American Idol: David Archuleta Redeems Himself
David Archuleta's Top Nine Performance Improves His Chances of Winning
On last night's episode of American Idol, David Archuleta restored my faith in him that was starting to slip. After getting some help from Dolly Parton ("It's all I can do to keep from crying and keep these false eyelashes in place!" she exclaimed after hearing him sing), he performed "Smoky Mountain Memories" on the American Idol stage.
David Archuleta finally picked the right song. His vocals were excellent and the song suited him, and the judges agreed: Randy Jackson said he was back and it was the best performance of the night. Paula Abdul said he was glorious (not that she's the best judge, seeing as how she thinks everyone is wonderful and she appeared yet again to be drunk or hopped up on pain pills...sorry, Paula, but it's true), and Simon Cowell said David's song choice was "absolutely on the money."
While David Archuleta is incredibly talented, the question still stands: is he American Idol material? The answer really depends on what you want out of your American Idol. Certainly he's a good singer and performer, but this is really a competition to find the next big pop star. Is he a pop star? No, not in my opinion. I think he'll do well in other arenas. However, Carrie Underwood is a country star and Fantasia Barrino turned to the stage, so David may still get America's vote as the winner.
Personally, I will give my votes to those who have a more mainstream, pop or rock personality and voice, because that's what American Idol is about in my opinion. However, he should stay on the show for a few more weeks, passing up Ramiele Marubay and Jason Castro for sure.
Published by Jennifer Walker
Jennifer Walker has been published in a number of publications, including Arabian Horse World, Horseman's News and Sierra Style magazines. Her books, Bubba Goes National and Bubba to the Rescue, are availab... View profile
- American Idol: David Archuleta is the Next American IdolDavid Archuleta is the epitome of what American Idol presents itself as the divining force of: the new face of American pop music. The next superstar. The next music icon. The next, well... American Idol. David A...
- On American Idol, David Archuleta Sings "Think of Me" like an AngelOn American Idol, David Archuleta sings Andrew Loyd Webber's "Think of Me" (Phantom of the Opera).
- Archuleta Redeems Himself This past week on American Idol, the geniuses that pick the themes for the week chose the Beatles. A bit repetitive since the contestants sang songs by John Lennon and Paul McCartney the week before.
- Archuleta Redeems Himself This past week on American Idol, the geniuses that pick the themes for the week chose the Beatles. A bit repetitive since the contestants sang songs by John Lennon and Paul McCartney the week before.
- American Idol: David ArchuletaOpinion article on David Archuleta, American Idol, and the entertainment industry.
- American Idol: David Archuleta Performs "Angel"
- David Archuleta, Utah's American Idol Hopeful, Shares His Life Stories
- American Idol's David Archuleta Takes on Mariah Carey: Can We "Believe" in Him?
- American Idol: David Archuleta Doesn't Shine on Neil Diamond Night
- As Weeks Move on, David Archuleta Not American Idol Material
- David Archuleta Vs. David Cook: Angelic Crooner Vs. Rugged Rocker on American Idol...
- American Idol: David Archuleta Sings "Believe" by Mariah Carey
- David Archuleta sang "Smoky Mountain Memories" on April 1, 2008 American Idol.
- David redeemed himself with last night's American Idol performance.
- David may still not be American Idol material, but he'll go far in his career.
9 Comments
Post a CommentI share your sentiments on David Archuleta , Kathy. He has not only captivated America but the whole of Asia as well. An extremely gifted artist who has moved me greatly.
Sam,
Simon only tell it, like it is, the kids should listen and they may learn from what he says, but Paula needs to be replaced and quit the drinking and pills popping, it makes her look stupid and sometimes we don't even know what she is saying and the kids don't either, you can tell by the look on there faces, and the dress she had on Tuesday 04/09, I wonder how she was breathing, shame on Paula, Randy seems to really listen to the music and the voices, makes a lot of good choices, gives them good advise," LISTEN TO SIMON".and Randy.
Jill, I agree with your concept of what an idol should be. David brings so much positive vibes with his voice/music. It even feels like it has a healing quality to it. Everytime I hear him, I feel good about the world, about my day. America needs someone like him. I'm from Asia and I've seen his fansites...the rest of the world has fallen in love with David Archuleta (not just teens or tweens but also parents, grandparents, career women like me and even families). The rest of the world looks up to America and David can bring about a positive image of America to the world.
For myself, a 17 year old kid from Middle America only singing songs with a "MESSAGE" rings false. Kristy Lee Cook got called out for pandering to our patriotic emotions but this kid plays to our inner puppy dog and people think he can save the world with his music. Do you really think he DOESN'T care about cars, prom, girlfriends, etc.? He's 17 for pete's sake! Last I checked he was just a kid (one trying to win a competition no less)...not a saint on a mission. That being said, I do think he can sing but I feel he is a one trick pony. He lacks versatility and it doesn't matter what the theme week is he sounds exactly the same with every song.
Jill - I'm with you, down to the letter. There is no set definition of who the American Idol should be, and David A. surely deserves the title without a doubt. He is one of the few young adults in the world who have the optimism to take the world on and change it in the biggest ways to benefit people from every walk of life. What were most of us thinking when we were that age? What kind of car we wanted? Where we wanted to go shopping? I give David a lot of credit for staying true to himself. It's not easy at that age. Not to mention his incredible, inspirational voice. I am far from religious yet I don't mind what some might call a slightly religious song choice!
I watched it once. I watched pieces of the performance again tonight. His voice cracked badly on the high note during the bridge and was off-pitch in other parts as well. I can't believe how much praise he received. Inspired? Perhaps for a young kid. Best performance of the night? Not by a long shot.
Jennifer, I agree with you about David Archuletta's voice and talent. I see some other things differently from you, though and wanted to express my view. My thinking is that the name of the show is American Idol and doesn't specify Pop Idol. Further the original derivation of the word Pop is popular. The definition of Pop music has changed over the years and I think Ballads are selling well these days. So, I'm not sure I agree that the kind of music Davids voice lends itself to is not pop. Josh Groban, who you compared David to (and I agree), is one of THE top selling artists for WB. He's sold an incredible number of CD's... just check the statistics. Doesn't that say something about the popularity of the music?
Moreover, the word Idol to me has always meant someone that the public can look up to. I really like many of the contestants this year (as well as previous years), so he's alone, but David A certainly appears to have a wonderful humanitarian quality to him. It see
Simon is a wanna be, adelpated, unattractive, excuse for a human being. He throws out insults without being "on the money" or creative or the least bit entertaining. He acts like a man with a small shoe and hand size. Give the American Public a break and get new judges who have the necessary expertise.
i think paula abdul is by far the best judge and she also has the best track record whereas simon has the worst