David Archuleta — “Imagine” — American Idol 7 Top 20 — Video MP3

OMG this is Magical

I think David Archuleta is the best AI contestant ever! His version of "Imagine" was simply MAGICAL. I am convinced that John Lennon must have written that song specifically for him! Greater voices have covered that song, but none matched the sincerity, yearning, and hope for mankind that that song was meant for. The hopeful idealism of a man/child was perfectly emoted by him. I think what made it great was not just his voice, it's also his charisma, his body language and his facial expressions, especially his eyes, as he was singing it. He was able to communicate the message of the song so effectively, so earnestly, and so believably that it appeared effortless. You’re left with but one thing: to believe. I feel like his voice alone can heal a thousand broken hearts, and his smile can simply melt away all the world's sadness. He sang with such sincerity, with his body and his soul and I couldn't stop smiling every time I see him on the screen. He’s just AWESOME! That performance had heralded to the world that he has arrived and this will be the beginning of a great career to come. I predict that people will be talking about this for years and years from now! Great going and thank you, thank you David for sharing your gift with the world!

rascal, love your writing.

As for Denhart, maybe he's just worried that what happened to Melinda, who was accused of the same (uniformly excellent performances + humility, all of which apparently worked against her) will happen to David because of the kind of 'world' that AI is.

Denhart is the most dangerous kind of cynic: one who doesn't even realize the degree of ethical laziness and moral deficiency he is perpetuating with his bankrupt theories. Suggesting that David game the system by not giving his best is no less a transgression than insider trading or pro sports on steroids. It doesn't matter how you win, he argues, only that you win.

This despicable suggestion might not be so vivid if it weren't for some of the particular attributes of David himself, those which are quite apart from his considerable musical abilities. David has a kind of shimmering purity that is almost exclusively the domain of innocence, idealism, and a passionate commitment to excellence. And if it isn't bad enough that Denhart wants David to sacrifice the very integrity that makes him so appealing in the first place, he goes on to suggest that he dial-down the humility for it's own sake. Add more "cockiness," he says.

The moment David capitulates to the smarmy machinations that seduce the weaker and downtrodden among us is the moment we lose what we love and admire about him. Crawl back into your cave, Denhart.

shilvhwaiixp - and to think that MSNBC is saying that his "humility" may be his downfall because people will get sick of it. Unreal..you're damned if do and damned if you don't as they say..

Commentary
By Andy Dehnart
MSNBC contributor
updated 3:50 p.m. ET, Mon., March. 3, 2008
David Archuleta has an incredible voice, delivers age-defying performances, has charm and charisma, and holds the front-runner status on “American Idol 7.”

He also has a problem: those things are actively working against him. In fact, everything that has led to near-universal praise for the “American Idol 7” semifinalist may actually prevent him from winning.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23449177/

I haven't been watching AI7 - I keep forgetting, but I listened to this audio because I did like his "O Holy Night" from December when I heard it on youtube.

From this audio you uploaded, Ricky, I think the clear and pure-voiced David must be the most MUSICAL singer I've heard on AI.

As for Blake's version last year, it was the worst 'Imagine' I have ever heard, one of the reasons being that he can't sing lyrics sincerely and he can't do a natural downward spin on notes like the ones that come just before "You may say I'm a dreamer" right after "Living for today" without doing heavy stopped aspirations.

<b>ealbino</b>: You took the words right out of my mouth. Even if I didn't fall in love with his singing (I personally don't think it's the best AI performance I've seen, but it's a great one), I love him for his personality. He's so geniuine, young, humble, and sweet. A rare combination in an entertainment world like this. He'll go far.

I didn't think I could love this kid more until now. That video shows it - He is the real deal, humble, a bit shy, a little doubtful of his gift and totally dedicated to making people smile with his music. I hope the jealous hataz out there don't bring him down cause he is simply precious.

Yes, people should watch that interview before jumping to conclusions.

Thanks for the link, Rascal.
My, that was one longggggggggg interview!
ITA with your assessment of David- professional and genuine. The real deal. Big, big talent and such a winning personality. He just makes me smile.

In case anyone is curious about David's sincerity (and perhaps even a few other topics...), check out the following long-form interview posted at MyFoxBoston.com.

Judging from this (it's by far the most face-time available on David at the moment), I would say that he is as professional as he is genuine ("Do you want this right into camera or should I look at you?"). That's a rare and winning combination. This kid is no fool--and no phony, either.

Scroll down and select "David Archuleta Interview, Feb 18, 2008":
http://media.myfoxboston.com/special/head/FOXTV/american-idol.html

Aww. Just simply sweet. Anyway, it is impossible for everyone to like someone. So just let them rant all they want. They have their favourite and we have ours - David A!

Again. He is amazing. Looking forward to seeing his next performance! :D

Amen to Rascal and Legolas..I couldn't have said it better myself.. I like the way this person put it..

Give it a rest and accept it for what it was: a beautifully sung and moving rendition of a great song from a genuinely humble, sweet guy.

David A's video on youtube is generating both praises and nasty comments, and I mean really nasty.

What has his sexual orientation got to do with singing? Why do people love to think everyone has something to hide? Why get anoyed that he omitted the first verse in "Imagine" then after that bashed his beliefs? If you want people to respect your atheism, conviction, you must also respect others who has religions.

Why do people persist in choosing to believe untruths than the truths? When a contestant acts all cocky and arrogant, you say "he's very arrogant, I don't like him". When another contestant gets bashful after receiving praise from the judges, you say "he's faking modesty". why can't you say "oh he's so modest" or, "he's faking cockiness". ? No wonder this world is turning into hell, because most of us would rather misunderstand others than accept the plain simple truth. We rather believe the bad in others, even if it is only a rumor, than the truth, even after the person concerned has denied the rumor time and time again. Sad.

I can see a love and hate relationship with this kid, but at least he is the only one I see who sing with his heart, not the best vocal though but he knows how to use his talent. Moreover he is young and likeable. Just hope the glamour or pimpaged didnt get over his head, so David, keep singing with your heart, kid.

*****sanjayasucks*********

1) when he's voted off during top 4, give me the honors to laugh in your face

2) if for some reason the pimpage gets him the win, give me the honros to laugh in your face when the career fizzles.

3) get your quotes right

JORDIS UNGA "IMAGINE" > DAVID A. "IMAGINE"

point 1:
everyone is acting like he is out of this world and the next big phenomenon. (FALSE!)
point 2:
NO RELEVANCE to today's music!
point 3:
THERE ARE STARS FROM AI (ie KELLY CLARKSON, who are not only vocally masterful, but artistically too).....he is NOT!
point 4:
if you'll actually listen to the notes, and not just look at his "cuteness" or "timidness" you'll see the flaws (high-low-high-low syndrome, shouting with tone, etc)

but its okay, if you like HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, then he's your guy.

I thought Paula's comment to him was hilarious: "I want to squish you, squeeze your head off, and dangle your head from my rear view mirror." You know-- now, someone's going to be selling Fuzzy David Heads soon! Rickey?

oh he's my favourite all right, since "heaven".

To David A,

Greetings from the woodland realm

Thy voice is as pure and clear as the waters of Nimrodel. Thine star shines brightest in the heavens! Fair thee well!

ealbino -

I agree with you about David's modesty. There have been a lot of posts about it everywhere over the last week. People who think it's an act point to the fact that he has won previous competitions and that he has no doubt been endlessly praised for his talents (likely true), and how could he possibly not know how good he is?

There are a few important factors to consider here:

1. anyone who has ever been a performer or knows one intimately knows that talent and recognition--and even confidence in one's abilities--does not equate to anything like security. In fact, it's almost always the opposite: Performers are notoriously insecure.

2. people seem to be completely ignoring the fact that in the grand scheme of things, David matured into a young adult, like, five minutes ago. Anyone remember what THAT was like? Security? Self-assuredness? Hello?!? He's a completely different person--and performer--than he was even a year ago. Of course he knows he has talent and ability, but the persistent insecurity about whether or not you're good enough--even in the face of all the accolades--is completely understandable, especially given his age.

3. he may have gotten lots of praise from the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus, and the senior citizen groups, and the regional radio station fundraiser, and yes, he did win Junior Star Search (pre-puberty; see #2 above), but to a young kid who sees his entire future in being a singer, there is nothing--NOTHING--to compare with American Idol. I would suggest that the experience is probably even more amazing and surreal and unbelievable when indeed you do know, deep down, that you are destined for greatness.

And let me say one more thing from a person who, as a kid, had a pretty sizable performing talent: You never get used to the reaction of the audience. It's why performers endure everything to go back for more. It's truly astonishing every single time. David just happens to be someone who is completely open and guileless about showing it.

legolas,

don't think too far ahead. just enjoy him now. one week at a time.

i love it when i have a favorite so early on in the season. you should too.

Remeber that this is a contest where the winner is voted on by predominately teenagers. Whats cool is that they usually get it right or the show and the idols wouldnt be successful. Right now David is leading by a 52% margin. He has the rare combination of talent with popularity. Without aging myself, I got a McCartneyesque feeling about him, which I have not felt since Idol started. With this in mind, we should embrace him and feel fortunate we get to enjoy someone of his talent.

I can't believe how many say they hate the pimping and say they won't for him..as if it were his doing..They are pimping him because he is adorable, cute as a button, respectful and talented as all hell! If I were doing a tv show I would pimp him also. And just because he's being singing for years doesn't mean he's comfortable when he gets praised. I believe he is flattered that all 3 judges like him cause perhaps he feels he's just average. I don't like when I get praised alot myself if I do a good job cause I was raised to not pay too much attention to praise. And...last nite when Simon said all the others should be worred cause he was the one to beat..he turned around and said they are wonderful and started to clap for the other contestants. I can't believe people find fault in that too! He should win, he MAY win but if he doesn't he has a fan for life in me.

The one to beat?? Remember Simon said the same thing to Lakisha who could do no wrong at the beginning of her season.

heavyblow,

I know what you mean. I am just worried that if and when he wins, the producers would force him into something he is nnot, which would truly be a crime since he has the potential to be much much more.

Everyone's entitled to their own opinion and it seems a lot of people appreciate David and his performances. I, too, really enjoy watching him sing and it makes me happy that he's so humble with his talent. I hope he wins, and I would buy his CD in a heart beat as well davidc, as for people who don't think he's all that...I don't see any other contestant better, but that's JMO.

Rickey, thank you for saying that. You saved me time from writing exactly just that.

Legolas, I don't think AI is overpimping David. He had a pimp spot this week, but last week he was in the middle of the show. And how can you stop the girls from screaming?

The fact is David is 17 and cute and adorable and a great singer. Girls gonna scream with no help from AI. You've seen nothing yet. Wait until they get on the big stage in the top 12.

The girls (and boys and men and women) will scream and no one will mind. David is simply irresistible.

Haters, get used to it. :)

David A has amazing talent. Regardless of whether he wins, he is definitely going to do well in the industry.

He is very good imo, however I don't like the overpimping. It's going to hurt him in the end and he doesn't deserve that.

I hate the fact that the producers are pushing him into a teen idol. True, that would work, but I think he has the potential to be more than that. This overpimping and screaming girls at the sound of his name could be a big turn off to many. People will then automatically stereotype him as a typical 17 year old. You can see that he really loves to sing and passionate about it. Please AI, don't spoil him don't limit him to just a tool of attracting teens, to increase rating etc, but sadly, if he wins, that is exactly what would happen.

Personally, I would like to see him grow into a performer like Josh Groban. He certainly has the vocals for that.

I thought David Archuleta was the ONLY contestant who gave a good performance this night. And Archuleta's performance was so great it just blew everyone else out of the water. I don't think this kid CAN mess up a performance, but it may be that Idol will find some style of music that he's not as good at as others. I kinda doubt it, though!!

I would go buy a David Archuleta CD in a heart beat. In fact, I can't WAIT to do just that!! I can't say that about ANY other contestant now.

Does the itunes version include all of the verses?

feaqs: There is no question that David Archuleta will win at this point. Simon Cowell will trash him in the middle of the season saying he may not be ready, etc. just to make us worried but in the end he will triumph. The kind of fan support he is getting now is indicative of Carrie Underwood's support very early in Season 4. The dollar signs are in the stars. American Idol will not allow this kid to go and not win.

Chris Daughtry didn't have the rabid fans that Taylor Hicks had even if everybody "thought" he was going to win -- Taylor Hicks had fans from the very beginning so that was not really a shock. And Melinda Doolittle clearly had no visible fan support, even if she was the acknowledged best singer last season -- didn't I say at some point that she was not going to win?

American Idol is a popularity contest and David Archuleta has everything going for him now on many levels. Fox has found their answer to High School Musical and Hannah Montana, so yes, sit back and enjoy the ride.

Rascal, I like your comments and insight. I had a terrific Aussie Shepherd named Rascal. He too had great insight.

yes, ripley. at americanidol.com board. but that place is filled with ALL kinds of people. lots of nuts over there. some interpret 'no religion' to mean no God. and just went beserk, like it was the first time they ever heard of that song. of course, they were also blake haters so they were looking for anything to grieve about him.

Just a reminder to those who think the winner is already chosen...don't count your chickens before they hatch.

This is just the beggining of the competition and any thing can happen.

Though the early crowd fav may be David (I'm one in that crowd)...he's not garranteed to be the final winner. The voting public can pull an upset in the blink of an eye...prime example are the two early favs from seasons 5 & 6:

1. Chris Daughtry
2. Melinda DooLittle

Chris was pre-maturely being hailed as the crown winner...as well as Melinda who came week after week with almost flawless performances...yet each got voted off by the voting public (or for the sinics amoungst us...AI) :roll: before the crown jewels could be placed on their heads.

Let's all just sit back and enjoy the ride. :D

heavyblow, people actually complained about Blake's singing the whole song? I didn't know that. If that's true, it's quite sad.

combined!

I predict that iTunes will sell more of this single than from any other Idol contestant.

well said, rascal!

ripley, david sang the whole "imagine" years ago on a utah tv station. go to youtube and search.

i do suspect that the reason he skipped the 1st verse was b/c he might think that it's controversial for the show and might jeopardize votes with religious freaks. (blake got griefs last year for singing that 1st verse).

i can't fault david for skipping that. his current job is to sing well and get votes to move forward. you do what you need to do. within legal and ethical limits, of course.

Life is much easier if we assume everything is rigged. Then we don't have to take responsibility for our own shortcomings and failures--how can it be our fault if it's all rigged?

Rigging is like conspiracy--the reason it is almost always untrue is because as humans we allow our emotions and egos to undermine our most intelligent plans, and if that doesn't do it, randomness and chaos will screw it all up anyway. Conspiracy is exceedingly difficult to pull off.

Do the producers of AI try and "force the cards" in whatever ways they can? Perhaps. But the degree to which this can actually happen and the impact it ultimately has I would argue is far less than either they would like or that most of these conspiracy theorists would imagine.

Randy Jackson asked David why he didn't sing the first verses, and David said it's because he likes the last verse best.

I think he didn't sing the first verses because they describe the absence of Heaven, Hell, and religion. David is Mormon and young. I believe he wouldn't be willing to sing those lyrics because he disagrees with them, and thus, doesn't fully appreciate or agree with the meaning of the song.

I think he sang very, very well, and I enjoyed his performance. I think it's probable, though, that he cherry-picked lyrics he found innocuous so he could get people in an emotional lather with his performance. I can't exactly support that, given the entire song's message.

Rascal, very funny!

I love it when ppl say that this show is rigged. It's only rigged when it doesn't follow that particular person's taste.

Chatty: true re Jordin. David's is less pronounced. Also, if one listens to Danny's MP3, you also hear his breathing.

He is Good but not as good as the judges etc are making out IMHO.

Post # 83 Feaqs

ITA about the breathing habit of David's. To me it is slightly distracting but nowhere near as horrible as Jordin Sparks last year. I could never enjoy her performances because of the breathing noises last year.
David's is slightly less pronounced, I think.
All in all a very moving performance.

To Sanjaya Sucks, Sanjaya is not sucks, he is talented and unique, Go Sanjaya :)
We love you !!!

Young David has great instincts. I loved this interpretation of a classic. Teamblakee, i remember liking Blake's version as well, because he pulled back from all his beatboxing shenanigans, but I don't think he sang this song with as much feeling as David. This was beautiful.

Melismatic? What does coin collecting have to do with any of this?

that's right, Clownhand, the whole world is rigged, and not in your favor.

Wow, I had no idea so many people were completely ga-ga over David A!

He seems like a sweet kid with a good voice, but I personally don't understand his ability to cause mass hysteria.

I wonder if I should change my overall pick on Rickey's office pool? Or will he be the shock elimination this year causing people to riot in the streets?

Only time will tell...

:)

I doubt the breathing will be changed much by a vocal coach because he has had excellent professional vocal coaches for many years. Noisy breathing while singing is *usually* caused by a constricted throat and shallow breathing, but correcting that is something any half competent coach would do very early in someone's career.

Noisy breathing is also one of the symptoms of vocal cord paralysis which David suffered from at some point before AI. I hope that his voice stays healthy, because he is an awesome singer and performer.