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'Idol' owes apologies

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Glad | 11:22 a.m. May 27, 2008
I am glad David Archuleta didn't win. I think he will have more control over his album since he came in second.

I didn't like what they did to Jeff Archuleta. Sorry, but a parent helping their child to develop their talent is not a bad thing. If only there were more parents like that then we would have a lot more David Archuleta's out there.

What bothers me is when parents don't help their kids at all to do anything...

I am curious as to why it would bother anyone that Jeff Archuleta was right in there with his MINOR son?

I mean, you saw first hand how they brought "hair" and pull ups into the show. I wonder if Jeff Archuleta would have allowed that...I doubt it.
Anonymous | 11:22 a.m. May 27, 2008
Why do people keep bringing up "Utah", "The Church" or "Mormons"? I don't see any reference to those things in the article. I don't watch the show, but I don't like people making blanket assumptions based on where a person lives or what religion they belong to. Isn't this show (Theoretically, at least) about singing talent? Who cares about their background?
Marquesito Mendoza | 12:06 p.m. May 27, 2008
It had to take a powerhouse talent like David Archuleta to make me want to watch American Idol again. Thank you, David A for bringing beautiful music into my life these last several weeks. In my book, you are the clear winner.
Comments continue below
anonymous | 1:25 p.m. May 27, 2008
david archuleta is the clear winner here. i think he has won in more ways than one. he is the real deal and i am so happy to have a good young man that my kids can look up to when it comes to entertainment. he was a pure joy to listen to every week. his talent is so unbelievably great. he is still the same kid who is shy and so likable. he represents utah so well. i think that his dad was put through the ringer and has been very respectable. we have no idea what goes on behind the scenes at AI... if we truly knew we would probably never watch again. i will buy anything that david archuleta puts out and i hope that everyone else who was upset he did not win will do the same thing. in the end that it was matters most anyways.
Brent | 1:47 p.m. May 27, 2008
Why no direct media interviews with Jeff ? Because the truth wouldn't help any producers or media make more money ? Or, on the other hand, would Jeff possibly shoot himself in the foot if he made himself available for an interview ?
Tea | 1:55 p.m. May 27, 2008
David's dad can be a pain in the butt, I used to work for him. He's pushy, persistent and aggravating. The thing is, after 17 years of knowing his own father, I am certain the boy would know how to handle him, himself. And one thing I do know, Jeff is so very proud of his son. Of course the show manipulated the information floating out there but do we really think that's going to destroy David's career? We all saw how talented he is. We also saw a dozen other talented people. Those kids are good. They have an IN.
MLR | 2:12 p.m. May 27, 2008
I AM NOT A TEEN ( JUST 67 YRS ) AND I LOVED ARCHIE. I THOUGH HE PREFORMED FLAWLESSLY EVERY NIGHT OF THE COMPETITION. I DO NOT KNOW HOW ANY ONE COULD HAVE VOTED ANY OTHER WAY. HE HAS A VOICE THAT IS LIKE SILK AND I LOVE WATCHING HIM PREFORM. HE IS JUST ADORABLE AND SO PURE. I FEEL THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE JEALOUS OF HIS TALENT. I HOPE HE SAILS TO THE TOP. I'LL DO MY PART WHEN HIS ALBUM COMES OUT. LOVE YOU ARCHIE!!!!!!
D-Train | 3:42 p.m. May 27, 2008
I can't believe how many of you think David Archuleta is a "good kid", "pure" and "the real deal" - upon what basis? You only ASSUME he is a "good kid" because he is Mormon. You really have no idea! What a bigoted thing to assume! Get a clue! Less than 1/2 of Utah Mormons are "active;" many young people get involved in drugs, underage drinking, premarital sex, and minor crime, even in Utah, and even if they are "active." The chances are VERY HIGH (above 50%) that Archuleta is not a pure, innocent, and unblemished as everybody would like to believe. Get real and quit being religious bigots!
Gal50 | 4:01 p.m. May 27, 2008
I think the real winner won, although I prefer Archuleta. I can see the versatility and creativity in Cook. Both will sell very well if they get decent songwriters. It doesn't matter that David A. came in second. He is much more interesting and talented than all of the other second place finishers and he will sell more than them. Album sales are more important than who won Idol. I'd rather be Daughtry or Jennifer Hudson than Taylor Hicks.

I do agree that Idol loves publicity and controversy as it boosts ratings and commercial rates. The Paula and Jeff debacles add more interest to the show. Some people may have felt sorry for the "abused" David and given him more votes due to his father's reported behavior.

Stage parents are coaches who invest an incredible amount of energy in a talented person in order to help the talented person succeed. We've all seen coaches yell either out of frustration or because it got results. If David's father has been overbearing and the result is that David A. is a huge star who makes millions and brings joy to everyone including himself, who are we to attack Jeff?
Ken | 5:32 p.m. May 27, 2008
What's reprehensible is all the time wasted on this "story" by the author and the readers.
johnny | 6:53 p.m. May 27, 2008
I wish when writers do a story these days, they would do a little research. Nigel did confirm that Jeff Archuleta was banned from interfering with Archie and his musical choices because of events that happened- in fact, he gave an interview about it a few days after. He tried to be nice about it but he said there was a misunderstanding and that Jeff appeared responsible for having Archie change one of the lyrics and cost them money when they were told not to. He said that was one of the reasons for the banning- to keep those things from happening and letting Archie make his own choices. No one was left hanging- Nigel made it clear AI thought Jeff was interfering and they made a move to stop it. He's been banned from two shows where Archie was a contestant- obviously there is a problem and Archie just wants to sweep it under the rug and pretend there's not and it's been a mistake. The father WAS banned, the producer confirmed it, those are the facts- the details aren't clear but there's no denying it happened.
Dreamer | 7:30 p.m. May 27, 2008
As a LDS, David's father was uncomfortable with the words to the John Lennon song, Imagine. David sang it twice.

Here are the words. Should a good LDS sing such a song?

Imagine there's NO HEAVEN
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And NO RELIGION TOO
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
not rigged | 7:53 p.m. May 27, 2008
anyone who says its rigged is so so so stupid...sorry but its not rigged
Lela | 8:00 p.m. May 27, 2008
To: D Ttrain:

Why would you assume that David Archuleta is not a nice person? Do you know David Archuleta personally? As far as I can see, David Archuleta is clean cut, well-mannered, very respectful, and humble. He never talks back to the judges and he speaks kindly of everyone. He graciously stated that he thought Cook deserved the American Idol title. David Archuleta is a straight A student and has been active in pursuing his singing career. I doubt that he had time for drugs or alcoholic. Everything that I read about him, including interviews with his friends, not one person said anything negative about him. On the contrary, there were many positive comments about David A. The Mayor of Murray City, Utah has honored David Archuleta during his homecoming visit. David Cook stated that David Archuleta is nice and genuine. Simon Cowell stated that David Archuleta is likeable and very nice. There is a saying: �If he looks like a nice kid, �acts like a nice kid�, �chances are he is a nice kid.�

Although I�m not Mormon, you were very rude and disrespectful in your comments about the Mormons and calling other people bigots.
Lucy | 8:02 p.m. May 27, 2008
Im a huge David A fan...No, Im NOT from Utah, nor a morman, and Im certainly not a "teenie-bopper". I voted for David A and many times it came back and said "thank you for voting for contestant 1". I know it was the right number, because I was re-dialing. Something fishy there huh???? How can you say David A sounded the same every week? David C sounded exactly the same every week, every song...screaming into the mic!!! I agree AI owes the Archuleda family an apology, Along with us viewers...they played us for fools!!!!!
Archie Fan | 8:08 p.m. May 27, 2008
To Dreamer:

David A. did not sing the entire lyrics of the song. He left out some of the lyrics like "NO RELIGION TOO" and "NO HEAVEN" I have it on video tape. There is a time limit on the length of the song, so he left certain phases out.
It's me! | 9:10 p.m. May 27, 2008
David Archuleta was boring, nasal, and had little stage presence. He sung well but did not have star quality. Regardless of your conspiracy theories, David Cook will sell many more albums than David Archuleta, he's a better performer.

Hey | 9:54 p.m. May 27, 2008
David A was great and getting better. Remember "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"? That was amazing! I have nothing against David C. The Elton John songs in an earlier season weren't that good...David A sang it like the phenom he is. Let's see how he's doing when he is 25.
Nor Cal | 9:56 p.m. May 27, 2008
Holy cow. Who cares? People are dying in Iraq.
BJ | 10:31 p.m. May 27, 2008
It is a real shame that the industry can do this to a young boy. I do not believe for a minute that there were even that many votes. I do not believe David Cook won. I believe that the AI Producers wanted David C to record first because they lost out on Daughtry. But it won't matter in the long run because Archie is just a gift from God. I watched every performance and no I am not a teen or grandma I am a 42 year old Accontant. I think both guys are very talented but I got every message and felt just as Archie has described it when he performs. "What a feeling. He is amazing and he has an amazing gift. I will not watch AI next year I feel there is a reason I am so drawn to this kids music. Good Luck David.
Anonymous | 11:20 p.m. May 27, 2008
At the end of this article the ever-so-philosophical Mr. Pierce says "TV is a business" no matter how "reprehensible" and yet demands an apology to Jeff Archuleta expecting that business to change its ways for one man. Anyone who believes "anonymous" sources is a fool. This is not the fault of the American Idol producers who, as a matter of policy, have never addressed rumors surrounding the show. That would just add fuel to the fire. And, please, STOP with the conspiracy theories! Every year when someone's favorite doesn't win the complaints about the show being "fixed" start pouring in. And, BTW, nobody else except Paula was confused that night no matter how anybody tries to explain it. She's a loon. If I were the producer of the show I wouldn't say anything either and hope it quietly went away ASAP. I think the producer's statement was made through Ryan the next night.
RE: D-Train | 11:36 p.m. May 27, 2008
That has to be one of the stupidest comments I've ever read, and I've read a lot. Guilty until proven innocent, huh? I always thought it was the other way around, that we should hope for, expect, and even assume the best in people until we have reason to believe otherwise. You must have been abused as a child to have such a negative outlook on anything, you really need to look in the mirror.
Bookaholic | 11:40 p.m. May 27, 2008
David Archuleta was the best singer by far on American Idol. At 17 David doesn�t have the stage presence of Cook who�s 25 and played in a rock band for eight straight years. DUH! Surprised, anyone?! David Cook didn't have stage presence at 17 either.

What David Archuleta has is an exquisite, soaring, emotive voice unlike any I've ever heard. Some of his songs are just piercing, they're so moving. He DOES write music and has rare musicality. He reinterprets songs on the fly depending on his mood, makes them different every time he sings.

A musician put it like this:

"David has a beautiful, smoky pop voice, but also the musical sophistication of a good jazz singer. If he visited the studio 5-6 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.

When David is allowed free reign over his own artistic choices, he'll be in a class of his own. He's the genius of the group, no question about it."

You rock, David!!
inLA | 11:41 p.m. May 27, 2008
Oh!my goodness people still fight for their fav. THEY BOTH WON.......OK????????Don't hurt your ownself people, the matter of fact both can make record at the equal amount and you'll see who sale most. That will be your appreciation....thank to JC..he leap at first so he doesn't got bang from you PEOPLE!!!Ha..ha.
Bookaholic | 12:14 a.m. May 28, 2008
D-Train--You're the one who should quit being a religious bigot. We are basing our opinion of David Archuleta on about 25 video interviews with friends, family, teachers, coaches, etc. and probably that many articles about him quoting everyone from the mayor of Murray to his next door neighbors. It's a mild equivalent of an FBI probe.

David is just what he seems--WONDERFUL! Deal with it, already!

Plus being nearly an angel, he sings like one, and we love it! So, there.

Now, go back to listening to your beloved rap music. *Snore*
Wendy J. | 12:33 a.m. May 28, 2008
The format of the show is such that it needs a little juicy controversy to make it interesting, otherwise it could get a little boring. I am biased toward David Archuleta, namely because he is the gives every song he sings everything he's got. A very passionate person. He is young and without a doubt his future will be bright. Hopefully it doesn't go to his head. What the business does to some performers is horrible. Namely, Brittany Spears, Judy Garland, Elvis, to name a few. As for David Cook No, no, no ! I don't like his style, his voice, and especially that arragant persona of his. Have a nice day all.
D Train is right | 12:57 a.m. May 28, 2008
So what's next? is there going to be a "David A" on the next Fox Show "So you think you can dance?" Or does the humility, sweet, etc personality only applies to singers?
Idol owes us nothing | 1:59 a.m. May 28, 2008
It gave America exactly what we wanted.

There's no fairness doctrine, no "equal protection clause".

It is there for the sole purpose of selling adverising, and making enough to pay lame no-talent emcee's enough to get a $200 haircut and have not-so-witty banter with Simon Cowell.
jackryan | 2:08 a.m. May 28, 2008
Melanie @ 3:15

Exactly!

I would also like to add that I find it reprehensible for Simon to apologize to Cook prior to the announcement of the winners because he was verging on being disrespectful with his comments on him the night before. Never mind being disrespectful to the other David at that moment, eh? Never mind that this judge practically campaigned on popular TV shows for Cook deserving the title....

And he further rationalized this by saying that he knows Cook is a proud person. Well an older idol does not have monopoly of pride.

Sad that the title went to the David who never intended to audition, if that script-perfect story line is to be believed, and who delivered a half-hearted performance in the finale.
trixie7733 | 4:14 a.m. May 28, 2008
JUST MOVE ON WHO CARES?
Trevor in IL | 7:56 a.m. May 28, 2008
Oh yeah...cause David Archuletta is such an unbiased source to get the scoop from! Like he is going to make a comment that would make his dad look bad...TERRIBLE article with nothing to add to the story at all. SERIOUSLY
Archie Fan | 9:54 a.m. May 28, 2008
To the One that commented that "D-Train is right"

YOU ARE SO WRONG! I would rather see more David A. type of kids on TV than kids who are drug addicts or alcholics. Even worst are kids who are messed up and have kids of their own. What a shame!
Franz | 9:59 a.m. May 28, 2008
It was a great article and AI no doubt needs to get their act together, but I think it ended up O.K. The results are determined by fan votes, am I right? Yeah, the judges comments probably play a part in how the voting goes, but the end result is based on fan votes, right? Sometimes I think there was too much conspiracy theory. The results weren't exactly what I wanted, but I am not that worried about it.

I liked David A. all along, but I have to say that I was more impressed by his attitude after the show was over. He is very talented, and I hope he does well, but he realizes that fame can be short-lived. He just wanted a chance and he got it.

Whether David A. is the idol or not doesn't matter, David Cook is also a great person, and both Davids are going to do well. Both are genuine, nice guys. They both deserve every good thing they get.
Wow | 10:47 a.m. May 28, 2008
TO MLR
How can you say that David A performed "flawlessly" every night? Didn't he forget the lyrics on2 different songs?

TO everyone that thinks this is rigged and all that other garbage. The fans voted and picked the winner. It wasn't the judges. You have to be an idiot to say that Simon made the Cook fans mad so they would vote more by his comments after Cook sang in the finals. If that were the case then Jason Castro would have won. Don't you remember Simon telling Jason to pack his bags? That shoud have made the Jason fans mad and vote more and he would have won. I find it really hard to believe that David A actually had more fans. I thought he was a better singer than Cook but Cook was a lot easier to listen to because he has a sound that more people are used to listening too. I complained about people saying Cook is so original because really he is not and can be found in any major city downtown on weekends playing in local venues and that is what I love and more people love that than ballards all day.
jt | 10:52 a.m. May 28, 2008
get a grip people. its over, he lost. let it die.
Wow | 10:54 a.m. May 28, 2008
Continue.... Cook is what the majority or america listens too and that is obivous because he received 12 MILLION more votes. Archuleta is good but I do not believe for one second that AI owes his family an apology and that AI did whatever they could to get Cook to win it all. If they really picked the winner and manipulated it like this article and many people say then Fantasia wouldn't have won, and Hicks wouldn't have one. It was obvious that both were good but that boths' records would be outsold by people who placed lower than them. There was no conspiracy and Archuleta was not cheated. Get over it people and realize that it is just a dumb TV show. All this talk is as bad as everyone saying that the sports teams lose because of the refs. Sure refs make bad calls every now and again and the judges on AI got is wrong a few times as well but when it comes down to it you never lose because of the judges or refs. Archuleta lost to a more complete singer(not necesarrily a better singer) because more fans voter for the other guy!!!
Melody | 11:07 a.m. May 28, 2008
First of all, David Cook DID NOT win..It was given to him by his fans who keyed in multiple votes with "gizmo 5, dialidol, go-phone etc. Gizmo 5 will send out thousands of votes in a very short time..that's where Cook got his million votes...don't ever believe that millions of fans gave him those votes, because it did not happen...it was all machine work, which by the way, did any of you honest individuals ever hear Ryan Seacrest say that you could vote on the comp..No..I found out about these cheating votes through teenagers that I know...and, as one person mentioned, my votes were also diverted to # 1, and I know I voted for # 2..THAT, COOK FANS IS CALLED CHEATING...........................YOU ALL KNEW COOK WAS GOING TO LOSE, SO YOU DID WHAT YOU HAD TO DO TO MAKE HIM WIN, along with his pity stories about his family...family problems should not be allowed on stage...this is not whining pal, these are facts, and honesty is what counts.....
TO melody | 11:41 a.m. May 28, 2008
So did youhave to be a cook fan to use gizmo 5, dialidol, go-phone etc? Archuleta fans could use those too. I really think all you conspiracy theorists are a bunch of idiots. I had votes diverted to #2. What do you have to say about that?
Cheating??? | 12:43 p.m. May 28, 2008
Did you know that murray high school broadcast the final on a projector on their football field and that they handed out prepaid go phones to everyone that showed up? If cook fans cheated by using them then so did Murray High school. Let's all just agree that the voting is a joke but honestly people, the margin was to big to really believe that it was rigged. If you are going to cheat you do not make yourself or the person you want to win, win by that large of a margin.
jade | 1:23 p.m. May 28, 2008
I think that it was a not a terrible thing that David A. lost. He will now have more control over his career and I know he will be successful. I believe he will probably be more successful than David Cook in the long run. I think that he may just end up being a music icon as the years pass. I will buy his albums. I love his voice. By the way, I am far from being a tweener.
Lights are on; noone is home. | 1:41 p.m. May 28, 2008
Hey, Utah,
Burma
China
Iraq
Presidential election
Shark attacks
Naked people
Please, anything, but a ridiculous, waste-of time argument about a meaningless talent show.
musiclover | 1:49 p.m. May 28, 2008
I am an amateur musician and have played for numerous community productions. I have an ear and know music. DA is the best technically. DC is the best marketable. Personally, if every AI contestant released a CD on the same day, the one I'd buy is Jason Castro. Just the kind of music I like to listen to. I watch, don't vote, because I like listening to music. Don't care who wins.
Wow... | 2:15 p.m. May 28, 2008
I know, maybe it was the aliens that voted for David Cook! You're all ridiculous with your conspiracy theories, give it a rest.

Both of the Davids had amazing talent, in fact I think there was more talent on this season than any of the previous seasons and I plan to continue to watch in the future hoping that the talent can match up to this year.
American Idol Changes Needed | 2:23 p.m. May 28, 2008
�I think they should re-think their voting system, like limiting the number of votes
for each contestant or allowing only one vote for each contestant. This would
reflect a more accurate number of votes for the contestants

�They should not have allowed Simon to campaign for David Cook
at various TV shows because it was unfair to David Archuleta.

�In the future, they may want to increase the minimum age to 19 years old to eliminate �stage parents� issues and the need for high school tutoring.
jt | 4:31 p.m. May 28, 2008
to musiclover, amen, amen, amen
The results are in.... | 6:12 p.m. May 28, 2008
To all those posting here that boast Archuleta will have better sales than Cook, and Archuleta was robbed, the contest was rigged, bad press caused his loss, and album sales will determine the real winner, yada, yada. Well, some the first sales results are in from Yahoo Music:

"Cook's 17 entries have a combined total of 944,000 paid downloads.

Archie's songs have a combined total of 301,000 paid downloads.

Cook was downloaded more than three times as often as his rival."

So there you have it.
What was the article about? | 6:22 p.m. May 28, 2008
I thought that I was reading about Jeff Archuleta, but most of the comments have nothing to do with that. What I am reading is the same childish comments you would see in the AI, oh my David is better, no my David is better, no your David is dumb, uh uh, your David is dumb, can I say GROW UP!!! Ok, one comment, that had to do with Jeff A was from Tia, she actually worked for him. I liked that she was very mature in her comments, she was factual in how big a pain Jeff can be, but she also had enough insight to know that he cared and an observation that is David has been around his father for 17 years, he is going to get him. Let me see a raise of hands, how many of us would be stage parents from down under? I would be soooo annoying, and she would patiently keep her mouth shut, just like David A., I believe that David A balances out his father, just as my daughter did for me.
Debbie Gloria | 7:46 p.m. May 28, 2008
American Idol was one of my favorite shows. I never believed the rumors that the show was rigged but after watching this season I've changed my mind.
The judges and the producers don't control the votes that come in.(that's fair) They do however know exactly how to sway the vote in their favor.
Simon once said," The right person will win I'll make sure of that! He doesn't learn, look what happened when he pulled for Ruben. Who was the real winner that season?
Archangelia | 8:43 p.m. May 28, 2008
Since the title is the only thing that "Cookie" got that "Archie" doesn't get, the playing field is even since the tumult and the shouting has died. I remember Season 5 winner (Taylor Who?)getting the lion's share of the votes to win the title. But when push came to shove, the fans voted with their purses and wallets when the day of reckoning came and the CD's were released. To date Tay has sold 700K, Chris Daughtry, the #4 finisher has sold 4 Million and still counting. So let's wait and see what transpires 6 months down the road. After all, it is much easier (if you have the equipment) to vote 500 times than it is to shell out the money for 500 CDs.
CMS | 9:00 p.m. May 28, 2008
ARCHANGELIA YOUR COMMENTS ARE RIGHT ON!!!!!

Again I say... What's done is done lets wait and see just who is the TRUE idol.

What if the final vote was held on Saturday Morning instead? I bet there would have been a different outcome when those younger fans were not sent to bed by 9:00 pm.

PS For everyone with this "It's Over" or "Get a life people" or "theres a war going on" attitude, if you dont want to hear this discussion...LEAVE.

Many of us are angry that the best sounding voice to come out of AI EVER did not get the title that he so deserved.

Oh yea...I am not Morman, I live in Detroit and at 52 years old I grew up in the 70s in Detroit Rock City and I still Choose Archie!!!!

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