Deseret News | David mania: Thousands turn out to salute Archuleta

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David mania: Thousands turn out to salute Archuleta

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Steve | 2:21 p.m. May 9, 2008

He is changing peoples lives in a positive way, through his music, from the positive light he is. He has inspired me in more ways that I can explain.

Beck | 2:24 p.m. May 9, 2008

Brick - he is being tutored. He still has to do schoolwork while competing. What, did you think American Idol had the power to waive truancy laws?

Anonymous | 2:31 p.m. May 9, 2008

Why does everything has to come down to religion in this state. Yes he has a great talent, let's leave it at that. It has nothing to do with religion. I'll bet if he was Catholic, he wouldn't get half the attention he is getting, but he's the same person.

Comments continue below

ObjectiveObserver | 2:29 p.m. May 9, 2008

Hey, if the Osmonds hadn't been so popular, then my mom would never have known about the Church, much less joined it. However, I really hope that the fame doesn't spoil the kid. He seems like a decent person, which is more than you can say for most famous people.

Really the same? continued... | 2:30 p.m. May 9, 2008

When I was David's age, I had an opportunity similar to his (though, I'll be the first to admit, not nearly on the same scale). I'd become very good at the sport I practiced and had the opportunity to compete in it professionally. In fact, I was quite heavily recruited by members of the sport's governing body and other event organizers to do so.

There were very few people (i.e. almost no one except myself) in the sport who were religious at all, let alone mormon, and many of my fellow competitors had taken the opportunity to inquire about my beliefs and several told me they greatly admired them as well. It would have been very easy for me to see my sport as "my mission" and have chosen to let that be my calling. I didn't.

I'm sure there are people who would have become interested in the Church if I had chosen to compete instead. But, I don't regret my decision for a second. I know the number of people who become interested in the Church as a result of my decision to serve a mission instead was far greater than the number would have otherwise been.

GO GO GO david... | 2:37 p.m. May 9, 2008

Like "aged fan" says...I too hope that David can stay true to himself through all this. He comes across so genuine and good- it would be a shame to see that go. Good luck David!!!

A Father | 2:59 p.m. May 9, 2008

I have never been a fan of anyone before. As a kid I liked David Gates From Bread. This kid is so different. I never heard him sing until two weeks ago. Out of curiosity I googled his name and heard him sing on youtube. I started crying. I am a grown man with five young children. He gave me hope. He has a core that is guileless. I am a fan. Something no one else has ever made me be. In this world we can give or take. This kid is a giver. Thank you, for bringing happiness to so many people.

get real | 2:58 p.m. May 9, 2008

Why cant this state be modern and progressive?. What a farce and disgrace that this is making headline news. I can understand a mention of it but to make headlines in Newscasts, and Newspaper spaces. It just goes to show how behind the time and hick this place is. Remember that he is a contestnt on a television show, not a humanitarian or a war hero. I guess with this mentality we should be giving heroes welcomes to those who did well on the price is right.

Jerry | 3:45 p.m. May 9, 2008

Is David going on a mission? Good question, but the good ,that David has the potential of doing something other than converting people. He has the opportunity of creating better feelings and a better understanding toward people of the LDS Faith. That, in the long run, may be the best thing that he can do. I wish him much sucess and I hope with all of this noteriety can be kept in wise perspective.

Steven Donny Young Osmond | 3:49 p.m. May 9, 2008

I would guess that the most benificial outcome of a mission is not the number of baptisms, but rather the spiritual and personal growth of the missionary.

How many baptisms would make it worth it if we see David driving around L A 5 years from now with 3 DUI's, a live in girlfriend, and a picture of him getting out of the car without any panties?

huh | 3:54 p.m. May 9, 2008

I would really like to hear some of his music. I have heard him sing and he is pretty good but come on people, he is singing someone else's music. I want to hear his, David's music and not just a lot of Elvis', the Beatles', Neil Diamond's music. I want to hear David Archuleta's original music and not hear him sing covers anymore. That is what I hate most about American Idol. They just use other people's stuff and the contestants do not have to write any of it. Show me that they are musicians and not just singers.

David | 4:52 p.m. May 9, 2008

Really hope David goes on a mission and sets an example to others of priorities. Moreover, the examples teaches one about really matters and what doesn't.

re: really the same | 6:24 p.m. May 9, 2008

I agree 100%, it's David's decision to serve a mission, but saying that becoming popular, famous, and likely wealthy is "serving a mission" is not only a joke but disrespectful to those to sacrifice the time and energy to serve.

Show me an 18-19 year old young man who wouldn't gladly sign up for the experience David is having. Wonder what kind of "missionary" numbers we'd have then? Not to bash David, good for him and his success, I hope he can keep his humility and be a good example, heaven knows the world needs them.

Dan | 6:37 p.m. May 9, 2008

There seems to be a double standard within the church, Steve Young, Donny Osmond and now this young man thinks because he is "famous" he does not think he should serve a mission. Singing on American Idol is not serving a mission. American Idol is of the world. Their are many stories of the price of fortune and fame. I guess if you have a certain last name or become a big enough star the mission becomes something for the commoner.

Whoo Hoo | 6:51 p.m. May 9, 2008

The rock group Journey is from my hometown along with several others. You can have Archuleta. Live it up!

Meghan Carpenter | 7:19 p.m. May 9, 2008

AHHHHH! I am on the news. But he really did wave at me. TWICE!!!

Camille | 7:43 p.m. May 9, 2008

This is about cheering on a hometown young man, not religion or politics. Let's just be happy for him and be glad he's living his dream. And I heard his interview and he has a very level head. So let's stop all the blashing ok. BE HAPPY FOR DAVID ARCHULETA!!! GO DAVID!!

Wait a minute... | 8:07 p.m. May 9, 2008

I knew people would misquote David's reply re: a mission!
His final word on the subject was that he feels like he's serving one, but he wouldn't mind serving two (big grin on his part).
Truly, the interviewer was the one whose statement seemed to relieve David of the responsibility ("Oh yeah, you're already serving one" kind of response). David said it was something he had always planned to do.
David, you're using the gift Heavenly Father gave you, and it is lifting so many! Stay humble like you are -- remember Pres. Hinckley's caution: "adulation [ie. flattery] is poison" -- and you'll keep sharing Heavenly Father's love with His children!
We should all be using our gifts to help uplift & strengthen each other -- that's why God gave them to us :-)!

brandon | 8:11 p.m. May 9, 2008

In reading about David in the past, he is apparently a straight-A student. I don't think the education thing is something to worry about for him.

Jim | 9:04 p.m. May 9, 2008

About the mission.... Let's not try to cross David's T's and dot his I's for him. This is his second estate and his alone. It's between David and the Lord. Try working on your own estate.

Congrats | 9:18 p.m. May 9, 2008

Way to go David! Don't read the post of people judging you. You're doing great, enjoy the ride!

Anonymous | 10:28 p.m. May 9, 2008

Way to go David we are so proud of you!!

to all the hypocrites | 11:05 p.m. May 9, 2008

Too many in the church see the mission as a way of seperating the wheat from the tares. Nothing could be further from the truth. Some make some decisions that don't allow them to. Some are first generation members who don't have that influence and hence isn't as important. And yet others, by no fault of their own, don't serve (steve young, donny osmond). But as we see, there are those who go on to serve in the church in many capacities, growing in the gospel, and touching the lives of many. Too many look down on those that don't serve. Having served a mission, I know what a blessing it is, but it doesn't mean you are better than the rest. Try living the gospel rather than telling others how to live it. Christ led by example, do the same.

strange | 11:10 p.m. May 9, 2008

Why all the talk about the mission? Good grief people, he is 17!!!!! What business is it of yours anyway? leave him alone. Some of you posters go on & on preaching.....good grief!

nobody's business | 11:38 p.m. May 9, 2008

It's really nobody's business and rather rude to question him about a mission (and the questioners seem self righteous). The wonderful thing about David is that he is so gracious to everyone, and tries to answer these questions.

A mission is probably the highest prize in the eyes of God, and some people aren't able to fulfill an official one..so please be more sensitive.

Kat | 11:52 p.m. May 9, 2008

I'm not LDS, but I have several family members who are. Some of them have served on formal missions. To those who are passing judgment upon David Archuleta regarding whether or not he should serve on a traditional style mission, you are not doing your faith any favors. Matter of fact, your lecturing and finger pointing is a complete turn off. It's a good thing I know and care for some great people who are members of your church so that I'm not otherwise forming an opinion based upon some of the negative comments posted here. People from all walks of life come to this web site to read stories about David. In my opinion, David is reaching countless many more people through his singing than he ever could by going the traditional route.

Southener | 12:05 a.m. May 10, 2008

The Osmonds wanted to serve missisons, but were told they could reach more people with their music. Steve Young said he always wanted to serve a mission. Gladys Knight has a special calling to serve the Lord and her church through her music. David Archuleta and Brooke White are exemplary young people, as well as talented. David is right. He is serving a mission. Two years from now, he will be guided and advised what he should do as far as a traditional two year mission. LDS members should just be glad he is a sweet, humble young man with integrity and is setting a good example . I live in the South, and many people don't even know a Mormon. People like David, Brooke, Gladys, and the Osmonds can open and have opened doors for the missionaries. "Every member a missionary". People are too critical on this web site.

re: Paul B | 12:26 a.m. May 10, 2008

Who rained on your parade?

Congrats David! Good luck this week. We will all be pullin and voting for you!

to really the same | 12:28 a.m. May 10, 2008

Hmmm. People would join the LDS church because David made a decision to serve a mission? Is that why people join the LDS faith? I had friends join the church because of being fans of The Osmonds. All but one never did much more than be baptized as far as the church goes. It had no impact on their lives beyond some cool "fun" as a teenager.

My point is celebrate the success David is having today and let him and his family worry about life two years from now.

Wow | 2:13 a.m. May 10, 2008

"REALLY THE SAME"
I agree with your comment...
though I do know that not everyone is fit to go on a mission, I definitely agree that it would be amazing to see him interrupt his career for two years to serve the Lord!

I think this is somewhat ridiculous that people have to get on here when they dont know what they are talking about and start stuff they know nothing about! David is doing an amazing job! Carmen had a few small spotlights, she did a good job, and that is great...DAVID could be the next american idol...in fact...if he makes it through NEXT week...(which i am sure he will) he will be the top 2!!! one place away from winning and then I think David Cook and David A. are going to battle it out and its going to be amazing! NO MATTER WHO WINS!!!
I cannot wait!

David...
YOU ROCK!!!

re:really the same | 2:54 a.m. May 10, 2008

Have anyone served a mission after they became celebrities? I can't think of anyone. Could you imagine being the campanion of David Archuleta? Don't you think people would get attached to him instead of the gospel? Don't you think he'd be hounded and harrassed? All of this aside, it is not our decisions. It is between him and the Lord. GO DAVID!!!! Please don't steal my wife from me. If you asked her to, she'd probably leave me for you. Great job at the Jazz game by the way

Camille | 4:01 a.m. May 10, 2008

To Zazu Pitts: You know it wasn't just young girls getting excited about seeing David Archuleta on Friday, there were older ladies also trying to get pictures. So being star crazed isn't just a "young teen thing". Didn't you ever get excited about seeing someone you really liked? I bet if you think hard enough you probably did.

andrew | 5:13 a.m. May 10, 2008

now if the kid could only sing..he' really terrible. regardless of whether he wins, he'll be forgotten within a month

aardvark | 5:44 a.m. May 10, 2008

Has anybody researched the rumor that David Archuleta is a Communist?

Mission | 5:48 a.m. May 10, 2008

The prophet has stated "Everyone young man should serve a mission." I didn't see where it stated unless he wins American Idol.

granny 5 | 6:55 a.m. May 10, 2008

I'm much to old to be his girl friend or his wife, but I would like to step up to the position of adopted gramma. David is a young may that is the image of what all young men should be. Shy, honest and polite. I have never watched American Idol, I work in the evenings, but I do catch his songs on UTube. It is a shame that we were not able to see his rendition of the Anthem. That would have been the icing on the cake. Good luck, David, and God Bless!!!

Willy | 7:15 a.m. May 10, 2008

It sounds to me that a lot of people have way too much time on their hand.

t-dub | 7:36 a.m. May 10, 2008

I'm reminded why fishermen never have to put a lid on their crab buckets if they have more than one crab in the bucket... the other crabs will always pull the one trying to improve his status down to their level, at the bottom of the bucket! Are we crabs? As for the grandmas being twitter-paited over David; they see him as one of their grandsons! Thanks for the positives on this website; forget the negative losers!

mission mixup | 7:52 a.m. May 10, 2008

i've read the blather on the board here and the confusion is that people like steve young, donny o, and pres monson (all of whom did not serve missions) are not claiming at all that their careers as athletes, entertainers, in the military or as a publisher are a mission. goodwill and service, yes. good and moral people, sure. positive image for the church, you bet. but not the same as a mission and to claim such is erroneous.

Mormons in the South | 8:15 a.m. May 10, 2008

David Archuletta ROCKS!!!! Talent, humility, hard work, etc. You share your soul with us every week! We love you! You have our votes!

Bryan | 8:34 a.m. May 10, 2008

David will be voted off next week and will not be in the finals as America has had it with his pushy, out of control stage father. Too bad his over ambitious father will cost him this competition.

Dave | 9:01 a.m. May 10, 2008

Only in Utah would his Church and Success be mentioned in the same sentence!! Is your Church really that starved for publicity???

mary kecxon | 9:12 a.m. May 10, 2008

I too would like to add my comments to David. It is truly fabulous how his day was planned. To sing at the Jazz game, and then they won and beat the Lakers. WOW God bless you David, and the teacher you had Dean Kaelin he is fabulous too. God bless both of you. All the best for your future. Also a big congratulations to your parents, they seem to be taking good care of you just right.

DawnWest | 9:38 a.m. May 10, 2008

I have no idea why people are bashing him for making that comment about serving a traditional mission. I would like to know how many people were converted to the Church because of the Osmonds example? I know at least a dozen and I am one of them!!! I have been a faithful member for almost 28 years and my daughter is being baptized today. So, when you figure in how many people joined the Church and then how many children born/adopted from them are now being baptized, I am sure it surpasses any single missionary stats! Heck, my husband served a "traditional" mission to Brazil and he baptized about 70 people. :)

Evan E | 9:38 a.m. May 10, 2008

Wow, I'm totally amazed how far David has come in this competition! He is such an inspiration and so talented! What makes him so great is that he combines his singing talent with humility, something very rare in the music business. I just really hope that in the end, if he isn't chosen to be the winner, that it's not because of his shyness, that will go away over time! Go DAVID, Your awesome buddy!

Shaun McC | 9:51 a.m. May 10, 2008

to "Really the same" and all the other mission nazis, I believe the bottom line is "every member a missionary" and this kid is doing more in a few weeks than I could do in a lifetime in bringing positive attention to the gospel. He may very well choose to serve a regular mission if he lives by the spirit and the Spirit tells him to. However, I don't think anyone but the Lord has the right to tell him what is the best use of his life, so cool it and let his life unfold and let him find his way. I know my mission was a great blessing to me and taught me many things. It made me a better man, father and husband. I hope for those things for David A. too, but I am not wise enough to tell him what he should do - that is between him and God.

Rob Shick, Sandy | 10:00 a.m. May 10, 2008

It doesn't seem to matter what the topic is....people post negativity in these comments. I have seen high school athletes berated, religions blasted, innocent people slandered, and now a fine young man is being used as a tool for you get on your soap box and give your ridiculous comments and further your agendas. If you were required to post with your real name, I doubt if such venom would appear in these comments. By the way, anything that causes this kind of reaction IS news and worthy of the coverage it is getting. I'm sure more people see David sing each week than even know who the Utah Jazz are, yet you don't complain when they get front page coverage.

Anonymous | 11:23 a.m. May 10, 2008

Again, don't be self righteous and judgmental, quit asking about a mission. NOYB.

Dan | 11:44 a.m. May 10, 2008

It has just been announced that David's father has been banned from set during the week by American Idol. This should be a warning to the family, the show did not like David's father changing lyrics, David is 17 and the show wants him away from his family and has no concern for the church's teachings, beware David, others have motives that may not be in your best interest.

Are you kidding me? | 12:28 p.m. May 10, 2008

Only in Utah would someone ask this kid about his religion, or even worse his intentions regarding his commitment to said religion. Archuleta is being celebrated worldwide for his talent and not his Mormon affiliation. Does anyone out there know the religions of the other finalists, or any other Idol contestant over the past seven years for that matter? Please knock it off for the sake of the people of this state who are changing in very positive ways both demographically and religously.

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