David Archuleta's Performance of When You Believe Shines on American Idol
Tonight, though, in spite of a predictable song choice, I felt like he started to break away from that predictability. His song choice tonight, When You Believe by Mariah Carey (who sang it as a duet with Whitney Houston), still fit the theme I've come to expect from David Archuleta, and he always seems genuine, but this time it really felt and looked like it was coming from his heart.
In his critique, Simon made a very good point - the men had a slight edge this week in that they are removed from being compared to Mariah, and I think that really helped David's performance. It felt like he took ownership of the song, and it really, truly shined.
Though his vocal performance was stellar, there was one thing that was missing. On stage, his personality was absent. He came across as just a guy standing on a stage singing a song - singing it really, really well, but just standing there singing. On the surface, it was a heartfelt, genuine, and very well-sung performance, but there wasn't any depth beyond that.
All of this said, I still truly feel that David Archuleta may be one of the best talents that American Idol has seen, and is worthy of being a top contender this year. Even if he never breaks from this feel-good/inspirational theme, he's sure to be in it until then end - what he's doing is obviously working for him because he has a vast number of fans supporting him.
Published by Andrea Caruso
I'm 30 years old, married 5 years, mom of a two year old girl. I'm a graduate of the University of Central Florida (Liberal Studies w/ concentrations in Computer Science, Art, and Psychology) and Full Sail U... View profile
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14 Comments
Post a CommentNone of the other contestants move much and with the material during Mariah's week, almost everyone did something slow and ballad-y. That is just what her material is like. I was unfamiliar with the song and yet, I was entranced with his voice and performance. I've listen to it again and it just gets better and better with each listen - a perfect sign of a fantastic interpretation of MC' song.
Subjective depends on preference. I may not agree with your choice and you may not agree with my choice. At least I don't go round commenting about other contestants. I'll just keep on enjoying the performances of the contestant that I like. If you don't like what you see or hear, just switch station.... no reason to force yourself?? Just remember that criticizing other contestants will not make the contestant(s) that you support great.
I never said I was a "better interpreter" than David A. But since I am a judge like the rest of America, I can offer an opinion that I think he has a little ways to go. (and I hope he makes it there!) I don't have to be a music producer, musical performer, or have any other pre-qualification to judge his performances on Idol..... neither does the author.....and neither do you! That's the great thing about this show! You can disagree with what someone says but overall opinions are not going to be based on facts. They are subjective (not objective) and are based on people's thoughts, ideas, or their interpretations.
Opinion is fine only if it is constructive, objective and supported with facts. If it is just because of personal preference, then, such opinion does not worth a penny. It is best kept to yourself or just go sing praises to whomsoever you support. I'm sure the opinion will be more appreciated by them.
I suppose you're a better interpreter than him?
ma idol archuleta
CONTINUED--
No one is allowed to have an opinion of David a. that isn't in line with yours? People who like him can STILL like him and be able to see his flaws.
I agree with the author. David A. depends on his voice to draw the audience in, but has little stage presence beyond that. "Whole package" performers use the cameras, the audience, the stage, the mic...etc. There aren't many former Idol contestants that can rival David's voice but there ARE a few that outdo him in stage presence, personality, whatever you want to call it. That is what I think the author means. He is very talented but he comes out and sings as if it is a solo piece in a high school talent show or choir concert. You get credit for your voice and no one critiques you beyond that. I'm not saying he can't learn it. Carrie Underwood was a great talent but did not PERFORM as well as Bo Bice. She continued to improve over the show and look at her now...she's fantastic and the WHOLE PACKAGE.
A bigger question for me is the spewing venom that comes from the fans whenever someone criticizes him. What gives? No one is allowed to have an opinion about David A. that isn
Celeste Roy, I actually did not like to comment, because it's not worth reading your column, but after all I did, change of mind, I guess, we're all entitled to it anyway. What a trashy write-up up you did, so pretentious? Stop writing at all, yours is rubbish!
I do not believe people like you know the correct meaning of the word "personality". Do look up a dictionary for it's correct meaning before expressing your view that David Archuleta does not have personality. I question people who say that other people lack personality. What personality do these people have? "Speaking for the sake of speaking?" or "Writing for the sake of writing?" How shallow can these people be? Do not simply make baseless points - your own weaknesses are glaringly showing.