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.
Today is the day! David is at the AI finale! Will he perform or not? That is the question but irregardless I’m so happy he was able to make it. He’s beaming in all the pictures shared so far. I love the media attention David is getting. First with the mystery of will he be there or not then with the celebration of his appearance confirmed!
I watched AI this week just for the chance of seeing David Archuleta. And tonight I will be glued to the TV!
3. “Imagine” –- David Archuleta Season 7
“It was top 20 week when David Archuleta became the front-runner to win season 7. His status seemed cemented when he sang a dazzling version of John Lennon’s “Imagine” that left many in tears. “David’s voice gets me on an organic level,” says vocal coach Dorian Holley. “The beauty of his voice gets right to why people love music – it tears your heart out.” One of the many people who spontaneously burst out crying during Archuleta’s performances was vocalist Lynne Fiddmont, who was a backing singer in Rickey Minor’s band. “I was tired and cranky during Hollywood Week and then David opened his mouth and I didn’t know what was happening to me. Then every time he sang I had to tell myself not to get emotional on television. No matter what I said, I cried. He has that tender-hearted voice and a vulnerability that is very rare.”
credit: American Idol
38. “Angels” –- David Archuleta
Season 7
“For inspirational week, David Archuleta admitted he was having a “hard time” picking a song – until he found Robbie Williams’ “Angels,” a song that was a hit all over the world except for the U.S., where it peaked at No. 53 on the Hot 100.
The teenager from Murray, Utah, said he “felt so strongly with the music and the song and the message in it. Despite whatever you are going through, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.” Seated at a grand piano in a light colored shirt, Archuleta looked – and sounded – angelic as he was enveloped in soft lighting and mist. “That was your hottest moment of the whole season,” said Randy Jackson, who concluded it was “crazy hot!” Paula Abdul agreed, saying it was “fantastic.”
Posted by sandybeaches9 on Thursday, January 15, 2015
Paris est Charlie, Je suis Charlie,… I am a free man
Charlie Brown in mourning over the loss of lives after the attack at the Charlie Hebdo magazine which was named in reference to Charlie
After unimaginable tragedy struck Paris last week, the city had the eyes of the world upon it much like after the shocking events that took place in the cities of New York, Boston and recently in Ottawa. As they said then, Paris is the world today as it represents us who join in solidarity for world peace. It was said that these events will become common place events, but there are those who will not allow it to go on for generations. It is really about the decaying relationships between religions that generate wars and all that they say they stand for, when it is social psychological attitudes and the lack of respect for mankind that fuels the rages.
I watched intently as the days unfolded and then over 40 world leaders including kings and presidents came together linking arms in a solidarity march that will go down in history as the decisive moment exemplifying that we must stand together against the aggressors. The strength of world peace commitment was strong in Paris both then and now.
A Parisian: “I had heard the news about how huge the rally was in Paris this weekend. I had read the reports about what it was like, there on the ground. But until I saw this, this guy turning around his own stereo speakers, to play John Lennon’s Imagine, not just in his apartment, but out the window to the crowd below so they could hear it, until I saw his video of the crowd hearing him do that, I did not really understand how big it was until then”.
credit: PandaInside
There amidst the crowds of millions of Parisians who had gathered for the rally, I spotted a large banner that recited lines from John Lennon’s iconic ‘Imagine’. Parisians looked to John Lennon for inspiration in their darkest moment and broke into song. My thoughts went back to the stage where David once stood, singing the same song, reaching out to everyone who felt the need for world peace. We heard it and his singing related easily to any one of the tragedies that has taken place since then. I can wind the film ahead in time and in my imagination see David singing to the people who value world peace above all else.
There is a place in music now for someone as musically influential as John Lennon, one who is looking at the state of the world and giving what he has to aid world peace.
Photo 1: I don’t think that’s how you properly salute, but oh well haha. We have to wear the body armor sometimes when we travel from one base to another on military aircraft here in Afghanistan.
Hey everyone,
I have written a letter to my family and friends, but I decided that I should share it with all of you as well:
First off, I am sorry that I can never write less than an essay and that my emails are always so long! But please bear with me and my imperfections with this one.
I wanted to write to all of you seeing as this last week has been quite incredible for me. Right now I am writing this to you as blasting winds full of dust attack my face and my eyes (I’m outside to have some time to myself). I am currently in Afghanistan, and as I don’t know when I will ever be here again I would like to take the time to write to you under interesting circumstances.
What am I doing here? I was invited by a man named Dan Clark. He is a world renown speaker who is the main contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. He has spoken many, many times to the troops all over the world. We are joined by a professional impersonator/comedian named Jason Hewlett (he’s hilarious), and my voice trainer Dean Kaelin (accompanying me on the piano and guitar, and performing himself a number) to do a military tour. It is a tour with the focus to inspire and give an uplifting message to the troops as we entertain.
July 8th we left for the Middle East. We began in the country of Bahrain– a country I had never even heard of before. Afterwards we went to Kuwait. It was amazing to see how empty it is here terrain-wise: sand, sun, dust, and desert. However, due to oil and gas these are very wealthy countries. We visited an Islamic mosque and I was amazed to see that they believe in prophets, and even believe in Jesus Christ… As a prophet of God; not as the Only Begotten, yet they believe that He will come again. It is Ramadan here which is the month of fasting, where they cannot eat or drink from sunrise until sunset. We cannot eat or drink in front of them, and have to keep long-sleeve shirts and pants when in public Muslim-eye to not offend their traditions.
Anyway, this is a military tour, not a desert tourist trip. I wanted to express my love for these military men and women. Here in Afghanistan– along with in Iraq–they are in combat and there are attacks going on. I was surprised at the friendships and the respect the local people have with and for the troops, as the reason why we have been in these countries is to protect these people from opposing groups who seek for power and are extremists and terrorists trying to overtake the countries. We are now making transitions to let the Afghan military take charge of defending their own country so that they may strengthen their own sense of duty and value those rights and liberties more by taking the lead themselves.
We have met so many fathers who have yet to meet their newborn babies in person; they are out in this blazing heat of 100-140 degrees day to day (and wow it feels like a hair-dryer blowing in your face!). We have seen and felt their appreciation for us being here as we “come out of our way” to meet with them, perform for them, and let them know we love them — it is the LEAST we can do!! It is amazing to have them come up and say, “you don’t know how much this means to us. Thank you for coming to see us and break the routine. You bring a piece of home.”
These are people who learn what the word “duty” means. They literally put their lives on the line with rockets being shot at the bases, mines exploding their and civilians’ paths, and suicide bombers coming at them. It is real, but they do it because of their duty to our families and to our country, and to their duty to protecting countries and people who cannot do it alone. How grateful I am for their dedication and for them being awakened to their duty.
I hope the next time you see one of these service men and women, you think of their commitment that they have to this duty: to protecting our amazing and beautiful country where we have freedom, and working to help others have freedom as well. We take what we have for granted– whether- we go to the air-conditioned malls, or sit at our peaceful homes bored. Let us think twice about our liberty that we have in this promised land, and how God has truly blessed us. During this trip we are also getting to do some special faith-based events that we call firesides. It has been a wonderful bonus to the trip.
We have one more week of shows, and I will try and give you another (shorter) update as we come to a close.
I hope you are all well!
David
P.S. I’ve attached some photos.
Photo 2: This is a mortar with some army men that is setup to shoot back quickly at locations where incoming attacks come from.
Photo 3: These army men use those giant explosion-protected vehicles in the back to search for mines. They basically go through explosions many times so that it doesn’t happen to other military troops and civilians in normal cars or walking.
Idk why I couldn’t get the video up, but my little sister helped me. I know it’s not the most convenient place to do a video, but oh well.
Thanks to all of those who tuned into the Face2Face Chat last week! if you missed it go here:
English: youth.lds.org Español: jovenes.lds.org
Going to Costa Rica this weekend for a project that you’ll hear more about later, and then off to the Middle East and Africa to go see the Airforce Troops and do some singing for them. 🙂
Pardon the razor burns if you notice them. I had a bad shave this morning and wasn’t able to get the job done properly.
Utahns To Entertain Troops Overseas in “An Evening of Music, Comedy and Motivational Theater”
Dan Clark speaks to the troops all over the world and has performed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Africa.
This time he was invited by Armed Forces Entertainment to put together a 90 minute show. So he invited David Archuleta and Jason Hewlett to join him in “An Evening of Music, Comedy and Motivational Theater.”
The format is a variety show where Dan shares one of his world famous stories from the Chicken Soup For The Soul book series, that sets up a song performed by David Archuleta, followed by comic relief in a five minute bit by Jason Hewlett.
There are messages throughout, dealing with suicide prevention, divorce prevention and resiliency issues.
David’s song list includes “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, “Take Me Home” and John Lennon’s “Imagine”, mixed with his own pop hit “Crush” and more!
Jason Hewlett pulls the funniest faces and impersonates Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Adell, among others.
They leave on July 8 and perform for our combat troops 18 times on bases throughout Afghanistan, and in Kuwait, Bahrain, Ethiopia and Djbouti.
I watched the movie Jobs recently. Steve Jobs was an extremely bright and fiercely independent man who knew thoroughly the ins and outs of computing. What does this have to do with David Archuleta you ask? David was not even on my radar until I saw an overhead camera panning shot of the Apple Campus. As the courtyard came into view, I saw the stage where David sang Imagine to a crowd of employees and their families. Everyone was having a picnic lunch while David sang and played the piano. After that I got lost in the story again.
Until the very end.
Steve Jobs was seated in a studio as he spoke into the microphone to record a voice over for a commercial. Here are the words he said:
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
This is where thoughts of David came rushing back to my mind.
The ones who see things differently…
Now you’re thinking, David Archuleta a rule breaker? I submit that he is, when it comes to his art. In his vlog informing fans he had decided to part ways with his label, Jive, he spoke of building a foundation. Not a prefabricated industrially manufactured edifice, but one of his own vision and making. He is laying it down brick by brick. There is a saying in art, “form follows function.” What is the function of what he wants to achieve through his art? When the structure rises into view, it will take a form that will truly reflect who he is as an artist.
When David posted a picture of a songwriting session, fans were happy to see some progress. We looked up who these unknown (to us) artists were and what their music sounded like. I was not disappointed.
You see, I trust his musical judgement. Writing his first song in Spanish was so logical. To me it was as if he was releasing that language that has been in his head for 2 years. Letting it go to make some room for English words to flow again.
So much has been speculated about what his new sound will be. Will he change locations to write with established songwriters? Will a recording label ask him to sign a contract? When is he moving out of Utah to be around more mainstream music? Does he know what fans want or expect from him?
We know what he wants and expects from fans. He told us.
Patience.
David’s progress may not fit into anyone else’s timeline of success. But he knows himself well enough to set his own pace to get whatever he does, done to his liking. He won’t be rushed to satisfy others. I firmly believe that David will be recognized for his work in music, once he digs deep into his soul and lays it bare for all the world to see.
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?
Posted by gladys1961 on Wednesday, October 5, 2011
I recently wrote a comment on The Voice about who I was before February 2008. After some of the girls read it, they said it could have been an article. I said to myself, “Why not?” But perhaps who I was before David is not important: what’s important is who I am now, thanks to him.
David disrupted the daily life that I had established for myself. I almost never listened to music. It didn’t interest me much, particularly music in Spanish. I remember my dad listening to an album of Louis Armstrong and I loved it. I didn’t understand the words but I loved his voice. Then my dad passed on and I became the head of the family and since then, my life was work, work, work. So much that I had to leave my college studies.
As a little girl I asked my mom and dad, “What else is out there?” When I became an adult I asked myself the same question. This can’t be all there is in life; there has to be something more. After a while, I stopped asking and just accepted my life. I locked myself in my own world, took care of my responsibilities and nothing more.
Then one day in February 2008, someone entered my life without permission or fair warning. He just came in and stayed with me. Like all Latinos who don’t speak English, I didn’t understand what he said, but there was something in his look. I’m not sure how to describe how confidence looks. I only know that when David sings, I believe him.
I felt like a teenager again. I started to dress differently, even communicate differently. I thought I should get to know people before deciding whether or not I liked them. I didn’t want to dislike someone without even knowing them, like I did before. I’d ask myself “Why do I dislike this person if I don’t know them?” (David said this in an interview.) I started to listen to music again. I began to discover that not all moments of happiness need to be huge moments. And they don’t even have to be mine; the happiness of others can make me happy too. I learned to use social networking to communicate with friends around the world.
I remember being at a meeting the night David was going to sing a Spanish song at the ALMA Awards. The time was set for 7pm I think, but there was something wrong with the station schedule and I spent the whole day worrying that I might miss it. I asked at work if I could leave a little earlier. My instincts were right. When I got home I turned my computer on an hour earlier, at 6pm, as they were announcing David. In that performance of “Contigo En La Distancia,” we witnessed the glory and passion that is a David Archuleta performance.
I wish I could share all my stories of how David changed my life. I was traveling in a taxi to see a client and got a text message from Julieta, whom some of you may know from The Voice Unplugged. She said “They announced David is singing with Jordin in a few minutes!!!!! Hurry uuppppp!” Out of character for me, and just like in a movie, I told the taxi driver, “I’ll pay double if we leave here now and you get me to my house in 10 minutes!” hahaha. My God, what memories! I made it home just in time!
After accepting David as part of my life, I had to also accept that I didn’t understand why he was there. But I don’t let it frustrate me; I take it as a challenge. I started using Google Translator to understand everything I read about David and for a time it was enough. But not being able to understand the interviews was killing me. I wanted to understand what he was saying and I wanted to know why everyone looked at him with adoration every time he opened his mouth. I started my English studies again. And now I think the circle is closing.
What lies ahead? Beyond being a David fan, beyond the desire to discover new friends and a new world, a life full of possibilities that are now a reality? David plants seeds in fertile soil, under the sun, in the rain, during cold weather and snow, sick with fever, tired, at times almost voiceless, but always with a smile, always prepared. I believe that three years of planting has been enough. Now David, it’s time to harvest. But we all know that David will never stop planting seeds, with every song, every appearance, and every contact with his fans.
Looking back, I believed that I was living a nice comfortable life but now I realize that I existed in a shell while life continued around me. It’s said that things happen for a reason. I know that I’m a lucky person to have David in my life. David opened my eyes and showed me that I had many roads to choose from, that nothing is impossible. Now I stand straight, swallow hard, and take my first steps down the road I have chosen to follow. Who knows, this may be that first step that leads me to see David in concert. Anything and everything is possible.
Gladys is a guest writer and long-time commenter on The Voice. She lives in Argentina.
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