David Archuleta Voted Billboard's Best American Idol Ever

Tina Molly Lang
David Archuleta has been named Billboard's Best American Idol Ever, beating Carrie Underwood 92 to 8 percent.

Archuleta considers this a particular honor because Billboard is "not just some teen website." Archuleta checks Billboard regularly and reads the magazine. And given Underwood's success, he was surprised and flattered to have received more votes.

"It's crazy," he says. "Carrie's just so successful. She's sold millions and millions of albums and she has a great voice and a great personality."

David Archuleta Named Billboard's Best American Idol Ever: Objective vs. Subjective

From an objective standpoint, Archuleta doesn't have the record sales of Underwood or Chris Daughtry, an Oscar like Jennifer Hudson, or the time-tested longevity of Kelly Clarkson. Yet that may just be a matter of time. David is still very young.

And in a way, Billboard actually makes the distinction between established success vs. subjective appeal. In another Billboard poll that measured album sales, individual song sales, and radio play, Kelly Clarkson came in first place followed by Carrie Underwood.

David Archuleta Named Billboard's Best American Idol Ever: Vocal and Musical Appeal

Still, it's easy to understand why Billboard's fans voted in droves for David Archuleta. While it may be tempting to write him off as a Disney teen, his appeal extends across all age groups. Teenagers, senior citizens, and adult contemporary audiences appreciate his sweet voice and genuinely humble demeanor.

Archuleta's voice, talent, and versatility will contribute to his ultimately longevity as an artist. His radio-friendly voice suits pop, adult contemporary, and even R&B. And he appeals to Spanish-speaking markets as well, as seen in Somos El Mundo (We are the World). And having seen him perform at last year's US Open finale, I can vouch that he sounds even more impressive live.

According to Billboard, David Archuleta's record sales are nearing the one million mark (as of April 2010) and his ticket sales have hit 3 million.

David Archuleta Named Billboard's Best American Idol Ever: Personal Appeal

And to top it off, Archuleta is a genuinely nice guy, and it comes across not only in his interviews, but also in his charitable work. Archuleta is a spokesperson for Do Something.org, an organization helping teens who want to contribute to disaster relief.

And in January, he participated in a weekend-long to raise money for earthquake victims in Haiti. He also provided MTV News with a soulful rendition of Kurt Bestor's Prayer for the Children, illustrating how much this cause meant to him.

With his talent, enormous potential, and sweet nature, it's no wonder Billboard fans named David Archuleta Best American Idol Ever.

Sources:

Poll: David Archuleta Voted Best "American Idol" Ever, Billboard

American Idol's All-Time Top 24, Billboard

Meet David Archuleta, Do Something.Org

David Archuleta Sings For Haiti, Superfans Raise Big Bucks, MTV News

Published by Tina Molly Lang - Featured Contributor in Arts & Entertainment and Lifestyle

Tina Molly Lang is a violinist, violin, piano, and voice teacher. She is also an active writer. Her work has been published in The American Thinker, Active Americans, Yahoo's OMG! and Yahoo News.  View profile

  • David Archuleta was named Billboard's Best American Idol Ever.
  • While he may not yet enjoy the success of Kelly Clarkson, he is still very young.
  • David Archuleta's voice, versatility, and sweet nature contribute to his widespread appeal.

20 Comments

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  • Abby C6/7/2011

    David Archuleta is AMAZING.
    He should have won- no doubt.

  • Benny4/5/2011

    David is my Idol. No doubt about it. He stole my heart with his rendition of "Heaven" during Hollywoof Week, I feel in love right away. He was my favorite from there on. I was disappointed when he didn't won Season 7 but he's proven to be quite successful since then. I love all three of of his albums; "David Archuleta", "Christmas from the Heart" and "The Other Side of Down". His voice continues to amaze him. I am a bit suprised to see him win favorite Idol but then again why should I be? The guy has a heart. He cares so much for his family and fans. He deserves this title and I am proud to call myself an Archie Fan. :)

  • jordan9/4/2010

    some people are just haters, appreciate

  • Amy5/31/2010

    Before David on Idol, my favs were Daughtry, Carrie...still love them.
    But David Archuleta stole hearts Season 7, mine included. He is deservedly the most beloved of all the American Idols. He rightly won "Best Ever..Vocal & Musical Ability", for his stunningly beautiful vocals, natural musical sense, and ability to connect and communicate a song so well. His gracious, humble and charming personality make him even more admired and loved. Don't discount young David (he NEVER was "Disney")...he has only just begun and has far to go. Go David!!

  • Tom5/29/2010

    No, they're the people who voted for Bowersox. Nobody disputes that Archuleta has one of the finest voices to ever come out of Idol. That's a given. What makes him really stand out, though, is the beautiful soul behind the spectacular talent.

  • Mawi5/28/2010

    Good artice. I usedit for my own artice thanks. I agree with everything you say since I am a archie fan. Oh and RAZOR, sencons are important and in your life your not always not a winner. Abn there are over 3 million fans who cares about the who cares second sucker! haha

  • rose5/28/2010

    David is the best Idol I've ever listened to and he has the wonderful, sincere personality to go with his fame, it hasn't gone to his head.

    For those people who think David should not be voted "the BEST" because he has not yet sold as many albums, etc........give him time, he will. But also keep in mind how easy it is to make these CDs without buying them. I have purchased one of each of his albums but have at least 5 additional copies of each, as do many of you. So how can you tell what someones true sales are?

    I think this years Idol contest is a true reflection of the last 3 yrs and maybe even other years. The person who is truly the best singer comes in second. Its just like what happened to David, and Adam, and now Crystal.

  • RAZOR5/28/2010

    THIS HAS GOT TO BE A JOKE. THERE'S CARRIE AND THEN EVERYONE ELSE BATTLING FOR A "WHO CARES" SECOND.

  • allds5/28/2010

    thank you for the article..awesome..he's awesome..cant wait for new memoir new single and new album june july n fall..hahaha..

  • gracie5/27/2010

    My family has been to his concerts several times. What impressed me the most is his ability to sing variety of genres and styles of music. He sang difficult Christmas songs in four languages, covered love ballads, inspirational songs, pop-rock on piano and his own pop songs, sometimes, with R&B flare. My favorites are usually his pop-rock covers on piano. When he sings rocky songs, he usually sings straight without gymnastics of runs and riffs, and you can hear the gorgeous tone of voice so clearly. A Spanish album, inspirational album... So much potential!!

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