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'Idol' owes apologies

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Idolnomore | 3:46 p.m. May 26, 2008
They were Ruthless!
1. Simon went to several talk shows mid-season to disclose his personal favorite which should be disallowed.
2. The Stage Dad stuff started at the critical time when only 3 were left and pressure intensified.
3. The Idol coach made David out to be an unspontaneous and programmed kid. Subtle reference to Mormonism??? Hmm
4. Producers choice for David was unappealing to all.
5. "Goshes" strung together and unedited for effect. The little, overwhelmed boy. Seacrest draped on the kid soliciously worrying about him being "OK", "overwhelmed", etc.
6. 6 of my votes on repeat dial were diverted to contestant #1. A double whammy. Times that by 1M and you get 12M.
hey | 3:51 p.m. May 26, 2008
paula is very smart. she just made a mistake. it wasnt a big deal. but seriously.. who cares about david and david. The season is over! lets move on please. lets focus on Next season now please. i felt season 7 still ended on a high note, with awesome ratings. and i have a feeling idol is gonna be even better next year!
sharon | 4:00 p.m. May 26, 2008
According to David A's voice couch DA or his father never met Naomi Judd. I tryed for four hours to vote and didn't get in one time. You would think if he got twelve millon less votes it would be easier the same things were being said when Clay Achkin came in second. Also isn't TMZ part of the fox network?




























































































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Comments continue below
Hey,, "Hey" | 5:05 p.m. May 26, 2008
I care about Season 7 and DA & DC. If Season 8 is going to be manipulated and fixed like this one was, then I'm one less Fan. Maybe they can move to Canada. I'm done with AI. They owe the Archuleta's an apology a lot more than Simon owed an apology to David Cook for singing so lousy his last competition night. Especially when we know who out sang the night......David Archuleta.
Ryan the real problem. | 5:16 p.m. May 26, 2008
David A is a very sweet and innocent kid, I think that way over half of the things said went over his head. I think that the show, which is suppose to be for family had some subtle gay jokes between Ryan and Simon. Ryan was constantly mauling David A, to the point that I wanted to puke, best thing for David A is to get the tour done and stay the heck away from AI and Ryan.
Marti | 5:37 p.m. May 26, 2008
It's no coincidence that the rumon was first "leaked" on TMZ, another FOX show. It's obvious it was a plant for the purpose of skewing public opinion. But, then again, FOX has never shied away from skewing public opinion, aka their "Fair and Balanced News" channel.
re:owl | 6:05 p.m. May 26, 2008
Well said, thanks.
re:owl | 6:12 p.m. May 26, 2008
Yeah owl...unfortunately for a sweet 17 year old boy........you are absolutely right. He was just entertainment. Oh what fun that was, right?
Kate | 6:19 p.m. May 26, 2008
Man, y'all are so sour losers. Get over it! He lost not because of unfairness but because people like David Cook better. That doesn't mean David Archuleta isn't amazing.
Wow! | 6:23 p.m. May 26, 2008
You people really should get a life. American Idol is not real. I bet you get into arguments over General Hospital to. Take some prozac and go away.
kate | 6:38 p.m. May 26, 2008
This isn't about who was better. DC was more seasoned, he deserved to win over DA for that reason ONLY. This is about AI manipulation towards the outcome. It was a fixed competition from the beginning by way of song choices, criticism, scandal, and last minute pity apologies(Simon). I didn't appreciate how AI promoted their ratings by slamming a perfectly respectable family. They should have nipped that in the beginning instead of letting it go on and on. I am no sour loser, I am truly irritatede at FOX for allowing this manipulation to happen to a 17 year old strictly for ratings....THAT IS NOT MY IDEA OF ENTERTAINMENT.. NO SOUR GRAPES HERE, BUT I DO BELIEVE IN INTEGRITY AND AI DOESN'T HAVE IT ANYMORE
wow | 6:43 p.m. May 26, 2008
NO I am just a David Archuleta fan that feels ripped off and today is my day off......can't mow the lawn for the rain.......so here I am. GH got boring after Luke and Laura left.....any other intelligent suggestions?
Re: "ANONYMOUS YOU GO AWAY" | 6:47 p.m. May 26, 2008
Don't you know that if a person doesn't leave their name that its automatic to get bold letters named "Anonymous"?

don't make it so obvious that you're still in high school. However, it is obvious that DN's is still in denial. Let's see more articles of the real winner David Cook! Hey let's report about Donnie Osmonds oil changes and how Jiffy Lube was unfair...etc. Or how High School High's cast put less mormons on the show...lets hear some real news.
Re: <~~~anonymous mishap | 7:06 p.m. May 26, 2008
my bad, no I didn't know. live and learn.

But for intelligence: YEAH LET'S PLAY THE MORMON CARD........WOW DUDE WE GOT LOTS TO TALK ABOUT, HOW ABOUT BIGOTRY, RACISM, PURITANISM, POLITICS. You Sound definitely well rounded for intelligent debate.
Salt Lake Jo Jo | 7:14 p.m. May 26, 2008
He lost fair and square. He's just not that good of a musician when it all comes down to it, and doesn't sing very well. And people out there--IT'S JUST A SHOW. LIVE YOUR OWN LIVES. There are worse things going on in this world (China, Myanmar, here in the U.S....) Spend some energy doing something CONSTRUCTIVE.
Tiffy | 7:41 p.m. May 26, 2008
I believe we all understand there are more important issues going on in the world today. However, this particular blog is in regards to the article written by Mr. Pierce about "Idol Apology". China, Myanmar etc will have to just be brought up on a different blog. I'll catch up with ya there.. But for now let's stay on track and admit David Cook won fair and square. And AI acted like a normal unscrupulous TV show without moral character backing it up simply to get the best of rating. PS: Let's talk about Saving the Polar Bears next. ooops, wrong blog again : )
Robert | 7:45 p.m. May 26, 2008
Oh, Puhleeze! Nobody owes anybody any apologies. Jeff Archuleta, well, like someone has said...David is almost 18. Good. Almost nothing is more nauseating than overbearing parents insinuating themselves, trying to act out vicariously through their [talented] children. Just back off and disappear into the background already. And, you think AI is going to apologize? Give me a break. Nobody knew who David was from boo before they let him on the show.

And for everyone still crying their sloppy tears: The kid lost. Yes, he can sing, and sing good, too. But, apparently 12 MILLION voters--a devastating margin--thought the other guy was better. Get over it.

Kathy | 8:10 p.m. May 26, 2008
What AI producers and Simon did to DA and his family is unforgivable. The only reason my family and friends watched the show this year was because of DA. After what they did to him, we are done with the show. It was obvious that they set him up to loose the title to DC.If DC was so talented, then why did Simon have to go campaigning for him few weeks before the finale?His appearance on Ellen show was inappropriate.THe week before the finale they gave the song that was meant for DA to sing to DC.Everything they did was so calculating and evil. DA was robbed of the title and the career he could have had.The only reasons they could give for wanting DC to win was the fact that DA is young, does not have enough experience in life, and does not know how to give good interviews.Those are dumb and stupid excuses to take away someone's career and future. If they are not in favor of having someone so young to be an AI, then they should have allowed DA to be part of the competition.We thought this show is about singing competition.I guess we were wrong.
ForkInMeDONE | 8:17 p.m. May 26, 2008
It was obvious what producers were doing. I believe they are the ones who started the rumors about Jeff. David is better off as second and then after his album, I hope he cuts the ties so they (FOX and ASSOCIATES) can't ride his coat tails any longer.
Archie is a legend in the making and I'll buy his albums all day long. I won't EVER watch Idol again. This show is what gives show business a bad name!
American Idol Hater | 8:20 p.m. May 26, 2008
American Idol is the WORST show on television. And I'm not just saying this because I'm a bitter Utahn, because David Archuleta didn't win. I watched as they manipulated Archuleta into what they wanted the nation to see him as. They spread lies about his father. And when they came to the Energy Solutions Arena, they treated the employees there like their little peons. I was one of them, so I know. Down with American Idol and all of their mind game manipulations. Down with the American Idol "Kingdom".
Bill Snyder | 8:25 p.m. May 26, 2008
Oh, and David Archuleta himself doesn't owe any of us an apology for making us watch his obnoxious smirk on Tv every week? This kid is the 21st Century T. Buff.
Paul Gibbs | 8:27 p.m. May 26, 2008
Come on, people. "American Idol" stopped being a springboard to a recording career years ago. I wouldn't be surprised to see Taylor Hicks begging for change on a street corner. Once that season finale airs, your 15 minutes of fame are over, whether you win or not. Archuleta got what every "Idol" contestant got: national exposure that will keep him popular as an entertainer in his home state. He's a talented, likable kid who wasn't robbed of anything and probably never would have been a big star, win or lose.
Paul Gibbs | 8:30 p.m. May 26, 2008
The only sad or disturbing part of this is how many people posting here probably care more about who wins "American idol" than the Presidential election.
CMS | 8:42 p.m. May 26, 2008
Ok then hear this...time will tell who should be declared the TRUE WINNER of season 7 AI. Archie will out sell DC in every way. Concerts and Album sales will voice the real winner.

I agree the entire show was taken exactly where the producers wanted it to go. Whats done is done but now it is up to the Davids. Let watch and take note to see which one of them is truely the winner of this contest. I am 52 years old and a big Archie fan. Growing up in the 70's I have had my fill of Cook sound. I am refreshed by a smooth simply voice like DA and with the right direction I have a feeling this kid could actually be 10 times what Kelly or Carrie are right now. David Cook I fear will not get his greatest desire and that is longevity (remember Taylor Hicks?). Lets see what Archies voice does in time, dare I say could it get better???

PS What about voting on Saturday morning when those younger fans wont have to be in bed by 9:00. Theres food for thought!
Tiffy | 9:33 p.m. May 26, 2008
Paul....again......wrong blog.

This is the Mr Pierce article. But now that you mentioned it...due to THE incompetent presidential selection list we have available I vote "GOSH" DAVID ARCHULETA FOR PRESIDENT.............WITH JEFF ARCHULETA AS HIS RUNNING MATE AND HIS BEAUTIFUL MOTHER AS THE WHITE HOUSE MOTHER. Good Night All It's been real.
CMS: YOU'RE ACES, I'M WITH YOU ALL THE WAY.
West Jordan Pete | 9:36 p.m. May 26, 2008
Wa, wa, wa. My favorite lost and now I must cast blame. Grow up Scott.
Johnny Utah | 10:00 p.m. May 26, 2008
How about the Dnews issue an apology for perpetuating the rumors about David�s father? There were many stories in this very paper about the instances that Scott Pierce is writing about. Quit trying to point blame where it doesn't belong.
K | 10:01 p.m. May 26, 2008
Winning the show has nothing to do with how much money the person will make during their career in the entertainment industry.

The show should only be open to contestants who are 18 and older. If they can sing at 17, they can sing at 18, and they won't need mommy or daddy with them.
DA is not Idol | 10:03 p.m. May 26, 2008
Once again, DA is not an idol. Did any of you see the Guitar Hero commercial whith both Davids? Seeing DA in that was just sad. Very sad. DA said that he was okay with being a loser and for Utah not to cry for him. Please agree with this Utah and stop beating a dead horse. Idol owes no apologies, 12 million more people voted for David Cook. 12 million! I for one will be buying Cook's songs, while DA songs will be only sold in Utah's Deseret Book.
grumpolman | 10:11 p.m. May 26, 2008
They should rename the show "America Can't Judge Talent". We'll see who really won when we see their CD sales.
Pippa | 10:20 p.m. May 26, 2008
There's a heck of a lot of nonsense here. David Cook was the most popular finalist for a good month or so. They both performed well in the final, but DC already had the momentum. He won fair and square, and by a considerable margin.

Jeff Archuleta deserves no apologies. He was interfering to such an extent that a ban had to imposed, and that's documented fact. Then his 'team' went on a TV & radio phone-in offensive after David (Archuleta) performed poorly throughout the semi-final. They claimed that he was prevented from singing 'Longer' with a hip hop feel, but is that really a surprise after the awful performance he gave on 'With You'?

David Archuleta has a great voice (if you can get past the nasal tone), but 'nice kid' isn't enough. He's one dimensional, crushes the melody out of everything, and crashed and burnt every time he tried anything other than ballads. His style is adult contemporary, so the little girls will tire of that before long. He'll shine brightly for a time, but let's not be daft enough to predict longevity here. He'll be a distant memory by the time his fans have left school.
Anonymous | 10:28 p.m. May 26, 2008
Only in Utah would we even be discussing this. What a waste of time. David Archuleta is popular here for one reason..He is from Utah. If he was from anywhere else NO one would care.
He didn't lose because of some vast conspiracy theory..He lost because more people preferred David Cook over him and voted for him. Simon Cowell has chosen many people over the years who have not won so to say that he is responsible is ridiculous.
There is way too much evidence against Jeff to say he is innocent of the accusations but like any accusation you have to make up your own mind.
There is a feeling here in Utah that if something goes wrong it is because of some vast conspiracy..
There is no conspiracy..
The winner of Survivor is from Utah..
Move on..
Get on with it
DA Lost and that is life..
Anonymous | 10:59 p.m. May 26, 2008
You can blame the producers of Idol all you want, Mr. Pierce, but its the media -- like your newspaper -- that published these "anonymous" rumors.

Where is your responsibility?


Besides, DC is a much better performer. I thought DA was boring as can be.
yea sure | 11:20 p.m. May 26, 2008
They began humiliating David early on because he was getting so many votes... the rumors about his dad were awful... the final voting was very fishy...when so many people are suspicious, you start thinking, where there's smoke, there's fire. The Paula goof was interesting. I'm not from Utah.

I'm not taking A I seriously again and I wouldn't want my kid to try out for it. OK David C is a great guy, but I don't think he was the better singer.
the brighton goalie | 11:31 p.m. May 26, 2008
In Cooks defense, I think if Archuleta HAD one AI, his career would've ended up like Clay Aiken's or Ruben's. Making one album and then disappearing off the radar. His lack of ability to right his own stuff and the fact he just sings wouldn't help. At least Cook does his own stunts. Today there isn't as much of a demand for his style, someone like Cook has a greater chance merely because of the genres he associates himself with. I think America made the right choice in Cook and it'll be interesting to see what he puts out.
To Anonymous | 11:33 p.m. May 26, 2008
There are many, many people who love David A who are not from Utah. Quit bashing the beautiful state of Utah! I'm not from Utah. Quit bashing Jeff A.
flarda | 11:33 p.m. May 26, 2008
I agree - David Archuleta was ROBBED!! He was the best singer by far. David Cook was good - but not unique. David Archuleta is one of a kind and I believe he will have a much bigger music career than Cook. I loved seeing his Dad in the audience each night, full of smiles of pride. I hate that the rumors were started about him. I'm sure that played a part in the outcome of American Idol... right along with Simons big complements to David A causing the panicked Cook fans to over vote. The outcome was shocking and seemed so rigged that I doubt I will ever watch American Idol again. They need to change their voting system to 1 vote per person for a more truthful outcome. And they most definately need to apologize to Jeff Archuleta. He seems like a very nice man who is always there for his son. He has to be a good man to have raised such a fine yourg man as David.
Thank you | 11:42 p.m. May 26, 2008
The recent comments match what I wanted to say.
Thank you Pippa, and all the Anonymous's.
Please DN-please move on. DA accepted it and since the final word (according to DN) is DA, lets agree with him, It's about time people are speaking up to all these ridiculus articles about the loser of AI.
sb | 12:09 a.m. May 27, 2008
So David A didn't win AI, but who knows maybe somewhere down the road there is something even better. He and many of the other contestants have talent. Who knows what life holds for any of them. I wish all of them the best.
Jill | 12:17 a.m. May 27, 2008
A day late and a dollar short. Watching the Jeff Archuleta situation made me sick. Clearly he is
an incredible father making great sacrafices for
the love of his son. It was cruel and unforgiveable
of AI and I will never watch the show again. I am
glad he did not win so he can be out from under AI
using him as "their boy". He can now move on to
bigger and better things. Also, to jerk the rug under a 17 year old who is singing his heart out
by making sure bad press of his father brings up
their ratings is egregious. AI is that hard up for
ratings. Maybe this is an example of WHY.
CougarKeith | 1:12 a.m. May 27, 2008
1. Does it really matter?
2. Why does anyone really care?
3. Does anyone know any Iraq soldier who has been decorated lately? I would like to know about that!!!
Katheryn | 2:00 a.m. May 27, 2008
Let's put this into perspective: Twelve million votes equals 6,000 people with 2,000 votes each. By texting for four hours with a GoPhone and dialing via a landline, I estimate that I got in about 2,000 votes. David A's fan base is very diverse, but an important part of it is made up of younger fans not able to stay up until 1:00 a.m. I would not be surprised to learn that more people actually voted for David A, but only got in a few votes each, not understanding the organized effort by both Davids' fan bases to maximize the number of votes. In the end, Simon's over-the-top praise for David A and his overly critical take on David C's performances at the finale served his wish for David C to win. How? 1) By lighting a fire under Cook's fan base. (All season long, harsh comments by Simon translated into more votes for that contestant.) 2) Lulling David A's fan base into complacency, thinking that he had this one in the bag and therefore not voting for the full four hours. I did not take the bait, but I was concerned that others would, and I was right.
You got it | 2:16 a.m. May 27, 2008
Mr. Pierce I think your absolutely right. American Idol does indeed owe Mr. Archuleta an apology and you're one of the first to come out and directly say it. Well done! I mean there's entertainment but when a person's charcter of being gets put to question then that's inexcusable! Hey let's face it they had their fav from the beginning and were willing to black ball anyone else to get their choice the viewers vote. Cause I don't think David C. can sing all that great - he yells some what - but when it came to real talent he didn't have it. But there's one good thing with David A. not winning this thing - he's not on contract with them anymore. The ques. now is Will the AI producers be BIG enough to apologize. Ironic David A. sang that song with One Republic. Simon apologized to Cook, but will AI producers be willing to do the same?
Wow... | 6:42 a.m. May 27, 2008
1 - Simon showed his support for David C from about mid-season onward, though he still told him when he gave a less than amazing performance. Randy showed his support for David A throughout the entire season, and never gave him a bad review, even when he hit bum notes and forgot his lyrics on at least 3 separate occasions.

2 - David C had been winning the vote every week for at least 5 weeks, according to multiple sources. He'd been gaining supporters every single week, whereas David A had roughly the same number of supporters all season, and rarely fluctuated in his vote totals.

3 - David C proved he could sing Broadway just as well as rock, and that he could take a boring ballad and make it contemporary. David A proved he could sing Broadway and a boring ballad in the exact same style as everything else he sang on the show.

4 - David C had the #1 album on Amazon.com, as well as 8/20 of the top songs on iTunes for weeks. "Always Be My Baby" stayed as the #1 downloaded song in the country for 6 weeks.

The real winner Did win.
Hello???? | 7:54 a.m. May 27, 2008
This is an interesting microcosm into life in Utah. 30+ years ago I moved to California to work and raise my family. Upon moving, I immediately realized the rules had changed. I could no longer put my head in the sand and ignore the real world. Somebody should have prepared David that "Hollywood" happens. People don't all wear CTR rings on their fingers. David seems mature and capable, it's the rest of you enablers who are at fault for your ignorance to life. If it wasn't for American Idol, NOBODY would know where Murray is.
record sales | 8:21 a.m. May 27, 2008
Whether we like David C. or David A. The real truth will be in the number of record sales. Look at the seasons where the second of third place sold more albums than the winner. What it comes down to is $. So buy the music of your favorite. That will see who the real winner is.
I believe that David A. will be successful and be around a lot longer for not winnin AI.
Bonnie in PA | 9:46 a.m. May 27, 2008
To: Best performer THANK YOU!!! Finally, someone I agree with!! While I am not saying David A. was awful- every week was the same! Some sappy song that sounded exactly like the week before, sung with his eyes closed. ( I counted- the average per song 12! - not including regular eye blinking) As for letting the kid know he lost by 12 million votes- not cool. He will probably go far with a little more maturity and time to develop some stage presence.
barc | 10:02 a.m. May 27, 2008
I'm not an archuleta hater or fan, but this article is on the verge of ridiculous. People have gone on the record about David's dad (Naomi Campbell), and while, yeah, it's sad, that's life and that's part of being in the spotlight. If Archie can't deal with it in the American Idol bubble, how can he deal when the AI team isn't protecting him.

To the author: Fix the chip on your shoulder, be a good sport about Cook's win, and stop the "we got wronged" complex. Doesn't mean you have to stop loving Archieboy. I think this article is on the verge of a high school editorial rant, but hey, it gets people to comment so maybe that was the purpose after all!
Lela | 10:06 a.m. May 27, 2008
I don�t believe there were any losers. Both Davids are talented in their own unique ways and they are both winners.

I especially admire David Archuleta for his beautiful music, humility and kindness. I believe that David Archuleta is much more intelligent and wiser than people credit him for. Despite of his youth, David Archuleta handled himself exceptionally well. He did not allow the press to affect his performances. With few exceptions, he consistently received excellent to outstanding reviews from the judges. He understands that education is important and has set this as a priority besides music. David Archuleta was a great sport when he graciously stated that he thought Cook deserved to win (bless his heart).

In view of all that was discussed here concerning the integrity of the American Idol producers, perhaps it was in David Archuleta�s best interest not to receive the American Idol contract. With David Archuleta�s winning attitude and work ethic, I�m sure that David Archuleta will be a huge success in all his endeavors. I wish David Archuleta the very best and I�m looking forward to buying his CDs.
Don't agree with this article. | 10:18 a.m. May 27, 2008
Pierce- your as bad as what you blame on American Idol. Why are you trying so hard to convince everyone that Jeff is such a wonderful person. I have no idea who this guy is-and I doubt if you know him well either. I don't know him and I've never met him-but I know what I have seen and I am not impressed! His 15 minutes of fame is almost over.

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