Was this youtube video removed, Rascal? Which one was it? I’m curious…

Ah! I must have caught you just as you were posting it, Rascal. This IS an amazing performance — and his “delight” at the audience’s response (around 3:13 or so) was so funny…. nice to see him “feeling” the feed back live (vs. through votes).

Rascal, that song, combined with the best-smile-in-the-world at 3:16, would be worth the cost of sitting among even ten thousand screaming teenage girls. Wondering how long until you give up and buy the ticket?

As for myself, I have a ticket. But I’m seriously considering buying another and driving across the state to see him again without the family in tow. I want to meet the buses and talk to David and behave a little thirteenish.

No problem, caseydog, pimp away. I’ll be glad to post your report here if you like, too.

Kait -- I’m not saying I’ve lost my resolve but I will acknowledge that it might be eroding…

Unbelievable performance. Chills from head to toe. seeing him up close, feeling each note like that..truly blown away by it….

Also wanted to shout out to Janey from the “subversive” thread. Loved your comment. And the way you concluded “quietly with “Heaven” David appeared”. Hard to believe all that’s gone on since.

Speechless, eh? Somehow I think this will be one of many speechless moments! That voice and that smile just draws you in!

Thanks again!

Caseydog,
could you send me an e-mail at creativeoptimist@gmail.com?

I am a journalism professor (and freelance features writer on the side) and I have a couple questions you might be able to answer about the media and interviewing David. Thanks!

Also, I really liked your proposed questions to David. I am also wondering if he is recording on his off days and how they are logistically managing that? Perhaps flying people out and using a local studio in the city where the tour happens to be?

Casey,
I thought of a couple other questions to consider for your list. I liked your questions. I am soooo tired of the repeated girlfriend-dad stuff-crap-type questions he gets asked (I will use these as examples of bad interview questions this fall in my Print Media I class!) and it will be fun to hear his responses to your questions!

Here’s some other ideas I just wanted to share--take or leave them!
--The tour is grueling with a different city almost every day. You’ve had vocal problems in the past. What kinds of things are you doing to care for your voice and avoid strain?
--You have mentioned artists whose careers you follow. You’ve only been on the tour a short time so far, but is there anything about touring life that has surprised you so far? Anything that confirmed what you already thought touring life might be like?
--Have you had a chance to visit any LDS churches on the tour so far? Because it’s been impossible for you to attend your home church, how do you feed yourself spiritually while on tour? How do you think the whole AI experience has helped you grow in your faith?
--Also, other Idols such as Jason, Brooke, and Kristy (and perhaps others I don’t know about) also express a strong spiritual faith. How do you support each other in this area?

Me2, excellent point! I plan to use David as an example when I talk about interviewing in my journalism class….how to keep the interviewee on track. I think that follow-up questions will help with that. I think that his answers’ smoothness will improve as he gets more media experiences. I know he felt a little intimidated by the Larry King interview going into it, given that it was a more serious interview, but it’s amazing to see his improvement already.

I watched this again and I thought about comments you made, rascal, many posts back about how David performs when he “owns” the stage or “owns” the song. I think that’s what we see. He knows the songs so well now and has performed them enough now that he owns them so he does what he wants with them, and the result is different and stunning every time. The emotion and feeling and energy that he emotes with each note is exquisite! Pure pleasure to listen to. And, I almost feel exhausted for him at the end of the song because it looks like he pours himself into it totally -- like finale night. How can he do this 50 more times?

Then I’m reminded of an interview of Richard on a SLC radio program talking about being at the Jazz game at the end of the day of David’s homecoming. They were up in one of the private suites to watch the rest of the game, visit, be with family, etc. and he said David had his ipod on and he was just kind of dancing to the music he was listening to. He asked david if he was tired (after that long day! I would be exhausted) and he said he wasn’t. Richard’s comment was “oh to be 17.” So, hopefully his youthfulness helps him get through it all. It sure seems like he gives 110% or more to each performance.

I can’t help but think that all these experiences he’s had packed into a year are a catapult to him in his dream career. He’s a fast learner -- and we will be the beneficiaries.

Me2, I didn’t know you are in Asia. I have thought about this: I personally believe that David could be huge in the Asia markets. I’ve only been to Japan, and briefly to Singapore and Malaysia, but it seems like his singing style and voice would really appeal there. Has David gotten much buzz in Asia yet? I am not sure if they broadcast American Idol through a satellite network there or not. I know it is broadcast via four-hour delay in Australia. Fox sent Michael Johns to Australia briefly to do some press right before the finale.

I love all the commentary as usual. I’ll be at the Tacoma concert (be still, my heart!) so will miss the live feed. I’m liking the questions suggested.

Can’t think about questions I would like answered at the moment coz I’m a little knackered. Watching David sing this song on the video really takes it out of me. I cry every time I watch it. I get to a certain point and then I fall. I can’t stop the tears. There is something other-worldly about David’s ability to feel so deeply in a song and then convey that passion to us.

Well, YOU KNOW what I mean. Gosh, I’m undone! Gotta go recover, but I’ll be back. You know I will. He’s like a magnet to my heart so there’s no choice in the matter.

Well, maybe one more viewing for the road.

Isn’t that always the way it is with David? He leaves you wanting just one more…then one more…then one more, and so on. It’s hard to get away. I hate to confess that a lot of my life is being neglected currently. I’m old enough to know better but thus far it hasn’t helped.

I have seen this performance on YouTube a few times and each time I still feel chills up and down my spine. Spirit-moving.

I have been away for a while and have spent countless hours catching up on all the comments. I am so thrilled that I can come here… I re read everything and am so moved by everyones insights. Thank you all!! This last blog has left me speechless as well but I am counting on you Rasal to help us put it into words. The way you can express what we are feeliing and experiencing is such a gift. I have never been moved by a musician in this way. Amazing!!
I am now trying to figure out a way to get to the Concert in Toronto. My plan had been to wait it out until he has a solo tour, but I don’t think I can wait that long!

Freo, last thought….disproportionate number of the fans active in the fansites seem to be asians (from photos)…full/half in USA or overseas. Or maybe we asian tend to be obsessive….LOL.

After months of following AI (I started watching on Dolly Parton week) I just discovered this website today & immediately registered. It’s ever bit as good as Masterclass Lady & Fanblast. It’s nice to see some names I’m already familiar with (such as Bookaholic from Masterclass). I’m sick of the not-so-nice comments on YouTube even though I have to go there because of my ODD. I’m a 49-year-old grandma & am embarrassed to tell my friends/family that I am absolutely obsessed with David Archuleta--am I nuts? What is the matter with me? What is it about David that just draws me into him? His voice just reaches into my soul, it’s like he’s singing ONLY TO ME and no one else--yet he’s singing to millions at the same time. He squeezes every drop of emotion out of every song & does so in the most angelic voice. I hit the computer every morning just to see new videos & comments. Thank goodness I’m single (divorced) so I can indulge in my ODD as much as I want without fear of retribution. But I’m neglecting other areas of my life to spend time on the computer. Sometimes I wish I had never started watching him but it’s too late! I used to think I was the only middle-aged person out there with this problem but obviously I’m not alone!!!! There’s something special about a teenage boy who can attract this kind of loyal, devoted following. David Archuleta is here to stay & is only going to get bigger. The majority of the people at the concerts are there to see him, I wonder if he understands/comprehends/realizes how much his fans love him and will stand by him forever. He is such a wonderful light in such a dark world. He is just what the world needed.

lulu Welcome to ODD -- everything you speak of we have all experienced. Bar none. David Archuleta doesn’t let you ignore him! He has us all in the palm of his hand and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I have never posted a comment here before, but I love rascals writing. I hope I can put what i want to say into words but I am not good at writing.
Watching this brought tears to my eyes but for more than one reason. First the Obvious, David is incredible and I am amazed at how much growth I have witnessed just in the short American Idol journey and the tour.
Secondly my tears were for spirit you can feel when you hear him sing. WOW.
Third, the tears were for my own thoughts as a mother and how his mom must feel in some small way, that her teenage son will no longer be able to be a normal teenager and I think you would mourn that somewhat even though this is exactly what David has wanted, but as a mother of 3 wonderful children, I just think it would be bittersweet to come to that realization.
I would love to meet his family, I would love to know how they are all doing and how amazing his mom must be to take care of the rest of the family by herself while Jeff and David are out on tour.

Lisajo,
Yes, I think about his family a lot, and wonder how all this is affecting them. So much happening at once. It will be interesting once his mother joins part of the leg of the tour. They’ve had so many months apart and I am sure this is bittersweet for her even though she is no doubt thrilled.

Okay, Dang it lulu! I cave too! I am a 55yr old grandma, business owner
and Keith Urban and Elliott Yamin lover.

Have watched David since he sang Heaven in the Hollywood rounds.
Got so to where I could hardly wait for Tuesdays and Wednesdays to come.

In March became a lurker on Rickey.org. just to find out the latest info on David daily. Discovered Youtube, Fanblast and through them found your site here Rascal and it became one of my daily stops, (sometimes more than once or twice a day because of your excellent commentary,
videos and pictures). I truly was disappointed when your site went away and am overjoyed it is back.

I too am in awe of David’s voice, personality, morality, gracious manner, work ethic and kind heart. I have a severe case of ODD. I have all his AI
performances and studio songs on my ipod and watch them daily. I still have the AI shows recorded on my DVR. And yes, when I tell my family/friends about the latest awesome performance he did in the concert, I grin & actually blush. He does make me want to be a better person and if I am in a stressful situation I find myself actually saying in my head sometimes “How would David react to this” or “What would David say” It’s kinda nuts. I know I am not the only one.

Now I think I’m gonna have to go to Tulsa to see him live. Dang it!

I am at a loss for words today too. Last night I heard David live in San Jose. And ever since I feel like I’m floating in air.

Hours before the concert I had waited in the hot sun near the loading dock at the HP Pavilion. When David finally walked down to the locked gate, I saw a face that literally glows from the inside out.

Although I think David might prefer to wear a different outfit on stage, to me he looked better than Cook who was dressed in a white tee that accented his belly in an unattractive way. Cook’s set was far too loud and I covered my ears the entire time. And Cook made it worse by begging the audience to make more noise.

For David’s set the audience was just naturally exuberant. And David accepted whatever came from us.

Incredible performance! The Amazing Superstar! O’-)

LOL Tin thems my shoes and you cant have them back:)

Glad I came back to reread or I would have missed your beautiful post
and all the other regulars here that I just love to read!!!!!!

And of course to watch WYSYLM over and over and over again!!!!!!!!!!
This video is just the most beautiful one out there yet. Cant get enough of it.

# 26 elannbo….very video, every interview, every performance, every article… “David acting silly, David being David!!!” And don’t you just love it all?

Freo #21, Me2 #30, I’m from Malaysia and we do get AI on cable TV, usually a day after the show goes live in the US. We’ve seen every season of AI from Kelly right down to Cook this season. We’ve even had a couple of seasons of Malaysian Idol competition. So yes definitely AI does have a fan base here in Malaysia and I can tell you that this season David Archuleta is the talk of the town here. If you go to the Fanblast site you’ll find a survey of David’s international fan base and Malaysians make up the largest group at 28%! So yeah we’re serioulsy ODDers haha

We too are eagerly waiting for David’s first album and we too rabidly scour youtube for all his AI Tour vids. I really hope he’ll make a concert tour around Asia in time to come because after watching the youtube vids I’m hungry for the real thing! You guys are lucky you get to watch him now so enjoy!

# 52 Janey… when I first saw THE SMILE, I laugh … I feel so happy when I see that smile (tears were still in my eyes because of his beautiful and touching performance). No matter how many times I watch this video, THE smile can still make me laugh.
Btw, this is the first time I post a comment here . Rascal, very glad to have you back… feel like something is missing when couldn’t connect to your site.