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.
As soon as he walked out onstage at Daryl’s House in Pawling last Saturday night, I knew he wasn’t the same David Archuleta that I left at Westbury seven years earlier. After not seeing him for a long stretch of time, the change in his stage presence was remarkable; I could not take my eyes off of him. The Livestream doesn’t do him justice.
Experience shows; he’s now like a well-oiled machine. His confidence level has risen and there’s now a subtle sophistication about him. Unlike other singers, David doesn’t just sing; he performs each song, with it’s own set of dance moves, particular to that song. And yet at the same time; he’s humble. An interesting combination of traits in one person; confidence, experience, sophistication and humility; a humility that only comes from within. Male or female, the audience loves him and gave him a standing ovation several times during the evening.
The small, sold-out venue gave way to an intimate performance, allowing David to lock eyes with audience members, as he delivered the messages of each song. At one point, he sang the last verse of “Crush”to a young girl in the front row, corner. When he walked away I glanced at her. She was overwhelmed, almost in tears. There was a bunch of older fans in the audience, too. We caught every change up in melody or lyric and every dance move and we responded with applause.
David’s talent is so diverse that he’s able to have a setlist comprised of different genres including ballads, rock, jazz, spiritual, Latin, pop and even songs from movie soundtracks. The medley of tunes he sang from “The Great Showman” movie was awesome!
video credit David Archuleta UK/Daryl’s House Club
My other new favorites are “Nunca Pense” – his Latin dance moves are killer and I love how his band provided boy-band type dancing backup…
video credit David Archuleta UK/Daryl’s House Club
I also loved the new finger-snapping in one of my early favorites “Invincible”.
video credit David Archuleta UK/Daryl’s House Club
“Thunder” was a powerful performance, too! And seeing him sing “Spotlight Down” before my eyes was a treasure. So many favorites!
It was a perk getting to see Marlie from The David Chronicles and SnowAngelz, Deb and Refnaf again! DJbell is such a hoot online and in person. For the fans, it was like no time had passed. ❤
I have no idea if David is interested in having a role on Broadway but from my perspective, he looks ready. I can visualize him onstage in the play, “Dear Evan Hansen”. Anyone else?
Some things never change, especially the euphoric feeling you get when one of David’s shows is over. As I left the venue, that familiar feeling washed over me, reminding me that David Archuleta is truly one of the blessings in my life.
“There he is!” I was checking my phone for any David news as we were going into Richfield. “He’s on the same highway that we are on, Dayzee!” Sure enough after winding around a few roads, there were the same signs that were in David’s Instagram! We are here! Later there was more excitement to see him walk out on that stage with his big smile and waving. Oh, the yelling, clapping, standing ovations; he had them all!
Like I’ve said, the whole world needs to hear that voice. It’s just something special to see him live…he has that “light”. Got to meet up with Shawna and Patty again. Hadn’t seen them since Motab. The big surprise was when Nathan came out and sang “The Prayer” with David.
credit: 8throwcenter
OMGosh, I never, ever thought I would get to see that live. At the end, David had a little girl come on stage while he sang “Glorious”.
credit: Jan
When leaving, I saw a bottle on stage and went down and got it with the help of a stage hand. Thought I had a David bottle, but when I watched the video of them singing “The Prayer”, it shows Nathan taking a drink and sitting the bottle right down where I picked it up…so…it was Nathan’s water bottle and not David’s! 😉 well, he’s second best! LOL
On to Queen’s Creek – 1st concert
There was an early dinner at Olive Garden before the concert where we met up with Kalei and her bunch. It was Linda’s birthday and she was surprised to find out that she was going to meet David in person! Awesome!
Dayzee’s and my seats were apart and I got to sit between some “fuddy duddies”! No arm swinging with lighted cameras, no singing and swaying! They might not have been in the swing of things, but it didn’t stop me! haha. The 3 on my right left when David left the stage.
What? no encore?? How can anyone leave with David on fire!!! But of course there was one! It left me on a high all night! He was so good!
credit: Jan
Queen’s Creek – 2nd concert
Gwen couldn’t make it, so Dayzee sat in her seat and Dayzee’s seat went to Victoria! I sat next to SuzyQ and it was good to see her again. Got to meet Pat and Sweetonda, Tawna and hubby, DJAfan and more.
After hearing “7 Years” live 3 times in a row, I give in! David puts his all in that song, he is incredible! There is nothing like David feeding off the electric frenzy of the fans. I felt like a teenager again! It is with love that I listened to his little speeches before his songs that gives messages on him staying in music. Don’t ever quit singing David!
It was the night before Easter and I was hoping David would sing something special and he did! It was beautiful.
credit 8throwcenter
It was so new to him he read the words from his phone and sang it perfectly. Feeling it in his heart, he was breaking down at the end as we all were. Thank you David, you never let us down!
What a joyous trip! It wouldn’t have happened without the super nice Dayzee doing all the driving! 😀
The first night in Arizona the gathering of fans began early at the Olive Garden. So great to have a group of people who don’t cut you off when you mention David. Haha
All photos property of Dayzee unless stated otherwise
Jan and I reached the venue an hour early and there were fans milling around everywhere. Met old friends, some we had not seen since the last time we were in Arizona (home of the infamous chair scooting incident). Some we had met at Tuacahn last fall. Seeing those familiar faces is just what you need when your tummy is full of butterflies and you are so high you can’t keep track of your tickets and keys.
David’s pic on the door
The door of the venue was covered with a pic of David and fans were standing in line to take photos of themselves with that David pic. Jan said when the line slowed down she would take a picture of that herself, but the line was constant and even longer after the performance.
Line of people waiting to take their pics of themselves with the door pic
Inside, Jan and I separated as we had bought our tickets separately. I was by myself but had a ticket for front row center. Yayy! As I found my seat a girl jumped up from the adjoining chair and said “I hope we don’t make too much noise for you.” LOL. As I got to know this new fan I realized she was pretty much the opposite of me. She was 18, I was 81. It was her first time to see David, it was about my fifty-first. We no doubt had little in common, yet here we were, side by side at a David concert.
I showed her some videos on my phone from the Richfield concert. She was quite excited at the thought of getting her own videos and promptly started taping. About half way through the show I told her I would have to stop because my phone was almost dead. She said, “No problem” and hooked me up with a power plug she had found right on the edge of the stage. What??? Arizona not only let you take all the video you wanted, but helped you power up. I love Arizona.
My new friend Nicole was absolutely delightful. She helped me get through “Everybody Hurts” and I helped her through “7 Years”. You know, sometimes David is just overwhelming and you need a hand to clasp or a thigh to squeeze.
As soon as David left the stage I helped Nicole jump up and she gathered set lists and water bottles, handing them to fans standing at the edge of the stage. Everyone loved her. She scampered from the stage, barely escaping the grasp of the stage police.
According the David, the way we will be watching him drink water now since he has decided it’s weird to have 700 people watch you drink
It makes me happy every time I open the refrigerator door.
Nicole came and gave me a hug the second night. Perhaps we will meet again when David visits Arizona. I will not worry about her because I know she has the very best role model. Makes me happy to know there are new young fans. How long can we old ladies carry this banner anyway?
I had not met SuzieQ before, but was fortunate to be sitting next to her on the second night. I loved her for the respect and enthusiastic admiration she showed David.
Remember all those one-armed hugs we used to get from David? They have evolved into two-armed hugs of appreciation that are shared by fans of all ages everywhere!
We are pleased to learn that there are fans who are interested in having a chat night in The Voice Unplugged. Abrra has diligently kept the videos up-to-date from David’s last group of performances. Are you up for it? If so, join us for:
Bring your favorite comfy, cozy sofas, chairs, recliners and fluffy pillows. And don’t forget your snack of choice especially tea, coffee, fruit smoothies, pizza, cookies and chips and dip.
Please note that there will be no VJ host from the studio so requests for videos will not be taken.
I’m so glad that I was able to witness David through his ‘growing’ years. The time when he was hanging onto the mic stand for dear life in his baggy pants and T-shirts. Oh, and the scarves.
credit: Google Images
Then he became like a spring, bouncing around the stage carrying the mic with him, killing us with flirty eyebrows, and wearing better fitting jeans and different kinds of shirts (there was that awesome pink shirt and still the scarves) and had the amazing hair styles.
art edit found on Tumblr – Ponds teen concert
But now, I’m perfectly content with who David is. What he has become. Still the handsome, humorous and witty David that we’ve been watching since 2007, but a man who is comfortable with who he is. A man who isn’t afraid to tell the world what he’s thinking and how he got to the point he is at now. A performer who has developed more fashion sense in the clothes he wears on stage (we’ve still seen some scarves 🙂 ) and yet isn’t afraid to wear the most wrinkled shirt in the closet around town, if that’s the mood he’s in.
credit: Shelley
credit: The Spectrum
I do miss the amazing hair, but I also don’t mind the toned down look — he wears it well. With the head of hair he owns… wow! I love when he uses the flirty eyebrows and points those long fingers, and dances little snippets of fancy footwork here and there. No bouncing around, but some seriously great stage presence (he owns it).
credit: Marilyn Cutler Photography
I’m just happy to be a fan of the most beautiful and versatile Voice on the planet. And, of the most beautiful, inside and out, honest man that owns that Voice. The Voice that is definitely a gift and a treasure. The Voice that David uses to make others happy and peaceful.
The Tuacahn Amphitheater is a 1920-seat open-air amphitheater. It consists of three sections of seating (Left, Right,
Center) with 32 rows A (front) – FF (rear). All seats have backs and arms, but are not cushioned. Entrance to the amphitheater is from the rear, requiring all patrons to descend the stairs toward their seats. Patrons with limited mobility are encouraged to sit near the top (rear) of the amphitheater. There is extra leg room on row O which is sometimes used during the productions when actors walk through the audience. Wheelchair accessible seating is available on the back row (FF) only. The stage has a concrete subfloor with a concrete pass-under tunnel to get from stage left to stage right out of view of the audience. The rear of the stage is open to expose the desertscape and red rock cliffs behind the stage which contains lighting, sound, pyrotechnical, and water effects installations. The area behind the stage is a mixture of natural stone and naturally colored concrete. This concrete riverbed was installed during initial construction to facilitate a massive 55,000 gallon flood of water that comes from the back of the canyon and across the stage toward the audience. Though conceptualized and custom-built for the “Utah!” production, this special effect and other water effects have been featured in numerous productions at Tuacahn.
I’ll be heading out Friday morning to Saint George. I’m not a natural video taker lol but I’ll scope things out and see what’s doable :))) I’m super excited and this week is taking for ever!!! Through the kindness of others I will be taking several grandkids who had wanted to attend and now are. David fans are incredible. Thank you.
Gladys is also on her way to the states to see David Archuleta in concert for the first time! I can’t wait to meet her and others, and those I haven’t seen in some time. It’s going to be great!
The Fan Luncheon information, thanks to Kalei! Wear your favorite David attire!
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2015 Time: 12:00am – 3:00pm *Updated Time! Place: Best Western Abbey Inn – Victoria Room – 1129 S. Bluff Street Menu: Soup & Salad Bar Cost: $15 (Cash only please – payment collected at registration table)
Posted by bebereader on Sunday, September 27, 2015
photo credit Shelley#2015
The long drought was finally over! The two shows in Idaho Falls had been the stuff we dreamed about for years. Our golden voice was back. We were riding on clouds. Saturday night our euphoria suddenly ended in Layton. I was second row center and could see David’s lips moving and heard no sound. A short “erk”, a small “ech”. People behind me were saying there was something wrong with the sound, but I could see it was something wrong with David. After a valiant effort to sing several songs, David left the stage.
He came back with Kirt Bateman, Executive Director of Davis Arts Council to announce David would return with a Christmas gift for us. Mr. Bateman’s arm was around David while on the stage. How many times have we seen that picture? David draws hugs.
photo credit Shelley#2015
You have probably read Kirt’s email to us, but I want to repeat it here:
“Mr. Archuleta with a fever, no voice, aching body, and virtually no energy, went out on that stage in front of 1700 expectant people on Saturday and, like the true star he is, gave them all that he had! Why? …. he’s a man of integrity and wanted to give you the show he had planned and rehearsed for you.”
David talking the words to MKOP was the most memorable part of that evening for me. He said he did not want to spoil the words with his imperfect singing voice. It was the most moving rendition of that song I have heard.
credit Pamela Pike
Monday night was better, but all singing done low-key and in a lower key. No high notes. Few glory notes, though he often made the effort. At least he was singing. Love and respect were tangible.
Both nights David’s band led by Kendra did a number without David to give him a rest. They were great.
Loved the brother/sister act. David ran off the stage mid-concert. We were so worried. A minute later he returned with sister in tow. He announced that she was going to speak for him so he could save his voice to sing. Pretty obvious that she had not volunteered for this assignment. A little hemming and hawing and then she said she only found out about this an hour ago.
credit Pamela Pike
David got in her face “Excuses, excuses” he said as a brother would. Jazzy grudgingly began (as a sister would) and soon became more comfortable and smiley. Later she returned and did a second reading of his notes.
Towards the end David said he had not had enough time to write any more thoughts out for Jazzy to read. He told us he wanted to talk to us and tell us things but he also wanted to sing for us. There was such anguish in his voice, on his face. A little leaking around the eyes.
I did not expect him to come out for an encore. He seemed completely spent. But there he was. Still gamely giving his all for us. His mother and her sister were lovely and covered much of the singing on the encore.
My companion that night had never seen David in person. I told her she would love him. And she did. Her favorite song was Glorious and I never expected David to last long enough to sing that last song.
We at The Voice want to wish David and all his fans a wonderful safe Fourth of July! And it isn’t a celebration without the best singer of patriotic songs singing for us. Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!
Now it’s your turn, put your favorites in the comments!
Please join us in celebrating David Archuleta’s approaching return! Join the world wide trending party!
David Archuleta Is Coming Home
February 28th at 7pm PST – 10pm EST
See below for more times around the world.
credit pocoelsy
All submissions for the welcome home video have been received and the deadline has now expired. That means that thing down there is working after all. lol. That’s a good thing. AAAAANNNDD twitter trending party was a blast last night. Thanks very much to all who participated and trended “David Archuleta is Coming Home” all over the world!
bebereader
djafan
voiceadmin
No arm swinging with lighted cameras, no singing and swaying! They might not have been in the swing of things, but it didn’t stop me! haha. The 3 on my right left when David left the stage.
eating (Left, Right,
per excited and this week is taking for ever!!! Through the kindness of others I will be taking several grandkids who had wanted to attend and now are. David fans are incredible. Thank you.
The Voice David Archuleta 