Collage by Pocoelsy

Sitting here staring at a blank page.

I wonder how many writers have typed those exact words.

My own thoughts lately have been about reflecting on where the last six years have taken me as I follow the career of David Archuleta. From being completely off my radar, to being the most talented singer I have heard in decades. Here I am so many years later, still a big fan as well as helping to run a fan site. He is so worth it. I surely did not know that watching a TV show would change my life in so many ways. It’s all due to the joy that I discovered in a young man’s voice.

At times it has been exciting as well as confusing to follow the career of a celebrity from his first big break on “American Idol.” We want the best for him, yet it gets frustrating when the forward career movement seems to go so slowly. Every singer has to start out someplace. Having the opportunity for national exposure is about the best jump start a young singer can have. Yes, it takes talent to get noticed, but it take more than that to succeed in a very hard business. I do miss the excitement of appearances, radio station interviews, red carpet events. I learned that no one can sing patriotic songs better than David. How I loved to bash (on fan sites) the DJ’s who try to trap David into some crazy responses. I always felt that he would have a successful career and that it would most likely be a slow progression for him as he found his way with developing a style, as well as find his inner voice.

After Idol it was a frenzied existence trying to record a freshman album in the midst of a hectic tour. I often wondered where he found the energy to fit in so much work in so few hours in a day. I just had to be present for all the shows, in spirit. Fond memories of late night crappy cell casts from a fan’s cell phone over a web cam are now a thing of the past. Video has improved so much and cell phone audio is very good now. So, things do get better! It’s truly the fans who have brought David’s performances to us more than any other means. Many thanks to those who watch a concert with one eye on the lens!

What I wasn’t prepared for was a two-year break for a mission for his church. There are now less than sixty days until Elder Archuleta’s mission is complete. I began to think about the possibilities that await him. I wonder about what he put on hold back in 2012 and what he will be doing once he has readjusted to his new life back home. He may face a few social changes such as remembering to speak in English or realizing that he no longer has a companion to shadow his every move. It has to be a culture shock to return to his old life, just as it was when he first arrived in Chile. I try not to project my wants and wishes for the career direction he may take, but one thing I do know is that he is ready to sing on stage again. I saw this with my own eyes. He can hardly contain the desire to move and perform. The search for a sound is something he has expressed in video blogs. Where does one find their sound? Maybe it is something you discover by trial and error. David has shown his ability to interpret a song and deliver a refreshing new twist. From watching videos released by the LDS Church, we have seen only Spanish versions of some classic songs. What I noticed as well is the diverse style that David brought to the songs he sang, even though they were classics that I have heard sung in a certain way. As an example, he sang “Little Drummer Boy” in a whole new way from how he performed it in his own My Kind Of Christmas Tour. Jaws dropped as he raised the drum mallets and declared his ownership of the song. Equally effective was the recent version of “Little Drummer Boy” starting with snare drums and his voice front and center, then adding in flute and violin as the song builds to a crescendo. That’s what I like, always a surprise or twist to a song.

It was a pleasant surprise recently to see some activity on David’s official site. A simple thing such as a contest to win a scrap of his MKOC stage backdrop has given fans a spark of excitement that we needed. It is a confirmation that they are gearing up for his return in the spring. Most anticipated is the music. Spanish artist Enrique Iglesias has expressed a desire to work with David. This would be an opportunity for introducing David to international audiences that may not be as familiar with his music. I have seen tweets from Victoria Horn, who has been a collaborator, mentioning that she will see David soon. Knowing it will take time, maybe a year or more to have some original songs, I am fine with that.

Singing aside, if he has some contracts that were set in motion before he left, so be it. David has proven his ability to step outside of the music. He has what it takes to be an actor or a model, as well as a great singer. One has to balance the artistic with the practical when it comes to a professional career. Nothing worth waiting for can be rushed, especially something that has to flow from within your heart and soul.

Take your time David Archuleta. I will be here, there and everywhere as your fan.

Abrra,

Very sorry to intrude but you know I–had-to-do-this after that last sentence of yours.  Especially with the celebration of their 50th anniversary this week.   

Angelica.

Video credit nick tsourmas.