David Archuleta gives a shout out to his hometown fans Wednesday.
Watch his video message here: http://www.myfoxutah.com/myfox/pages/ContentDetail?contentId=6335568
Seemingly all of Utah and half of America is rooting for David Archuleta to be the next “American Idol.” But one of the Murray teen’s best friends wouldn’t be completely heartbroken if he’s not. “I miss him a lot, so it’s OK with me if he comes home,” Jessica Judd said, with a laugh.
The signs of how big a deal this is are all over Murray High — literally. Not only is the school Archuleta attends plastered with posters, but they’re selling “I voted for David Archuleta” T-shirts.
And the media have descended on the school to find out what the “Idol” favorite is really like.
(One friend, Mietra Aarabi — the girl who looked so uncomfortable on camera when “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest was teasing Archuleta about the upcoming Murray High prom — said she’s signed an agreement with Fox that prevents her from giving interviews.)
“He’s exactly the way he seems on TV. He’s sort of shy,” said one friend who asked that her name not be used. “But then everyone is surprised the first time they hear him sing.”
Archuleta’s friends use words like “sweet,” “genuine” and “humble” repeatedly — something that comes across on TV but seems too good to be true to some viewers.
- What was the first concert you attended?
I went to a medal ceremony of the Olympics & *NSYNC performed at it.
- Where do you draw inspiration from?
My faith and my family.
- When were you happiest and why?
Some of the greatest memories I have are just being with all my family and having a great time.
- What advice do you have for future contestants?
Remember to be yourself and remember throughout everything why you first wanted to do this.
- What do you think gives you the edge in this competiion?
Being who I am and loving what I’m doing.
David Archuleta’s voice coach, Dean Kaelin, joined FOX 13’s Kerri Cronk and Nineveh Dinha in studio to review David’s Tuesday night performance of The Beatles’ “The Long and Winding Road.”
MURRAY, Utah — David Archuleta’s mother Lupe spoke to FOX 13’s Arikka Von after David’s Tuesday night performance of “The Long and Winding Road.” Use the video window at left to watch the full-length interview.
MURRAY, Utah - David Archuleta’s brother Daniel spoke to FOX 13’s Arikka Von after David’s Tuesday night performance of “The Long and Winding Road.”
Dean Kaelin woke up early this morning to explain why his voice student turned American Idol star, David Archuleta, struggled a bit this week. It was much more than strep throat. David was battling with busy schedules and last minute changes to song choices that left him with little time to rehearse.
Listen to Brian and Rebecca’s interview with David Archuleta’s Voice Coach
David Archuleta’s singing was an unstoppable force of nature. Somewhere in the family’s genetic chemistry, the music seeped right into his bones, and then fate or providence or whatever you want to call it lent a hand.
What if his father hadn’t left a “Les Miz” record lying around the house?
What if his mother, a singer and dancer, hadn’t emigrated from Honduras to Florida, where she met his father, who was there only to do temporary sales work for a summer?
What if his sister’s boyfriend hadn’t stumbled into a legendary voice coach, or what if the voice coach hadn’t needed help with his computers?
“So many things have happened along the way to make this happen,” says Jim Archuleta, David’s grandfather.
David, the sweet-faced 17-year-old “American Idol” sensation from Salt Lake City, was drawn to singing the way most boys are drawn to football and video games. As fate would have it again, the 5-foot-4 teen developed a big, full voice that belies his stature. And with the soulful voice, he sang with purpose.
“Since David was 8, his goal has been to achieve enough celebrity that he would be able to reach many people with the gospel message through his music,” says his grandfather. “He is very LDS.”
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Fox 13’s Kerri Cronk traveled to L.A. and she spoke live after Thursday night’s show with contestants David Archuleta and Brooke White.
