David James Archuleta (born December 28, 1990) is an American singer-songwriter and actor. At ten years old, he won the children's division of the Utah Talent Competition leading to other television singing appearances.[6] When he was twelve years old, Archuleta became the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search 2.[6] In 2007, at sixteen years old, he became one of the youngest contestants on the seventh season of American Idol.[7] In May 2008 he finished as the runner-up, receiving 44 percent of over 97 million votes.
With that very David-like intro comes the story and motivation behind the original song “Broken,” written by David Archuleta with Jon Hunt for the album BEGIN. In an age of narcissism comes a rejection of all that: an outward-focused man of humility. “I wanted to make a goal to do some original stuff and write music that was real to me and just my own voice, my own sound.”
This is who he is and how he sounds when he feels the song and why we are still here. Actually.
So how many of you watched American Idol this year? I did. Not because I particularly wanted to, but my husband likes to watch it and wants me to watch it with him.
At one time, it was on my “must see” list. I was a fanatic about the show from the beginning. I could never miss an episode. If I wasn’t going to be home, I’d record it because I HAD to see it. Yep, it was my favorite show. I waited all week for it to come on.
Year after year I watched and recorded. I loved Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, was sad when Katherine McPhee lost, sat scratching my head when Taylor Hicks won, and cheered when Jordan Sparks won. The rest? I don’t really remember anymore. Yep, year after year I watched and chose a favorite, even though I never voted.
Then, in season 7 … David Archuleta showed up.
Well, the little rascal changed everything!! I was cheering. I was voting. And I was ranting about the American public’s lack of good taste when he came in second. (It’s okay. I’ve gotten over it. Mostly.)
But when Season 8 started, it felt like something was missing and it’s been that way ever since. Now I watch it because, unless I really want to tell hubby that it’s just a waste of time because there will never be another David Archuleta on the show, I have to watch. How can I tell him that no one else’s voice makes me feel the music, that no one else’s performance draws me in, that no one else compares, that … well, you get my drift.
I’m left wanting, every time, because there won’t be another David Archuleta on American Idol, ever. He is the first and last contestant that has captured my attention in the way he did, in a way I can’t even explain.
Oh, I know that the contestants were talented. I know that many of them have real potential. Some of them have voices I really like. Some have great voices and actually know what to do with them. I can see it. I can hear it. I just don’t feel it.
It’s okay. You can say it. You can tell me, “There’s lots of talent on the show.” or “You can enjoy more than one singer!” And you’d be right. There was some real talent on AI this year. But no matter how good anyone else is, when compared to David, it leaves me wanting more. When some of the contestants sang, the notes seemed cut off and I wanted to pull just a little bit more out of them. And I didn’t hear the extension of the melody in their voices the way I do with David. Somehow, the lyrics are just words. I’m not drawn in. I find myself merely an observer, critiquing each note, each run, rather than enjoying the performances.
Should I be comparing everyone I hear to David? No. I shouldn’t. But do I? Absolutely. I don’t mean to and I try not to. I just can’t help it. After 5 years of listening to The Voice, how can I not compare? He has spoiled me. Badly.
When David was on Idol, I got excited about his performances. I recorded them and watched them over and over and over. I was left going, “OMG, did you hear that!?!” When David sang, I felt the heart of the song. I loved it. I felt engaged. I was connected to the performance and the song. There were moments when he took my breath away. Watch David Archuleta singing “In This Moment.” When he sang it, I believed him and I was in that moment with him.
≈
Not since season 7 have I recorded an episode of American Idol. Not since season 7 has anyone made me want to listen more than once. Not since season 7 have I cared enough to vote for another contestant. I guess once you’ve found your Idol, no one else will ever compare.
Was watching you sing on you tube the other day (what is it with ALL the you tube vids? Like… when do you get anything DONE?), and I said to myself: “That guy really likes to sing. Maybe he should consider making a career out of it. Or something. You know, pursue some op-tions.”
A friend of mine told me to put a bug in your ear. Heh, much as I would like to be able to do that… you know, per-form that little function… I am not planning on a trip to Chile any time soon. And bugs are not known for their reliable ability to communicate understandably, they being a more “proceed with caution” messenger service.
Flexing my knuckles and facing my keyboard therefore, I proceed in presenting a case:
1.
So the angels (“good fairies”?) deemed it wise to give you a warped vocal chord? It seems there have been some com-pen-sa-tor-y measures taken. Consider for instance, that your face is remarkably symmetrical. Remarkably. In fact, remarks have been made. Just sayin’. And please, who sees a vocal chord, anyway?
2.
Short in the “tall” division? True. You are short, small, little. I get it.
But, I get the suspicion, watching some of these vids, that if you like, open your mouth and sing – you know – with feeling, there is a good possibility that peeps are not going to notice anyone else in the room anyway. You should try it. Maybe stand on a table, or somethin’. You know, just to get the hang of it.
3.
Funny breathing?
Hey, everybody needs a “signature”, something that people can re-cognize. I wouldn’t worry about it. They do keep oxygen tanks in public places, ya know. In fact, I’ve seen peeps in the audiences being supplied with oxygen. So, it’s covered.
(Besides, although it doesn’t seem to be you’re thing, there are those that like a little heavy breathing.)
All in all, I think you might have a chance. You got this – you know – this big heart. They aren’t going to know what to do with that, true. It doesn’t really market, per se, but a handicap? Look at it this way kid, having something they can’t package means “no limits”. I like the sound of that.
This “bug” comes to you more or less anonymously, from a faithful viewer.
Go for it. Just sayin’.
“For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.”
Wow! Another year has passed and it’s already Mother’s Day again. That means David gets to call home! Since I’ve never had to leave my family for two whole years, I can’t imagine how much he misses his mother and the rest of his family. But I imagine it will be a happy day for all of them when he makes that call. Lupe must surely miss his laugh and that brilliant smile.
I know how much my mother means to me and I thank God every day that she’s still with me. Not everyone is so fortunate. I talk to her every day. She is my rock. She’s the one I turn to when I don’t know what to do because I know that whatever advice she gives will be what she believes is best for me. She always has my back. She is a staunch supporter of anything I want to try, often having more faith in me than I have in myself. She is always sympathetic, always caring, and when she speaks to me it is always with love in her voice. I know David must feel the same way.
Cartoon find by Bluesky
In times when life can be so hard
And worry can darken our day
There’s always one person who understands
And knows just what to say.
♥♥♥
I hope David and Lupe have a nice long chat and get to share lots of love and smiles across the miles.
Wishing you a day filled with joy and laughter. To each and every one of you …
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY !
Video by Familysharecom – with thanks to Beloirti for the find.
I have a confession. I have strayed, cheated on the man who has held me in thrall for the past five years. I do it every evening, furtively, making eyes at this guy in vest and shirt, singing and dancing and making my heart go kaboom.
Dear Reader, are you confused by my rambling? Are you going “huh”?
You might have guessed that, this being The Voice, I must be talking about David Archuleta. Big sigh! Yes, him! So, he is the enthralling one. Then who’s the other guy?
I give you Exhibit A.
♦
I just can’t stop watching. I didn’t quite understand why. Not at first anyway. I had never been a fan. His voice does not compare; no, no, not by a long mile. The dancing? Yes, that might be it. But Mr Archuleta can boogie too. We’ve all seen glimpses of that.
Then one night, after several repeats deep into the early hours – bingo!
Mr T doesn’t wear a tie. His vest is less snug, the trousers a looser fit. But let your imagination run just a bit. Then squint a little.
Can you see it now? Shirt with rolled up sleeves, perfectly knotted tie, body-hugging vest, almost sprayed-on pants. And boots! There they are, with pants tucked in.
Like this.
♦
You understand now, don’t you? I might be watching JT sing and dance but all I see is David Archuleta. The only voice I want to hear. The only guy I want to see – making a big splash everywhere. In 2014.
Until then, I am going to cheat a little by watching JT and transforming him into that one and only guy for me. The brain is a powerful thing, don’t you think?
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The Voice David Archuleta 