I just read an interesting Idol-related tidbit from New York magazine. First let me say, I couldn’t agree more with Slezak about David Archuleta’s beautiful “Angels" on Tuesday and the fact that it was far superior to Jessica Simpson’s whiny 2004 cover (though any true Robbie Williams fan knows neither rendition can touch the RW original.) But I did get the distinct impression from young David’s introduction video that he discovered the song just for this special Idol week.
In fact, it’s clear he’s been singing it far longer, judging from this clip of a school event. The footage is completely unscandalous; indeed, it’s pretty cute how Archuleta’s pubescent tenor swims around in the deep end of his voice box trying to hit those low notes, while girls swoon and (I imagine) contemplate what a perfect theme song it would be for the future "Archangels" fan club.
The clip makes me wonder whether this year’s crop of talented Idols (or the show’s producers) think their audience would gripe if we heard an intro along the lines of, "I’ve performed this song for many years because I love it, and here it is just for you." Because the thing is, I have no problem hearing well-honed songs from the contestants’ repertoire — do you, PopWatchers? Would it take away from the "amateur talent contest anyone can win" aura, in the same way that prior record deals have sparked controversy?
Comments (1-30) of 36 Add your comment
I couldn’t stop laughing looking at the tween girls screaming and swooning over him. I’m sure they all scribble “Mrs. David Archuleta” on their notebooks. Honestly, I don’t see the big fuss with contestants having previous experience or record deals. I want to see someone move around the stage and have charisma and not just stand in one spot and look confused. If I have never heard of you then your new to me.
I guess you can’t prohibit them from singing a song they’ve performed since grade school – even though I think it does somewhat skew the playing field unfairly. WHat really gripes me though is trying to act like it’s a brand new song choice. Better to be up front with it.
I have a problem with David A not fully telling the truth about his experience – like the fact than he WON “Star Search”.
Amazing how he has never mentioned that…
being disingenuous about song selection is one thing you can’t pin on carly smithson. during beatles week, she readily admited to closing her “shows” at the little irish pub she works at with “come together”. and no one was upset. but, then again, she is a “professional” and little david is not, so she should have to disclose all her past singing experience in the interest of being “fair”.
huh? do you smell that? that’s weird. it smells like…hypocrite.
I am still trying to figure out the appeal of this kid. When he sings all I hear is nasally unpleasantness. At least Simon finally called that out this week.
Brooke actually did mention that she sang “You’ve Got a Friend” in a talent show, and I think David should have done likewise.
There is something not right about this kid. He is just a little creepy and his treacly smiles are really annoying.
Who gives a crap, really. I’m more appalled when there is a well-known song that a contestant had never heard before.
Well, actually, he never said that he discovered the song. He said he was choosing from many, came across “Angels” and decided to sing it. Like coming across an old friend, and realizing it’s a good choice. Besides, you know how edited those intros are? David Cook had said he credited all his “cover” artists, but it would get edited out in his intro clips. Oh, and this particular video has been viewed tens of thousands of times–every one of his fans, and many non-fans, knew he sang it before.
Yeah, and I’m suuuure all the other contestants were singing their songs for the first time. As if. Even David Cook sang a song from his favorite band. One he probably sang repeatedly back when he worked at a bar. Carly and Queen? An oldie like that. Soooo not the first time.
Someone here had a problem with DA not coming forward with his StarSearch win. Big whoop. It apparently didn’t do anything for him anyway. That’s why he’s on AI to make a name for himself, which he has done even if he doesn’t win. Personally, I don’t care what they did before in the music business. They were all NOBODY’S. Now they have a real chance at a career.
let’s not forget that carly said she had “come together” in her set list for a while, and it was always a crowd pleaser. i think it’s perfectly fine if idol contestants sing songs they’ve performed before. it’s still a challenge each week, and why not sing something you’ve practiced with. i think it’s a smart move. and hey – it worked for kirsty lee cook when she sang “amazing grace” during hollywood week…
Color me Baffled, but I just don’t get this kid’s appeal.
Am I the only one that finds this kid creepy? From the lip licking, to the Michael Jacksonesque voice, to his overpraised (yes, I said it!) singing; I think that people are being swayed to root for this kid…yes he’s talented, but he’s got a loooooong way to go before he becomes great – I for one haven’t seen it yet on this show. I’m sure it’ll happen one day, and he’s probably assured a record deal, but idol? Nah.
You wouldn’t fault a pianist for playing a piece they knew well in a competition, so why should a vocalist be any different? And this amatuer thing– You can’t get good enough for AI by exclusively singing into your hairbrush in your bedroom. You have to have some sort of performing background.
What he actually said was that he was thinking of a few songs to do and when he came to Angels he decided that that one was the one to perform. He never said he just barely discovered the song. And at any rate, does singing a song in a Jr. High Talent show when you are 14 qualify as “performing”? I don’t think he was trying to fool anyone. This videos have been on youtube for eons. He knows that LOTS of people have seen them. This whole discussion is ridiculous.
If David hasn’t said about Star Search is because nobody has asked him, he is not the type of guy that will brag about things, he’s very humble, and it was after Star Search that he had his vocal cord paralysis. He is been singing since he was a kid so there may be tons of songs he’s done, and the other contestants who worked in bars before like Michael, David Cook, Carly, including I saw some of Jason in a bar on youtube, the thing is there is no tape to show what songs they sang because nobody care to film it.
Creepy! That is exactly the word I use for him. He’s a very weird kid. My wife loves him, and is sad that I can’t appreciate his innocence. I think his “innocence” is very weird for a high school kid, and I hope he doesn’t win because I’ll bet he’s to weird to handle the big time.
He did not say he just discovered it, but saying he “came across” Angles reeeeeaaaaallllllly implies that. He sang the heck out of it, but yeah, that package was totally disingenuous.
I got the exact same impression that he learned the song for that week, but I also think the producers/editors must be tightly controlling what we hear in those intros. Archuleta doesn’t strike me as being manipulative about his image…
Seems like more guys than gals think he’s creepy. So what! He’s a geeky kid. I was a geeky kid too. I’d look like a total idiot at that age if I had to stand up in front of millions. Cut him a break. He doesn’t SOUND like a weirdo and that’s the whole point. He’s a great talent. Admit that and be quiet.
So now being a nice kid is “Creepy”… I’m a teacher, and I think you’ve gone insane! I don’t think David A. ever claimed to be perfect. What a shame you haven’t met any teenagers who are genuinely kind people. What kind of kids are *your* kids hanging out with???
The creepy part is that his singing sounds almost exactly the same now. Practically note for note. Kid has no soul!
Sublime, you have no soul.
David A. is just a young kid who wants the gold ring. He has the voice and he will sell lots of records. Guys don’t like him much but gals do. Gals of all ages. Success is inevitable, even if he doesn’t win.
Get over it.
“I want to see someone move around the stage and have charisma and not just stand in one spot and look confused.”
Are you kidding?
David Archuleta is The Charisma! you idiot
“I want to see someone move around the stage and have charisma and not just stand in one spot and look confused.”
Are you kidding?
David Archuleta is The Charisma! you idiot
“I want to see someone move around the stage and have charisma and not just stand in one spot and look confused.”
Are you kidding?
David Archuleta is The Charisma! you idiot
I agree. Though I like ‘little David’ I was taken aback by the fact that he and some of the others know diddly about older music. A lot of these contestants should brush up on music from the 50’s, 60’s etc. before they even think about competing.
Never heard that Beatle song? I cringed. He must have lived a sheltered life.
Its not like these contestants are running for Supreme Court seats, folks. I’d rather have a good performance of a song that the contestant actually knew, than some of these half-baked deals we’ve been served. “Creepy”: I would use that on some previous contestants, like Constantine. He gave me the willies with that ‘come hither’ look that was meant for Chris Hanson & Dateline.
Say what you will, but the kid creeps me out – in a Rhoda Penmark, Village of the Damned sort of way. And as far as the singing goes, someone mentioned lack of soul….that hit’s the nail on the head – I am a Carly Smithson fan, and agree when the judges say that she lacks audience engagement – but they don’t offer the same advice to David A. – mind you, he’s not as creepy as Carly’s hubby, but you just never know….oh and by the way, I was a geeky awkward kid who went through an awkward stage until he was 23….