Reader comments
David mania: Thousands turn out to salute Archuleta

126 comments   |   Read story

ramper | 12:30 p.m. May 10, 2008
People in dire straights all around the world and a mayor and governor jump on an entertainment bandwagon. I hope someone passed the hat during the celebration so something special could come out of all the fawning. It is a nice gesture by hometown friends but at times it seems our priorities are out of balance. I hope the young man achieves his dreams but I'm afraid he may fail unless his father stops his meddling.
zola | 12:42 p.m. May 10, 2008
Enjoy the moment David. Some doors only open once. Take it, nurture it and have fun.
To all the "mormons". Choice is a wonderful thing. He's 17. He has a life time to be on a mission.
Amanda | 12:52 p.m. May 10, 2008
David I think that you are so hot and you are so adorible!! I still think that you should go and serve the 2 yr. mission and make utah and everyone so proud!
keep on going and good luck!
love you so much
you are so cute and adorible!
Comments continue below
dave hill | 2:28 p.m. May 10, 2008
To all you "singing ain't a mission" fanatics. There are many ways to "serve". David is a remarkable talent and if he stays true to who he is his impact will be felt by many. Most of you have no clue as to how tough the entertainment business is. He has an opportunity to be an influence for good in a business that's filled with a whole lot of not so good. To accomplish what he has accomplished at such an early age is worthy of a huge "CONGRATULATIONS".
Flibbermajibit | 3:02 p.m. May 10, 2008
Archuletta is a Sexy Beast oh yeah. He is hot! I love him so much! Isn't that right Kristy? She thinks so too! So what is this about a street being named after him? That is kindof weird, but I guess its okay. Cause he is a Sexky Beast! Oh yeah and Kristy thinks that too! But shes getting mad at me for saying that naming a street after him is weird, I just don't think they should do that I mean the other contestants are important too! But he is a Sexy Beast so nevermind.
Flibbermajibit | 3:08 p.m. May 10, 2008
Holy Cow how is Archuletta such an AMAZING singer at age....... whatever age he is. He is amazing I wish I could sing that good. Good job Archuletta!
To Paul B | 3:36 p.m. May 10, 2008
Why should David have to publicly commit one way or another when asked if he's going to serve a mission? It's no one's business but his own. The tone of your post seems to show a disdain for those who don't serve missions. I know plenty of "returned missionaries" who are pigs. Mind your own business.
Becky | 3:59 p.m. May 10, 2008
Re: the mission topic. I don't believe that a singing career is equivalent to a mission. I hope that David will choose to go on a mission and continue his career afterward. However, I know that his singing touches so many people. The public eye is on him and if he sticks to his values he will be a wonderful example to the world. So much good will come of that and ultimately change some people's lives for the better in a profound way. I have a close family friend who decided to investigate the LDS church because he was curious about the church that Donny and Marie Osmond went to. He and his family did join the church and that decision has had far-reaching effects on so many other people. His children and many others who have known him have been served by and inspired by him, including myself. You never know the impact a good example can have on others. BTW, 20+ years later, my friend happened to see Donny Osmond and was able to tell Donny his story and thank him for his good example. I'm sure David will have a similar influence. GO DAVID!!! Good luck.
Wishing you wouldn't judge | 4:28 p.m. May 10, 2008
Really the same,

You do not know what you are talking about. The prophet asked Donny Osmond not to serve a regular mission because his mission with music was the best way he could serve. If the same happens to David, I would consider that calling rather serious.
John | 5:07 p.m. May 10, 2008
I am 60 years old and I have never seen anyone
like David A. at the age of 17 to be able to make his voice hit a High D like he did last Tuesday night. David is a gifted young man.
I teach music and David has a long career ahead of him.
green mormon architect | 5:20 p.m. May 10, 2008
Idol worship alive and well in Utah.
momof6 | 5:51 p.m. May 10, 2008
Thanks "wishing you wouldn't judge" for what you said. That was my understanding too about Donny and the rest of the Osmonds.(it's in the family biographies-- definitely in Merrill's) I think they received direction from the prophet when they were of "mission" age that they should continue in their music careers rather than a 2 year full time mission. I served a full time mission -- i know it's value. But he is such an example. Even to my 6 children who range in age from 13 to 21 months. We watch and vote faithfully every week. We were ALSO so impressed with Brooke White -- also a great example to young people. GO DAVID ARCHULETA HOPE YOU ARE THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL!! Oh the good he is doing.
I'm just sayin'..... | 10:40 p.m. May 10, 2008
I am a mom and a big AI fan. I have so enjoyed listening to David perform. If I am correct though, he performed at at least four venues on Friday, and is likely now preparing for the three songs he will be required to sing on air next week. That has to be a killer on the vocal chords.
Go DA!! | 8:41 a.m. May 11, 2008
GO DAVID!!!

We need something positive to celebrate with all the negative things going on in the world.
Showed your true colors | 11:21 p.m. May 11, 2008
To 'Are you kidding me?' -

Please. The kid who asked (I believe) is LDS, it happened on a local Utah station where everyone's familiar with the faith. It didn't hit national media till someone tipped off TMZ or something like that. Relax, we hear all the time that "so and so grew up singing in the gospel choir"; we heard about Jordin Sparks' church group and her religion last year.

You say that "only in Utah would someone ask this kid about his religion." B.S! Religion is ingrained in everyday life in the Bible-belt states. Politicians campaign in churches. I lived in a predominately Catholic area in the Northwest for four years and never once pitched a fit if the conversation turned to their beliefs --- it makes sense because it was the majority there!

I agree that people need to back off and let the kid make his own decision. The world will not end if he doesn't serve a mission. But you need to quit looking for reasons to rip the LDS. In Utah (or anywhere for that matter), you don't need to change religiously in order to be an agent for positive change, as you insinuate.
jt | 10:46 a.m. May 12, 2008
he will never be where carrie underwood is. she is the finest that has come through the show. it saddens me to see david up there like a scared little boy. like i said, very clutsy and nervous. now i know why as his dad has been kicked out only to be able to attend the live show. poor little guy, no wonder he was so nervous. well, someday he will be somebody. right now, lets let him be a kid and experience his teen years.
Lela | 3:00 p.m. May 12, 2008
To JT:

Are you kidding? David Archuleta IS a somebody today. He won the title of Star Search and he is in the top three finalist in American Idol. Most people couldn�t achieve these accomplishments in their lifetime.

During his performances, David Archuleta has great stage presence, is an amazing vocalist and connects very well to the audience. Whenever he appears on the stage, there is an aura of excitement with girls screaming and cheering for him (not a dull moment). The judges stated that his performances are way beyond his years.

I don�t see him as a �poor little clutsy and nervous� guy. He may be feeling awkward and shy during interviews with the media; but, he is only 17 years old. With maturity and experience he will gain more confidence. I agree that it would have been nice if he was allowed live a normal teenage life; however, there is no turning back at this point.

David Archuleta is already a WINNER regardless of whether he wins the American Idol title or not. I like his music and I�m looking forward to buying his CDs.
jt | 11:31 a.m. May 13, 2008
you mean teenie boppers. not most adults unless they are mormon.
Lela | 12:16 p.m. May 13, 2008
To jt:

No, I don't mean "teenie boppers". I like David Archuleta's music; yet, I'm an adult. I'm NOT Mormom and not from Utah. It is ludicrous to make such an assumption. It is silly to assume that all people ranging from 20 - 50 years old like Rock music(David Cook's type) as opposed to David A's music. Both David's have different musical style. It is really a matter of preferance in what type of music people like regardless of their age group. Some people may like both kinds, depending on their mood. There is no rule that says you only have to like one or the other based on your age.

Based on reading comments from other websites and discussions with my friends, there are many non-mormon adults (outside of Utah) who like David Archuleta's music.

Anyway, what is the point in arguing over this? "Live and Let Live."



service | 5:07 p.m. May 13, 2008
Maybe he will choose to serve a mission in Iraq.
Bookaholic | 5:44 a.m. May 14, 2008
TMZ is manufacturing lies about David's dad and others are embroidering them further. THE FACTS:

Here's a press release from American Idol spokesperson, Andrea Jamison:

"The rumor that surfaced yesterday on an entertainment Web site about Mr. Archuleta are categorically false. As part of normal procedures at American Idol, all family members of contestants and personal coaches are prohibited from participating in rehearsals during the final two weeks of the competition and the finale. The 'ban', if you will, applies to all family members and others not directly affiliated with the show and 19 Entertainment. This did not single out Mr. Archuleta nor do producers have any problems with his conduct whatsoever."

I agree with 'A Father'--David's music touches me deeply. There are many of his songs that I can't listen to without getting teary. Brand new experience for me. In fact, he has me listening to popular music for the first time in 20+ years.

There's more than one way to serve a mission. I am REALLY excited to have David as an ambassador for the Church. He is an incredible example of a great young LDS guy. I think he's grounded and will stay that way.
Karen | 6:16 a.m. May 14, 2008
David and his music touch people in a really moving way. At the homecoming celebration, he was presented with a 500-page book of stories contributed by people whose lives had been touched by David and his music. Some found comfort during cancer bouts, the death of loved ones, or were simply uplifted and inspired.

I doubt the MOST POWERFUL made it into the book. I found it on the song "Imagine" comment site on iTunes. I mailed it to David, don't know if he got it.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME BELIEVE AGAIN--BY IRAQ SOLDIER: "I want to thank you, sir. I have saved and lost many soldiers on my hospital beds in the E.R. in Baghdad, Iraq, 28 CSH. For the last six months I could not find peace in my heart after I left. I could not find sleep. I could not find reason. I found all of those things tonight as you sang, and I wept so hard. You have an amazing gift. Use it wisely; it will open so many other doors. I will take the risk and dream again. I will imagine. Thank you, David. You brought belief back to a grieving soldier M.D."

AMAZING.
jt | 1:28 p.m. May 14, 2008
last nite david a did not do so well. i did like the first song. the second he was very clutsy, out of his realm. like i said, the idol needs to be versatile and he is not but david cooke proved he can do it. i love ballads but i also like to hear other sounds. i get bored after awhile listening to david a
Lela | 10:00 a.m. May 16, 2008
I thought David Archuleta did fine yesterday, considering that this was a very stressful week for him. After returning from an exhausting homecoming visit, David had to deal with his �stage dad� issue and practice three new songs. Nevertheless, David was calm throughout the evening and his performances were fine. He deserves credit for stepping out of his comfort zone when he sang �With You� and apparently the audience enjoyed it. Whenever David A. appears on the stage, there is always an aura of excitement with lots of cheering and screaming (not a dull moment). I�m giving David Archuleta all my votes and support because he is an amazing vocalist and a great kid. I�m looking forward to buying his CDs and I wish him the very best.
Abby <333 | 5:38 p.m. May 16, 2008
I think David Archuleta is an amazing singer, and it's amazing how he can always be so incredibly modest even when paparazzi are flashing cameras in his face. I wish I could meet him, or better yet, he could meet me!! I think we wold really get along, and just like him, music is my life. In three years when I turn sixteen I'm going to try out for American Idol, and even a guy in my school who isn't too fond of me, says I would make it. Sure, my goal in life, might not be to become miss Abby Archuleta, but it is to have my voice heard by thousands, millions. David is an inspiration to me, a role model i guess. Anyone who doesn't love David is crazy, because he is perfect...amzing.

WillP | 6:53 a.m. May 21, 2008
Hmm, I can not figure out why there are always gossipers on these boards. Really, get a life, people. Why can't everyone on here be super positive.

It is a foregone conclusion that David A. will have a fabulous and incredible career. I knew that months ago. Kudos go out to Dean Kaelin (who had a lot of success with Carmen Rasmusen too).

In my opinion there is no question who will win tonight. I also think David can give Carrie Underwood a run for greatest Idol. We will have to find out.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.

Image

David Archuleta of "American Idol" fame appears on Fox 13 in Salt Lake City on the first stop of a day-long tour of events Friday.

Video
previousnext

Latest comments

watch out for next year for sure, the negatives are just closet (and...

And something else, I generally follow players from the state schools when...

I could care less that Max Hall said what he did. The feeling is mutual BYU...

BYU is champion of the state

Dear Max, probably could have done without that comment. Probably would've...

Hall mouths off about hate of Utah

As a Utah fan, let me first say congratulations to Max Hall, the Cougars, and...

Geno's and Pat's are good.. but, they are mostly for tourists, the real...

Hall mouths off about hate of Utah

(You even got a middle initial... how's that for 'ya Max) It's nice to see...

Air Up There, The

Even today, I still cannot get enough of this movie or Charles Gitonga Maina....

Cougars beat Utes in overtime

...disappointed with Max Hall's comments that he hates everything about UofU....

Over the last few days I read comments of people complaining about tasteless...

Advertisements