You’re crazy all right! CRAZY out-of-this-world GOOD! that’s the best thing I’ve ever heard! And just think we all missed hearing THAT on AI.
lulu . July 14, 2008 .
Whoa, this was worth the 7-month wait! I like the originial version but David slows this down so listeners can really hear and understand what the song is about, he puts so much emotion into it. That’s what David does when he sings--tells a story with passion. Awesome!
daisychain . July 14, 2008 .
You know, I listen to a song he’s going to sing and I can’t imagine how he’s goingto do it and then……..he works magic with it and it’s always phenomenol. That’s part of the David mystic -- how does he do that?
So, the call letters for this morning’s interview tv station was KSTU -- it’s the Fox Channel. Tomorrow is KSL where they advertised that he would sing “Crazy.” Just FYI.
rascal . July 14, 2008 .
Thanks, daisychain, corrected.
Kait . July 14, 2008 .
Some of the commentary around the internet world has been that we were worried about David singing this because of all the hype. Could it be that good?
Is is, and then some. He sings hauntingly. I … just … tears. That’s all. I can’t believe his gift — and I can’t understand how so many MISS his gift.
Aren’t we lucky, to get him?
debra 5354 . July 14, 2008 .
That was just beautiful. Had to listen 3-4 times at first. How do we get a download of this?
Thanks Rascal for putting this up so quickly. You know we were all anxious to hear it.
rascal . July 14, 2008 .
Wish granted, debra, check the post again.
debra 5354 . July 14, 2008 .
Kait….I don’t understand it either.
debra 5354 . July 14, 2008 .
WOW…..thanks
brooklyndawn . July 14, 2008 .
Alright, if I can stop shaking……this young man is freaking incredible. This song, this much anticipated song, exceeded my expectations. I too was worried about how he would make this song fresh. I mean everyone put their spin on this song…..some more successful than others. This reminds me of Ray LaMontagne’s version, only better if that is possible. It’s like David gets to the heart of a song, understands a song, and then just renders it in his own unique way. I am not one of those who say “until David came along, I was disenchanted with music”. But I will say that I have never seen a youngster take control of my emotions the way that David does. Frankly, it’s a bit scary. How good can he actually become?
refnaf . July 14, 2008 .
crazy…. crazy vocals, crazy emotion, and that smile at the end!!!!
highervibe . July 14, 2008 .
Words fail me on this one, I simply can’t find any to convey anything about phenom boy. I’m sure glad rascal and caseydog can!!
How does he find these songs? Always curious about who the songwriter is, and the story behind any song that David sings—as I hear David and dad etc are—I found this link to the lyrics and about how the song came to be:
http://www.elyrics.net/read/g/gnarls-barkley-lyrics/crazy-lyrics.html
EXCERPTS
Jun 10, 2008 at 03:49 AM by DenCore
The song’s lyrics, written by Cee-Lo, were inspired by a conversation he and Danger Mouse had in the studio with the instrumental playing on repeat: Danger Mouse was “caught up in thinking that people have to believe you’re crazy to think you’re an artist.”[8] After the conversation, Cee-Lo recorded the vocals for the song in just one take.
thank you Wikipedia
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Nov 03, 2007 at 03:30 PM by katiesmeghead
…More about life in general and all the little (and big) problems and joys that it brings and how even if something bad happens it can still end up good -- ‘…I remember when I lost my mind, There was something so pleasant about that place’. And in a way I think this song has taught me to BE crazy because the point in life is to live it to the full and sometimes we need to be crazy to do that. Fab song and I can’t get enough of it!
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Another song choice smacked WAAAAAAAY out of the park!
caseydog . July 14, 2008 .
Do you all realize how special a day this is? To hear “Crazy” after months of anticipation? And to have it not only meet but exceed the expectation? Holy crap this kid is good.
From changing up his live shows to unleashing these surprises on us, not a week goes by when we’re all not fighting off a tear or two at his unique interpretations of songs.
If this is just the beginning of his career, merely the first year, what’s in store down the road? I’m not sure I’ll survive it!
I meant to add (but I can barely string a sentence together right now, I’m so blown away) that after watching and enjoying David belt out the “big” tour numbers that blow the roof off of every arena, these two off-the-cuff unplugged songs (particularly the last half of WOTWTC — astounding) give me a flashback to how physically shaken I was when I first heard David sing.
His exquisite vocals on both performances are so soulful and magical, I swear I felt them seeping beneath my skin and coursing through my veins like liquid sunshine. Like, WOW.
Janey . July 14, 2008 .
everyone, thanks for posting, I ‘m having a hard time with words today, too, caseydog, highervibe, , “smacked WAAAAAy out of the park”, and “what’s in store down the road? I’m not sure I’ll survive it!”
Seriously, What little tidbit of sanity I managed to hold on to until now has disappeared for good. There is no going back. David is the musical genius of our generation. How will I survive?
TOfan loved your #15 post! same goes for me.
karidol . July 14, 2008 .
Hola everyone!
Archie does it again!!! If I were a singer I will not let Archie touch my songs. He always do it better than the original. But if I was a songwriter I will pray for Archie to sing my lyrics. He always takes them to another place. He elevates them and find a way to connect his voice to the message and make us sense his passion and the feelings in his heart. The original version of Crazy its catchy and funky, but Archies own version its so soulful, heartfelt and intimate that haunts you and don’t let you go. After all the months of waiting for this song David did not dissapointed us. He exceeded my expectations and again proved he is on another league. He is trully just one of a kind.
It was so unexpected to listen to Archie sing WOTWTC. I loved his version and he puts so much feeling and passion that you are just trasported to another place! Its nice to see Archie just being himself and singing without the pressure of the competition. He is just brilliant, natural and so humble… He is indeed the World Idol.
ErinH0611 . July 14, 2008 .
Gosh David! He did it again. I’m just amazed how he keeps blowing us all away. Just beautiful! And, yes I’m crazy for him!!!!
Wow, this is amazing! When you think you have heard everything that David could do to send chills up and down your spine, you are awed back into reality. Wow…
archftw . July 14, 2008 .
David, How do you DO this? Dont ever stop…
naturgirl . July 14, 2008 .
Beautiful…beautiful! Just getting my last fix before heading to Salt Lake (Yiiippppeeee!) for the concert tonight. I’ll be the silver head among the young’ens (my daughter is a lovely blonde), the one with the binoculars and earplugs! I’ll try to find you daisychain, we may have to do some deep yoga breathing to survive this! CANT WAIT.
thatguycansing . July 14, 2008 .
I remember the “open letter” you wrote in May point #4. Especially the part about David’s most treasured techniques and skills might be learned on his own by playing around on the piano, listening to recordings and experimenting with his voice. Well, maybe we caught a little glimpse of that process and experimentation today. Only in front of a few more people!! AMAZING!!
Okay, I havent read all the posts because I’m now melting into a useless puddle watching David singing CRAZY with the keyboard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG, I cant get over the fact that he accompanied himself on the keyboard, exactly how it happened in Hollywood!!! The starting strains of CRAZY were just too stirring.
He forgotten his lyrics again during Waiting on the World to Change, deja vu!!!! Kinda adorable the way he smiled knowingly. And I love his version on MyFox Utah and wanted him and Dean to start some serious vocal jamming at the end of the song.
So this is heaven and answered prayers! Thank you David!!!!
Now I’m gonna hope for “I’ll be” and “A Thousand Miles”.
Meantime, lots of videos and news to catch up. Woohoo, SLC, give it for David!!
marc . July 14, 2008 .
Once in a lifetime an artist so profound came along that brought people together in love. He showed us how to treat our fellow man with respect and humility and serenaded us with a voice that came directly from above.
We are living in that moment right now, that artist’s name is David Archuleta!
lulu . July 14, 2008 .
Just got in from work and rushed to the computer to SEE David sing all of “Crazy” (only saw a small portion of it this morning). What a performance! He should put this on his first CD. My guess is that he sang it this way at the Hollywood Audition only in that one he was smiling a lot more. But I smell a rat (or rats). AI said that the reason they didn’t show that audition was because there was a problem getting a clearance. I have never heard of that before, at least on American Idol. Someone sang “Crazy” on Australian Idol, no problem there. David didn’t even know he was going to sing this song at the studio until just a day or two ago. Did KSL have to get a clearance for him to sing it? I don’t think so! I believe that Idol did not want America to see David singing that song because he was obviously so brilliant that the outcome of the show would have already been decided even before the Top 24. There would be no surprises, no competition, what would be the point of even watching? So they made up an excuse, Jason also sang it but they can’t show that because if the excuse applied to David, they had to extend it to anyone else who sang “Crazy.” The problem was that TPTB realized that it was only a matter of time before David sang the right song and everyone would fall in love with him. That happened when he sang “Imagine.” But it would have happened THE VERY FIRST TIME HE OPENED HIS MOUTH if we had been allowed to see it. AI wanted to delay that reaction as long as possible but it happened sooner than they would have liked. I’ve often wondered when the manipulation with David started. I figured it was around March but now I am beginning to feel that they had it in for him from the start. He was going to win unless they could do something to stop it--and they did. Why should they let him win when they know that they could make just as much money off him if he lost? Am I making sense? I’m not saying this theory is definitely true but I have been suspicious about the “clearance excuse.” It just made no sense to me. What do you David-lovers think? Anyway, I’m glad we all finally got to see and hear him sing this song, he really makes you feel the lyrics. All good things come to those who wait!
clcny2 . July 14, 2008 .
After listening to this amazing rendition 5 or 6 times it occured to me as a cynical NYer (after I broke out of my Archubliss) that had I held the title of an AI producer and was witness to anything vaguely similar to what David performed today during Hollywood Week that I would have had to have been so thrilled and overjoyed at discovering such a special young talent and simultaneously ulcerating over the thought of how to produce a show about a singing COMPETITION that would engage millions of television viewers for months on end…I know there must be dozens of reasons why songs dont recieve clearance but my cynicism is kicking into overdrive (maybe a little bitterness too) as to the why this song suddenly got clearance right after the show ended for the AI tour…Anyway, maybe its just paranoia but surfing this site is healthy therapy for those who dont want to think about that crappy show and want to celebrate the arrival of DA, solo artist….Another heartfelt THANK YOU MR. RASCAL for your great site. ENJOY THE CONCERT!!
clcny2 . July 14, 2008 .
OMGosh, Lulu and I are on the same wavelength, just 10 minutes apart…
Phenomenal is the word! David continues to amaze. I so cannot wait to hear his original songs (a month from now? Yikes!)
I wonder who’s fantastic idea it was to have him revisit his earlier songs from AI? If Jive had a hand in this, I’m absolutely confident in their shrewd business and promotional skills.
And no wonder we had to wait these months to finally hear David’s version of “Crazy.” I do believe if we had heard this during the show, the competition would have already been over long before May 20!
RIKA . July 14, 2008 .
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Superstar! O’-)
Diana . July 14, 2008 .
Incredibly beautiful. I never thought you could put such emotion into this song!
rascal . July 14, 2008 .
lulu -- In general I am reluctant to support discussions here about the AI season because (a) it’s over and done with and (b) I believe the best possible outcome was ultimately achieved, even if by gross Machiavellian means. However, in this case I will break my own rule so as to share a theory I’ve held for quite some time.
I am not enough of an authority on music rights to know if there might be a difference in the scope of clearance that may be required by AI versus a single live performance on a news or talk show (AI almost certainly needs the right to re-package, excerpt, promote, record, distribute, etc., whereas other circumstances do not, and may thereby be covered by the blanket ASCAP live performance provision), but, even so, I do happen to agree with you that TPTB sought to diminish David’s impact from very early on.
My first indication of possible manipulation was the number of strange circumstances that surrounded the week of the infamous forgotten lyrics. They started out by giving David a disco version of We Can Work It Out rather than the R&B arrangement he had requested. After finally correcting this (which I somehow suspect that Jeff may have had a slightly strong-armed hand in), David felt the rehearsal did not go well. Nevertheless, the producers still placed him last on the roster for the evening--not only the choice spot, but one which David had already had only two weeks before… Why? It was highly unusual, if not unprecedented, for TPTB to place a contestant in the so-called pimp spot twice in such a short span of time — especially considering the fact that journalists were already questioning whether it made any sense to keep watching the show in light of what appeared to be such an inevitability in David Archuleta. Why pimp him yet again? Indeed, it was such an extremely unlikely thing for the producers to do, that one is nearly forced to conclude that there most certainly had to be method in this madness. My take on it is that they knew, or at least had very strong suspicions, that in this case the pimp spot would backfire.
Let’s also remember that this was Top 12, the week after the very first press outing. Prior to that, David had no sense at all of whether anyone was even paying attention. But when the group was trotted out that weekend, Archuletamania was already well underway. David suddenly realized that there was a huge spotlight on him, that the stakes were high, and that this was all really happening--in front of the entire country. The pressure was on. Oh, and he was also still sick with strep throat.
The fact that David not only failed to wow in that performance but actually forgot the lyrics--not once but twice--was icing on the cake for TPTB, who I envision as being up in the booth during the performance, stroking their chins, rubbing their hands, and grinning widely as their petty little plans pay off.
Janey . July 14, 2008 .
Rascal, just a tiny tidbit to go along with your post. That very night, prior to David coming down the stairs in the WCWIO performance a previous contestant (Brooke?, Ramielle?) was chastised by Simon for using the stairs. I’ll never forget the sinking feeling I had when he started that song poised a step or two up and made his way down and across the stage. What was he thinking? Hadn’t he heard Simon? I was unfamiliar with AI at the time and didn’t realize until later how they forced him to do that! In hindsight, perhaps he had heard Simon and it was downhill from there.
kindredspirit . July 15, 2008 .
Yep, they had to make it into a horse race. David A was a sure thing. So why not manufacture another $-making “winner”. Don’t get me wrong, I like David Cook, but he is Salieri to David Archuleta’s Mozart. This version of Crazy reminds me of the haunting way David performed Nature Boy when he was younger. Simple accompaniment that showcases his amazing voice. He doesn’t need to power the song to touch our hearts.
Ely . July 15, 2008 .
Wow! Again I don’t know what to say. I just want to sit back and relax and just listen to this song forever. Two nights ago, I was listening to Gnarles Barkley on YT sing CRAZY and I had envisioned how David would sing it. Boy, David surpassed all my expectations. This is simply amazing for lack of a better word. I longed to hear David’s version of this song since everybody was raving about it. Now that I’ve heard it, I’ve understood why. What a Talent with a capital “T”! During the interview that I saw, it appeared that he has allergies. He did look like his eyes were puffy like he had been blowing his nose or something. I hope he will be okay. He still has 43 more concerts to do. Poor thing.
Tinuviel . July 15, 2008 .
Janey once a while back coined the phrase ‘Brotherhood of Fans’. I loved it so much then, I never forgot it, and in fact have made several references to it since then. In a recent posting on FB, I made a connection between Rascal’s blog on David coming ‘full circle’, and that ‘brotherhood’. These are my thoughts that Janey asked me to share:
See, not only has David come full circle, we have too! On this journey with David, we have grown and come to know not only ourselves more, but each other, and others in the world. There is an understanding and a compassion for the joys and the sorrows we all share, that has been sharpened, honed, and purified by our spiritual and emotional reawakening. It’s like hope, love, and joy existed before, but we had come to experience them only on a one dimensional plane. David is a prism that takes that one dimensional light and lets it shine through him and come out in a dazzling array of sparkle and color, that is simply breathtaking and mesmerizing to watch. We were too afraid to open ourselves up in that way, afraid of being hurt, afraid of rejection, afraid of being alone. David’s courage to do that in spite of the fear, has led us all to believe we could shine like that too.
We all have posted many beautiful commentaries on these very themes, Rascal leading us the whole way. They are a testament that we have truly come full circle from David’s first singing of a ‘brotherhood of man’ to becoming ourselves that ‘brotherhood’.
bigsky . July 15, 2008 .
David’s performance was AMAZING. I think what I love most is the way David gets lost in the song. When he finishes singing, it’s like he wakes up — isn’t it? Breathtaking rendition of “Crazy”, too — I just couldn’t have imagined that THAT is what it sounded like. Would love to see his performance end with an editing tweak: the judges reaction to when he FIRST sang the song on A.I. I feel like we really missed out on such an incredible moment when his performance was withheld from viewers.
Rascal, you’re right that we should probably let bygones be bygones now — David has clearly excelled despite the show results, and it was probably the best thing that could have happened to him (not winning). But I am so glad you bent your own rule, and commented. I think you are absolutely correct in your assumptions.
I think the most disappointing thing… is that A.I. leaves a path of destruction in young, gullible, unsuspecting lives. It reminds me of the movie “The Truman Show”…
They tinker with people’s lives & dreams, and it really eats at my conscience. I don’t know that I will ever watch A.I. again, and be a participant in that sort of process.
Anyway, it’s like tying up loose ends to read your thoughts on it all, Rascal.
kccy . July 15, 2008 .
I think I’m going crazy watching and listening to David’s CRAZY countless times now…”That makes me crazy….” so ironic that his fans are gouing crazy over CRAZY, full circle indeed! His vocals, controls, runs and phrases are so awesome. So soulful….OMG, no wonder people were blown away during Hollywood week. I’m always excited watching David at the keyboard/piano. Woah at the last “me”.
Oh, was Rascal at the concert?
brooklyndawn . July 15, 2008 .
I had to end my night where I began it today. My “home” blog is not entirely David friendly and most of the day they have been slicing and dicing his performance. I stated my piece and then some, but I don’t try to cajole because you can’t make someone ‘get’ someone. It’s good to read the comments here, as this blog gets David. It’s refreshing and reassuring.
archangel48 . July 15, 2008 .
I had already reserved myself in believing that it was a ruse! Never had any “Idol” deserved the title more than David! He wanted it since season 1 when he sang for the contestants. He sang all their songs, throughout all the next seasons. He waited til he was old enough, and his family deemed him ready. What a rip-off! I couldn’t ever watch the show again. I said it from the beginning, if David Archuleta did not win, I was done with AI! Well, its worse than that. I will also call it what I had always defended against. A popularity contest, a cheezy karaoke show, definately not what I had thought the show was. Most people around me thought I was a little weird being such afan of the show. I always thought it was good, clean, fun for the young people. At least they weren’t out doing drugs or breaking into peoples houses! The one and only positive I find in the show is they brought David to us! God Bless Him!
Janey . July 15, 2008 .
bigsky, “tying up loose ends” in more ways than one way today, first with “Crazy” then with rascal’s post.
Do you ever wonder what Season 7 would have looked like without David? Where would the magic have come from? Every memorable moment with the exception of “Billy Jean” can be attributed to David. It wasn’t David vs. David at all but David vs. theamericanmoneymakingmachineshowdisguisingitselfasasingingcompetitionshow
Tinuviel, beautiful words, thank you for sharing them.
daisychain . July 15, 2008 .
Reporting in from the SLC Concert Monday Evening -
Besides the fact that I’m now deaf (hopefully not permanently), it was a joy to “listen” to David Archuleta sing live. Okay, so I really couldn’t hear him very well, but I did love seeing him perform. They forgot to pass out the t-shirts at the door with rascal’s observation on them, “You can’t hear him sing if you’re screaming.” But, that’s okay. You could hear a lot of his singing, and the level of appreciation expressed was so beyond anything imaginable, that by the last line of WYSYLM (When you say you love me, know that I love you). He could hardly get it out because he was moved to tears. Yes! Mission accomplished. Message received. We love David Archuleta better than anyone in the whole wide world! He had a hard time talking between songs, but the crowd would let him talk a little and he’d express his appreciation that he wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for us and then the crowd would erupt again. And again. And, at the end, he couldn’t do his usual quick exit -- we “held” him there with our screaming for some time.
The roof? They are currently repairing it so that there can be another “roof raiser” tomorrow night.
So back to the beginning, everyone was arriving on “MST” -- Mormon Standard Time. That means late. We were there early. Very early. The lady and daughter I sat next to (if you see this blog, correct my story if I get it wrong) and we were commenting on how empty it was. By the time Chekezie came on, it was quite full and by the time it was going for a half an hour, it was PACKED. Full house. The crowd was very giving tonight, giving screams and ovations and great applause for everyone. So much so that I wondered how it could get any louder for David, and hoped we could make him feel “Special.” Not to worry. I thought everyone performed well, and I enjoyed at least one number by each of them -- just not a loud rock fan. I did have earplugs in. My husband was wearing his artillery earplugs from when he was in the army. High powered. I took mine out for some songs, but by intermission, my ears were ringing. Anyway, I was saying… not to worry that we could make David feel special. As Syesha said “this next performer… a dull…. no an Intense roar went up. Then we let her say her peace -- but we could see the floor opened up and were anticipating…. Angels was sung through a dull roar with periodic spurts of greater cheers with the big notes. Ha ha. It makes me laugh thinking about it. Apologize was incredible. He gives so much to each song. It’s just amazing. So, someone else can tell more details. I’m exhausted.
I did want to share a little story that the lady next to me told me. She lives in Murray. About two blocks from David. She said she saw Lupe in the grocery store today. Anyway, I asked if she was in David’s ward (parish) and she said no, he’s in a different stake (group of wards) It’s Utah -- congregations are grouped geographically and it only takes a few blocks of houses to fill up a chapel. Anyway, she said that he sang in their ward one Christmas. She said he had a solo part with the Ward Choir. He came to the rehearsal and the choir had been practicing. They didn’t know much about him, but this kid shows up, shirttail hanging out, hair uncombed, listens to the choir for a little bit, hums a few bars and that’s it. Then came the performance, and when he sang, it was incredible -- he had no music, he just sang his solo part with the choir as back up and it was so moving that the choir had a hard time keeping their emotions under control and the audience was all in tears. So…it reminded me of what we witnessed this morning with Crazy and WOTWTC. Incredible, Incredible.
Elannbo -- you might consider going to a concert in Cook country -- because maybe you’ll be able to hear the music
I’m very glad I went to hear David. He is an incredible performer and an incredible person and I feel it was such a privilege to be there tonight to show appreciation for him for sharing his talent with the world.
I do look forward to a full two hour concert some day of just his music. That will be “Heaven.”
So someone describe the Stand By Me experience and do a better job with WYSYLM. I’ll check back tomorrow after I rest to see if any more needs to be added, but there were some really special moments there that I wish I could relive. Ohmygosh -- did we have him smiling
kccy . July 15, 2008 .
daisychain, glad I caught your post! So he smiled and cried on the same night. Go Utah! I’m really happy for David.
caseydog . July 15, 2008 .
OMG. I’m in tears after watching the clips from SLC -- just as David was while singing! And he did that special ending for Angels again! Unreal. Totally freakin’ unreal.
archangel48 . July 15, 2008 .
He brings us so much happiness! So very pleased Utah returned the favor!
Kait . July 15, 2008 .
Thanks for telling us about the big Utah welcome, Daisychain. I would’ve liked to have been there to add my cheers. Alas, I live in Cook country and must attend two concerts there. (One in KCMO, one in Tulsa.) My hope is that I’ll be able to hear David A’s set — and that I’ll be able to cheer enough (between songs) to let him know that he is well-loved all over the dang world.
lulu . July 15, 2008 .
It’s bright and early in the morning on my day off and I’m already at the computer. I am planning on getting my housework done but during the last week this website has been my #1 priority. Rascal, I have to tell you how much I have enjoyed this site, my only regret is that I didn’t know about it until last week--now it’s the first place I go when I’m on the computer (which seems to be hours at a time lately). Thanks for your comment (and everyone else’s) and thanks for setting limitations on topics, you are 100% right, Idol is over and done, who cares, we all know what happened (the fix was in) and David is not the worse for it and maybe getting a song clearance is harder than it seems but there were just too many red flags in my opinion. If money was an issue (might it have been?) that would never been a problem for Idol! It’s just that since I joined notingDavid so late I am behind in everyone else’s opinions about what happened and why, I couldn’t voice my displeasure on here after the voting because I wasn’t aware of the site. But thank you for making an acception about my opinions on “Crazy” during Hollywood week, apparently I wasn’t alone! As for your opinion on when the manipulation started concerning David, I didn’t watch Idol until Dolly Parton Week and had no idea what had happened on the show before then. I caught David’s past performances on YouTube but when I heard he had messed up on “We Can Work It Out,” I couldn’t bring myself to watch him sing it and still haven’t. He must have felt terrible, I still haven’t watched him sing “Waiting on the World to Change” for the same reason. Silly but true. Maybe some day I’ll do it!
Janey--you are so right, Season 7 would not have been the same without David Archuleta. Not only that, but our lives would not be the same, would they? Can you imagine if he had NOT auditioned? Everything worked out for the best--for him and for his legions of fans. It was meant to be!! We have come full circle with “Crazy,” that was a big void for us, I was crazy with frustration at not being able to hear it. Now I know why Simon said he was incredible (and still is!). I just love watching David sing that song, it’s like he “zones out” and forgets where he is, he’s just so into what he’s doing which makes the end result fantastic! Have any of you watched his version of “Angels” on YouTube, the one taken a few years ago at BYU (where he’s dressed in a shirt and tie). You can tell by watching him that he’s lost in that song also. I think that was the best version of “Angels” he did--and he was only 15! When David is singing a song that he connects with, no vocalist can touch him. It’s so much fun watching his career evolve and we are all so anxious to hear “Crush”--only one more month!
Rascal, you are awesome and so is everyone else on this site. Thanks for letting me ramble, this place is a perfect antidote to ODD.
rascal . July 15, 2008 .
There is far too much screaming in this video of WYSYLM in SLC last night for me to post it here, but if you can slog your way through it (David’s voice does sound spectacular, and there are one or two great new flourishes), watch the stage screen during the the last line to see him wiping the tears from his eyes. It’s quite moment.
Mamma Josie texted me after the concert last night with the following:
“He was more than brilliant he cried and struggled to finish WYSYLM”
It’s gratifying that David can get that kind of experience from his fans because the tragedy in being David Archuleta is that he’ll never be able to feel what it’s like to experience David Archuleta.
Bookaholic . July 15, 2008 .
Hey, just a quick tidbit that I wanted to throw out. I read a comment by a fan who was able to attend the Tacoma after concert party. She had her eight year old daughter with her. David was gracious and took a cute picture with the girl. Afterwards, the child wandered over to David Cook and asked for an autograph. She told him he was her second favorite Idol. He asked her who her favorite was, and she told him that it was David Archuleta. Cook’s response? He’s my favorite, too.
Makes me like Cook even more. I started warming up to him when I saw how much he obviously loves David, and how well he treated him. I went to the Tacoma concert, too, and I must say that I was surprised how well Cook did. I can now conceive of him having success in the business. Of course, I don’t think his career will compare to how David’s will soar and how long and sustained I predict it will be.
He might do quite well, though, and he really doesn’t seem to resent the clamor for David that is seen on the tour like some of the other Idols do. Syesha appears to be a little resentful and Chikeze and Ramiele seem a bit bummed by the fans’ lack of response to them. The whole bunch love David, though, so it must make it hard to resent someone you for whom you have such great affection. David is just incredibly winsome and has such genuine respect and fondness for the other Idols, it has to be contagious. You can’t help but love the Archulator.
Bookaholic . July 15, 2008 .
For a laugh, go read Scott Adam’s blog, Live Performance, about his attendance at the Idol’s tour. He’s the guy who does the cartoon, Dilbert. It’s hilarious, and he has great words for David and Cook, as well.
Awwwww, David in tears at his home concert. (sniffle)
Thanks so much for sharing these concert experiences, everyone!
Rascal, lulu, et al, I was already chastised for bringing up the AI show, and I didn’t want to elaborate on the show’s manipulations. But I will say this: As much as I think David is going to be fine as this year’s runner-up (unlike, say, previous runner-ups, and so much of this has to do with how grateful I am that he’s not at RCA -- the same label as Cook and the same label that has a horrendous track record with previous Idol contestants) and a tremendous music star (he’s got the prerequisite qualities -- “hot molten lava” mad talent, great looks, great personality, and great work ethic), part of me cannot help but feel bitterness toward the show.
Here’s the thing, and I appreciate you all for letting me say this here, and to do so without going off topic somewhat: Had David lost fairly to Cook, I wouldn’t have to give Season 7 another thought. Once the show is over, it’s over, and we can delight in the potential of two stars named David.
But, the show’s manipulative tricks (which possibly included not wanting to show David’s audition of “Crazy”) and their refusal to confront the rumors about Jeff (when they cleared up other rumors circulating about the show -- form David Hernandez’s stripper days to Cook’s cover songs to even Paula’s prophetic second review of Jason’s performances) made it so obvious that they were undermining the Archuletas. Whatever their reasons, I will never understand (was it all just for good TV?) because David’s win really was inevitable (until they messed things up).
Either way, they lost a viewer in me for next season, even though I am forever grateful that I tuned in one fine evening to witness David singing “Heaven,” and I was hooked ever since!
The great thing is that good does triumph over evil. David just brings so much sunshine to everything he does, and it’s a bit ironic that, in the context of the show, when they worked very hard to block out the sun, he rocked the Nokia (and the rest of the world) with his aptly appropriate pleading song, “Don’t let the sun go down on me” on his final competitive night.
How lovely that it hasn’t! One of my favorite interview moments with David was on Larry King when he talked about how confusing the judges’ comments were (he used the example of Syesha singing amazingly, and then receiving lackluster comments, and he’d be like: “What, are they kidding me? Didn’t they just hear her?”)
So much love for the little guy! In his sweet, innocent, positive outlook, he didn’t even realize that even other contestants like Syesha were severly undermined by the show just so they could manipulate the results of who would wear the AI crown. He just thought they didn’t know what they were talking about music-wise.
Come to think of it -- Okkam’s razor and all that -- maybe David is the right one here (and I’ll learn to think just like him!). You know: don’t think there’s some ulterior motive and just conclude that, musically speaking, they don’t know good singing when they hear it. Obviously, the producers are not real savvy at identifying musical geniuses, even though they specialize in discovering new talent.
Okay, Rascal, I promise this is my last post about the show!
thatguycansing . July 15, 2008 .
#51 -- I read that! Hilarious!!
A little mental song to AI:
who do you, who do you, who do you, think you are
well bless your soul
you think your in control
well I think your CRAZY!
After SLC and all the other performances, I think it’s quite clear that DAVID is in control NOW!
marc . July 15, 2008 .
I don’t know what it is in Davids voice, there is something tangible that touches me to my very soul. I’m listening to the MP3 of WOTWTC now and it stirs emotions that no other singer has ever elicited from me. I’ve listened to music continuously for years and I have my favorite artists but this takes it to a level that I have never experienced or thought existed. There is “something” in his voice, I wish I had an explanation…
Kizzi_ . July 15, 2008 .
Rascal: Thanks for posting the MP3 download.
David music is astounding and getting to listen to him do Crazy and WFTWTC was incredible.
In WFTWTC there is a lyric he sings about how TV bends information, and, his voice changes just a bit when he sings that--maybe my wishful thinking--but it sounds like that to me.
As far as AI, the whole season, I felt like I was one of PT Barnums’s proverbial “suckers” but I watched to hear David sing and support him.
The influence of AI manipulations was highlighted several weeks ago. I am in healthcare and travel quite a bit. I had dinner with a well-known surgeon, analytical, brillant, scientific, knows heatlhcare media and PR intimately--he is a big AI fan for years and votes like crazy. He spouted off all the tabloid info on David as incontrovertibile truth and even told me David should sing Opera. He totally bought into all of it. And this is a highly educated professional with superb critical thinking and analytical skills.
OK, enough said. Looking forward, I am excited that David is being recognized for his talent and character. His future is his to define and his fan base is ever expanding. As you so articulately and definitively stated, the only tragedy is that David Archuleta will never see David Archuleta the way we do!
Thanks Rascal for your site and great dialogue.
Kait . July 15, 2008 .
Kizzi! I hope you enlightened the good surgeon about how he was mislead!
Rascal, I so agree with your A.I. theory and sentiments — so many twisted machinations, Shakespeare would have had a field day.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how beautifully David has risen above it all and is soaring (musically and otherwise) to new heights every day.
Re “brotherhood of fans,” Tinuviel & Janey, no fair, choked me up. And Daisychain, thanks for your concert post and story about the choir. David (and his hometown fans) are such wonderful goodwill ambassadors for Utah. I bet state tourism numbers are up!
Janey . July 15, 2008 .
There’s something here, in everyone’s posts that I hadn’t seen before. The glaring manipulations we’ve all agreed on, provide a sharply contrasting background to David’s luminous in spite of them, can’t be denied, star quality. How different would the experience have been for him and for us if he had rightly sailed on through? We would be as devoted, as connected in his win as we are in the heartbreak of his runner up finish?
The David we are seeing now, is this David the result of his AI experience, dare I say a backlash? of all the constraints? and manipulations? Was this David hiding in the 90 second weekly bite size morsel they tossed us? Or is the emerging confident show man we see now, the natural progression of the musical student we know him to be? How many times did people comment, and Paula remind him, to have fun, return to the joy, like we saw in “Shop Around”? I yearned for that David, the youthful, exuberant, glad to be here singing for you David. Even his smiles after “Imagine” reflected that joyous wonder. Starting with WCWIO, he disappeared. Could it be the pressure of the live telecast or having to live up to “you’re the one to beat”? I didn’t know.
Throughout the season I feared he was gone forever, that he had grown up and moved on. For a time, I believed AI had ruined him.
You can put him on hold. You can make him “play by the rules”. But you can’t contain him and you can’t stop him. Not now, anyway. With a stage, a microphone, a song and an adoring audience (thank you AI?) David’s back. The youthful, exuberant, glad to be here singing for you David is back.
daisychain . July 15, 2008 .
go to deseretnews.com
Yesterday’s paper (Monday the 14th) had an article talking a lot to Jeff Archuleta. It was a very good article and you all would enjoy (sorry, I’m bad at figuring out how to post the exact link)
Today’s D-News has the concert on the front page: “American Idolmania.” Lots of pictures inside and a couple of articles.
Be back later -- I’m watching grandchildren. I did watch WYSYLM while they watched and the 2 year old said “Gramma…I want to see the screaming again!” He He He
Janey — Going from the TCO to underdog was the best thing that could have happened to David as being part of that program. It just goes to show that faith, truth, and love can turn even malice and persecution into a force for good.
Janey . July 15, 2008 .
rascal, so true. I’ve found that if you wait long enough and listen hard enough, you’ll find the silver lining.
Janey, isn’t it ironic that Paula, who had asked him to “just have fun and be 17,” chose for him the middle-aged and heartbreaking “And So It Goes” when she had the chance to do his song choice? *rolls eyes*
Don’t get me wrong. That performance ranks high among my many favorites from him, but still…
Anyway, I agree that the David we are witnessing now is very much the uncontained, pressure-free, fun-loving David we all fell in love with, and I only hope it keeps getting better and better (if we can imagine how much more phenomenal that will be! )
Kizzi_ . July 15, 2008 .
Kait -- not only did I enlighten him but the people at the hibachi seating with us also enlightened him. In fact, he had a stunned look on his face when they overheard our discussion and chimed in about the talented David Archuleta. I, of course, got up and hugged them and bought them a celebratory beverage; they were celebrating a birthday and I was celebrating the brotherhood of david archuleta fans.
RT @kariontour: Some of u posted pix in front of @DavidArchie BENCH ad. We pulled over on the hwy 2 get this. TY ... http://t.co/uPrDkUvG 7 hours ago
After seeing the BENCH FIX Billboard for the first time in Manila -----> http://t.co/IHly4dCf 16 hours ago
From David: Having cocimiento (some kind of broth with pollo, chuleta, y mariscos) for my first time. (thought u would like a food tweet ks) 2012/05/15
From David: No way! That is amazing that it got to 1 million even while I am away! Please tell the fans that I ... http://t.co/wNDFTeW3 2012/05/09
…OH MY GOSH! …Absolutely outstanding!!!
You’re crazy all right! CRAZY out-of-this-world GOOD! that’s the best thing I’ve ever heard! And just think we all missed hearing THAT on AI.
Whoa, this was worth the 7-month wait! I like the originial version but David slows this down so listeners can really hear and understand what the song is about, he puts so much emotion into it. That’s what David does when he sings--tells a story with passion. Awesome!
You know, I listen to a song he’s going to sing and I can’t imagine how he’s goingto do it and then……..he works magic with it and it’s always phenomenol. That’s part of the David mystic -- how does he do that?
So, the call letters for this morning’s interview tv station was KSTU -- it’s the Fox Channel. Tomorrow is KSL where they advertised that he would sing “Crazy.” Just FYI.
Thanks, daisychain, corrected.
Some of the commentary around the internet world has been that we were worried about David singing this because of all the hype. Could it be that good?
Is is, and then some. He sings hauntingly. I … just … tears. That’s all. I can’t believe his gift — and I can’t understand how so many MISS his gift.
Aren’t we lucky, to get him?
That was just beautiful. Had to listen 3-4 times at first. How do we get a download of this?
Thanks Rascal for putting this up so quickly. You know we were all anxious to hear it.
Wish granted, debra, check the post again.
Kait….I don’t understand it either.
WOW…..thanks
Alright, if I can stop shaking……this young man is freaking incredible. This song, this much anticipated song, exceeded my expectations. I too was worried about how he would make this song fresh. I mean everyone put their spin on this song…..some more successful than others. This reminds me of Ray LaMontagne’s version, only better if that is possible. It’s like David gets to the heart of a song, understands a song, and then just renders it in his own unique way. I am not one of those who say “until David came along, I was disenchanted with music”. But I will say that I have never seen a youngster take control of my emotions the way that David does. Frankly, it’s a bit scary. How good can he actually become?
crazy…. crazy vocals, crazy emotion, and that smile at the end!!!!
Words fail me on this one, I simply can’t find any to convey anything about phenom boy. I’m sure glad rascal and caseydog can!!
How does he find these songs? Always curious about who the songwriter is, and the story behind any song that David sings—as I hear David and dad etc are—I found this link to the lyrics and about how the song came to be:
http://www.elyrics.net/read/g/gnarls-barkley-lyrics/crazy-lyrics.html
EXCERPTS
Jun 10, 2008 at 03:49 AM by DenCore
The song’s lyrics, written by Cee-Lo, were inspired by a conversation he and Danger Mouse had in the studio with the instrumental playing on repeat: Danger Mouse was “caught up in thinking that people have to believe you’re crazy to think you’re an artist.”[8] After the conversation, Cee-Lo recorded the vocals for the song in just one take.
thank you Wikipedia
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Nov 03, 2007 at 03:30 PM by katiesmeghead
…More about life in general and all the little (and big) problems and joys that it brings and how even if something bad happens it can still end up good -- ‘…I remember when I lost my mind, There was something so pleasant about that place’. And in a way I think this song has taught me to BE crazy because the point in life is to live it to the full and sometimes we need to be crazy to do that. Fab song and I can’t get enough of it!
- -- - -- -
Another song choice smacked WAAAAAAAY out of the park!
Do you all realize how special a day this is? To hear “Crazy” after months of anticipation? And to have it not only meet but exceed the expectation? Holy crap this kid is good.
From changing up his live shows to unleashing these surprises on us, not a week goes by when we’re all not fighting off a tear or two at his unique interpretations of songs.
If this is just the beginning of his career, merely the first year, what’s in store down the road? I’m not sure I’ll survive it!
I meant to add (but I can barely string a sentence together right now, I’m so blown away) that after watching and enjoying David belt out the “big” tour numbers that blow the roof off of every arena, these two off-the-cuff unplugged songs (particularly the last half of WOTWTC — astounding) give me a flashback to how physically shaken I was when I first heard David sing.
His exquisite vocals on both performances are so soulful and magical, I swear I felt them seeping beneath my skin and coursing through my veins like liquid sunshine. Like, WOW.
everyone, thanks for posting, I ‘m having a hard time with words today, too, caseydog, highervibe, , “smacked WAAAAAy out of the park”, and “what’s in store down the road? I’m not sure I’ll survive it!”
Seriously, What little tidbit of sanity I managed to hold on to until now has disappeared for good. There is no going back. David is the musical genius of our generation. How will I survive?
TOfan loved your #15 post! same goes for me.
Hola everyone!
Archie does it again!!! If I were a singer I will not let Archie touch my songs. He always do it better than the original. But if I was a songwriter I will pray for Archie to sing my lyrics. He always takes them to another place. He elevates them and find a way to connect his voice to the message and make us sense his passion and the feelings in his heart. The original version of Crazy its catchy and funky, but Archies own version its so soulful, heartfelt and intimate that haunts you and don’t let you go. After all the months of waiting for this song David did not dissapointed us. He exceeded my expectations and again proved he is on another league. He is trully just one of a kind.
It was so unexpected to listen to Archie sing WOTWTC. I loved his version and he puts so much feeling and passion that you are just trasported to another place! Its nice to see Archie just being himself and singing without the pressure of the competition. He is just brilliant, natural and so humble… He is indeed the World Idol.
Gosh David! He did it again. I’m just amazed how he keeps blowing us all away. Just beautiful! And, yes I’m crazy for him!!!!
Wow, this is amazing! When you think you have heard everything that David could do to send chills up and down your spine, you are awed back into reality. Wow…
David, How do you DO this? Dont ever stop…
Beautiful…beautiful! Just getting my last fix before heading to Salt Lake (Yiiippppeeee!) for the concert tonight. I’ll be the silver head among the young’ens (my daughter is a lovely blonde), the one with the binoculars and earplugs! I’ll try to find you daisychain, we may have to do some deep yoga breathing to survive this! CANT WAIT.
I remember the “open letter” you wrote in May point #4. Especially the part about David’s most treasured techniques and skills might be learned on his own by playing around on the piano, listening to recordings and experimenting with his voice. Well, maybe we caught a little glimpse of that process and experimentation today. Only in front of a few more people!! AMAZING!!
Brilliant. Simply brilliant. He took a radio friendly more “urbanized, alternative” song and made it a radio friendly ballad.
That’s true talent right there.
here’s a good youtube video of it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldnx6fLh6Nw
Okay, I havent read all the posts because I’m now melting into a useless puddle watching David singing CRAZY with the keyboard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG, I cant get over the fact that he accompanied himself on the keyboard, exactly how it happened in Hollywood!!! The starting strains of CRAZY were just too stirring.
He forgotten his lyrics again during Waiting on the World to Change, deja vu!!!! Kinda adorable the way he smiled knowingly. And I love his version on MyFox Utah and wanted him and Dean to start some serious vocal jamming at the end of the song.
So this is heaven and answered prayers! Thank you David!!!!
Now I’m gonna hope for “I’ll be” and “A Thousand Miles”.
Meantime, lots of videos and news to catch up. Woohoo, SLC, give it for David!!
Once in a lifetime an artist so profound came along that brought people together in love. He showed us how to treat our fellow man with respect and humility and serenaded us with a voice that came directly from above.
We are living in that moment right now, that artist’s name is David Archuleta!
Just got in from work and rushed to the computer to SEE David sing all of “Crazy” (only saw a small portion of it this morning). What a performance! He should put this on his first CD. My guess is that he sang it this way at the Hollywood Audition only in that one he was smiling a lot more. But I smell a rat (or rats). AI said that the reason they didn’t show that audition was because there was a problem getting a clearance. I have never heard of that before, at least on American Idol. Someone sang “Crazy” on Australian Idol, no problem there. David didn’t even know he was going to sing this song at the studio until just a day or two ago. Did KSL have to get a clearance for him to sing it? I don’t think so! I believe that Idol did not want America to see David singing that song because he was obviously so brilliant that the outcome of the show would have already been decided even before the Top 24. There would be no surprises, no competition, what would be the point of even watching? So they made up an excuse, Jason also sang it but they can’t show that because if the excuse applied to David, they had to extend it to anyone else who sang “Crazy.” The problem was that TPTB realized that it was only a matter of time before David sang the right song and everyone would fall in love with him. That happened when he sang “Imagine.” But it would have happened THE VERY FIRST TIME HE OPENED HIS MOUTH if we had been allowed to see it. AI wanted to delay that reaction as long as possible but it happened sooner than they would have liked. I’ve often wondered when the manipulation with David started. I figured it was around March but now I am beginning to feel that they had it in for him from the start. He was going to win unless they could do something to stop it--and they did. Why should they let him win when they know that they could make just as much money off him if he lost? Am I making sense? I’m not saying this theory is definitely true but I have been suspicious about the “clearance excuse.” It just made no sense to me. What do you David-lovers think? Anyway, I’m glad we all finally got to see and hear him sing this song, he really makes you feel the lyrics. All good things come to those who wait!
After listening to this amazing rendition 5 or 6 times it occured to me as a cynical NYer (after I broke out of my Archubliss) that had I held the title of an AI producer and was witness to anything vaguely similar to what David performed today during Hollywood Week that I would have had to have been so thrilled and overjoyed at discovering such a special young talent and simultaneously ulcerating over the thought of how to produce a show about a singing COMPETITION that would engage millions of television viewers for months on end…I know there must be dozens of reasons why songs dont recieve clearance but my cynicism is kicking into overdrive (maybe a little bitterness too) as to the why this song suddenly got clearance right after the show ended for the AI tour…Anyway, maybe its just paranoia but surfing this site is healthy therapy for those who dont want to think about that crappy show and want to celebrate the arrival of DA, solo artist….Another heartfelt THANK YOU MR. RASCAL for your great site. ENJOY THE CONCERT!!
OMGosh, Lulu and I are on the same wavelength, just 10 minutes apart…
Phenomenal is the word! David continues to amaze. I so cannot wait to hear his original songs (a month from now? Yikes!)
I wonder who’s fantastic idea it was to have him revisit his earlier songs from AI? If Jive had a hand in this, I’m absolutely confident in their shrewd business and promotional skills.
And no wonder we had to wait these months to finally hear David’s version of “Crazy.” I do believe if we had heard this during the show, the competition would have already been over long before May 20!
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Superstar! O’-)
Incredibly beautiful. I never thought you could put such emotion into this song!
lulu -- In general I am reluctant to support discussions here about the AI season because (a) it’s over and done with and (b) I believe the best possible outcome was ultimately achieved, even if by gross Machiavellian means. However, in this case I will break my own rule so as to share a theory I’ve held for quite some time.
I am not enough of an authority on music rights to know if there might be a difference in the scope of clearance that may be required by AI versus a single live performance on a news or talk show (AI almost certainly needs the right to re-package, excerpt, promote, record, distribute, etc., whereas other circumstances do not, and may thereby be covered by the blanket ASCAP live performance provision), but, even so, I do happen to agree with you that TPTB sought to diminish David’s impact from very early on.
My first indication of possible manipulation was the number of strange circumstances that surrounded the week of the infamous forgotten lyrics. They started out by giving David a disco version of We Can Work It Out rather than the R&B arrangement he had requested. After finally correcting this (which I somehow suspect that Jeff may have had a slightly strong-armed hand in), David felt the rehearsal did not go well. Nevertheless, the producers still placed him last on the roster for the evening--not only the choice spot, but one which David had already had only two weeks before… Why? It was highly unusual, if not unprecedented, for TPTB to place a contestant in the so-called pimp spot twice in such a short span of time — especially considering the fact that journalists were already questioning whether it made any sense to keep watching the show in light of what appeared to be such an inevitability in David Archuleta. Why pimp him yet again? Indeed, it was such an extremely unlikely thing for the producers to do, that one is nearly forced to conclude that there most certainly had to be method in this madness. My take on it is that they knew, or at least had very strong suspicions, that in this case the pimp spot would backfire.
Let’s also remember that this was Top 12, the week after the very first press outing. Prior to that, David had no sense at all of whether anyone was even paying attention. But when the group was trotted out that weekend, Archuletamania was already well underway. David suddenly realized that there was a huge spotlight on him, that the stakes were high, and that this was all really happening--in front of the entire country. The pressure was on. Oh, and he was also still sick with strep throat.
The fact that David not only failed to wow in that performance but actually forgot the lyrics--not once but twice--was icing on the cake for TPTB, who I envision as being up in the booth during the performance, stroking their chins, rubbing their hands, and grinning widely as their petty little plans pay off.
Rascal, just a tiny tidbit to go along with your post. That very night, prior to David coming down the stairs in the WCWIO performance a previous contestant (Brooke?, Ramielle?) was chastised by Simon for using the stairs. I’ll never forget the sinking feeling I had when he started that song poised a step or two up and made his way down and across the stage. What was he thinking? Hadn’t he heard Simon? I was unfamiliar with AI at the time and didn’t realize until later how they forced him to do that! In hindsight, perhaps he had heard Simon and it was downhill from there.
Yep, they had to make it into a horse race. David A was a sure thing. So why not manufacture another $-making “winner”. Don’t get me wrong, I like David Cook, but he is Salieri to David Archuleta’s Mozart. This version of Crazy reminds me of the haunting way David performed Nature Boy when he was younger. Simple accompaniment that showcases his amazing voice. He doesn’t need to power the song to touch our hearts.
Wow! Again I don’t know what to say. I just want to sit back and relax and just listen to this song forever. Two nights ago, I was listening to Gnarles Barkley on YT sing CRAZY and I had envisioned how David would sing it. Boy, David surpassed all my expectations. This is simply amazing for lack of a better word. I longed to hear David’s version of this song since everybody was raving about it. Now that I’ve heard it, I’ve understood why. What a Talent with a capital “T”! During the interview that I saw, it appeared that he has allergies. He did look like his eyes were puffy like he had been blowing his nose or something. I hope he will be okay. He still has 43 more concerts to do. Poor thing.
Janey once a while back coined the phrase ‘Brotherhood of Fans’. I loved it so much then, I never forgot it, and in fact have made several references to it since then. In a recent posting on FB, I made a connection between Rascal’s blog on David coming ‘full circle’, and that ‘brotherhood’. These are my thoughts that Janey asked me to share:
See, not only has David come full circle, we have too! On this journey with David, we have grown and come to know not only ourselves more, but each other, and others in the world. There is an understanding and a compassion for the joys and the sorrows we all share, that has been sharpened, honed, and purified by our spiritual and emotional reawakening. It’s like hope, love, and joy existed before, but we had come to experience them only on a one dimensional plane. David is a prism that takes that one dimensional light and lets it shine through him and come out in a dazzling array of sparkle and color, that is simply breathtaking and mesmerizing to watch. We were too afraid to open ourselves up in that way, afraid of being hurt, afraid of rejection, afraid of being alone. David’s courage to do that in spite of the fear, has led us all to believe we could shine like that too.
We all have posted many beautiful commentaries on these very themes, Rascal leading us the whole way. They are a testament that we have truly come full circle from David’s first singing of a ‘brotherhood of man’ to becoming ourselves that ‘brotherhood’.
David’s performance was AMAZING. I think what I love most is the way David gets lost in the song. When he finishes singing, it’s like he wakes up — isn’t it? Breathtaking rendition of “Crazy”, too — I just couldn’t have imagined that THAT is what it sounded like. Would love to see his performance end with an editing tweak: the judges reaction to when he FIRST sang the song on A.I. I feel like we really missed out on such an incredible moment when his performance was withheld from viewers.
Rascal, you’re right that we should probably let bygones be bygones now — David has clearly excelled despite the show results, and it was probably the best thing that could have happened to him (not winning). But I am so glad you bent your own rule, and commented. I think you are absolutely correct in your assumptions.
I think the most disappointing thing… is that A.I. leaves a path of destruction in young, gullible, unsuspecting lives. It reminds me of the movie “The Truman Show”…
They tinker with people’s lives & dreams, and it really eats at my conscience. I don’t know that I will ever watch A.I. again, and be a participant in that sort of process.
Anyway, it’s like tying up loose ends to read your thoughts on it all, Rascal.
I think I’m going crazy watching and listening to David’s CRAZY countless times now…”That makes me crazy….” so ironic that his fans are gouing crazy over CRAZY, full circle indeed! His vocals, controls, runs and phrases are so awesome. So soulful….OMG, no wonder people were blown away during Hollywood week. I’m always excited watching David at the keyboard/piano. Woah at the last “me”.
Oh, was Rascal at the concert?
I had to end my night where I began it today. My “home” blog is not entirely David friendly and most of the day they have been slicing and dicing his performance. I stated my piece and then some, but I don’t try to cajole because you can’t make someone ‘get’ someone. It’s good to read the comments here, as this blog gets David. It’s refreshing and reassuring.
I had already reserved myself in believing that it was a ruse! Never had any “Idol” deserved the title more than David! He wanted it since season 1 when he sang for the contestants. He sang all their songs, throughout all the next seasons. He waited til he was old enough, and his family deemed him ready. What a rip-off! I couldn’t ever watch the show again. I said it from the beginning, if David Archuleta did not win, I was done with AI! Well, its worse than that. I will also call it what I had always defended against. A popularity contest, a cheezy karaoke show, definately not what I had thought the show was. Most people around me thought I was a little weird being such afan of the show. I always thought it was good, clean, fun for the young people. At least they weren’t out doing drugs or breaking into peoples houses! The one and only positive I find in the show is they brought David to us! God Bless Him!
bigsky, “tying up loose ends” in more ways than one way today, first with “Crazy” then with rascal’s post.
Do you ever wonder what Season 7 would have looked like without David? Where would the magic have come from? Every memorable moment with the exception of “Billy Jean” can be attributed to David. It wasn’t David vs. David at all but David vs. theamericanmoneymakingmachineshowdisguisingitselfasasingingcompetitionshow
Tinuviel, beautiful words, thank you for sharing them.
Reporting in from the SLC Concert Monday Evening -
Besides the fact that I’m now deaf (hopefully not permanently), it was a joy to “listen” to David Archuleta sing live. Okay, so I really couldn’t hear him very well, but I did love seeing him perform. They forgot to pass out the t-shirts at the door with rascal’s observation on them, “You can’t hear him sing if you’re screaming.” But, that’s okay. You could hear a lot of his singing, and the level of appreciation expressed was so beyond anything imaginable, that by the last line of WYSYLM (When you say you love me, know that I love you). He could hardly get it out because he was moved to tears.
Yes! Mission accomplished. Message received. We love David Archuleta better than anyone in the whole wide world! He had a hard time talking between songs, but the crowd would let him talk a little and he’d express his appreciation that he wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for us and then the crowd would erupt again. And again. And, at the end, he couldn’t do his usual quick exit -- we “held” him there with our screaming for some time.
The roof? They are currently repairing it so that there can be another “roof raiser” tomorrow night.
So back to the beginning, everyone was arriving on “MST” -- Mormon Standard Time. That means late. We were there early. Very early. The lady and daughter I sat next to (if you see this blog, correct my story if I get it wrong) and we were commenting on how empty it was. By the time Chekezie came on, it was quite full and by the time it was going for a half an hour, it was PACKED. Full house. The crowd was very giving tonight, giving screams and ovations and great applause for everyone. So much so that I wondered how it could get any louder for David, and hoped we could make him feel “Special.” Not to worry. I thought everyone performed well, and I enjoyed at least one number by each of them -- just not a loud rock fan. I did have earplugs in. My husband was wearing his artillery earplugs from when he was in the army. High powered. I took mine out for some songs, but by intermission, my ears were ringing. Anyway, I was saying… not to worry that we could make David feel special. As Syesha said “this next performer… a dull…. no an Intense roar went up. Then we let her say her peace -- but we could see the floor opened up and were anticipating…. Angels was sung through a dull roar with periodic spurts of greater cheers with the big notes. Ha ha. It makes me laugh thinking about it. Apologize was incredible. He gives so much to each song. It’s just amazing. So, someone else can tell more details. I’m exhausted.
I did want to share a little story that the lady next to me told me. She lives in Murray. About two blocks from David. She said she saw Lupe in the grocery store today. Anyway, I asked if she was in David’s ward (parish) and she said no, he’s in a different stake (group of wards) It’s Utah -- congregations are grouped geographically and it only takes a few blocks of houses to fill up a chapel. Anyway, she said that he sang in their ward one Christmas. She said he had a solo part with the Ward Choir. He came to the rehearsal and the choir had been practicing. They didn’t know much about him, but this kid shows up, shirttail hanging out, hair uncombed, listens to the choir for a little bit, hums a few bars and that’s it. Then came the performance, and when he sang, it was incredible -- he had no music, he just sang his solo part with the choir as back up and it was so moving that the choir had a hard time keeping their emotions under control and the audience was all in tears. So…it reminded me of what we witnessed this morning with Crazy and WOTWTC. Incredible, Incredible.
Elannbo -- you might consider going to a concert in Cook country -- because maybe you’ll be able to hear the music
I’m very glad I went to hear David. He is an incredible performer and an incredible person and I feel it was such a privilege to be there tonight to show appreciation for him for sharing his talent with the world.
I do look forward to a full two hour concert some day of just his music. That will be “Heaven.”
So someone describe the Stand By Me experience and do a better job with WYSYLM. I’ll check back tomorrow after I rest to see if any more needs to be added, but there were some really special moments there that I wish I could relive. Ohmygosh -- did we have him smiling
daisychain, glad I caught your post! So he smiled and cried on the same night. Go Utah! I’m really happy for David.
OMG. I’m in tears after watching the clips from SLC -- just as David was while singing! And he did that special ending for Angels again! Unreal. Totally freakin’ unreal.
He brings us so much happiness! So very pleased Utah returned the favor!
Thanks for telling us about the big Utah welcome, Daisychain. I would’ve liked to have been there to add my cheers. Alas, I live in Cook country and must attend two concerts there. (One in KCMO, one in Tulsa.) My hope is that I’ll be able to hear David A’s set — and that I’ll be able to cheer enough (between songs) to let him know that he is well-loved all over the dang world.
It’s bright and early in the morning on my day off and I’m already at the computer. I am planning on getting my housework done but during the last week this website has been my #1 priority. Rascal, I have to tell you how much I have enjoyed this site, my only regret is that I didn’t know about it until last week--now it’s the first place I go when I’m on the computer (which seems to be hours at a time lately). Thanks for your comment (and everyone else’s) and thanks for setting limitations on topics, you are 100% right, Idol is over and done, who cares, we all know what happened (the fix was in) and David is not the worse for it and maybe getting a song clearance is harder than it seems but there were just too many red flags in my opinion. If money was an issue (might it have been?) that would never been a problem for Idol! It’s just that since I joined notingDavid so late I am behind in everyone else’s opinions about what happened and why, I couldn’t voice my displeasure on here after the voting because I wasn’t aware of the site. But thank you for making an acception about my opinions on “Crazy” during Hollywood week, apparently I wasn’t alone! As for your opinion on when the manipulation started concerning David, I didn’t watch Idol until Dolly Parton Week and had no idea what had happened on the show before then. I caught David’s past performances on YouTube but when I heard he had messed up on “We Can Work It Out,” I couldn’t bring myself to watch him sing it and still haven’t. He must have felt terrible, I still haven’t watched him sing “Waiting on the World to Change” for the same reason. Silly but true. Maybe some day I’ll do it!
Janey--you are so right, Season 7 would not have been the same without David Archuleta. Not only that, but our lives would not be the same, would they? Can you imagine if he had NOT auditioned? Everything worked out for the best--for him and for his legions of fans. It was meant to be!! We have come full circle with “Crazy,” that was a big void for us, I was crazy with frustration at not being able to hear it. Now I know why Simon said he was incredible (and still is!). I just love watching David sing that song, it’s like he “zones out” and forgets where he is, he’s just so into what he’s doing which makes the end result fantastic! Have any of you watched his version of “Angels” on YouTube, the one taken a few years ago at BYU (where he’s dressed in a shirt and tie). You can tell by watching him that he’s lost in that song also. I think that was the best version of “Angels” he did--and he was only 15! When David is singing a song that he connects with, no vocalist can touch him. It’s so much fun watching his career evolve and we are all so anxious to hear “Crush”--only one more month!
Rascal, you are awesome and so is everyone else on this site. Thanks for letting me ramble, this place is a perfect antidote to ODD.
There is far too much screaming in this video of WYSYLM in SLC last night for me to post it here, but if you can slog your way through it (David’s voice does sound spectacular, and there are one or two great new flourishes), watch the stage screen during the the last line to see him wiping the tears from his eyes. It’s quite moment.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=y3EhHcWmbds
Mamma Josie texted me after the concert last night with the following:
“He was more than brilliant he cried and struggled to finish WYSYLM”
It’s gratifying that David can get that kind of experience from his fans because the tragedy in being David Archuleta is that he’ll never be able to feel what it’s like to experience David Archuleta.
Hey, just a quick tidbit that I wanted to throw out. I read a comment by a fan who was able to attend the Tacoma after concert party. She had her eight year old daughter with her. David was gracious and took a cute picture with the girl. Afterwards, the child wandered over to David Cook and asked for an autograph. She told him he was her second favorite Idol. He asked her who her favorite was, and she told him that it was David Archuleta. Cook’s response? He’s my favorite, too.
Makes me like Cook even more. I started warming up to him when I saw how much he obviously loves David, and how well he treated him. I went to the Tacoma concert, too, and I must say that I was surprised how well Cook did. I can now conceive of him having success in the business. Of course, I don’t think his career will compare to how David’s will soar and how long and sustained I predict it will be.
He might do quite well, though, and he really doesn’t seem to resent the clamor for David that is seen on the tour like some of the other Idols do. Syesha appears to be a little resentful and Chikeze and Ramiele seem a bit bummed by the fans’ lack of response to them. The whole bunch love David, though, so it must make it hard to resent someone you for whom you have such great affection. David is just incredibly winsome and has such genuine respect and fondness for the other Idols, it has to be contagious. You can’t help but love the Archulator.
For a laugh, go read Scott Adam’s blog, Live Performance, about his attendance at the Idol’s tour. He’s the guy who does the cartoon, Dilbert. It’s hilarious, and he has great words for David and Cook, as well.
Here’s the link: http://dilbert.com/blog/entry/live_performance
Awwwww, David in tears at his home concert. (sniffle)
Thanks so much for sharing these concert experiences, everyone!
Rascal, lulu, et al, I was already chastised for bringing up the AI show, and I didn’t want to elaborate on the show’s manipulations. But I will say this: As much as I think David is going to be fine as this year’s runner-up (unlike, say, previous runner-ups, and so much of this has to do with how grateful I am that he’s not at RCA -- the same label as Cook and the same label that has a horrendous track record with previous Idol contestants) and a tremendous music star (he’s got the prerequisite qualities -- “hot molten lava” mad talent, great looks, great personality, and great work ethic), part of me cannot help but feel bitterness toward the show.
Here’s the thing, and I appreciate you all for letting me say this here, and to do so without going off topic somewhat: Had David lost fairly to Cook, I wouldn’t have to give Season 7 another thought. Once the show is over, it’s over, and we can delight in the potential of two stars named David.
But, the show’s manipulative tricks (which possibly included not wanting to show David’s audition of “Crazy”) and their refusal to confront the rumors about Jeff (when they cleared up other rumors circulating about the show -- form David Hernandez’s stripper days to Cook’s cover songs to even Paula’s prophetic second review of Jason’s performances) made it so obvious that they were undermining the Archuletas. Whatever their reasons, I will never understand (was it all just for good TV?) because David’s win really was inevitable (until they messed things up).
Either way, they lost a viewer in me for next season, even though I am forever grateful that I tuned in one fine evening to witness David singing “Heaven,” and I was hooked ever since!
The great thing is that good does triumph over evil. David just brings so much sunshine to everything he does, and it’s a bit ironic that, in the context of the show, when they worked very hard to block out the sun, he rocked the Nokia (and the rest of the world) with his aptly appropriate pleading song, “Don’t let the sun go down on me” on his final competitive night.
How lovely that it hasn’t! One of my favorite interview moments with David was on Larry King when he talked about how confusing the judges’ comments were (he used the example of Syesha singing amazingly, and then receiving lackluster comments, and he’d be like: “What, are they kidding me? Didn’t they just hear her?”)
So much love for the little guy!
In his sweet, innocent, positive outlook, he didn’t even realize that even other contestants like Syesha were severly undermined by the show just so they could manipulate the results of who would wear the AI crown. He just thought they didn’t know what they were talking about music-wise.
Come to think of it -- Okkam’s razor and all that -- maybe David is the right one here (and I’ll learn to think just like him!). You know: don’t think there’s some ulterior motive and just conclude that, musically speaking, they don’t know good singing when they hear it. Obviously, the producers are not real savvy at identifying musical geniuses, even though they specialize in discovering new talent.
Okay, Rascal, I promise this is my last post about the show!
#51 -- I read that! Hilarious!!
A little mental song to AI:
who do you, who do you, who do you, think you are
well bless your soul
you think your in control
well I think your CRAZY!
After SLC and all the other performances, I think it’s quite clear that DAVID is in control NOW!
I don’t know what it is in Davids voice, there is something tangible that touches me to my very soul. I’m listening to the MP3 of WOTWTC now and it stirs emotions that no other singer has ever elicited from me. I’ve listened to music continuously for years and I have my favorite artists but this takes it to a level that I have never experienced or thought existed. There is “something” in his voice, I wish I had an explanation…
Rascal: Thanks for posting the MP3 download.
David music is astounding and getting to listen to him do Crazy and WFTWTC was incredible.
In WFTWTC there is a lyric he sings about how TV bends information, and, his voice changes just a bit when he sings that--maybe my wishful thinking--but it sounds like that to me.
As far as AI, the whole season, I felt like I was one of PT Barnums’s proverbial “suckers” but I watched to hear David sing and support him.
The influence of AI manipulations was highlighted several weeks ago. I am in healthcare and travel quite a bit. I had dinner with a well-known surgeon, analytical, brillant, scientific, knows heatlhcare media and PR intimately--he is a big AI fan for years and votes like crazy. He spouted off all the tabloid info on David as incontrovertibile truth and even told me David should sing Opera. He totally bought into all of it. And this is a highly educated professional with superb critical thinking and analytical skills.
OK, enough said. Looking forward, I am excited that David is being recognized for his talent and character. His future is his to define and his fan base is ever expanding. As you so articulately and definitively stated, the only tragedy is that David Archuleta will never see David Archuleta the way we do!
Thanks Rascal for your site and great dialogue.
Kizzi! I hope you enlightened the good surgeon about how he was mislead!
Rascal, I so agree with your A.I. theory and sentiments — so many twisted machinations, Shakespeare would have had a field day.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how beautifully David has risen above it all and is soaring (musically and otherwise) to new heights every day.
Re “brotherhood of fans,” Tinuviel & Janey, no fair, choked me up. And Daisychain, thanks for your concert post and story about the choir. David (and his hometown fans) are such wonderful goodwill ambassadors for Utah. I bet state tourism numbers are up!
There’s something here, in everyone’s posts that I hadn’t seen before. The glaring manipulations we’ve all agreed on, provide a sharply contrasting background to David’s luminous in spite of them, can’t be denied, star quality. How different would the experience have been for him and for us if he had rightly sailed on through? We would be as devoted, as connected in his win as we are in the heartbreak of his runner up finish?
The David we are seeing now, is this David the result of his AI experience, dare I say a backlash? of all the constraints? and manipulations? Was this David hiding in the 90 second weekly bite size morsel they tossed us? Or is the emerging confident show man we see now, the natural progression of the musical student we know him to be? How many times did people comment, and Paula remind him, to have fun, return to the joy, like we saw in “Shop Around”? I yearned for that David, the youthful, exuberant, glad to be here singing for you David. Even his smiles after “Imagine” reflected that joyous wonder. Starting with WCWIO, he disappeared. Could it be the pressure of the live telecast or having to live up to “you’re the one to beat”? I didn’t know.
Throughout the season I feared he was gone forever, that he had grown up and moved on. For a time, I believed AI had ruined him.
You can put him on hold. You can make him “play by the rules”. But you can’t contain him and you can’t stop him. Not now, anyway. With a stage, a microphone, a song and an adoring audience (thank you AI?) David’s back. The youthful, exuberant, glad to be here singing for you David is back.
go to deseretnews.com
Yesterday’s paper (Monday the 14th) had an article talking a lot to Jeff Archuleta. It was a very good article and you all would enjoy (sorry, I’m bad at figuring out how to post the exact link)
Today’s D-News has the concert on the front page: “American Idolmania.” Lots of pictures inside and a couple of articles.
Be back later -- I’m watching grandchildren. I did watch WYSYLM while they watched and the 2 year old said “Gramma…I want to see the screaming again!” He He He
sorry, the least I can do is this: http://www.deseretnews.com
Janey — Going from the TCO to underdog was the best thing that could have happened to David as being part of that program. It just goes to show that faith, truth, and love can turn even malice and persecution into a force for good.
rascal, so true. I’ve found that if you wait long enough and listen hard enough, you’ll find the silver lining.
Janey, isn’t it ironic that Paula, who had asked him to “just have fun and be 17,” chose for him the middle-aged and heartbreaking “And So It Goes” when she had the chance to do his song choice? *rolls eyes*
Don’t get me wrong. That performance ranks high among my many favorites from him, but still…
Anyway, I agree that the David we are witnessing now is very much the uncontained, pressure-free, fun-loving David we all fell in love with, and I only hope it keeps getting better and better (if we can imagine how much more phenomenal that will be!
)
Kait -- not only did I enlighten him but the people at the hibachi seating with us also enlightened him. In fact, he had a stunned look on his face when they overheard our discussion and chimed in about the talented David Archuleta. I, of course, got up and hugged them and bought them a celebratory beverage; they were celebrating a birthday and I was celebrating the brotherhood of david archuleta fans.