Reader comments: Archuleta glad to be home — and crowd is crazy about him

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Bookaholic | 3:17 a.m. July 15, 2008
David Archuleta is the most talented singer and musician to come down the pike in a very long time. He’s gonna be a HUGE star!

Besides the incredible voice, unique musicality, endearing personality, and way cute face, David is a rare bird in another fashion. He’s one of the most decent, kind, down-to-earth, and humble people to be found at the top of the heap (which is where he’ll be shortly), period. He’s a great role model for folks of all ages, but especially for young people.

I read everything about him and here are some things I’ve seen. Youth saying that they 1) are going to work on their grades because David is a 4.0 student; 2) have decided that, like David, they aren’t ready to date; 3) have decided to quit cursing because David doesn’t; 4) find his music uplifting and when their lives are in travail, he gives them hope; 5) are trying harder to get along with their families because he loves his so; 6) have decided his advice to be yourself is wise; 7) and are trying to be a better person because of his example.

Just a bit of what I’ve seen. IMPRESSIVE, huh?!!
CP | 5:11 a.m. July 15, 2008
Yes we in Utah do love David A. The other finalists looked good too, except Syesha looked more like she was ready to work on the streets rather then perform a concert in the one outfit she wore hanging out all over.
samhill | 7:19 a.m. July 15, 2008
It is good to read of the many youth who declare they will do all the very laudable things listed becase they want to be "like David". And I am very glad that they have someone such as David to act as a role model.

I also hope that as they actually do those things, they will eventually realize the wisdom of adopting those attitudes and behaviors for the inherent advantages they offer. If they continue to do their best to be their best, I'm sure they will.
Comments continue below
missi | 7:37 a.m. July 15, 2008
Archie isn't what we are looking for in todays music. A little old fashion for people who buy music in the 21 century. But all these idols have something to offer. Good luck to all!!
Fran | 7:43 a.m. July 15, 2008
David is an amazing talent, a legend in the making. He's an inspiration for teenagers and adults. People in Utah are not the only ones thta love david.
Murray Grad | 8:04 a.m. July 15, 2008
David A. we are ALL so proud of you!! You were absolutely AMAZING last night! Thanks for a wonderful show!!!
robert schultz | 8:12 a.m. July 15, 2008
David Archuleta is the best. I didnt get to see him in Los Angelos California so I drove all the way from here to see him last night. Since there playing and extra night i,ll be staying here for one more night to see him again. David Cook is also excellent but not nearly as talented. Some of the other acts will be playing in dive bars by next year at best. Ofcourse this does not include the state of Utah. The people of Utah are the friendliest of all the states ive traveled through. Someday i,ll move here full time.
Antoinette | 9:05 a.m. July 15, 2008
Response to Missi:
How can you say David isn't what we're looking for; too old fashioned for the 21st century. Do you listen to the radio? Did you ever hear of John Mayer, Josh Groban and the myriad of other singers who sing the same kind of music? Is it because it's not rap? I just don't get it. Your comment is so surprising to me. Even rock groups turn out songs along the same lines as the singers mentioned above. Do some research and then rethink your comment. I know you'll feel differently.
Sydney | 9:12 a.m. July 15, 2008
David A. sings like an angel! But I think he needs to make a special visit to St. George. Keep that in consideration, David. WE LOVE YOU!
Kait | 9:17 a.m. July 15, 2008
Missi, shouldn't you speak for yourself only? How do you know what anyone else is looking for in music? Obviously, a lot of people are HUNGRY for a musician like David. I find him unique in the music world, and I can't wait for the CD.
Antoinette | 9:30 a.m. July 15, 2008
Response to Missi:
Hi Missi. I'm very surprised at your comment that David's music is "old fashioned" for the 21st Century. Did you ever hear of Josh Groban, John Mayer and John Maz? Those are the people that inspired David and his music. If you haven't heard of them or listened to their music, you might want to listen to some songs. Unless you are completely into rock and rap. I don't know what you like. But, I'm 47 and probably a lot older than you. I would not buy a David Cook CD because I am not into rock. Different people - that's all. Nice to talk to you missi.
Antoinette
Bahamut | 9:32 a.m. July 15, 2008
This is probably the best performance David has done on tour. ANd the crowd seems to agree. Bravo David!!
Tara | 9:49 a.m. July 15, 2008
I hope that David Archuleta doesn't succumb to pressure to fit in the mold of some of the young stars already out there. He is so unique, and should set his own course. There is not a mold out there right now that he fits into. I think that is why everyone appreciates him so much. Besides the fact that he has an incredible voice, he also has a unique personality that needs to find his own direction. I would be disappointed to see him land in some Disney or Nickolodeon track. It would really be a step down for him.
Non-fanatic | 9:50 a.m. July 15, 2008
You idol fanatics are a little scary. Since you can pretty much count on most all American Idol people having their contracts dropped and ending up on "where are they now" episodes...most of this is along the moot point of a fad. All you need to do is watch American Idol Rewind to see what all the washed up idolists are doing now. There are only a handful of exceptions. Since this season was so forgettable, watch for the same thing to happen soon.
Huh? | 10:21 a.m. July 15, 2008
missi, "...isn't what WE are looking for in today's music..."?? How nice of you to speak for us all.
oh boy | 10:38 a.m. July 15, 2008
Here we go again with the all great and wonderful David A. Don't get me wrong I think the kid can sing pretty well but I am still so confused at why people think he is "Great" and "angelic" and "inspiring". I have only heard him do other people's songs. He has no music of his own. I am also saddened by all the people that try to be like him and make themselves better. Good for them for wanting to be better but the reason they are doing it is fake. You should never want to be better to be like someone else. You should do those things for yourself because you want to be the best person you can be and not to be like someone else. I think too much credit is given to this American Idol(karaoke) and that people need to settle down and enjoy its entertainment but not worship it or its people. Many people need to get real and get a life. I have found it entertaining but worthy of the praise it receives. Please enjoy but quit worshipping and David please write your own stuff and quit singing karaoke.
oh boy cont... | 10:39 a.m. July 15, 2008
And please stop comparing David to Josh Groban. He is no where close to his level and probably never will be. David is good but by no means is he great. Congrats to him for chasing a dream and working hard for it but he still has a lot of work to do and fans need to be real about him. especially in Utah. I for one and glad that he did not win AI because I am glad that every time I drive by Murray I do not have to see a billboard that says "Welcome to Murray, Home of American Idol David Archuleta". I would hate that
oh boy | 10:41 a.m. July 15, 2008
I meant to say that I have found it entertaining but NOT worthy of the praise it receives.
So for the typo.
soco63 | 10:47 a.m. July 15, 2008
oh boy.. please do your homework. David is writing songs for his upcoming CD, and has recorded a couple of songs when he was younger that he co-wrote. Contestants on Idol cannot use their own songs so David and the rest are forced to sing other people's songs.
Also, I see nothing wrong with young people wanting to emulate David. I can't think of a better role model. Certainly it's better than following in the footsteps of Britney Spears or Linsdsay Lohan.
martiee | 11:00 a.m. July 15, 2008
oh boy, you are the biggest hater i've heard!
Aimee | 11:04 a.m. July 15, 2008
Young David is unique, creative, multi-talented, gracious, grounded and extremely adorable. At only 17, he'll only get better and be around to motivate and inspire people for many many years to come. Thank you for the article.
mace | 11:24 a.m. July 15, 2008
david is unique and will only get better with age. lucky him!
Interesting | 11:28 a.m. July 15, 2008
I love music. I have been inspired by lyrics. I've never been inspired by a singer. Singers need lyric like actors need a script. We remember the pronouncement,"a rising tide lifts all boats." We forget their was a speech write who wrote those words and people who staged the event.

I wish I had the ability, upon hearing a person sing to see if they are moral, credit worthy, not just putting on a show for their economic aggrandizement or that they love furry puppies.

Paul Robeson, like Wood Guthrie sang before my time. I didn't need the commonality of place or time to understand their greatest.

David is like a puppy. The question is will you still like him when he grows up and to witness all his wrinkles?
Buster | 11:43 a.m. July 15, 2008
I like David, but he's a third rate singer from a two bit Telivision Show.

Tell me there is more to this life than American Idol.

Do your show, get on the bus, then get a life.

Ask Ruben, Clay or the grey haired guy.
oh boy | 11:55 a.m. July 15, 2008
to martiee ....how I am a hater when I said I enjoy it?

to soco63 ....I didn't say he didn't write his own stuff I simply said that he has yet to do anything that is HIS. Every one talks about HIS music and I have not heard any of it. When I get a chance to hear HIS music and not someone else's that he sings then I will give him more credit but until then I still question why everyone thinks HIS music is so inspirational when he hasn't done HIS music..yet. I am sure he will soon enough and then we will see how good he really is. Good luck to him. And I think he is a good role model and it is much better than Lindsey and Britney but at the same time I believe that people should do it for themselves and not to copy someone else. You should never say "I want to get a 4.0 because David has one" Who cares? Do it for you and not to be like him. Do it because it makes you feel like a better person but not because someone else did it.
not impressed | 12:15 p.m. July 15, 2008
karaoke singers like Archuleta shouldn't get so much attention.
MoJules | 12:18 p.m. July 15, 2008
There is nothing wrong with David being old fashioned, that means that he is not bowing down to the world. I hope that he realizes that there are more than teens out there that enjoy him, his music is uplifting and very soothing to the soul. I believe that the comparison to Josh Groban is not the voice, but the type of music that they both sing. I love Josh, and have a couple of his CD's, and I actually pre-ordered three of Davids on Amazon, this is the first time that I have purchased any AI CD's. Going to give one to my friend for her 60th birthday and to my step grand daughter that is nine, what does that say?
fancygirl | 12:25 p.m. July 15, 2008
Some good discussion here! Oh boy, I eagerly await the day when David gets to sing his own music, however he has also shown the ability to imbue even old clunkers with an original sound. And he did do one song that was not a cover--his choice of songwriting contest song during the finale. He took a mediocre-at-best song in that and turned it into something memorable (to many anyway).

I also agree that kids should never have to say "I want to get a 4.0 because David..." but at that age, few are venturing outside the limits set by peer pressure. To have someone like David inspire them to find out that being a better person makes you feel better--that's good isn't it? Oh and I have stopped swearing because of David--something my mother couldn't get me to do in over 40 years.
Kiki | 12:49 p.m. July 15, 2008
The concert was so amazing! All the idols were great and you could tell they put in a LOT of effort!!!! After the first two songs that Archie sang we all clapped for him for like 20 minutes! He's really an awesome example on how to follow your dreams and still be able to keep the same standards you had before you started. All the idols did so well and I thank them for coming to UTAH for the Tour!
ST. Georgian | 12:51 p.m. July 15, 2008
I don't understand what people are not hearing in Archies voice. Having sang in front of thousands of people, I can tell you, he has a fabulous voice. For a kid his age, he will only get better.
Fran | 12:56 p.m. July 15, 2008
David has an amazing talent, an incredible voice, an ability to bring passion and emotion to every song he chooses to sing. He is a legend in the making and I am proud of him. I haven't felt this invested in a musician in a long time. My question is for all the haters: you saw the title of the article why bother to read it if you look down on AI and the contestants on the show. Read a book, go rollerblading, go to a movie-why waste time commenting on someone or something you can't stand. David Archuleta was my favorite this year, so I only voted for him. The rest of contestant had great voices, but David Archuleta was my favorite that's all. However I don't spend my time reading glowing articles about the other contestants and then proceed to bash the reporter and supporters of that contestant. It would be a waste of my time, so why are you wasting your time searching for David Archuleta's articles if you don't appreciate his talent. You don't have to tear some one else down to elevate the musician you like.
Sydney | 1:22 p.m. July 15, 2008
To all those David Archuleta haters who have entered their text, why comment on something you don't even find worth it? And especially to you, Oh Boy, just because a lot of people are fans of Archuleta and have made signs to cheer him on does not mean they're WORSHIPPING him! How did you come up with that idea? Yes, true I understand that kids these days should not do something good just because Archuleta does, me being only 12 and having a 4.0 not because he does, but at least their trying harder in life. And I'll bet you have a role model too, and don't you want to some-what follow in their footsteps? So don't go all hypocrytical like that and get it in your head that his fans don't "worship" him. And, when someone says that they like David's music, they mean they like what he's sang on the show. DUH! You don't have to be a real genious to figure that out. David Archuleta is great, and I wish him good luck in his many up-comming albums and accomplishments. GO DAVID ARCHULETA!
priorities | 1:51 p.m. July 15, 2008
How wonderful it would be if our fallen soldiers received as much press and adulation as these 'idols'. Few people even know their names.
ToUtahConcertGoers | 2:18 p.m. July 15, 2008
I think it is awesome that the Utah concert goeers brought David A. such a warm welcome home. You gave him as big a gift as he gave to you in his music. I am sure this tour has been exhilirating for him but to come home must have been an over-the-top experience. And to the people who have to say something bad about David A:

It is better have people think you are stupid than to open your mouth and prove them right.

David A will shine for a long time: Hide in the bushes and watch!
David Archuleta is BOO! | 2:20 p.m. July 15, 2008
BOO David Archuleta! DAVID COOK ALL THE WAY!!!
Wonderer | 2:23 p.m. July 15, 2008
Hi Priorities:
You're exactly right! A boy karaokes his way to stardom and people go crazy about him as if he is a hero. Talk about WORSHIPPING ARCHULETA! I heard that he was the only person in the state of Utah that received the loudest screams, cheers and welcome back out of all the worthy people that visit there. Yet, those who risk their lives for our country and the people of this country practically receive no idolation. I heard that hundreds left during the performance of the AI winner. If they only want to see Archuleta then perhaps AI should have only offered one concert in UT to spare the affected idols of the fans' passive aggressive behavior. Archie is karaoke. When he sang Apologize and the other songs, it sounded like a high school boy singing in a HS talent show. Archie is a cute and adorable teen. If Archie didn't look like a cute adorable teen and looked like Chikezie, he would have been voted off a long time ago.
Wonderer-again | 2:32 p.m. July 15, 2008
Archie is an average singer but an above average teen singer.
oh boy | 3:37 p.m. July 15, 2008
Hey Sydney,
If you really have a 4.0 then you would know the definition of the word "his" and you would know that it is being used incorrectly repeatedly when referring to David A. He is good but as of right now I do not think he deserves the credit and the praise he is getting but I truely wish him the best and I also hope he has a long and wonderful career. And I do have people I look up to and I do have a role model but I do not try to be them or to be like them. I do not do things because they do things. But like I said earlier I wish David the best of luck and hope he does not end up like so many other "Idols" and washes out when he is not being hand fed like he was on the show. I hope he is around for many years to come. Best wishes
color me cynical | 3:46 p.m. July 15, 2008
This and the whole calendar excommunication thing are the 2 biggest non stories of all time.
Call it as I see it | 5:37 p.m. July 15, 2008
Oh Boy, you sound disgruntled. I think the kid does deserve praise, simply because he received 48 million votes to win American Idol. He didn't win, but he still deserves praise from the people that live in his home town. Why can't we be proud of him? Why don't american idol contestants deserve praise?
BTW, I've seen Josh Groban sing live, twice, and David Archuleta can sing Gorban under the table. Groban also started his career at age 17. . . which is the same age as David.
Beatles | 6:30 p.m. July 15, 2008
After seeing Utah's over the top shrieking, screaming over a 17 year old karaoke singer, I would say that years from now, they will think of the UTAH videos of the beatle-like mania over this 17 yr old as the most ridiculous ever. It just looked ridiculous seeing the audience go crazy over someone who was an average singer that night. Like, huh? What the ----????

Whatever makes the Utah people happy. The USA must be really desperate for teen singers like Archuleta. Incredible. Like give Archuleta as the robo-singing machine any song, he sings it and everyone goes crazy no matter what.

I wonder what the REAL music artists are thinking about this insane reaction to this 17 yr old karaoke singer.

No doubt that he will be pampered by Jive to superstardom.
ArchieBoy | 7:14 p.m. July 15, 2008
I watched this boy and he really wasn't that great. I've seen better singers during happy hour on the Las Vegas Strip.
Poor kid | 7:26 p.m. July 15, 2008
I believe the best music is the music you like. Why get hung up on better or better?

I feel sorry for David. You're expectations are being forced on him and David is merely seventeen.

What if in two years David doesn't want to conform to your mold? Many people seem to have his life planned out for him. He will represent Utah, be a becon for a church and live your idea of a perfect life.

Life is rarly so neat.
DaividArchReigns | 7:38 p.m. July 15, 2008
What a blessing to have such a light in this World! We cannot stop smiling! He brings millions of people complete and utter J O Y !!! Thank YOu David Archuleta for your amazing gift! We all love you and support you !! Love your Fans ALLL around the WORLD !!
Sue | 7:42 p.m. July 15, 2008
Now why is it that when we love a new singer and praise his talent, it goes to the soldiers side? We all love our troops. And why is it some of these people here that do not appreciate Archuleta so negative. Sounds like you are more envious and jealous. Amazing how you probably have nothing to show for or probably be too proud of so you spend more time, critizing David A. If you do not like him, so be it. It is a free country. If you think you have more talent, the new auditions are starting. Go for it. The rest of us would like some time to enjoy a new artist, who at 17 happens to not only be a great singer, but a great role model as well. In today's rap music world full of sex, drug and loser scandals, the credit crunch, foreclosure, bad economy, high gas prices, war and upcoming elections, if some of us need a little bit of a positive escape from today's ugly world, why not let us enjoy. We love David ARchuleta, got a problem with that?
Jennifer | 7:47 p.m. July 15, 2008
David is angelis. David is a wonder role-model. David is a history in the making. David is inspiring. David is the best singer I have seen in decades. I love him.
Sydney | 9:20 p.m. July 15, 2008
Just give me one example of how I used the word "him" incorrectly, Oh Boy. Are you acusing me of not having a 4.0? I'd like to see your sixth grade report card. And I don't believe you know the definition of "role model". A role model, obviously, is someone you look up to and want to be kind of like, not exactly like, so I bet your "role model" is running the "role" of what you want to do someday. And for those of you commenters who think David Archuleta sinks karaoke-style, well, I know a thing or two about performing, though I'm only twelve. I know that karaoke style is when the performer stands in one place and looks in one place through the entire performance. David definately interacts with the audience, no doubt about it. And again, for you Archuleta haters, why even comment on this subject? And, Oh Boy, DAVID'S FANS DON'T WORSHIP HIM! GO DAVID!
courtney | 9:40 p.m. July 15, 2008
David Archuleta is a hotter then Utah's heat i love you David
response to "poor kid" | 9:58 p.m. July 15, 2008
Response to the person who wrote "poor kid" - I like his music. I am not a super huge archuleta fan, but if people like his music just let them like it! Don't rain on the parade, don't be negative, Don't bring up garbage about everyone planning his life out for him, making him fit into a mold? If you feel sorry for him I think your pretty much alone on that one. He is just a popular singer, get over it. And maybe I'm wrong on this but it sounds like you hold a bit of a grudge.
goboywonder | 11:30 p.m. July 15, 2008
To Wonderer:

First of all, I find Chikezie to be a fine looking brother! Maybe should you have written if David looked like Wonderer (you) he would have been voted off. Also, Chikezie was my #2 favorite.
Secondly, if David is not you cup of tea that's ok. But why do you feel the need to try to discount his talent to those who admire him? There are a few idols that I don't particularly care for their voices or styles, but I never respond to articles to put them down or insult their fans for liking them. How lame is that! And when I attended the shows, I applauded for them all (granted not as loudly as I did for Archie) because they ALL deserve recognition for what they have accomplished so far. And I certainly hope the BEST for each of each whether I like their music or not.
This is a very big world with billions of people with different tastes and perferences and MILLIONS of us LOVE, LOVE, LOVE David Archuleta.
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Brooke White performs during the American Idols Live concert at the E Center in West Valley on Monday night. (Michael Brandy, Deseret News)
Michael Brandy, Deseret News
Brooke White performs during the American Idols Live concert at the E Center in West Valley on Monday night.