Friends knew Archuleta had talent
He wasn't particularly popular or outgoing, friends say. Just a normal 17-year-old kid who liked "Guitar Hero" and worried about his grades.
But seemingly overnight, Archuleta has become a pop star with the ability to make love-struck girls and grandmothers cry. Mothers want him to marry their daughters, and the "American Idol" finalist can command a crowd larger than most politicians.
This transition to superstar — or "Idol," if you will — has been a little odd for friends and acquaintances.
He's David. From Murray.
But those who are close to Archuleta say they've always had a hunch the hazel-eyed heartthrob would find a way to touch people with his music. They have heard the power of his voice, whether singing hymns in a seminary class or joining others in a school choir.
"He's living his dream, which I think is way cool," said Jessica Judd, a junior at Murray and a close friend. "It's so cool that he's finally doing it, and he sings just so he can reach people. He doesn't just want to be a celebrity."
She says his humility and shyness aren't an act. That is who he is. While some boys at high school always have girls all over them, Archuleta didn't, according to Judd. He just had a lot of friends, and "no one disliked him."
Earlier in the day, he cried when he saw the crowd that had gathered to meet him at The Gateway Mall in downtown Salt Lake City.
"I don't think you realize how much this means to me," he said. "Thank you so much for you guys' support."
Archuleta's biography says he began singing as early as age 6, when his dad, Jeff, brought home a CD with songs from "Les Miserables." Archuleta memorized the music from the disc, and not only could he perform the songs with the correct accents, but in perfect pitch, his grandfather, Jim Archuleta, told the Deseret News earlier this year.
"That's when we realized this kid has a gift," the elder Archuleta said during that interview.
Jim Archuleta was asked this past week for a follow-up interview, but he said he and his family have been asked not to speak with the media. "American Idol" requires its contestants and immediate families to sign a contract agreeing not to speak with the press during the show's run.
Friends say the family will fly to California today in preparation for this week's finale of "American Idol." Archuleta and David Cook — "the two Davids" — will perform Tuesday, fans will vote, and the winner will be announced Wednesday night.
Recent comments
I think he's good, but everyone at my school thinks he should...
Jasmine | Aug. 6, 2008 at 9:56 a.m.
David is definitely is an idol.....he's got the talent alright...
Kika | July 22, 2008 at 8:32 a.m.
I think the haters and negative people that seem to feel so superior...
accord | July 17, 2008 at 12:21 p.m.
