Workin’ the Crowd
David has displayed an ability to assess new situations rapidly and incorporate his learning without sacrificing any of his unique characteristics. The challenges involved in working a crowd can be formidable, but after several weeks of performances David has clearly raised his game in this regard. His affection for his home turf in Utah certainly helps, but there is a considerable level of comfort and control in evidence here that offers exciting glimpses of what David is likely to bring to adoring audiences in the years to come. The ‘gosh laughs’ are still there (I hope they never disappear), but now too is some real bravado, and a level of ownership of the stage that we haven’t quite seen before.
I’ve said that when David has dominion, no one can touch him, and here’s a great example, Stand By Me from the Tuesday night show in Salt Lake City. Note how he works the crowd before the number. Becky/ITTO’s videos are also some of the best we’ve seen yet–be sure to check out the rest of her recent posts at YouTube.
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8ocjwxB8_A]
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
I don’t know how I can wait till September????
TULSA HERE I COME!!!!!
What a talent!! What a voice!! What a personality!!
If that doesn’t put a smile on your face I don’t know what will.
I just had to laugh out loud. UTAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Oh my freakin’ gosh! Love it! He is having so much fun! Can’t stop smiling!!!!
I absolutely love the way he yelled-sang “Utaaaaahhhh!” He’s so adorable AND self-assured. He’s getting so good, and it’s, what, only week 2 of the tour? Man, whatever is he going to be like when it’s all done!
I agree, Rascal, he’ll be unstoppable!
David’s a quick study isn’t he! It’s never about David, he never says thank you for standing by “me”, it’s always about “us”. His generosity of spirit is so beautiful of, he simply amazes me.
He can own the stage because he’s beginning to understand “what all the hype is about. ” In the beginning, he didn’t. He just knew he loved to sing. Finally, with all the support from his fans, he’s starting to understand that we believe he is unique not only in the way he delivers a song but in the person of David. And even though there are other artists that get into a song, there’s just something special about David and the way he does it. Now that he can trust the relationship that is developing with his fans and is starting to “get us,” he can relax and command the stage. We have so much to look forward to because this relationship is now safe in the shelter of our mutual love. W-o-o-h!
Utahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!Gosh! I was trembling *goose bump*, I felt the David’s passion. GOSH! GOSH! GOSH! O’-)
It just does my heart good to see David having so much fun doing what he loves! He is finally living his dream and it’s just the beginning! The first time I saw this video, it actually brought tears to my eyes because I was so very happy for him. He deserves every bit of the adoration that is coming his way…love you, David…enjoy every moment!
I wonder if he was worried the other idols would not feel loved or welcomed in UT? He said he was watching on the sidelines and he was happy to see how everybody was supporting all the idols. It’s never all about him. He always thinks of others and their comfort before his. I just love him so much for that. If all people in the world would act the same way, this world would be so peaceful. I mean, we’d all be headed to heaven.
I love that — “Utaaaaahhhhhh!” It’s like his little habit of singing the odd bit of a song. Riding in a car, he’ll suddenly sing, “To the left, to the left.” David is a natural born singer and performer! If he had sung “San Josssseeeee” when I saw him there, the crowd would have loved it. But he’s not that kind of showman. He has to FEEL it and it erupts out of him.
Rascal, you are spot on with your observations again. Amazingly, the 8 comments from his adoring fangirls have already echoed my thoughts and feelings so I need not add more.
I love this site and visit it at least three times a day to get my fix and often left with tears in my eyes touched by the unconditional love and genuine concern for David.
However, right now I am flipping with envious with the stories from those who had attend the concerts and those exciting about their turns.
I have this urge of empting my bank accounts and take the 20+hr flight to America to soak in the love and experience.
Thanks guys !
Hello all. This is my first comment but I read all of the great writings of Rascal and your comments and thoroughly enjoy them. You all put eloquently what I am feeling into words and it’s great to share the gift that is named David Archuleta with all of you.
I attended the Monday night concert in SLC with my daughters and simply have to share the experience. We met David as he signed autographs and he is luminous. He has a radiant and giving soul and as my daughters were getting autographs and pictures with him, I was standing back and watching him interact with the fans. He stopped and smiled (well, beamed, really) with each and every person who wanted to have a moment with him, he truly is more interested in those around him and he forgets himself. I think that is why we were all so drawn to him while we were there. A mother with a special needs child asked if her child could have a picture with him, which he did and listened to this mother tell her story. I was fighting back tears in the E-center parking lot in the hot sun because I have a special needs child and it touched my heartstrings. It seems like the ordinary moments of life become extraordinary when someone, like David, is unafraid to give his heart so freely to all around him. The concert was unlike any concert I have ever experienced. I have never been to a concert where there was a lot of screaming but I truly did not mind it. There was a low rumble which turned into a roar as David came up to sing Angels. As he sang “When You Say You Love Me” and then actually wept, the love he felt for his fans was tangible and something I will put in my pocket and treasure. He waved away all of the applause and kept thanking US over and over again, but we would not listen. It was our turn to thank HIM and it was just a one of a kind experience to hear all of those people screaming and yelling and applauding for this humble young man. I actually had to sit down after his set of songs and rest and soak it all in. Thank you, David Archuleta, for sharing your beautiful gift with the world.
I posted this on the “love” thread yesterday morning. posting it here as well to make sure it’s not missed:
#
Early this morning I read these words written by itto from rickey.org. She attended Monday’s SLC concert and had just spent many hours unsuccessfully trying to upload her videos to share with her e family. In spite of her disappointment she managed in her simple but exquisite way to post this:
And let’s not forget “When You Say You Love Me.” This simply was the most heartfelt, powerful live concert performance I’ve ever had the privilege to witness. David hit every note flawlessly and his voice just cut to your core. He exuded pure love and the audience could literally feel it. I saw David start to lose it right after the last “Alive” and it was just a wonder to behold. Seeing his beautiful eyes tear up like that left me speechless. My brain couldn’t quite process all of it–I had just never witnessed such a thing at a major concert–yet, at that moment, a tremendous feeling of pride washed over me. This was what I had been waiting for–without a doubt, standing on that stage, I think David finally understood the full love his fans feel for him…
…and he wept.
Thank you itto, this says it all for me.
Comment by Janey — July 17, 2008 @ 1:34 am
I think Itto is right. He finally understood….thus the huge jump in confidence he oozed on night 2 in the vid above.
Here’s a good look at Monday’s tearful performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hjuTwpjYnI
ITTO is my hero!!!!!!! Kisses to you Beck!
Spontaneous singing: He was singing while signing autographs in the middle of a mob of people after the show Tuesday – Cook’s “Hello” was what I heard.
Ely said “It’s never all about him. He always thinks of others and their comfort before his.” One of my favorite moments happened Monday night after the concert. My daughter and I had gotten all our autographs and pics but there was no way we were going to leave before David did. We stood off to the side and just watched him interact with the people who were left, trying not to look too
‘stalkerish.’ Finally his handler told him it was time to go to the busses and moved him off. He passed right by us, stopped and asked “Do you need anything?”
We were stunned. He was stunning. I still have to pinch myself to believe it actually happened.
I love it! It’s so exciting to watch an artist grow into his own. Also a privilege.
- “Utaaaaahhh” shoutout was so spontaneous and genuine, so yeah #9, I agree with you. LOL it’s delightful discovering new things about David – cheeky fellow introducing Cook as “the one and only Sugarfoot”
- ITTO, thanks for the closeups!!! Especially when he danced, I sorta went fangirly for those moments *rolled eyes*. Last “stannnnndd by me” is always goosebumps inducing.
- #5 & #12, totally agree, plus home turf Utah really really really brought the BEST out of David for the both nights. On the first night, end of WYSYLM, he said “Look what you made me do.” – love that he was open about his weeping.
- I love the ongoing, loud, enthusiastic, thunderous and definitive crowd applause and response!
With such a crescendo of fan appreciation leading up to the Utah concerts, one might surmise that this could be the peak of the tour for David. But for me, something tells me this is only the beginning. I think David will undoubtedly find that every state will adopt him as a favorite son. So many fans have already reported that they have traveled hours on end sometimes more than once, braved the sweltering heat, and paid whatever the cost just to catch a glimpse of this superstar in the making. David, your hometown is around every corner and we can’t wait to greet you!
Wow, what wonderful comments are here tonight! I just wanted to take a moment and share my experience of attending the Tuesday night concert in SLC. My sweet son, who is in junior high, accompanied me to the concert. We had awesome seats, row 10, on the floor right by the stage! I have four boys, no girls, so my baby went with me so that I could see and hear the phenomenal David Archuleta in person!
I must first say that David is breathtaking to see and to hear. It is so true that you have to hear his voice live…his voice is so strong that it really just reaches inside to the core of your being. It is almost a spiritual experience to hear him sing. I have never experienced anything like this in my life! Our seats were so close to him, that all I could do was just sit and watch this incredible young man share his joy and passion with the audience. He is so incredibly handsome, yet he is so humble and unaffected by his talent and his looks. I think that is what draws so many people to him.
I felt like a proud mother watching him perform and interact with the crowd. Just loved the Utaaaaaaaaahhhh! Stand By Me was FANTASTIC! For me, the best was last, and that was When You Say You Love Me. Something so special happened when he sang that song, and I want to share it with you (a mother-son special bonding moment)! My baby son is obsessed with sports, especially basketball (he is almost 6′ 4″ and is only in 8th grade). After the concert, as we were driving home, he shared something so sweet with me that I am getting teary as I type this. He said, “Mom, something weird happened to me when David sang When You Say You Loved Me. I started to get tears in my eyes and felt like I was going to cry. Mom, I could really feel what David felt when he was singing that song, and it made me cry. It was weird, but it was cool. Nothing like that has ever happened to me before.” Wow…what more can I say? Another soul has been touched by this Angel! How precious to me that it was my own son whose soul was ready to receive the gift of David!
Good night everyone!
Rascal – Have I missed your write-up about the concert you attended? Or have I lost my mind and you haven’t been yet? Can’t wait for that. I am loving all the comments here and btw I am still in stiches about your thread from last week about David bringing the smexy! When Rascal says smexy you know that something serious has happened! I can’t stop laughing about it, it was just so unexpected! David’s stage presence is growing by leaps and bounds- I actually am afraid because I am going to the concert in 6 days and I fear I may let my fangirl out! I don’t know you Rascal – but I love ya! Hello to all my fellow Angels!
Love this video! How can anyone not feel love (or at least admiration) for this young man? He is simply phenomenal! What a change we’ve seen in him since auditioning for Idol, then performing on the show and now the tour. He’s coming into his own and learning what makes him comfortable on stage, how to interact wtih the audience, etc. He could tour the country on his own right now and draw a huge crowd! I can’t think of any other entertainer at this time who has the type of fans that David does. At last he is finally realizing how passionate and devoted we are and how much we love him. And it’s not just his homestate responding this way–it is (and will be) everywhere he goes! He obviously loves and appreciates his fans, making an effort to interact with them at every opportunity. I was recently reading the SLC Tribune on line and decided to look in the comment section to see what others were saying about David and the concert. Now I wish I hadn’t. I was stunned by the many negative remarks about David. I couldn’t believe what I was reading and quickly clicked onto something else. Don’t these people have anything better to do than to criticize? Here’s a beautiful young man–a teenager!–who has high standards and lives up to them, who truly thinks of others before himself, who goes out of his way to accomodate his adoring public, is so grateful for every blessing in his life , is so willing and generous to share his magnificent voice with the the world, who went after his dream and succeeded beyond his wildest expectations (and in such a short time). What kind of pathetic life do these armchair critics lead? There will always be opposition in all things (including David) and I can’t help but believe that the bigger and brighter a light will shine, the more someone will try to extinguish it. However, like a raging fire, the light reaches a point where NOTHING can stop it from spreading. That’s David Archuleta.
Thanks again Rascal. Love the video. David is so precious! Thanks for a beautiful start to my morning. I loved your story too, Lucky Angel #18. I still get that feeling everytime I hear David sing. It is like a drug for me, an addiction, that I will never be able to satisfy. Love this young man!!!
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/JosieLN/LupeJTB1.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/JosieLN/thecrewfanblastpicnic.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/JosieLN/714MG1.jpg
It’s funny because although I had great joy in meeting David, chatting with his mom really left an impression on me. This was one of my favorite moments and from the picture you can see we were both teary eyed – much emotion that day!
We went to the fan blast picnic held in Murray Park on Monday July 14th before the concert and when we got there we met a few other fans which was wonderful. Lupe arrived with Daniel and Claudia and she was welcomed with open arms. I waited until she was alone and I walked over to her and introduced myself and a familiar smile and warm eyes greeted me (David has the same smile and warm eyes-maybe you hadn’t noticed? LOL). I told her that as a mom myself, I admired her immensely. David is such a wonderful example of a loving, supportive family and that she and Jeff had done such a beautiful job and that he was so special. I also thanked her for sharing him with the world. Much like David, she said she didn’t really do that much, she didn’t have to – he has always been the way he is. I said it must be hard to have him gone as much as he is and she said, “You know, I wasn’t quite prepared for him to be gone so soon, but he is doing what he loves and that is what is important. As a parent, you want your children to have every opportunity to grow, even if it means we miss them”. I agreed and shared my story of sending my oldest daughter, Jess, off to college. I explained that leading up to the days prior to her departure, I didn’t cry, nor feel sad, because I knew it was “time”, but when the door of the car closed that Saturday at the airport a flood of tears began that didn’t stop for 3 days! When that door closed it was if I finally realized that the job I had waited my whole life to do, was over. Sure, she will still need me, but not in the same way. Lupe started to cry and of course, as I was sharing this story, I was crying and she put her arms around ME and hugged ME and said how well she understood what I was saying. And for the next minute, we were just two moms sharing a common bond. She then told me how wonderful the afternoon had been because it was “normal”. David was at home with his friends, and at one point asked, “Mom, can I have the keys to the car”? The only thing she would like is more kisses from her son. He doesn’t mind hugs from Mom, but he’s not too keen on kisses. We laughed and took pictures with my peeps and Lupe and my heart was full.
She’s quite a special woman and although I don’t need to “know” her, I did want to let her know from one mom to another, I thought she was pretty fabulous.
Loved reading all the comments this morning… great way to start the day. Rascal, what an awesome photo of David as your headliner today — he truly is commanding the stage! I can definitely see him 10 years down the road.. and only hope he doesn’t lose his “Hmmm” or his “gosh”.
I’m attending the concert in Rochester (the 27th), and spent my day yesterday going through clothing sales (which is the store where the military buys their gear here on post) to find the best ear plugs available – LOL! My daughter has an idea for “gifts” that we can give the “Idols” – so I’m working on that (very simple idea, but very cool).
I’ve started to work on a project of my own – and contacted fanblast for some advice on who or where I can write to to see if I can get this plan in action – but the response was not what I had hoped… basically just a “good luck”. So, maybe a notingdavid “groupee” (ha) might be able to offer a suggestion… ?
I have a very special friend, Christie, who is fighting for her life against a rare form of cancer (leptomeningeal melanoma — cancer in her spinal column fluid and in her neck). She was 24 when she was given 3 mo. to live, but is now – miraculously – going on her 3rd year. We’re praying hard right now because C.G. (our nickname for her – she made it up herself – stands for Cancer Girl) is now going through another round of chemo to tackle the cancer that has been found on her brain. Not good news, of course, but Christie does NOT – E V E R – talk about her cancer in a negative way (she demands NO PITY or crying in front of her) – and feels this is yet another hurdle to jump, and is confident she will win this battle.
Christie is receiving her treatment from the MD ANDERSON Cancer Center in Houston (also, Christie is the LiveStrong delegate/rep for Lubbock, TX) – she is there several times a month… so I’m hoping she will be there on 24 AUG when the Idols tour stops there for a concert!
Sorry for being so long winded, but it’s impossible to get to my point without sharing a bit about Christie with you all. While she has a new website for blogging that she needs to keep private now (lots of personal stuff that she shares that is sort of “girlie” medical stuff) – please feel free to visit her first blog at: http://www.freewebs.com/thegutties/christiespage.htm
(scroll to the bottom and work your way up — you will understand who Christie is as a person IMMEDIATELY).
Anyway… I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see if there is, perhaps, any chance of the idols making a quick stop at MD ANDERSON to cheer up/inspire the patients and survivors there.
Maybe this is asking a lot — I’m hesitant to contact the “powers that be” for this — but it would be such a cool experience for everyone there.
Obviously, I’ve thought about contacting David Cook’s “camp” – but I don’t even really know how to start there..
I’ve had great results with my previous “CG Adventures” (got Lance Armstrong to send her a care package to her room at MD.A., and have had an artist that Christie love send her autographed works of art… etc etc…)
Now — Christie thinks I’m a nut for being such a D.A. freak… LOL. So I would love nothing more than to have her BOWLED OVER by a dose of David Archuleta.
She’d also loooove David Cook.. and probably Jason too.
I’m not even sure if she’ll be at MDA on the 24h, but I’m sure I could get her husband (a U.S. Marine) to help me get her there. I, of course, am on the other side of the States — so couldn’t be there — a bummer, but this is about Christie and the patients at MDA – I’ve got my concert on the 27th!
Does anyone have any suggestions on how I could get the suggestion to the A.I. organization – or Idols themselves???
If this sounds just WAY too far fetched — please don’t worry about my feelings. I haven’t gone anywhere with this yet (just to CG and to you guys) – so if you stop me from making a fool of myself, I’ll be eternally grateful.
Thanks…
(by the way — my real name is Kim — childhood nickname “Kaycee” — long story, ha! You don’t have to call me BigSky… that name comes from our love for Montana, where we own some property and hope to get to soon).
Rascal — sorry this is so long — I hate to monopolize your blog like this — last and only time, promise.
PS: I just realized how long and how much time Christie’s blog spans.. a favorite of mine is Sept 10, 2006.. so if you read only that, you’ll understand Christie’s heart.
P.S.S. – CG’s favorite band is the Dave Matthews Band. I tried for MONTHS to get the band to autograph something for her.. ANYTHING.. I even told them a square of toilet paper would suffice. Finally, I got an email from the band manager who said that the band does not do “special requests”. >:o\
I cannot listen to them now, it gets me so steamed.
Thanks, Rascal, for posting the video (and link to Becky’s amazing vids). You’re right, David is such a quick study at workin’ the crowd but, as you say, it comes from a completely natural, authentic joy within him that he wants to share. He manages to be confident and still his humble self at the same time. Incredible.
Thanks also to monet23, itto, janey and LuckyAngel, although I didn’t expect posts to move me to tears! (And refnaf, I left you a message on the previous thread.)
Funny quote from article about David:
” On tour, Archuleta said fans have been pretty good, although, the young star said he had to dodge autographing someone’s stomach.
“I just kept moving,” Archuleta said.
Lucky Angel, thanks for that story about your jr. high son. Very cool.
AMAZING photo on the top! The “shop around” David is back!
UNBELIEVABLE video! I love seeing him so in control and confident. So much joy, happiness, love, passion – everything about reaching for your dreams!!
PS Bigsky – did you ever think of contacting Dean Kaelin? It might be worth a shot. deankaelin@netzero.com – from all the journaling he sent out.
David working the crowd got me to thinking: How long til his first solo tour?
If his CD comes out in November, wouldn’t there be a tour starting that month to support it? As a new artist, *must* he appear as an opening act for a more-established performer? That would suck. I feel strongly that David could fill some decent-sized performance halls all on his own. And what an experience it would be for us.
So let’s get the ball rolling! I’ll be tour manager. First stop: Seattle, of course! Beautiful Benaroya Hall, capacity 2,500. Well, that’s probably too big don’t you think? Next option, with still decent acoustics, would be the Moore Threatre, which seats about 1,400. Think Archie’s fans could fill that?
Now you’ve got to find the right venue in your neck of the woods. Remember it can’t just be any barn – the acoustics have to be great. Rascal mentioned Carnegie Hall in NYC, which has a seating capactiy of 2,800. What a night that would be!
Another amazing venue: Red Rocks outside Denver. Would love to hear how David’s voice would carry outdoors. With a seating capacity over 9,000 though, we might have to wait a few years for this.
P.S. – Yes, thanks, Lucky Angel, for the wonderful story.
Did you all see his latest video blog:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLhByiDTFTs
How cool and awesome is he?
As an aside, I had some fun going through his video favorites (it looks like this video was uploaded on his private account – “chrianyday”: I’m assuming this stands for “Christ any day”, or he is coming any day). I’m loving that he’s into Kirk Franklin, Mahalia Jackson (MAHALIA!), and a host of various soul singers (he’s learned from the masters; so that’s where he has learned his runs and vocal improvisations and – especially – how to always sing the song differently. He really is the “soul man from Utah”).
I’d also like to comment that many of his other video favorites are so quirky and hilarious and, in a very real way, soooo David. Haha
Hope this doesn’t make me stalkerish, but I highly recommend you check these out when you have some nice down time.
David is such an innocent, with no real instinct for filtering, that I have to appreciate his genuine willingness to open up to his fans and expose his private account to us. There’s nothing really embarrassing on his you tube account, but I do find it endearing that he was willing to create a vlog for us and to do so on his own account, without any input from anyone else, who might have warned him against doing this.
How telling that that first video he favorited was Pavoratti! Little white opera boy, LOL!
thatguycansing: Thanks for the suggestion (contacting Dean) — I’m considering it, but I just hate to bother people – to coin a phrase from caseydog, it makes me feel “stalkerish”… LOL
I am working an angle though.. and may be on to something. The worst that can happen is nothing, which is no worse than where I started.
Caseydog – you crack me up. Just had to tell you that.
Bigsky – gotcha!
Caseydog – I sooooooooo wish, hope, pray he goes on a solo tour with this new album!!!!!!!! I think he is amazing on stage. He doesn’t need a lot of hoopla around him to make a show engaging. That voice dances all around the stage for him!!! I would die if he went to Red Rocks or some other outdoor, beautiful venue. I would fly just about anywhere. It would be beyond amazing! It would be like in another world type experience!!! I am so excited to just think about it!!
PS I think the private youtube stuff got taken offline! WISE! Do you think he might need an I.T. person? What is the deal with all the video blogging? I guess it’s a generational thing, because I don’t quite see the need! (Sorry, a little rant and off topic there)
What a spectacular David week it’s been! We were treated to sellout hometown concerts with tears, a full version of WOTWTC and the much anticipated “Crazy”. Like all of David’s fans, I was intrigued by that first Hollywood audition. What could have been so amazing, so spectacular to make Paula stand and bow and $imon to proclaim, “That was incredible.”?
Who of us hasn’t wondered, what took place that day, what led David to later say, “This week has been Faaaantastic! I can’t believe they liked it so much…”
Well we caught a glimpse of it this week. With a little imagination and a lot of speculation maybe it looked a little like this. The judges had seen David only once, and to be honest the San Diego WOTWTC was a fairly straight forward cover. But David’s pure voice along with his youthful good looks and radiant smile earned him a ticket to Hollywood. The judges and other contestants knew little else of him.
There in a room full of Idol wannabes, most of them (sorry) forgettable, the kid with the pure voice, youthful good looks and radiant smile takes the stage and sits behind a keyboard. He tells the hopefuls and the judges he’s going to do “Crazy”. Remember, at the time “Crazy” was well know and a huge hit. Another cover? How would it hold up? Can you imagine what they were expecting?
The hauntingly beautiful melody with David’s soulful voice fills the auditorium. You catch the lyrics and their meaning for the first time. The song is transformed and you know the original is history and will never sound the same to you again. Incredible.
i agree Janey – i never liked or understood “crazy” until I heard David’s version thisweek. His voice is so expressive… Rascal I think you are right .David is such a pure performer.. I love how he is so in tune with the crowd. So so excited to see him in TO.
I don’t know where to start. He really is working the crowd and it’s such a joy to watch. He’s starting to get it himself. He is a force. I love the humility with just a touch of bravado. You must have a bit of bravado in this industry. I love watching him walk. I am no cougar, but can still enjoy watching a young man come into his own. His walk is incredibly…..well sexy, yep I said it, and I am not taking it back, lol.
As for the people who are on the comments section of the Utah review, they should get a life. Nothing will steal David’s joy, or the acclaim that he is getting from city to city, nothing. Lulu, I was reading there yesterday and I was stunned.
Lucky Angel thanks for sharing your story. That must have been a moment for you both.
Josie, I am facing that separation point that both you and David’s mom have reached already. I hope I am as brave as both of you t understand that if I have done my job well then things will be okay.
Bigsky, I hope you accomplish your mission. It would be wonderful gift to your friend.
Rascal, thanks for reopening the doors here. This is the one place I come every day and know that there will be intelligent conversation, and positivity as well. What a pleasure.
Thanks Brooklyndawn…
I’m just putting out emails left and right, and hoping one will end up in the right place. I’m not getting my hopes up, but it’s fun to at least try. I feel like I’m bordering on stalker tho. These people must be getting thousands of emails, it’s doubtful mine will stand out. Anyway… I’m juggling two projects, really, because I’ve gotten all “involved” in a project by kids here on base/post who are making something for us to pass on to the Idols. Now, how I get it to them is another story… LOL. I think I’m just going to have to cross bridges as I come to them. My daughter & friend have a project they’re working on, too. How much you wanna bet I forget to bring my camera….. HOW much…. hmmm.. maybe we should start a bet board on this one.
Rascal, I have to agree “The ‘gosh laughs’ are still there (I hope they never disappear.)” And the ‘gosh giggles’ too. haha
I so enjoy this site! It is very refreshing to read all the stories of meeting David, meeting his Mom, listening to and viewing the awesome songs he sings, and, well, everyone understands each others ODD! I am sure I will have to contain myself in September as to not “Go all Fangirly”! Is there a remedy???????
Well.. here’s one for ya, archangel48. While discussing arrangements for picking up the poster some of the military kids here are creating for us to take & give to the Idols… the woman I’m talking to says, “You know, I hear there are actually older women going crazy over the “Davids” — grown women acting like school girls.. can you believe it?” LOL
All I could do was suggest that she go online, and type in keywords: David Archuleta Crazy, and go from there.
(I have to say, tho.. I’ve flipped thru D.A.’s myspace comments, and there are some pretty “iffy” ones from “more mature women” who should know better… romantic inuendos, flirty – if not revealing – pictures.. eouuuuey)
Hey Bigsky, Thanks! My kids are aliitle older than David. I couldn’t imagine myself having “those” thoughts. I DO love our David, though! BTW, thoroughly enjoy reading your comments about David! This is “the place to be”! Yeah… numerous times a day! All the comments from here are classy, heartfelt, and beautiful! Just like our David!
I have noticed the same thing, bigsky. I really can’t imagine what David must think when he reads them. I just hope that there are enough of us whose messages are more appropriate, that he realizes us older women fans are not all like that.
Everyday on this journey with David becomes more and more special, each with it’s own treasures to hold. He is an artist painting a self portrait, inventing colors we’ve never seen before, and experimenting with new ways of using the colors we have. He allows us these ‘peeks’ and we are continually amazed and astounded each time at the progress from the last, whether by an added depth, color, or myriads of details. The portrait is not even half finished and already we know the final piece will be art the world has never seen before. For this art is not on a canvas that holds paint, he is with every movement splashing those colors onto everything around him. His true work of art isn’t the self portrait after all, but what he creates all around him.
Gosh, all these stories are wonderful. Josie, you are STUNNINGLY beautiful, just as ITTO/Becky is as well. I loved the picture of you with Lupe, it made me cry, and your story about your daughter/college made me cry buckets. I too am a mother and have experienced everything you described. The day my daughter married was one of the happiest but most difficult day of my life, the tears didn’t stop for a long time. I bawled on her first day of kindergarten, the first day of high school, the first day of college, on her wedding day, and when she had her first daughter (she has two now). NOW, my son is engaged to be married….and more tears to follow. I’m sorta selfish, wanted to keep my kids to myself for the rest of my life and it was not easy to let them go, but you have to. *sighs*
#11 and #18, both of your stories made me cry, gave me a huge lump in my throat. Thank you so much for sharing, it is wonderful to see how much David has touched our lives. #18, my son doesn’t ‘get’ David….yet, and I have NO doubt that if he were going to the concert with me tonight in Chicago, he would be touched by WYSYLM, there is no way you can’t be touched by that. My son lives in Texas, and I know his future mother in law is going to the Idols concert in her area (Dallas), I can’t wait to touch bases with her to get her ‘story’…perhaps the two of us can help my son to ‘get’ who David is and what he’s all about!
Josie..
If my son would just PASS his driver’s test, I would be so happy — (ha) — but then I know it’s just the first part of letting go of parenting him. I loved what you said about the door closing, and crying for 3 days. I’m expecting myself to be reduced to the same scenario. I have a 13 year old daughter (adopted) who is so much more independent than my son (he’s a homebody) — so I think I’ll have a combination of excitement and sadness when her day comes.
I have finally gotten to your post here! I only have sporadic moments to run to my computer and “play”, so I read a few at a time, or post… whatever I can squeeze in. BUSY summer so far. Anyway, my son is now heading into his last year of high school. He’s not big on kisses (that all stopped about age 10 or so), and hugs are few and far between, so I had to laugh when Lupe said David wanted the keys to the car — no mom kisses.
ANYWAY.. enough rambling… there’s a song from way back that you must listen to if you can… there’s no “original” video, just this one of photos set to the song:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3Ns9491xhS0
(Suzy Bogguss, “Letting Go”)
Love all these wonderful posts as usual. I never post on here as I’m not as articulate as the rest of you, but I am an older fan from Seattle, and just wanted to tell caseydog that I’ll be right there with you at either Benaroya Hall or The Moore…just keep me posted on the date, LOL!!!
Josie-
That was a wonderful story – I so relate to it. My boy/girl twins are entering their last year of high school. Besides the obvious overwhelming college process, I can’t fathom my life without them at home. They have been away for short periods of time, like summer camp, but I knew it was for a limited short time. I so want this experience for them but I know it will never be the same – especially with my daughter, who was always mature, self-reliant and now is my best friend. I get teary-eyed just writing about it. I’ve tried to express this to my husband but he just doesn’t understand, the ultimate optimist – he just looks at this as the start of a new and exciting stage of our marriage and life.
I know – I’m totally off topic – isn’t this supposed to be about the amazing Archie? That’s why I love this blog so….lots of mature, intelligent people chatting about our mutual love and admiration for DA and about anything else that is on our mind.
Wrig’s mom,
I know how you feel about your son not “getting” David. My 16-year-old son doesn’t “get” David either. He thought I was crazy to be taking the 13 year old with me to the concert. He said it would be nothing but screaming girls, and it just wouldn’t “look good” for his brother to be there! Oh to be 16 again and have all the wisdom and answers to life!!!
Those of you who have expressed your emotions about your children leaving the nest, I really feel your pain. My 19 year old son left home for Australia last December, and he will be gone for the next two years. I still shed tears about him being gone. It is amazing what a void is left in the family circle when a piece of it is missing! A piece of my heart was torn out the day he left. I still go into his room and look at his stuff that he left behind, and I often cry. I just can’t believe that 19 years have already passed. I know that I sound like a blubbering fool, but I miss him terribly!
Okay I am off topic here, but I will tie it all together by saying that discovering David and his beautiful voice and meaningful songs has helped me deal with the ache in my heart I have for my son being so far away from home. It is so nice to know that I am not alone in the mixed emotions I have in letting my child leave home and start discovering the world and making his own life away from me…but sometimes letting go is hard to do!
For all the parents here, I have to say that being a parent is without a doubt, the most challenging job I’ve ever had, but without a doubt the most rewarding. I wouldn’t change a thing. Yet, knowing that both my girls will be gone in a month or so and my nest will be empty, time sure flies when you get older – Sheesh-I’ll blink my eyes and David will be 30! And I’ll really be older than dirt!
Well Rascal, you do not know how happy it made me to find out your site was up again. I was reading Davidarchuletafanblast.com and suddenly I saw the link to your site. I could not believe my eyes. Could it be true? or was it just a link to some archives? I know I am two weeks behind, but, I had to write a big WELCOME BACK, SO HAPPY TO HEAR FROM YOU, SO HAPPY TO JOIN THIS FAMILY AGAIN, JUST SOOO HAPPY. I really missed reading yours and everybody’s comments, now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a lot of catching up to do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1wujjLTeFU
St Louis SBM–David is so relaxed and happy during this performance. Pure joy to watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI-6VSr8baw
St Louis WYSYLM – great audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjqqaq_KTqI
Apologize, partial, from St Louis. I think this is his best yet. Very hawt!
panamom- Ifelt the same when I found out Rascal was back…it feels like home to me…
St. lois vids are awesome. How can he keep getting better? More and more interaction with the crowd and PERFECT vocals. I don’t know how I will handle seeing him live next week. I don’t want to scream! Idon’t want to scream! I don’t want to scream! That is my mantra for the upcoming week! (I know it will not work)
Bigsky,
Perhaps you could have someone who is going to an upcoming concert talk to Jeff/give him a note explaining the situation on your behalf about your friend. He may well know who to talk through from there. I believe that David has supported the Make a Wish Foundation in the past.
Someone mentioned that David’s favorite videos on his private account are no longer there; I just checked and his favorites are still listed. I love how random and quirky some of them are! Apparently he also had Sesame Street and muppets listed at one point, but some were taken down.
bigsky, maybe contacting your local FOX station will get you lead. Perhaps they can hook you up to TPTB.
Janey’s suggestion of contacting the local FOX affiliate is a very good one. They will be conducting an interview with at least some of the Idols anyway and will have contact information for the tour’s media contact person. That will be incredible if your idea works out. Please keep us posted!
Another good concert review from the local St. Louis paper. I don’t think I’ve seen a bad review of David on contact yet!
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/entertainment/stories.nsf/visitstlouis/story/A65D7B43317641A38625748C00014128?OpenDocument
Lucky Angel – I feel your pain. It’s a joy/pain. My last two missionaries are back – one to go in a few years. My friend has 3 out – a daughter and twin sons – one in Australia, too. Our trust in God grows through those two years much like those kids grow. It’s a miraculous thing when they come home all grown up and incredibly changed into these fantastic human beings because they’ve been focused on serving others for 2 years.
I feel like we are so lucky that we get to watch the process of change happening in David. He’s out learning and growing in front of our eyes, under constant scrutiny of the camera, and it’s such a privilege to see how he grows from performance to performance and interview to interview. At least Lupe can log onto websites to see pictures of David at every venue. That’s fun. Oh, but I can feel the longing in her heart to just have him to herself for a little time. It’s a happy/sad time when they are ready to fly the coop. The nice thing is, that they do always love home and their mom. She’s got to be so happy that he speaks of her so lovingly. “I got to see my Mom and my sister.” Cute. I just loved it when she shared that he asked for the keys to the car – probably to go to Snow-oasis – (However you write it?). That was a fun exchange – “There was nobody there when I went” – Grin! How nice for him! How nice for the person who got to help him!
…message to Lucky Angel #18…thank you for sharing your story of how David’s voice and beautiful song touched your son. I cannot imagine anyone within hearing distance of his voice that could possibly be unaffected by this young man’s mesmerizing talent. I was so happy to hear that you and your son shared that special bond on that night…brought about by the “aura” surrounding David Archuleta! I hope he is beginning to understand how many millions of lives he has touch since his American Idol journey…….
mine being one!
Hugs, Josie. You rock.
David said when he sang “Smoky Mountain Memories” it reminded him of his home and family. When we fans think of David, we start to think of our families. And here we have all these outpouring of feelings and emotions which we feel comfortable to share with fellow fans. I salute all you great moms and dads ! This is the way David touches people’s lives. This is the magic of David.
BTW, there is another good review on David in Chicago Sun Times on 20 July. Sorry I don’t know how to post the link. I could not find the URL.
Anyone interested in information about David’s new songs? I saw this link on another discussion board.
http://www.ascap.com/ace/search.cfm?requesttimeout=300&mode=results&searchstr=DAVID%20ARCHULETA&search_in=a&search_type=exact&search_det=t,s,w,p,b,v&results_pp=30&start=1
It mentions “My Hands” and “Ruined Me”. Sounds promising! Great posts, by the way! Many people outside the Archie fan bubble are beginning to recognize his stage presence and they even admit, rather reluctantly, that he does get the crowd to react effortlessly and doesn’t look ‘awkward’ anymore. Not that he ever did!
Link to Chicago Sun Times article:
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/music/1065384,idols072008.article
Just want to thank everyone for their ideas and suggestions re: my “project” (getting A.I. concert to MD Anderson Cancer Ctr Houston).
I’m giving every idea a shot… I did send a note this evening to Dean Kaelin (as suggested here). I agonized over clicking “send”, as I can only imagine that his email box is OVERFLOWING with fangirly emails looking for David. Poor guy! :-\
Freo #58- David only good for singing cheesy adult contemperorary songs ala JG? – according to the review of the STL paper. The reviewer seriously needs to get out of HIS newsroom bubble and listen to David’s other songs! Why are these so called music critics so inherently lazy and parrot the same old tired lines all the time? Sure his review is based on that one concert but lumping ‘Apologize’, ‘Angels’ & SBM into the same genre is really incredibally ‘hearing challenged’ on his part.
I think he had a preconceived notion about David even before he attended the show and just trotted out those words the next day for his editor in order to meet the dateline.
thanks for the Chicago Article, which was more flattering than the St. Louis one – I want to know how to articulate they way David out-Groban’s the Groban song. I always get a little twitchy when the comparison between David and Groban is made, but I don’t quite know how to articulate the difference (Rascal, any thoughts). I didn’t think the St. Louis reviewer quite “got” David, well I should say I thought he was totally off base. I also don’t quite know how to articulate how truly versatile David really is. Oh well, just stuff I was wondering.
His new song titles sound VERY, VERY intriguing! – “ruined me”? what is that about I wonder? very interesting.
Good Luck, Bigsky (Kim)!
BTW – was reading Dean Kaelin’s Q&A over at FB and he mentioned that Groban and David study the same techniques and way of singing. But they are so different, in my opinion.
Hope I’m not too off topic here! Sorry if I am!
Rascal – you’re back! Now I can get back to my first-thing-in-the-morning routine! Life is good!
Hi everyone- well I’m finally catching up to the electronical age. I’ve got an account on you tube. My video of Tuesday’s night’s SLC concert is not as good as the ones that are posted, I was seated way up high, but I did pan the audience after David sang “Apologize”, and I thought that people may enjoy seeing the audience’s reaction, especially when he sings UTAAAH!. The link is youtube.com/watch?v=WqWaJU4N0G
Also, I uploaded video I shot on the set of Studio-5, I wasn’t allowed to shoot during the actual show, only during commercials. My favorite part is when one of the producers was asking people to return to their seat after receiving an autograph and everyone was too intent on David and nobody moved until we were coming back for the end segment. That video is called David Archuleta on the set of studio-5 and is located at youtube.com/watch?v=A4ThoVyc0as
cutter12 #69, thanks you fo the videos!! I re-post the direct youtube links here:
Apologize
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WqWaJU4N0GE
Studio 5 commercial break
http://youtube.com/watch?v=A4ThoVyc0as
Studio 5 commercial break…just fantastic! David keeps me as a fan by being so…well…just HIM!!! Thanks for the links, kccy
Thanks for the video at studio 5. I too love how no one listened to the lady telling them to get back to their seats, very telling! He is so gracious, I hope he never tires of the fan interaction!
Especially good video and audio:
http://www.vimeo.com/1387107
Update on my “project” – I have now had to create a myspace page (ugh – I swore I would never have one – LOL) so that I could be “friends” with the idols who have pages, and thus WRITE to them and ask if they could find a way to go to MD Anderson Cancer CTR in Houston when they’re there. My pal, “C.G.”, has now informed me that she’s a total David COOK fan (ha).. and would love to have lunch with him (tongue-in-cheek). Of course, kidding or not – now that’s ALL I want to do for her, of course.
NO DREAM TOO BIG, right? CG is 27, so doesn’t qualify for Make-A-Wish programs, so her dreams have to come true with a little help from her friends. I’m up for the challenge, but I have this sinking feeling my emails are just filling up the pile of mail from the other zillion fans. No response from D.Kaelin.. YET.. I’m still hopeful with that one. Am going to try the FOX news station for Houston now… and I’ve got a call in to the PR office at MDA/Houston.
In the meantime, if you’re the praying type, Christie has asked me to get my prayer warriors together, and pray that she makes it to the LIVE STRONG SUMMIT in Columbus, OH (coming up soon). She’s the delegate for Lubbock – and is going there all expenses paid (she received a full scholarship to attend due to her cancer status). Her platelets are low (still), she’s had several transfusions now, and so is feeling very fatigued. All she wants to do is be at this thing – it means everything to her. So pleeeease say a little prayer for her that she makes it there. Thanks.
#73 – Janey – thanks for that link. Those videos are UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!
#74 – bigsky – I hope your friends dreams are realized!
PS – Rascal, if you are off somewhere doing real work (which I should be doing too) – thanks for keeping the sight up and running!! Really, thank you!
If anyone out there “owns” a photo of David – looks like wikipedia is in need of one:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Archuleta
Found some interesting articles to share:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080723/ENT04/807230322 (I got a little peeved at the adjective used to describe Archie)
http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080724/ENT03/307240003
http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080723/ENT03/307230005 (interview w/m.j. – a mention of DA & DC fans)
Great Quote:
“THURSDAY: “American Idols Live!”
You know the drill: “American Idol” finalists do their thing on TV in the spring, then hit the road for an arena extravaganza a few months later. This year’s entire Top 10 is on board for this run, with champ David Cook in the headliner spot — though it’s runner-up David Archuleta who’s been landing the thumbs-up from critics and the biggest applause from fans. ” -freep.com
I invite you to check out my recount of my Indianapolis concert experience. I wrote a novel, basically! I love observing and capturing details. You will see some photos and also some links to videos in my account. Particularly, I captured two hilarious videos: One depicts David doing his high-five and me looking at my hand in disbelief (and also my friend’s reaction); and the second shows David ignoring his security guard and coming back to where my friend and I were standing, and me dropping my camera from excitement.
http://angels.davidarchuleta.org/kickapps/_Indianapolis-Archey-Report/blog/84001/32803.html
I’ve linked to some photobucket photos on the report. You’re welcome to check those out, as my albums are public. Thanks!
Freo! Thanks for posting the links! So fun looking through it all!
—–
I was thinking the other day about something profound (at least to me)..
Someday, people will be singing “David Archuleta’s version of…..”
That’s just soooo cool. And he has no clue, does he…
I am still stuck on this whole Groban song. In the context that David is a rebel. It was really a REBEL move to sing this song in concert. He has to know that the press are going to label him as Groban-like and I don’t think this is necessarily how his album is going to sound or the career path he really wants to go down. But I sense that communicating to fans and family was more important than the “label” the press might give him from singing this song. I find it very brave, bold and speaks to the fact that he doesn’t care what the press thinks necessarily, but instead allowed the song to speak for him and therefore deeply touched so many fans.
Dear Rascal,
I’ve been enjoying reading your comments here from time to time. Though I sometimes don’t quite get what you meant due to my inadequate English, (I’m not a native here) I still lijke to see how you feel about David Archuleta, his talent, and his gift. To be honest, both me and my husband enjoy David’s music very much and we’ve tried to spread out his news to those we know, etiher here in the States or Hong Kong from where we came. Just want to let you know we miss you and your comments and dying to see you back here soon.
kccy- Thanks for re-posting my video links. As I stated in a previous post, alot of cyber-space is uncharted territory, but, I think i’m getting the hang of it. Also, to Bigsky, I am praying for your friend in her time of need. Hopefully everything will fall into place. We all hope for miracles, don’t we? Best wishes to Christie and to you.
#80 thatguycansing – In my opinion David has NEVER conformed to what the press, the music scene, AI, naysayers etc have tried to pigeonhole him. He has always marched to the beat of his own drum and that’s why he never sang the typical ‘American Idol’ song during the competition. He always chose to sing songs that he connected with and that meant something to him. The stories and emotions of those songs were what he wanted to convey to the fans. It was never about picking songs so that he could win AI.
Same with the current tour and WYSYLM. This song and the lyrics perfectly emotes his feelings for the fans and the people that he loved. Its a coincidence that its a Josh Groban song. The press of course with their limited imagination and tight datelines just conveniently jumps onto the bandwagon and puts him in that straitjacket. To them a shy 17 year old boy could never have the emotional and spiritual capacity to express his musicality to such a stunning degree. Coming from some small town in Utah, surely David could never have the ability to connect with music the way he does and therefore can never chart his own musical course.
A reviewer from the Detroit concert states that David may have a sublime voice BUT that’s all he’ll ever have as David seems to be good only at covering other people’s songs whereas the American Idol has gone way past the AI stage and ready for better things. To him Cook seems to be the next Daughtry. This is the kind of prejudiced and myopic viewpoints that David has always encountered and still continues to be faced with even now. And yet David will sing the songs and do the music that he wants to do and not kowtow to some so called music critic who churns out reviews for a living. That’s the hallmark of a rebel and that’s what a lot of people can’t accept as genuine coming from a shy, softspoken 17 year old.
#80 and #83, In a report on FanBlast, Jenny posted after her meeting with jazzman Jeff after the Indy concert, ” He reflected on the fact that David made a choice to choose songs that he loved and could connect to rather than playing the “win American Idol” game; winning, in other words, ceased to be a top priority early on. Jeff discussed David’s ability to express music on a spiritual, intuitive level that neither he nor his father have ever been able to articulate, and that this gift has been present since he was a young child.”
If neither David’s dad nor his grandfather could articulate David’s gift of music how could we expect a music critic or member of the press to take on such a daunting task? Haven’t we here, many with gifts of their own, rascal, tinuviel, musicao, thatboycansing, kccy, aech4mal and so many others, tried for months now, to make sense and explain what it is we are feeing, what it is we are witnessing?
Who in the business would “go there”? Only another rebel, someone who could combine spirituality and artistry, someone who could make sense of David not wanting to make winning a priority, someone who could explain a 17 year old who throughout a grueling competition uncompromisingly stayed true to himself, would take the time and the risk to do that. Someone a little more like David.
Rascal, where have you been lately? I wondered if David and his music have finally made you speechless…LOL…I don’t think so, cause you, like David have a rare gift. You are able to put into writing why so many of us love David, but are unable to express how we feel. I am just wondering what concert you are attending and I can’t wait for your review of it.
Something light for those of you who don’t do a lot of web surfing. This is a link to a youtube video re-mix of David singing with Chris Brown. It is very clever – and David holds his own with a pop song – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wuvjmsQMqM
Oh Rascal, I’m so glad YOU’RE BACK!!!!! I sure missed this site. I’m thrilled that you’re going to a concert, and with Josie to boot! I felt like I was meeting a cyberspace celebrity when I saw her in UT and the fact that she “knows” you made it all the better (hey Josie, it’s newangel here). And meeting ITTO and HustonRufus too (oh, and David himself!)– wow, what a night. I’ve been ODing on the two versions of WYSYLM posted here. I can’t believe I’m not sick of it yet.
What a thrill to be at the E Center on the 14th! It was simply amazing and I was grateful to be a part of it. Utaaaaaaaahhhh! We showed him some love, didn’t we? Now, Josie, you are going to make sure Rascal meets all the Archuletas available before and after the concert, right? Or does he already have that planned out? I hope it all lives up to his expectations.