David Archuleta Shines Early in American Idol Season 7

David Archuleta has established himself as a front-runner in season 7 of American Idol early on in the competition. Archuleta's own rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine" made Paula Abdul cry and caused Simon Cowell to declare that there were a lot of unhappy contestants backstage.

While it takes a talented performer to pull of the flawless and moving performance Archuleta gave, the nagging question is whether or not he can do it again. The coming weeks will prove whether Archuleta's performance "Imagine" was a one-time flash of brilliance or just one example of the work we will see from a brilliant musical mind.

What is certain is that Archuleta's biggest challenge in the coming weeks will be matching and exceeding this single performance. If he doesn't his comments from the judges will be taking a different direction. Instead of being "the one to beat," they be commenting on how his performances are going downhill and how his youth is making it difficult to repeat his moment of brilliance.

Biography

David Archuleta was born on December 28, 1990 in Miami, Florida. He lived in various cities in Florida until moving to Salt Lake City, Utah in February of 1997. The son of Jazz trumpeter father and singing mother, it is no surprise that he began singing at the age of seven.

Archuleta is no stranger to singing competitions. During his first major competition, a Utah talent search, Archuleta's performance drew a standing ovation from the crowd. When he was 12 years old, he won star search.

At one point, Archuleta suffered from vocal paralysis. He opted out of surgery and gradually healed, his vocal cords clearly not suffering from the ordeal.

Singing is not Archuleta's only musical passion. He also plays piano and dabbles in songwriting. He lists his musical influences are Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, and Bryan Adams.

The Road Ahead

Glowing praises from the judges early on in the competition does not an American Idol make. Archuleta still has a long road ahead of him before the American Idol is announced on May 21. Two more double elimination rounds have to take place before the top 12 begin competing on March 11. After that, He has to undergo 10 weeks of single eliminations until the finale on May 20^th. If he wins, he receives a record contract and one of the most grueling schedules in the music industry.

Links

David Archuleta's official American Idol profile is available on the official American Idol website.

One of David Archuleta's hometown newspapers profiles his singing career.