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 all the vids I been watching lately, it again reinforced to me more than ever what a truly consummate performer he is. In the Rainbow vid he has been described as “dizzying” as a groovin’ mic-free David, then we have him flying across the stage dancing to a Zero Gravity, and then the choke-hold-on-the-mic D, giving us the stance and emoting like there is no tomorrow (My Hands/Providence, RI comes to mind), flashes of salsa, a few seconds of are-you-freaking-kidding-me moves during Soul Man, and then you have the Ave Maria’s and this:
Video credit 8throwcenter
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Hadn’t seen this particular one before (and I ♥ it) where he just stands there and sings, gloriously sings.
…and I love one as much as the other. I love it all, I want it all. And we can’t forget piano accompaniment and I suspect possibly guitar on his return as well as more dancing! Huh, what, who? I know I’ve said it before, but it needs repeating (so here I go) – who else can sing and perform with such diversity at such high artistry AND look like that doing it!
n.o.b.o.d.y.
*If anyone was ever born to perform, to be on a stage, it is him.*
(I know I’m preaching to the choir, but sometimes I just have to get it out.)
The My Kind of Christmas Tour continues on the west coast with two more shows in a series of four on the California Leg of the tour. Tonight, David will blow the ceiling off of the Majestic Ventura Theater in Ventura, California.
credit Heather JT
credit Djafan
credit Djafan
Tomorrow, David hits the stage again at The National Grove of Anaheim, in Anaheim, California.
The My Kind of Christmas Tour hits the west coast today for a series of four concerts. Tonight David will blow everyone’s socks off in Santa Rosa at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts!
SANTA ROSA-Wells Fargo Center For The Arts
Tomorrow, Club Nokia in Los Angeles will be treated to his awesomeness.
It’s been five days since Westbury and I miss it big time. But I can’t complain; it was a midwinter night’s dream to be at VIP, sit in Row 4 and see David perform, to finally meet Angelica and Abrra and catch up with old friends. The planets aligned nicely for me; the only missing link from The Voice was Djafan. We have been looking forward to The Grand Meeting for the last two years since we started The Voice. There’s something about that third dimension that cinches the deal.
(Dear David, do you know how many people you have brought together, how many friendships you’ve created, how much good you have brought to the world? You are so young in years and have accomplished more than you realize. But that‘s another subject for another time. ;))
I recognized Abrra when I first saw her at VIP. She’s cute and warm and friendly and funny and nurturing and every bit as efficient and geeky as she is online. We hugged and I gave her the big kiss on the cheek I promised. It feels like I know Abs my whole life. She is like a warm fuzzy blankie. We bonded instantly, at first sight.
VIP took place in the lounge and the lights were low and hazy. It was packed and we knew David entered the room when we heard screams followed by a hush. I could barely see him at the far end of the lounge but when I got closer, there he was, dressed like a typical teenager in jeans and a hoodie, signing posters for the fans. It was a pleasure to spend some time with SandyBeaches again and to see TOFan and refnaf. I also met Kizzi for the first time! Abrra was already in line to get a signed poster and she saved me a spot. I almost forgot that Mr. Bebereader was sitting at our table, with our coats and purses. He’s been a fan of David’s since Idol and never misses a chance to say hi to him. I quickly let him know that it was time. Since he didn’t want to leave the purses unattended, he arrived at the line with three ladies purses in tow. LOL The line moved quickly…
Me: Hi David. I’m Bebe. B-E-B-E (I was sure he wouldn’t know how to spell my name.)
David: (Repeating me, as he signed) Beeee beeee B-E-B-E. Lower register. Dead. Why did he have to do that?
I could barely see him in the darkness but I wasn’t really looking either. Have you heard of self preservation? Then I heard him say “So how’re you doing?” I guess he was talking to me; I was the only one there.
Me: Great! Good luck at the show tonight! (So generic.)
David: Thanks! And thanks for coming out!
He handed me a life-sized signed poster and I made a beeline back into the crowd. A new line formed for pictures and then he sang the first verse of “My Kind of Perfect”, a capella. Lovely.
We were back out in the lobby after VIP when someone told me that Angelica had arrived. I turned around and knew exactly who she was. She’s beautiful, blond, bright, and a firecracker, a combination of attributes that you’d expect in someone who writes with so much passion.
I thought I’d pull a fast one so when I approached her I said “Hi Angelica, I’m Abrra and this is Bebe (pointing to Abrra who was standing beside me.) She had never met either of us but you can’t trick her. She good-naturedly laughed at my attempt at silliness but knew I was teasing. She sparkles; she’s fun; she’s a people magnet and she pulled me right in.
We had some time to sit in our seats in the venue before the show started. There I had the pleasure of speaking to SilverFox again; we met at a VIP two years ago. Shoutouts to FunnyGirl, who is even funnier than her screen name and Marciami, mi compadre. It was evident that fans were there from all parts of the country and elsewhere. This is such a credit to David and I was proud of him before the show even started.
On with the show…
This was not the David I remember from American Idol. He has evolved into an adult, a charismatic performer, fully in charge and a tease onstage. He knows how to work the crowd with his banter, jokes, and by the way he uses his voice. He came out with a slow saunter, singing the words to “Sleigh Ride”, looking completely different from the teenager in the jeans and hoodie I saw moments before. We gasped collectively when we saw him. We screamed. We stood, honored to see him once again. The New York audience never got a chance to see him sing songs from TOSOD and I was thrilled when he sang the title song. The setlist was eclectic and it worked. There were pop tunes, Jazzy numbers, Christmas standards and new Christmas songs. David was playful onstage but he owned it, giving the band cues, dancing, and joking with us:
“That one’s a mistletoe. I don’t know if it’s active on the stage tonight.” LOL
The highlights for me were:
1) The new bi-lingual Christmas song David wrote with Sunny Hilden, “Fa la la la la la.” It’s fun, upbeat, has a catchy tune. And it gives David a chance to let loose and do a little dancing onstage! It’s going to be my ringtone for the holidays.
2) The Amy Grant cover, “I Need A Silent Night”. Fun lyrics and David’s beautiful vocals. I go to sleep and wake up with this song in my head.
credit 8throwcenter
3) “The First Noel”, “Silent Night”, “O Holy Night”. Exquisite vocals. Beautiful reverent performances.
4) Little Drummer Boy! What on earth???!!! I was blown away by this performance. David chooses songs for a reason because they convey a message. I believe he was telling us that he wants to do music forever, is grateful for his gift and will build his career as he sees fit, thank you very much. He made a bold move and beat aggressively on the drums with mallets, to make that statement. A sight to behold when he held the two mallets up in the air. More power to you David. Own it! It’s yours!
All in all it was a great show and had something for everyone. I left the venue feeling both exhilarated and peaceful at the same time. I spoke to a few people as we were exiting. We all had the same look on our faces. What just happened?
After the show, about 50 of us gathered at the Broadway Diner to try to figure it out. We’re still not sure. Except that when all our powers of reasoning fail us, the words of Michael Orland, Musical Director of American Idol, Season 7 are brought to mind. “David Archuleta came to American Idol as a genius and he left as one.” On a cold wintry night in December, Mr. Orland’s words ring loud and clear.
There is so much to say but it’s hard to find the words which would do justice to David and the magic of the four concerts I was truly fortunate to attend, thanks in large part to SB. But I’m trying hard to find the words. Right now, as always after seeing David in concert & wondering when or if there will be a next time for me, I find myself in a fog, a feeling of sadness. For some reason, this time is different, because at the same time I feel a sense of peace knowing David is happy & truly content in the decisions he has made.
David’s MKOC Tour is his Christmas gift to his fans which is truly extraordinary. His gracious appreciation of and gratitude to his fans was so obvious in every move, every look, every smile, every word he uttered on stage and at the VIP M&G’s, but more so when he sang. Whether the upbeat, fun songs or the beautiful, heartfelt reverent songs, he poured his all into each & every note. He showed us how he feels about his fans & he takes nothing for granted. This tour, the whole production is so obviously HIS. I believe he knew exactly what he wanted to do and how he wanted to express himself to his fans. He may have had some input from others, but the production is ALL DAVID because it’s all about “giving”. I believe he also wanted, in the only & best way he knows, to give subliminal messages in the songs he chose about our concerns & worries about what he has in store for the future.
The tour opening in Westbury brought back many great memories of CFTH, but those were soon overshadowed by such remarkable performances by David, as if he had been performing non-stop these last two years. His vocals have never sounded so sublime, pitch-perfect and magnificent. SB & I had front row seats directly in front of David. We always describe ourselves as being mesmerized & hypnotized by David, and believe me, by the end of the concert, the audience was! He gave us surprise after surprise. He shared the stage with kids while he read a Christmas poem. He salsa danced around the stage like the Latino he is to his new fun song, Fa-la-la-la. Then before his very beautiful encore of Silent Night, he sang Little Drummer Boy in his low register, ever so softly at first then out of nowhere, he lifted some base drumsticks and proceeded to absolutely blow us away by beating the front of the base drum and dancing from side to side as he beat it like there was no tomorrow! It was David as we have never seen him before! To say we were flabbergasted is an understatement! I don’t think David knew what to expect or how his audience would react to his performance of Little Drummer Boy which is why it was not the encore in Westbury. It was the most exciting & outstanding performance I had ever seen in my life! So far..because of course, he was just getting started.
Irving Plaza was another outstanding performance but on a smaller stage. It was a standing only, mosh type venue. SB & I upgraded our tickets to Venue VIP which only meant standing in the balcony with a better view of the stage. The difference in this concert was the encore which was no surprise. David’s Little Drummer Boy took center stage as the Encore song. A brilliant decision as I am sure we will witness more & more as the tour progresses.
Now on to Turning Stone Casino in Verona which transformed David into the Broadway Star he could easily be. The large stage reminded me of the Las Vegas stages my sister & I saw Elvis perform in many times. I can see David perform in the biggest & most beautiful showrooms in Vegas or on Broadway someday. David surpassed himself in Verona. It was truly magical. The difference between Elvis & David is Elvis had a “crowd” on stage, an orchestra, his band & several background singers. David had four band members, and HIMSELF and needed nothing & no one else. When he came on stage he was bigger than life, filling the stage with his glow. It’s a mystery how he transforms the minute he walks on stage, any stage. This transformation is an unexplainable phenomena which I have only seen in David. What was so different about the stage in the Turning Stone Casino? Perhaps it was the size of the stage, the lighting, or the acoustics? No! It was David. How is it possible to improve perfection? Because that is precisely what David did in Verona. His stage presence was like no one I’ve seen before. His vocals were exquisite. His voice lifted the audience to heights we never knew existed. How does he do it night after night I wondered? Like in the last two concerts, he gave his all in every song reaching out to the audience with his beautiful voice & self. He gave us more surprises after he read his poem with the little girls from the audience when he broke out singing his new fun song again. (The man can D A N C E!). Then he started dancing with one of the little girls!! Such a joy to behold and that little girl will have something to remember forever! The first half was over leaving us anxiously anticipating what he had in store in the second half.
MAGIC! That is what he had in store for us. Every song, full of love & Grace. Then came David’s rendition of Silent Night which is as we know, the most beautiful of any other rendition we have ever heard by anyone, and in Verona he made it even more poignant, reverent & beautiful. All of a sudden through the tears many of us had as he sang, snow started to fall! Real snow! It was like scene out of a movie or a beautiful painting. Looking at David in the center of the stage under the most beautiful lighting & singing this most beautiful song deep from within his heart & soul as the snow fell was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen and I will never forget it. I can still see & feel the deep & profound impact that particular performance had on me. David will never know & even if I were to try to tell him, I would not be able to find the words. I know there were many in the audience who were as affected as I.
credit David’s OS
His Little Drummer Boy in Verona was even more magnificent than you can imagine! Perhaps the large stage made it that much more powerful a performance. All I can say is that you just had to be there! It was an inspiration and IMO, his way of letting us know in his subliminal way that he is doing his bidding for Him every day of his life, using the gift he was given in the right way. He is doing what he was born and destined to do. David’s performance in Verona was truly unforgettable. In a way, I wish there were NO videos of any of the Little Drummer Boy performances until the end of the tour so that each audience can see & FEEL what the videos just can’t pick up which is the energy, excitement and astonishment of seeing David beating on the drum for HIM, putting his whole body into it as he dances side to side. It’s simply glorious!
Stroudsburg was another outstanding performance. A different venue, stage & audience…except for those of us who were fortunate to be there again. David’s vocals were still strong & had no sign of fatigue and his stage presence was still happy, alive and on fire! How does he do it I wondered again? So obvious was his joy on stage. Every song sung with an intensity as if knowing this was the last of the Eastern leg of his tour, he wanted to make sure the fans here felt his love & appreciation. It was like a huge joyous celebration. He danced, he talked more than usual, and danced some more! Zero Gravity got the audience up & dancing. His Little Drummer Boy was again a reminder to us that he is here to stay, playing his “Drum” to Him, playing his best to Him. Giving his thanks to Him for the gift of his amazing ability to reach people regardless of faiths, age, gender, or race through music. That is David’s destiny and he is living it every day.
What a grand & glorious 4 days of seeing David in concert. The best Christmas gift ever!
For anyone reading the fan sites or viewing the videos, you have to know the videos, audios, & recaps of personal experiences, even though some are brilliantly written really do not capture the full essence of seeing David in all his glory on this, his very special tour which is so obviously designed, produced & orchestrated by David to be exactly what he wanted to GIVE to his fans. If there is an opportunity to attend one of the MKOC concerts, PLEASE DO!
To David, all I can say is Thank you for yet again, another unforgettable experience & memories I can tuck away in my heart.
Posted by bebereader on Saturday, December 3, 2011
photo credit: I Be TinaB
Ready for more?
Next stop on the My Kind of Christmas Tour is at The Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, in central New York State.
David would be surprised to learn how far his fans travel to see him. We come from near and far, from all different states of the US and as far as Australia, Canada and other countries.
From a Twitter party he had with fans today, we learned that David is going to try to fit more into the VIPs!
We’ll be here, updating with videos and links from Westbury and Irving Plaza. Please don’t hesitate to contribute and join in the fun.
David wowed us last night. Unbelievable. What is in store tonight? I can not wait to quote SandyBeaches who quoted zerogravity we now have “Rock Starchuleta” in the house!
Imagine him here tonight!
I’m picked myself up off the floor and I think I’m ready for tonight. We’ll be here waiting anxiously for any tweets, texts, twitpics, whatever tidbits come our way 🙂
I’ll be updating with videos or whatever may appear from Westbury. Don’t hesitate to bring links if you find any!
This excerpt from PopCityLife interview with Steven the drummer sent twitter and David’s fansites wild.
“Steven: ha ha ha Well, the most I can say is that the versatility in genres are mindblowing, and that the Christmas spirit will definitely be felt! This one is one for the books! There is a cool surprise during a very well known Christmas song during the show. I can’t say what the song is, but the genre is rock. Listen up for it!”
Imagine him here tonight!
We are so ready for anything David. We might have to be picking ourselves off the floor but we’ll be here waiting anxiously for any tweets, texts, twitpics, whatever tidbits come our way 🙂
Bebe’s info regarding the eats for today. Peeps going let us know who meets up!
For before the show, if you need a place to chill:
Brush Hollow Deli and Pizzeria 990 Brush Hollow Road Westbury, NY 11590 516/334-4242 or 516/334-2992
For after the show there’s a 24/7 diner about four minutes away by car. It’s called Broadway Diner on North Broadway in Hicksville. Hope we can get a group together even for a little while, after the show.
287 N. Broadway Hicksville, NY 11801 (516) 681-3982
Directions to Broadway Diner from venue: Make right out of parking lot. Go down to the light. Stay to the right. Make a right turn on North Broadway. Diner is 1/8 of a mile on left side.
Hope to see a lot of you there to meet and decompress
To hold us in the meantime here is what I think is David’s best interview to date.
Who’s feeling anxious and excited with David? Yeah, me too! His first stop on theMy Kind of Christmas Tourwas the laststop on hisChristmas From the Heart Tourtwo years ago: The Theater at Westbury in Westbury, New York.
I’ve been to this venue many times and I like it because it’s different. The theatre is in the round, the stage is in the center, and the audience sits around it. It has a nice intimate feel.
I took a ride to Westbury about two weeks ago to scout the area for restaurants for before or after the show.
I found a place nearby in walking distance, in case you get there early and want to hang out or grab a bite to eat before the show. They close at 8pm.
Brush Hollow Deli and Pizzeria 990 Brush Hollow Road Westbury, NY 11590 516/334-4242 or 516/334-2992
For after the show there’s a 24/7 diner about four minutes away by car. It’s called Broadway Diner on North Broadway in Hicksville. Hope we can get a group together even for a little while, after the show.
287 N. Broadway Hicksville, NY 11801 (516) 681-3982
Directions to Broadway Diner from venue: Make right out of parking lot. Go down to the light. Stay to the right. Make a right turn on North Broadway. Diner is 1/8 of a mile on left side.
Hope to see a lot of you there to meet and decompress
after this first show of the tour! Are y’all ready for this? Well, GET READY cause here he comes!
bebereader
djafan
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The Voice David Archuleta 