As we learned when we got our hands on his forthcoming debut album’s liner noteslast week, David Archuleta includes a Thank You to singer-songwriter to Jason Mraz for "helpingremind me the artistic expressive side and letting me have a good timelistening too." We actually ran into Archuleta at an after-party following Saturday’s Mraz concert at Los Angeles’ Greek Theater, where the American Idol runner-up enjoyed the show with his father, aunt, and fellow season 7 finalist, Jason Castro. We got a lot of flack for allegedly poking fun at young David for his long-winded list of acknowledgments. Admittedly, we did find them amusing but really didn’t mean any harm. We were simply pointing out that his 3,500-word tome—which doesn’t include any lyrics—was more what you’d expect of a veteran’s box set, not a first time artist. Yes, we realize he’s only 17, and maybe he imagined the liner notes as his very own Idol yearbook, which certainly explains the abundance of "lol"s. Anyway, Archie didn’t take any offense. We talked about it.
"I don’t take anything personally, unless it’s about my family," he said. "But how long are they? Like, how many pages?" See? Even he’s concerned about the amount of paper it’ll take to print the booklet! "My problem is, it’s either one line or, like, 300 pages," Archuleta continued. "I completely ramble, even in my interviews or just explaining things. And I didn’t want to forget anyone! Gives you something to talk about, I guess."
Indeed it does. And we have even more background on the liner notes, plus a little info on Castro, after the jump.
Turns out Archie had to turn in his Thank Yous before all the songswere finished. Hence, the omission of JC Chasez’s name. "It was, like,so last-minute," he said. "We wrote that song a few days before thefinal deadline."
Speaking of time crunches, it was 11 p.m. when I reminded Archuleta that his pal David Cook was about to perform on Saturday Night Live."It’s on soon, I know!" he yelped. "Think they’ll make fun of me? I’m,like, an easy target. I’d be funny to make fun of, I’m so weird."
Oh Archie. You make it too easy.
What else can we tell you? His favorite song on the new Cook albumis "Life on The Moon," and he wasn’t aware that Daylight Savings Timewent into effect that same night. As for Jason Castro, he’s living inL.A. for the most part and told us he’s been writing, recording, andtaking lots of meetings. "All good things," Castro said. "I’m getting thebusiness set up, basically." He was also visibly excited that one ofhis favorite singers, Ray LaMontagne, was playing on Sunday at theWiltern Theater. "I didn’t know he was in town and just found outtonight," said Castro, "but I’m definitely going."
And with that, the guys were whisked away to meet Mraz and we bidthem both a fond farewell. But as we were leaving, Archuleta yelled outone final thought: "Hope you like the album! I don’t mind if you makeany little critiques, I understand the job."
So there ya have it, Archie fans. A little liner-notes follow-up to show there’s no hard feelings…right?
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This past season seems to have such a great dynamic…between Archie, Cook, and Castro to name a few. No matter who I voted for, I hope all of them are successful in their conveniently different genres!
so that’s pretty much a confirmation he went to the Mraz concert. And I appreciate the clarification with regards to JC. Thanks for this
He’s so fun. lol. I figured that was the reason behind the JC omission. BTW, who is David Mraz? Heh.
This article was tasteful and I appreciate the addition after last weeks article. I’m glad you actually talked to David and got his views on things. Now I’m hoping that the magazine is respectful in their review of his album. I understand that they have the option to not “like” it but they shouldn’t trash it either. Come on EW, we are expecting better things from you. Thanks Shirley!
Thanks for the article! *thumbs up*
Thanks for this article. Admit it, EW, you guys are fan(girl/boy)s too.
I loved your article, but who is david Mraz?
I love the closing line by Archie, “Hope you like the album! I don’t mind if you make any little critiques, I understand the job.” He gets the it…we, his fans, sometimes get too overprotective….
Nice article, thanks!
heeh Its jason mraz. not David..
I saw that to David Mraz. The article was a nice follow up. David is a sweet kid. Thank you for the tid bits from the show.
LOL David you are the best!
Thanks for this article and does this mean he got to meet Jason Mraz???? YAY!!!!
Who is David Mraz? Did you mean Jason Mraz?
what a great article .. keep up the great work David!! thanks again for this great article
love this kid! buy his album – it’s going to be very hot! Very mature! thanks for a great article.
I’ve said this before and I will say it again but just when I think I cannot love that boy any more – I DO!!
Awww David!!!
This young man is so grounded and mature in his thinking. I like his self deprecating humor, and his ability to shrug things off, and not sweat the small stuff…. he’s got a great head on his shoulders, and how can you not love him? KEEP ON KEEPING ON DAVID.
David is a generous soul indeed. We’ll be watching you, EW.
Thank you for the great follow up! This was a much more pleasant read. David has a good head on his shoulders. He is finally a celebrity that I will take time to read about because I know I will end up smiling instead of becoming nauceous.
He’s such a down to earth, humble, lovable human being and I love everything about him!
Someone should tell that kid that he is not important enough for SNL to make fun of him or even know his name.
Got to love him really. He is so adorkable. Such a great attitude in someone so young.
Chivalry is alive and well in the person of David Archuleta . . . not to mention off-the-hook talent. Best wishes to him with his new CD!
This kid never fails to impress me. (And I knew there was a reason for the omission of JC’s name in the liner notes.) Thanks for the follow-up, EW.
Now, I wish some pics would surface of David and Jason at the Mraz concert.
Thanks for the write up. David is my singing angel. Be sure to watch David on Jay Leno this Thursday November 6th, 2008.
Anne,
Why is Archuleta not important enough to get a mention on SNL when Cook performs on the show? I feel like more ppl know of Archuleta than Cook. Sounds like someone’s bitter.
Although everyone has not always been nice to David, his is unfailingly nice to everyone. (Including his graciousness to you) There is not a mean bone in the kids body. How can you help but wish him the best.
Thanks, Shirley. Glad you met up. Pretty terrific guy, isn’t he?
Isn’t David incredible! Truly, I do hope the world understands what they have here in this beyond gifted vocalist and beyond decent human being.
John ” I feel like more ppl know of Archuleta than Cook. Sounds like someone’s bitter.”
Man that poor Archie kid has the b*tchiest fans in the world. I liked him on that show, but reading the bloggy comments has turned me off for good. It’s like everytime he’s mentioned, ewwwwww, all the creepiness starts.
This was a great follow-up article after the reaction to your last one – HA! We keep showing up whenever you talk about David Archuleta. I love how he’s willing to share all aspects of himself with his fans (and the press.) Thanks for sharing your meeting with us and giving us the background about the liner notes. I was thinking how terrible David would feel to leave anyone out!