the homecoming celebration--730 miles one way. I am SO excited to see David feted and to hear him sing in person! It's a small price to pay in time and gas to be able to hear an angel sing! I'm stoked!!

Grandma fan | 12:43 p.m. May 7, 2008

Bravo David! You stand out for your clean-cut goodness as well as excellence in your song choices and performances. In this day and age, that constitutes courage in the face of the "enemy", thus, you are a Hero! This 65 year old grandmother will continue to vote for you. Your singing lifts and entertains.

Semantics | 12:49 p.m. May 7, 2008

Hey, let's waste our time arguing over semantics. Every word in the English language has connotations that often are as important as the dictionary definition. The word might mean one thing to one person and something entirely different to another. I personally use "hero" in a narrowly defined way, but that doesn't mean I'm right. I don't even accept the premise that all our citizens in uniform are heroes. No, only those who go beyond the call of duty. Those who fulfill their duties, especially under the threat of court martial for doing otherwise, are merely doing their duty.

As for AI, nobody on there is a hero although some of them are heroic in the way they live their standards despite pressure to abandon their standards.

Another thing that irks me is when a performer sings for one evening in a benefit concert and expects to be immortalized as a wonderful philanthropist. Some of my friends and I work for many days per year doing volunteer work. We get no benefit from volunteer work. A performer, on the other hand, gets free publicity and usually gives up no actual income while asking you and me to give money.

Anonymous | 1:11 p.m. May 7, 2008

excuse me, but the article never states that David Archuleta is a hero. It says that he will receive a hero's welcome. IE the welcome that a hero would receive when he came back. It just means that we are excited to welcome him back to utah and we are showing it. GO DAVID!!!

Panda Again | 1:19 p.m. May 7, 2008

And we wonder what is wrong with the world today.
Someone succeeds....
A good portion of people spend more time and effort ripping him down, criticizing the words written by someone who is not DAVID, and degrading his accomplishments as being small and nothing to take note of.
It is a sad day when we pull people down instead of giving them the lift that they deserve.

I would never shun anyone's accomplishments. To anyone that got an "A" last sememster I salute you heros. To anyone that got your taxes done by April 15th, I bow to you. To anyone that hugged their child today... you are a hero to me. To anyone that ever felt proud of themsleves for accomplishing what they deemed a difficult goal or lived their dream... I salute you! Everyone can be someone's hero.

Haters... | 1:17 p.m. May 7, 2008

Millions of people in the US love David and all of you on here... "Oh he is not a hero" quit crying and get real. Be happy for someone who is doing something with his life!!

He IS a Hero | 1:22 p.m. May 7, 2008

I love that scene in the Bruce Almighty movie when Morgan said "a miracle is when a single mother who works 2 jobs still finds time to attend her son's soccer game". Well, something like that but that's the idea. He is a hero in the means that despite all the Hollywood bs, he remains true to himself: humble, shy, grateful, kind. His values continue intact and that's heroic. How many of you can say that? Sheri Dew just said it. It's time to stand up and don't let the world to define who we are. The kid is doing that already and for that, I congratulate him.

Katie | 1:33 p.m. May 7, 2008

UTAHN'S CAN BE JUST AS MEAN, NASTY AND JUDGEMENTAL AS ANYWHERE ELSE. NO WONDER I LEFT!

SO GO AHEAD AND CONTINUE TO TEAR DOWN YOUR OWN HOMETOWN BOY ALL BECAUSE OF ONE SINGLE WORD THAT ONE INDIVIDUAL USED IN A HEADLINE. IT'S SHAMEFUL!!!

Katie | 1:43 p.m. May 7, 2008

Capslock is cruise control for cool!

Celebrity worship is pathetic.

Yada, Yada, Yada | 1:48 p.m. May 7, 2008

I found the whole big welcome a little over doing it. Yes he does deserve to be noticed, but at the same time a hot air balloon, and a parade is going over the top. He is just someone who completed his dream. Why don't we do a parade for a volleyball player who made it to the finals. Or a great dancer who just won a competition. Or how about an amazing basketball player. All i'm saying is the whole hero business is a little over doing. Give him a pat on the back and a handshake. Maybe a medal, but other then that is a little extreme. I'm not saying the kid can't sing, cause he is very talented. Just a little to much popularity and praise could go to his head. No one should be above someone just because they can sing very well. We should praise everyone for the talents they have. But David should win cause he sure can sing!

Mike R. | 1:58 p.m. May 7, 2008

David, from one old Murray High School alum,
GO OUT AND KICK BUTT!!! I say that after never watching one minute of American Idol this year.

Gal50 | 2:30 p.m. May 7, 2008

David has never been in the bottom and dialidol which measures phone calls has indicated that he won't be tonight.

It seems clear that the two Davids will be in the finale and that David A's focus needs to be on outshining David C.

This week Jason will surely go home. He has once again disappointed his fans. He is capable of producing a decent album and had he maintained his creativity, he could have finished 3rd.

But, he didn't and so the viewers can not deny Syesha, who is a good singer, but not creative or original, third place.

So, all that remains for David A is the vote that will determine whether he comes in 1st or 2nd. If he comes in 2nd, his sales will be similar to Clay's. He will not have the low sales of other 2nd place finishers.

Hot Air Balloon | 2:43 p.m. May 7, 2008

This article is very poorly written.

David is going for a ride on a hot air balloon, and no mention that it is being filled by breath from the American Idol judges?

Details, folks, include the details!

Bookaholic | 2:50 p.m. May 7, 2008

Watch the show, Mike! David'll blow you away!

I'd never watched Idol before I read that a couple of Mormon kids were going to be on. I checked it out for a lark and haven't looked back.

David is a true prodigy. He is UNREAL, he's so good. His vocal coach said he has what you can't teach--a feeling for the music, the timing, and styling. It hasn't gone unnoticed.

Here's what one guy wrote about David: "No question about it - David has a beautiful, smoky pop voice, but also the musical sophistication of a good jazz singer. If he visited the studio 5 or 6 times to record this song, believe me, it would come out differently each and every time."

"His virtuosity makes him like a musical gyroscope, he'll tilt this way in one session, another way in the next session, but it always comes out exactly right."

"It's like watching a cat spinning in midair to land on its feet every time. It seems like he just
can't fail to glide into the perfect landing on those phrases, and they're different every time."

"He's the genius of the group, no question about it."

David's DA BOMB!!

Bill from South Dakota | 2:56 p.m. May 7, 2008

What a bunch of sour pusses! David is great!

Dwight Schrute | 2:57 p.m. May 7, 2008

A hero kills people, people that wish him harm. A hero is part human and part supernatural. A hero is born out of a childhood trauma, or out of a disaster, that must be avenged.

Ute | 3:04 p.m. May 7, 2008

David is a Ute fan cause he wears red sometimes. I gotta get man the drive thru today. I'm movin on up

Atta Boy Yes, Hero Nol. | 3:18 p.m. May 7, 2008

Hero? Shouldn't this designation be reserved for someone who puts themselves at risk in order to save a life or something?

Hey the guy is talented, and puts on a good show. He unlike some is anxiously engaged in a useful pursuit. He deserves an atta boy, but a hero's welcome?

JasonFreddie | 3:20 p.m. May 7, 2008

Jason should have gotten the ax at tryouts.....
The only possible reason to keep him this long was to see if there is an animal on his head...

Go ARCHIE

Let's have a grammar lesson | 3:21 p.m. May 7, 2008

So nowhere in the article does it say that David is a hero. It says that the welcome he is receiving is called a "Hero's welcome", implying large amounts of celebration. The article could have easily been entitled "'Huge Homecoming' (or 'Super Celebration') Planned for Archuleta." Don't get lost in the semantics, he's a great kid and will be the next american idol.

suzyk | 3:34 p.m. May 7, 2008

A Hero is someone who saves human beings not someone who sings. David has an incredible voice and is very talented but he is not a HERO. Leave that distinction for those you try to save lives and others who do good on behalf of other human beings.

annabel | 3:44 p.m. May 7, 2008

why don't we celebrate people who actually do something heroic...I don't know, like anything but sing someone else's song in front of a bunch of people who have nothing better to do than watch a stupid t.v. show. Seriously, this is ridiculous.

I have an amazing voice, why don't I get to ride in a hot-air balloon?

Jfreak | 3:45 p.m. May 7, 2008

Ooh, I get to go now? Cool. My bottom three are all not Archuleta. I really am sorry KLC went home, but I think it could be Cook's week to leave. Jason had a weaker performance this week, but there are fans to carry him through. I hate to admit it, but David Archuleta had the best performance of the night; I still love David Cook more though.
Jason go home.

Sydney | 4:17 p.m. May 7, 2008

If David Archuleta doesn't win the whole competition, i think all of America will be utterly shocked. He is such an amazing, talented singer who will definately win over America with his cute smile, talent and popularity; no doubt. GO ARCHULETA!

PW | 4:20 p.m. May 7, 2008

For a state that loves to bash Hollywood at every turn, there sure is a lot of pride when one of their own turn Hollywood. Aside from that, good luck David. I hope you find some hard earned and well deserved success.

Murray Spartan | 4:35 p.m. May 7, 2008

No one will be allowed on Murray Campus until 3:30....except for Murray Students! The way it should be...

Hello | 4:44 p.m. May 7, 2008

To Let's have a grammar lesson

I agree that no where does the article say that he is a hero. But, shouldn't a "Hero's Welcome" be reserved for a hero? So they really didn't have to say it directly because they implied it. But who cares about grammar the kid can sing. Although I was probably the only person in the world disappointed with his performance of Stand By Me. I didn't like but he still has a good voice

Hero? | 4:59 p.m. May 7, 2008

The use of the word "hero" bothers me, whether talking about a tv show contestant, or, more commonly, a sports figure.

Bottom line: to be a hero must (in my opinion) involve some element of personal sacrifice for someone else's good.

When a sports figure wins a game, and is called a "hero", I ask myself: where is the sacrifice? Perhaps there is sacrifice involved (I am not going to judge), but in a general sense, doing well at a game (or contest) is, by itself not heroic.

I wish we, as a society, would reserve that word as a more sacred term -- used only when it fits my definition (oh how arrogant can I be?).

Anonymous | 5:01 p.m. May 7, 2008

Why bash, you all will be there anyways. He is very talented and has a 50/50 chance of winning, we all know Syesha and Jason will get kicked off within the next two weeks.

theotherdavidfan | 5:44 p.m. May 7, 2008

david archuleta is a cutie pie but david cook is going to cook archuleta on the grill.

Bookaholic | 7:20 p.m. May 7, 2008

In your dreams, theotherdavidfan!

You wish. The Archulator has uberfans that will vote til their fingers bleed.

Only time will tell. Meet you back here in two weeks to see which of us has to eat humble pie. Deal?? :o)

KE | 8:36 p.m. May 7, 2008

How sad that people can't celebrate someone's hard work and good fortune instead of trying to tear them down. It's pathetic the nastiness that comes out when someone succeeds at their dreams.

Where is the goodwill and atta boys one would expect from goodhearted people? Maybe they're jealous people, cranky sorts who need a chill pill.

For myself, I am awed that this incredibly shy young man would face his fears and step up on the world's stage and sing his heart out.

David Cook was in rock bands from 1999-2007. Eight straight years of rocking nights away on stage and in front of a microphone. Meanwhile, where was David Archuleta when Cookie started out? In second grade. Since then, David's been in two contests, in choir at school, and has had voice lessons off and on sometimes going 6-12 months between lessons while just being a kid.

Cookie, Carly, Brooke, and Kristy Lee have all put out albums, and here is this high school junior facing off with them and winning. Hutspa!

David doesn't see Idol as a contest; he just wants to do what he LOVES--sing. I'm thrilled I found him. Paula's right--David Archuleta's gonna be a Superstar!!

charterman | 8:39 p.m. May 7, 2008

Young David is the kind of contestant that just makes you feel good about young people and their incredible "gifts" and talents. We wish David the best...whether he goes all the way at Idol or not.
Fine young man and we can all be proud of him.
Bravo Dave! Keep it real man. Peace.

christopher | 8:42 p.m. May 7, 2008

Actually the article said a "Hero's Welcome" it really never implyed that he himself is a hero. But I assume that those who'll "welcome" him will probably be friends and fans, and will treat him like a "hero". America is a free country, so let's let them celebrate however they want. Besides, I agree with some people who've said let's enjoy the good news, it doesn't happen in America too often anymore.
P.S. He really does sing very very well.

who really knows | 9:13 p.m. May 7, 2008

most of us don't even know DA and we are only knowing him based on a media explosion. The fact that he is being exploited as a good little mormon when he has yet to live his life outside of good ol' Murray. I sure hate to see tax payers money be used on entertainment heros. There are so many greater needs for the taxpayers dollar. Yes, he had made it into the top 3 and he may go all the way but he has yet to prove himself beyong this hyped up program. Good luck to him but people don't fall too hard when he makes his own choices in life and they aren't what you thought. Only in Utah can an entertainer be consider worth a heros welcome.

wondering? | 9:17 p.m. May 7, 2008

He seems like a very talented kid, but how tall is he?

FANS IN MAGNA | 9:55 p.m. May 7, 2008

4: an object of extreme admiration and devotion : idol
This is Webster's definition of HERO. The word has four meanings in the dictionary. #4 fits David A perfectly. WE ALL WANT YOU TO WIN, GO DAVID The student body of Cyprus High School

Gretzky | 9:59 p.m. May 7, 2008

not sure why the GUV, county mayor etc need to be involved with the party...they have done less for Salt Lake and UTah in their lifetimes than DA has done in one season of Idol.

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