“How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man?”

Bob Dylan

David is 21 years old today. By most cultural standards, he is a man. He has chosen to launch his adulthood in service to his fellow-man. I could not be more proud of David at this time. He is giving up so much. His family, friends, and putting his lucrative career on hold. All so he can minister to others far from home. Taking this opportunity to move forward on his path in life is nothing short of amazing when one considers how most young men would rather be safe in the shelter of their community. David will demonstrate his manhood by taking off on a journey that will test his mental, physical, and spiritual abilities. He has taken the time over the last few months to prepare himself to be more self-sufficient in a place that might lack the most basic of resources. Young adult men often desire to learn how to drive a manual transmission car or change the oil as a hobby. For David it was an assignment he took on to prepare his life skills for his mission. It is difficult to compare David at age 21 with others his age. He is blind to age, gender, race,and religion when it comes to lending a helping hand. He communicates a special heart connection that shows selflessness, compassion, and the willingness to step into the unknown to help another person. This unconditional love is a  gift he shares much like the gift of song that drew us to him in the first place. He is blessed and uses his blessing for good.

Happy Birthday, David Archuleta! You have lived all your life to come to this point in time where you will move forward to serve God and his children. Today you are a man, my son.  Go in peace and bang your drum with all your heart, might, mind and strength for mankind.

Credit David Archuleta Vietnam

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnddddd…..looks who’s trending!

Filed under: David Archuleta, The Voice Tagged: Being 21, David Archuleta ]]> http://thevoicedavidarchuleta.com/2011/12/28/happy-21st-birthday-david-archuleta/feed/ 82 Abrra 34silhh-1 ch431 http://thevoicedavidarchuleta.com/2011/10/18/david-archuleta-pied-beauty-and-the-pied-piper-of-the-pch/ http://thevoicedavidarchuleta.com/2011/10/18/david-archuleta-pied-beauty-and-the-pied-piper-of-the-pch/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 07:53:17 +0000 Abrra http://thevoicedavidarchuleta.com/?p=14318 ]]>

Tintern Abbey

Therefore am I still
A lover of the meadows and the woods
And mountains, and of all that we behold
From this green earth; of all the mighty world
Of eye and ear, both what they half create
And what perceive; well pleased to recognize
In nature, and the language of the sense,
The anchor of my purest thoughts, the nurse,
The guide, the guardian of my heart, and soul,
Of all my moral being.

William Wordsworth, 1798

Recently David tweeted a majestic picture from the coastline of California. His comment was about seeing the ocean and mountains in the same scene as he drove along the California Pacific Coast Highway. I thought to myself how nice it was that he had the time to take such a beautiful picture when most of his days are spent in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. The view gave him a glimpse of two of the natural elements he enjoys the most.  Seeing them in one place caused such  an excitement that he had to share it with his fans. A connection was made.

View from the Pacific Coastal Hwy. Photo credit David Archuleta

For me there was a message hidden in that picture that I intend to heed. We hear the phrase “Stop and smell the  roses” but do we really make the effort to follow through? Being caught up in a daily routine that allows for little time for things that seem less important, can take the life out of  the moment. David inspired me to take  the long way home and enjoy the sights that the  country roads I travel every day provide. The baled hay sitting in the fields stacked like boxes. Large, orange pumpkins still on the vine, waiting patiently to be selected by a child who is  eager to carve a scary face on it for Halloween. Farm stands who have served their usefulness in sharing the summer’s  bounty with passers-by, now offer colorful chrysanthemums to grace local gardens. These are the scenes that I see most frequently on my ride home each day. I am reminded that I live in a small farming community that is about providing for others. I look forward to the coming days when the leaves turn color and brighten my way with fiery red bursts and shades of russet. This may seem small when compared to the majestic scenery of the California coastline, but it serves my desire to take time out and look around at the beauty of what I have close to home.

Pied Beauty

Glory be to God for dappled things—
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings;
Landscape plotted and pieced—fold, fallow, and plough;
And all trades, their gear and tackle and trim.

All things counter, original, spare, strange;
Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
With swíft, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:

Praise Him.

Gerald Manley Hopkins 1918

“It’s usually the little things that make the big difference in our lives.” David Archuleta, October 6, 2011

Beach in Okinawa

So I am grateful to David, that he is an influence in my life that helps me see things more clearly. If you have had a moment recently where you stopped and took time for a good look at something in your area that gave you great pleasure to observe, please share it with us in comments?

We Shall Never Forget (9-11 Tribute)

 Let the world always remember,
That fateful day in September,
And the ones who answered duties call,
Should be remembered by us all.

Who left the comfort of their home,
To face perils as yet unknown,
An embodiment of goodness on a day,
When men’s hearts had gone astray.

Sons and daughters like me and you,
Who never questioned what they had to do,
Who by example, were a source of hope,
And strength to others who could not cope.

Heroes that would not turn their back,
With determination that would not crack,
Who bound together in their ranks,
And asking not a word of thanks.

Men who bravely gave their lives,
Whose orphaned kids and widowed wives,
Can proudly look back on their dad,
Who gave this country all they had.

Actions taken without regret,
Heroisms we shall never forget,
The ones who paid the ultimate price,
Let’s never forget their sacrifice.

And never forget the ones no longer here,
Who fought for the freedoms we all hold dear,
And may their memory never wane,
Lest their sacrifices be in vain.

Alan W. Jankowski

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!

From “Recessional“  Rudyard Kipling

I was reflecting on the recent twitter explosion when David’s account was compromised. Words were said that threw the twitter fans into disbelief. Sometimes a celebrity’s online identity is “stolen”, with  resulting fallout that can expose them to losing fans. There is a phrase: “the power of the printed word” that  rings true in this case where some fans fell for the hoax. Does reading it make it so? Much was made of the fact that there were three separate sources that were sending “David’s” tweets. A hacker was exposed! The true David Archuleta came back after adjusting his password. The fan world was at peace again!

As I read the drama unfolding on twitter, a question came to mind.

How much David is enough? 

We all have are own answer. In a manner of speaking, we all have are own relationship with David, the artist. I put this question to some fan friends to see what kind of responses I would get. I simply asked the question without explanation. I wanted to see how we are alike or different after three years of history with our favorite singer.I was interested in understanding what boundaries they would set on their relationship as a fan.

Let me share with you the replies.

¶”I think there is something in every fan, a natural  curiosity in us, that wants to know everything! but there is such a thing as too much information.”

¶”For me, I could never get enough of his music, never. I love and respect him enough that i am fine not knowing any personal stuff.”

¶”I haven’t gotten nearly enough of him performing live and I want to shake his hand and meet him face to face’

¶”He is like part of my family now, because i have integrated him into my daily life.

¶”In our “fan-tasy” world, no amount of David is ever enough. We would love to watch his every move and know his every thought, at any given moment. However, he is a human being not just an object of our fascination.  He has a life to live and his  purpose in life is not to amuse or entertain us. Therefore, although I check Twitter diligently in the hopes of catching any morsel of news, story, sighting, however minor, of  him, I am fully aware that every tweet, vlog, off-stage fan-picture, is icing on the cake and a gift to us. For me, I truly just want him to put out as much as music as his heart desires; as fans we are entitled to anything more.”

¶”When I know I can get as much David as I want, I am more content and maybe need him less. As far as a concert goes, I would go see him in a heartbeat, anytime he comes near.I still want to read about him every day, still want to listen to him every day. So if I can do that, and maybe see him a couple times a year, that would be enough.”

¶”I think David and his messages,meant to come through his voice, is needed so badly in this world right now. He is meant to do great things.Of this, I am certain. So how much David is enough?There can never be enough.Never. “

My take on this topic is that while I hope to have David and his music in my life to my last breath, I know that some things in his life could change that could either remove David from the music scene, or cause him to be less available to perform. Would my role as a fan change? Not really. I respect that any such decision made by him would be well vetted.

As long as he wants to make music, write songs or endorse charities, I am there. Whatever the future holds or decision he makes for himself, I will be a fan. If he needs to take time away for personal matters, I will understand. Judging from what he has said over the years, music is something he plans to continue doing as a career. Life can get complicated at times, but keeping your eye on the prize is what matters most.

His role as an artist is just one part of who he is. It is the public part of his life that we fans have shared with him. Being overly invested in his success as an artist could lead to  heavy disappointment for some. David operates on his own time schedule. At times this seems slower then we like. In the past 6 months, events have settled into a calmer routine. There are stretches of time that appear to those not inside his inner circle that he is taking a break. We find out later that he has re-recorded his CD with bonus tracks and planned a tour to Asia! He is busy even when we think otherwise. I trust that he can find the right balance in songwriting, performing and touring to maintain himself in the business.

Fame comes with a price, a Catch-22 of sorts. To be a successful singer you must to give up your anonymity and with that comes a certain loss of privacy.  David has done exceptionally well at preserving his privacy. He tells us just enough to allow us to feel a connection to him beyond his celebrity. I am content knowing just enough to keep me interested in who he is as a person as well as an artist

Whatever David wants to share with me as a fan, is enough David for me.

It was Monday morning, July 18, 2011, normally a workday for me, so I knew I might not see David’s Manila concert online. I had put the UStream app on my cell phone last Saturday to watch the Jakarta concert while away from home. When it works, its great. Monday it worked like a charm.  As I watched I wrote down the set list and some notes about some of the songs. Here is my “cell cast recap” of the best concert ever performed, by the best singer in the history of the entire world. Ever.

David came out on stage to a thunderous crowd of fans who cheered and wailed their approval as he sang his opener, Stomping the Roses. Dressed in jeans topped by a soft gray tee-shirt and a rust-red jacket, he looked ready to  sing his heart out for the fans in Manila, as well as those around the world on UStream. The energy was palpable as he sang the next few songs while he strutted across the stage. At one point during The Other Side of Down, he did his strut-kick move and flashed a huge smile at someone in the front row. He shows no mercy! A Little Too Not Over You was a fan favorite with everyone singing along. Arms swaying over head, calling out his name “DAVID,DAVID!” in appreciation, kept fans engaged in every moment of each song. I felt as if I was sitting right there in the 10th row, straining to see him when he came to our side of the stage.

Working the expanse of the stage has become an art form for David that he has improved on immensely in the last few months. Leaning in to touch outstretched hands to the delight of those lucky enough to be within reach is common practice for David. It’s a way to give back, in a personal way, to those who support him. When he got to the part in Touch My hand where he points to the audience, I steeled myself for the screams that would come. An explosion of screams filled the arena, each person in line with his pointing finger catching the bullet of his gaze. 

The stage lighting was first class. Each song was cast in a different color of the rainbow, giving a feeling of flow, as the show progressed. I note this because in the last concert, David was chasing a spotlight most of the time on stage. This time all lighting was focused on him and the band. The band was in top musical form. Each instrument played with the perfect vibe needed to carry the songs along. The back up vocals blended with David’s gigantic voice in perfect support. Bravo for the band!

David’s velvety voice on Gonna Get Through This earns him the name of “Funkmaster D” in my book! The melody just dripped from his lips as he grooved on stage. Starting softly and building in volume, he ends the song with a long high note that carried us away on a cloud! We rode that cloud again during My Hands. I hope that song never drops off his set list. His keyboard came out for A Thousand Miles, a song he has played many times and is a real crowd-pleaser. It was another sing along by the audience. What he did next made me catch my breath. It was so typical of David’s gratitude towards those who support him.

Although I had periodic disconnects from the UStream, I got back on one just in time to hear David say “Salamat!” to the crowd. Wildness ensued as he began the final song of the set, Zero Gravity. It’s a great, uplifting (ha!) song to close out the show. Bathed in pure white lights shining down on the whole stage, David gave the final performance of the night.

Oh, did I mention the encore?

I will paraphrase. He said it was an amazing feeling. He got motivation and felt encouraged from the support of the audience.  I think there were a few tears in his voice as he spoke with much emotion. What came next was a total surprise to everyone. Standing there rambling about the song he sang on Hollywood week on Idol, he started to sing Heaven! He sang THE MOST HEARTFELT rendition of Heaven I have ever heard. David performed with hauntingly gorgeous vocal runs, assisted by several thousands he held close to his heart. “Once in your life you find someone, who will turn your world around, bring you up when you’re feelin’ down.” When he sings, his love lights our way.

I have spent the last week pondering what my next topic for an article would be.  I never try to force it from my brain, it just shows up.  We all have been extremely moved by his trip to India this January.  How can you not be impressed by his desire to help the sick?  It’s not something that most people his age set as a priority.  He goes to the extreme this time by flying half way around the earth to acknowledge Rising Star Outreach, a charity he supports.

The whole experience reminded me of the term “ripple effect”. When you drop a stone into a lake you see the water ripple in concentric circles, outward.  Like the stone, David has made ripples that  expanded. Spreading much more help to those in the leprosy colony than he will ever know.

Drop a Pebble in the Water

Drop a pebble in the water:
just a splash, and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples
Circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center,
flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling
where the end is going to be.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness:
just a flash and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples
circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort
on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn’t believe the volume
of the one kind word you gave.

James  W. Foley

This journey began when  Dr. Scott McGavin told David about Rising Star Outreach back in fall of 2008.  During his solo tour David mentioned RSO in a blog in March 2009.  The fans responded overwhelmingly to the cause.  Dr. McGavin gave his thanks in June before leaving on a trip to help children with dental needs in India.

As you can hear from the video, they received so much money that they put it to use with more projects.  Can you see the ripples?  Over the last several months, David gave his time to signing items to auction for the RSO.  Some fans formed a group called Hearts and Hands.  They created a patchwork quilt and pillow with pictures of David mixed in with some of his quotes.

From Hearts and Hands facebook page

More recently he got the chance to travel to India to perform at a benefit where the children did interpretive dance to Somebody Out There as David sang on stage.  David also spent time visiting the leprosy colony with a medical team.  He volunteered along side doctors cleaning wounds-a profound and life changing experience.  Stacey Tookey, a choreographer along on the trip to India said, “What an amazing experience.  Went there to teach the kids and instead they taught me so much.”  She may have caught another ripple?

Collage by Djafan

While David was giving his time in India to the sick, back home the fan sites were donating money for bricks for the Pathway of Hope.  “The Pathway of Hope winds between two very important buildings on the property of Rising Star Outreach.  One ends starts with a plaque that gives thanks to all volunteers, supporters and those who have given in memoriam.  The other end has a plaque that reads Pathway of Hope, Lovingly donated by fans of David Archuleta, Angels for a Cause.  This plaque gives thanks to all fans of David Archuleta, fans from all over the world who worked for months to bring this project together.  What started out as a small brick area, with a lovely bench has turned into a real piece of art!”

The best thing about this ripple effect of charity has been the coming together of people who share his desire to be of service to others.  We have read here, on this site, about those who are collecting loose change at work and around the house for Rising Star Outreach.  Every time you hold out the RSO jar and ask for change, you increase awareness of leprosy and the devastation is has wrought on these families.  Another ripple moves outward, ever expanding the help that is so needed.

We have so much, I am so proud to know that we share so freely.

Update on donations from The Voice group on AFAC since January 28, 2011

Total for bricks  $1,000.00   (20 bricks)

Total accrued for bricks that need inscription $165.00  (3.3 bricks)

For child sponsor $360.00 for year

Total dollars    $1,525.00

Thank you all so much!

thevoicedavidarchuleta

An interesting book title crossed my email the other day, “Repacking Your Bags: Lighten Your Load for the Rest of Your Life .”

One review by Peter Senge, author of “The Fifth Discipline” on Amazon said “Repacking Your Bags will help you figure out where you want to go in your life and what you really need for the journey.”  I didn’t need to read the book to find the idea fascinating .

As you can see from this graphic, much of what David shared were practical items he carried with him when he traveled.  Note the dozen Sharpies?  Like any good Eagle Scout, he wanted to be prepared for any fan encounter that would require an autograph.  I have wondered about what we can’t see, but must surely be inside his “backpack for living,” not in the physical sense but metaphorically.

At the beginning of Idol his canvas backpack was relatively empty.  A few sentimental reminders of home and of a friend who gave him a flattened milk carton.  Typical of a teenager who wants to hold tight to memories of high school, no matter how strange it may seem.  He packs a personal journal to ensure he keeps track of daily events to measure his progress.  Little did he know how important this journal would mean to his future.  It was just the right inspiration for his best-selling book, “Chords of Strength.”  Perhaps he also took along a few unfinished melodies to comfort him and work on whenever the spirit or muse moved him.

With long stretches away from home and his family and friends, the bag became a bit lighter in some ways.  His metaphorical backpack began to evolve; the meaning of its contents becoming more precious than the tangibles.  Some high school chums had gone away for two years but not forgotten.  He will see them when he can, when they return from their mission or perhaps in photographs they send from college or when they come to his concerts.  Another reduction came as he had to put education on hold.  That can be achieved over time and when the time is right.  In fact, just recently a radio DJ reported that David said he was doing studies again.

As time progressed his backpack took on new weight.  He was now the boss.  Hiring a new management team was a solid move forward into his future.  I can only imagine the weight on a young man’s shoulders who is responsible for the livelihood of band mates and a host of others involved with a national concert tour.

Looking ahead to more appearances and touring to promote his new CD, The Other Side of Down, the responsibilities and commitments he carries around on a daily basis will become greater in scope and number.  David may need to pack a few extra items to guide him along this journey.  I envisioned a few new items that he may find useful to help him move forward in his career.

What might be in David’s metaphorical backpack?  I gave it some thought!

Last Summer in Greenville, South Carolina, a fan gave him a ring engraved with the letters CTR.  The initials stand for Choose The Right.  It’s a Mormon tradition to give this ring so that youth will always think before they act in any situation.  Maintaining the courage of his personal convictions will be tested in a business where young talent can be lead down the wrong path.  David understands that being in the limelight places him in the position of a role model.  He is more than worthy of this honor.  His recipe for happiness is, “What can I do to make others happy?”  Will he be packing a few extra rings to give guidance to those who are in need of support to always Choose The Right?

A dream catcher is always handy.  David says the lyrics to his new song, “Elevator,” came to him in a dream.  But a dream catcher may be useful for more than songwriting.  He once said that his ultimate dream is to sing at the Olympics.  A dream of a lifetime!  Oh to witness him in a stadium with the world watching and hearing the power of  the Voice!  In the process of promoting, touring and participating in charity events, David has gained valuable exposure.  His hard work does get him noticed.  I am confident that one day he WILL sing at the Olympics!

Having a spiritual anchor tucked away inside the bag keeps David grounded.  He can access the warmth of his family no matter where he is.  Knowing that collectively and individually they are a soft place to fall when he has concerns, eases the loneliness of traveling.  Being on the road so much can blow David in so many directions as he crisscrosses the country.  Family love and his strong faith in God keeps him firm and anchors him from a possible shipwreck.  At a time when many young people are “all sail and no anchor,” David stays the steady course, with a strong sense of duty and a confident eye on the future.

The invisible contents in David’s “backpack for living” are just as noteworthy as the more tangible items inside.  If David were to actually share the contents of his real backpack for living, it would reveal how far he’s come in a very short time.  It would also make known some life lessons about loyalty, responsibility, commitment and courage.  Lessons we would all do well to pack in our own bags as we navigate through life.

Photo credit Naree

All the kind words and love coming David’s way during his trip to Asia reminds me that he has an enormous presence, an aura of kindness that broadcasts and reflects back to him that what he is doing with his gift is being received and understood.  Those in the press who  spent time interviewing him and had an image of what they thought he was about, soon discovered that he is so much more than they may ever comprehend.

“We were surprised at just how gentle and humble this kid is! We all know the David Archuleta image we see on TV, right?  We see him as shy, easily embarrassed, even awkward sometimes, but when you meet him in person, you realize just how genuine this guy is.” ~~ ChicoGarcia

David displays maturity beyond that of his youthful fellow artists.  We have witnessed his gentle demeanor in so many situations that would very likely stress out most mere mortals.  Like jet lag, the uncomfortable heat from foot lights he endures onstage in overcrowded venues and sleeping in strange places on any given night. Yet he relishes the opportunity to perform under any condition, never knowing what part of this world he will travel to for the next event.  I was struck by David’s display of  humility which proved  “off the charts” when he tweeted about the unexpected (his term) warm welcome at the airports in Singapore and Manila.  It matters not where David goes; we as fans will be there for him to show our unfailing support.

Unfazed, he smiles as hoards of screaming fans reach out to take a memory away by touching his shirt or getting the famous one arm hug that is David’s signature of affection.  There are  so many who reach out to him for a piece of his time and attention.  His generosity to charities is evident in the way he makes sure he gives each one what they ask for, be it a helicopter ride, a mini concert or a hospital visit to brighten the day of patients.  Seriously, David?  How can you emit so much love for your fellow man and not expect it to come back to you ten fold?

David Archuleta is an artist who, at such a young age, is as focused as a laser beam.  Interviewers soon realize that he is no pushover by the forthright way he deflects the probing personal questions he does not choose to answer.

“What do you mean you’ve never had a girlfriend?”

“Why is it that you have not kissed a girl yet?”

As if these are questions that MUST be answered!

In a round table interview recently in Manila, David told the reporters all they need to know about him.  When asked what song he was most proud of from the new CD,  he said the first and last tracks and that “The Other Side of Down” is the right balance of lyrics and has a feel good vibe.  The last track, “My Kind of Perfect,” he described as his kind of love song, wondering who that person will be when love comes along.  He has a brilliant mind. David understands that there is a time and place for what his Maker has in store for him.  This is his chance right now, to strive to be the best artist he can be.  His youth is not being wasted.  Finding the perfect balance between career and personal relationships might be a tall order right now.  Serving two masters usually results in both masters getting less than the desired effect.

“I feel its kinda been a blessing at the same time because it helps me keep a little focused with all this happening…..I feel it would have been an unhealthy balance of working and focusing on the girl, and not giving proper attention to either.”~~David Archuleta, XINMSN  Singapore video interview.

If we really listen to the lyrics of songs from “The Other Side of Down“, we will hear clues about what David’s relationship is with life.  He accentuates the positive in his songs.  David  is not afraid to write uplifting lyrics that other artists or label executives may see as cheesy.  He stood his ground to make this album what he wanted it to be. There is nothing fake or disingenuous in the ten songs co-written by David.

David never betrays who he is.  No matter the cost, he will live life on his own terms.

I respect that and love him for having such a strong character.  For those who do not understand fully what we fans know, time will remedy that problem.  David’s gift will one day be understood by more and more people as he tours this big blue marble called Earth.

Ah! Where do I begin?

I invited Sandy Beaches to fly down  and attend the show on Friday at Six Flags, to see David.  It was a pleasant ride up to the park.  We weren’t quite prepared for the daunting task ahead of us.  Six Flags is a bit like a mini Disneyland.  Everything is bigger and farther away than you realize.  There were trams that shuttled us from the parking lot to the main gate.  We had vouchers to turn in to get a VIP wristband.  Long walk to the building, only to wait 30 min for an updated name list so that we could be given out wristbands.

We had River and TrudyFOD waiting in the line at the entrance to the area where the stage was located.  The path leading to our destination was a maze of humanity that we had to weave through.  We were about 75 deep in the line, with several hundred coming in later after us to wait for the 3 pm opening of the gate.  Djbell arrived and our group was complete.  There were mostly teens in the line around us.  They are so resourceful!  I enjoyed watching then make their David posters to hold up at the show.  Bringing rolled poster board, day-glo markers of all colors and printed pictures, they decorated each one to have a high visibility from the stage.  I am sure they all hoped David would see theirs and give his classic wave!  Part of my mission was to share Cd’s I had made as well as some pins that declare “The Voice.”  I do try to spread the word about our site to as many fans as possible.

Next came a quick lunch of fresh pizza served to us by TrudyFOD ( our brave waitress who went to stand in a 30 min food line) and we were ready for the gate to open.

This was a general admission venue.  Our wristband gave us “up front” standing spot at the stage.  We were led in slowly with the warning not to run so that no one would get injured.  Seriously!  Once through the gate the 5 of us made a human chain and scooted as fast as we could to keep up with the teens  who had a faster scoot rate than us,  haha!  One of us had a tumble ( all is ok, not to worry) on the grass, but we made it to the 3rd row.  Djbell had center position.  I told those around us to give her room if they wanted primo video on youtube.  She did an awesome job!  I was able to meet Niki from Snarky’s and Rach from ArchieRx.  I handed them some Cd’s and a “The Voice” pin as a keepsake.

I discovered :

1. I can’t text/tweet in the hot sun.
2. I can’t take pictures/videos in the hot sun.
3. I have a 2 hour limit standing in the hot sun.

The show started with a young female singer named Auburn. She is a hip hop singer.  She performed rather mechanically with rehearsed moves as she sang.  Her voice was very good. Watch Auburn here

But she was not David.  So we waited.

They announced David Archuleta and then we waited more.  Tick- tock.

Twenty-five minutes later David appeared on the left side of the stage, poised to go with his hand on the railing, ready to run up the steps to the stage.

Dressed in a white cotton tee shirt with baby blue horizontal stripes, new dark hip hugger jeans , sassy leather belt that peeked out from under his front tucked shirt, David shot up to the stage!

He led off with Touch My hand, with a music track behind him.. Full of energy with a strong voice!  Lots of waving to fans, and a generous number of look aways.  He sure likes getting the ladies screaming.  Next was Something ‘Bout Love.  He had a pounding beat musical track accompanying him.  It was a departure from what we have seen up to now on this promotional tour.  I see great things ahead as we see him evolve with this song on his  solo tour.  It will be his new “jump”  song no doubt.  Mike came out for the next number “Elevator.”  There were a few new hand movements during this song.  As he sang, “Go with the flow..”  he bent his arm out in front in a serpentine wavy motion and “a box with no air” he drew a square out in midair.  David said this is a favorite of his.  Dreaming a song is very special indeed.  He is truly living his dream.  With sweat rolling down his sideburns (yes, I said sideburns) he mopped his brow and stepped up to the microphone on center stage to sing Crush.  The crowd noise went up 100 decibels.  Everyone sang along and David had a HUGE grin on his face the whole time.

I could see a new intensity in his performance.  He has missed the energy the fans bring in a live show.  Lots of clenched fists, hunkerdowns, head whips, plus new ending notes to all the songs.  It’s obvious he is bursting with pride over this new album.

When his set was finished, he turned to his right and ran off the stage, down the steps, then out of sight.

Sandy beaches and I left right after he was gone and the rest of the group stayed till the end.  It was a grand time.  We reconnecting with friends we had not seen since the CFTH tour.  But best of all, we reconnected with the one who connects us all to each other___David.

In 2008 for David Archuleta and David Cook it was a friendship born in the chaos that was American Idol.  Bonded by the experience of surviving the pressure, it remains today a brotherly connection.  According to them, seeing a friend do well meant more than being the winner.

“I could talk about him for days.  (laughs)  You know Archie’s probably one of the most genuine, stand-up people that I’ve ever met.  And to be able to share the stage with him anytime is great.  I joked with him last night that it’s a shame we have to travel halfway across the world just to see each other.  But, he’s a good guy and an amazing talent.  And as far as supporters go, I think I’m probably right up there when it comes to Archuleta.”

~ David Cook  2009

“I actually think I would’ve felt horrible if I had won, because I deeply felt that David Cook was the one who deserved it.  Here was this amazing singer and  all-around musician, someone I really looked up to and admired not just for his  music side, but also as a person.  I really respected him and the way he acted throughout the whole time we were together; I have to be honest and say that he  was the person who, in my view, showed better than anyone else in the season that he should win.”

~  David Archuleta  2008

Whether it’s passing briefly in an airport

Saw @DavidArchie at the airport! Awesome sauce!     6:19 PM Jun 8th ~ DC tweet

At the airport now. Just ran into @thedavidcook and his crew haha. Hope they  rock it out tomorrow at the Rio Tinto! Go support!      6:29 PM Jun 8th ~ DA tweet

or hoping to meet up for a meal

Hey @DavidArchie… How long are you in town? DM me or text me and let me know.      5:44 PM Apr 7th 2009

The chemistry of the two David’s, whether they are in close proximity or tweeting over cyberspace, is charming.  The vibe is always supportive between them.  I grew more fond of David Cook since watching the behind the scenes footage from Idol.  He wasn’t my favorite from season 7, yet Cook is the person I think of first when David talks about how he admires the other Idol contestants to this day.

What has endeared him to me is the big brother role he displays when ever they have been together on stage during the Idol’s Live tour or appearing together in interviews.  They had shared the spotlight after Idol with several press appearances.

“I consider it a huge honor to share the stage with the kid. He’s the real deal,” Cook says.  “All the buzz coming in, he deserves.”

Ford Day Shenanigans

TRL Singing the phonebook!

The Davids at the TCA’s

Witnessing the friendship built on mutual admiration and respect for each other’s given talent, you can feel the love.  In the world of music stardom they both find the time to stay in touch.  The two David’s are great fans of each other.

The friendship and career support continues to flourish.  Last June Cook asked about an audio version of Chords of Strength.

@DavidArchie saw your book in borders today. Looked for the audiobook version that you narrated, but to no avail… Lol congrats man.

@thedavidcook Oh really?  I guess some stores released it a day early haha.  I’ll  have to keep an audiobook version in mind for you!

This past week when David’s new video Something ‘Bout Love debuted, Cook was on twitter.

RT@DavidArchie Hey guys, the video for “Something ‘Bout Love” will be premiering tomorrow on Vevo!  Excited for you guys to see it! 4:05 PM Aug 4th

Cook paid tribute yet again to David by wearing a too small David Archuleta shirt on stage.  He offers to trade one of his own tour shirts to the fan in exchange.  His reaction to the rejected offer is priceless.

My wish for the two Davids going forward is a continuation of this kind of “real deal” friendship that finds genuine happiness in each other’s success.