Wow, the witnessing of the beginning of era. Its amazing to see him at the threshold of what I know will become a very successful career. It’s an amazing thing to be captured. He has to be so happy that he can finally do what his heart has lead him too.

Congratulations David!

Totally agree, Rascal! This will be ONE “music video” I will cherish for a long time. When I first watched it on Z100, I wasnt even paying attention to the song, I was watching David intensely and feeling the same emotions he was going through. Kudos to Elvis & Gang and Z100 for making this MOMENT so memorable for David, his family and his fans -- it is truly HISTORICAL knowing that he hasnt even heard the final product before Z100 gig.

Absolutely Priceless! The joy, the beauty emanating from David is remarkable! Rascal, you are so right, no video will ever match this, he wears his joy on his sleeve so beautifully, words cannot express my respect, admiration and yes love for this kid.
And Rascal, I’ve been remiss in thanking you for all of your thought provoking topics. Thank You!

Man I want to keep cooing as long as I can. Every time I listened to it today I just swooned. And we did we did we did trust the Archulator.
Maybe he has his own set of doubts but I never did. What is really funny is when we were Archies age our parents hated our music. At least for me the Beatles and Beach Boys, and all that type of music my parents had to hate. Actually later on in their lives they really got the musicality of the Beatles. But I digress. There is some stuff now that I have to admit I squint my eyes at and say ewwww. NOT MY DAVID!!! NO no no.
David has achieved the ability to mix generations in the same room and they love each other. Go figure!! and yes i ment to shout above. shout for JOY
DAFFE DOT

I love this video! Thank you Rascal for posting this on your site. I love the fact that we also can witness the Joy of David as he realizes that a life long dream is coming true.
(Dorothy in live in Orem also. Would love to talk sometime.)

Thanks, Rascal, for embedding the video on your blog! It still gets to me every time (sniff).

How adorable is he? I just love this boy! He is so happy hearing this song, and I am just sitting here grinning from ear to ear watching him! What a wonderful day! With that statement…I must go to sleep! I am operating on less than two hours of sleep today, and I must say that I have hit the wall! Happy dreams everyone!

Casey..you are so on the money about Nigel and Simon!

It is priceless to witness David’s glow and joy in reacting to his first song on radio. He was shaking with anticipation. He is so humble about his achievements. The uncontrollable noises he made while listening to his own voice is simply adorable.

This song can withstand repeat listening, and it just grow and rub onto you like a glue. Now I am addicted to it, I must have played it a few hundred times since then. I have pre-ordered 3 pieces of his CD, but November is too far away. I am searching for sources to purchase this single.

My heart was bursting with joy watching these videos. I kept thinking, no way could his smile get any wider, in fact, neither could mine. Thanks gemzone01 for the video link. Hearing the sweet little noises he made during that video, had me foolishly grinning all over again!

This is my new favorite video. I have watched it a hundred times and never get tired of seeing David’s emotional reaction to hearing his song for the first time on the radio. How wonderful that we could share in his joy! I also love the aftermath video of Z100 walking him out when he is saying that he hopes he made his fans proud. He just doesn’t get it does he…we are bursting with pride over this young man. And his worries about “older” people possibly not relating to the song, well, I’m no spring chicken but I know I’m not the only one who has a “crush” on this kid, I mean, who couldn’t????

Rascal,
Further explaination of link #10 posted: In this video you can barely hear the music, just David breathing and kind of whispering some of the words; and of course laughing a bit. What a rare opportunity for us to be able to witness this and be a part of this historical event. David is completely adorable and it is absolutely priceless!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcRwmcl3-Jc

Rascal -- you changed the banner -- great pic -- it does embody him at this point (and I have been to 3 AI concerts todate).

The vid epitomizes what I love about David, the strength of his vulnerability. He shares his authenticity with us, no holds barred--a new form of courage and fearlessness.

I love this kid!!

Thanks, Rascal, for the vid and the mp3 link — hearing more of David’s voice shine through is always a good thing.

And thanks, gemzone01 for the “behind the scenes” video. I loved this comment posted there and had to share:
‘Is there a more wonderful person on this planet than David Archuleta. The word in Yiddish is “kvelling”. That’s what I was doing watching this. It means “bursting with pride and happiness”. Good for you David. The song is great.’

This site is even improving my vocabulary, lol. I’m ‘kvelling’ to infinity right now.

Rascal, I was so suprised at the treatment of David by Elvis Duran and his staff yesterday as David listened to his first song being aired. They were so good to him that I wrote them an email thanking them for giving David the respect tht he deserves. They asked him sensible questions and seemed genuinely excited for him….BOY WAS I WRONG! After I sent the email I watched the animated video that they made of David and it was very mean and disrespectful to him. I don’t know why they were so good to him at first and then came out with something like that. If you have not seen it, you should go watch it on their website. Maybe I am overexaggerating, but to me they were saying David was boring…referring to his album as American Blandstand…making fun of his personal life and so on. Please by all means go look it up and let me know what you think of it. I told others not to be upset it was just a cartoon, until I saw the animated video myself. I told other people last night that it was just a cartoon and they probably did that with every artist and for them to get along, be nice, play their silly game in order to get David the air time he needed to be successful. Now I have changed my opinion and am very upset. What should I do???

Thanks for the MP3 -- that was a really special moment to get to share. I thought Elvis Duran and staff treated David very nicely -- I believe that cartoon was done months ago (according to others) I haven’t seen it. I heard they took it down? Not sure -- but I am just going to focus on the positive.

#27 Inspired by David, it looks to me the cartoon is something they did during the AI season so it’s been awhile. The cartoon references things that seem dated by now. We love David but you know the unkind things his detractors were saying during the season, so it’s not entirely surprising that someone would find it funny to create a cartoon like that. I hope it makes you feel better that I read today (I’m sorry my memory is so bad now that I’m older, can’t remember off-hand where!) that the radio station manager did not like David during the season but does like him now as well as his new single. I think meeting him in person and seeing first hand his truly sweet personality and integrity and sincerity does make one a fan, unless your heart is so hardened already. I feel the respect and kindness they showed him on Friday is genuine; it is hard to fake something like that, in my opinion. They didn’t take down the cartoon, but so what, it goes with the persona that Elvis Duran probably is known for (I have no idea actually since this is the first time I’m exposed to this station).

Regarding the cartoon: I’m not offended by it. In fact, I think it’s actually kind of funny. I also thought Kathy Griffin’s comments were funny (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3t9MoQGRtM). Parody and satire are part and parcel of being famous. Better they should make fun of you you than ignore you.

I would hate to see us attempt to make David so precious that he is untouchable when it comes to comedy. I suspect David himself would agree. The last thing it seems to me that he would want to do is take himself too seriously.

Rascal,
Thanks for your perspective.

rascal, thank you for the mp3 download…it is MAHVELOUS!

Silverfoxe -- I would guess that Jeff will need to go back to his family/job… I have no doubt in my mind that he will find a manager for David who knows the business, YET will respect David for who he is and what he wants to accomplish. Jeff has done a great job so far in accompishing this, Dean Kaelin -- vocal coach, Richard Pardinson -- musical arranger… Have faith!

I love this video. David always looks happy, but he’s clearly over the moon here and I feel so excited to be able to observe this special moment in his life. Thanks for the MP3, Rascal, until I can BUY my own copy it’s great to have this to get me by. I agree with you, as always, about the Duran cartoon. I found myself laughing when I watched it and I adore David. I’m sure that as often as we see David laugh he probably has a good sense of humor.

I have been lurking on this site for a long time. I love reading all the beautifully worded insights about David. I just have a question . . perhaps I missed this along the way . . but did David write “Crush”? I will go back to lurking now.

I love David. He need not to be perfect, he need not to be a role model, he need not to be the “David” I believe in, he need not to be a “saint”… He just need to be himself, I will always love him.

I used to doubt if David is too innocent to the music industry, but after all the interviews I read in the past 3 months, I knew he is more mature than me, a so-called 30 something woman, and could take care of himself. I have my faith in him.

I’m blaming David for the crow’s feet that are starting to form around my eyes. I smile during everything he says and does (unless it’s just too touching, in which case I cry--thanks for the puffy eyes. Doh!). I LOVE this kid.

I love this video and the tender moment we are able to share with David. He is so totally without guile. Just his simple, wonderful self. You see it here and on his Pittsburgh video blog. It blows my mind when he tells us that after running and doing stairs, he was sweating like a PIG. Cutest thing I’ve ever seen. He’s so real. That unpretentiousness along with the integrity and kindness just captures your heart. There’s no escape for those of us who are open to him.

Another thing about this incredible video that I love is that if you watch carefully you can see David slip in and out of a song. He’s something else. When he’s cognizant of the moment, he’s completely unnerved and anxious. He’s conflicted terribly coz he hates hearing his own voice and yet he’s dreamt of having his songs on the radio forever. So, he’s a bit of an adorable basketcase. While listening, though, briefly he’ll fall into the song and you can practically watch him leave planet Earth. He just relaxes like he’s falling asleep. He’s GONE for a bit, then he wakes up, and he’s back to being anxious. I noticed it particularly around 1:45 and 2:00. At one point his shoulder drops and it really looks like he’s fallen asleep for a moment or two. I really think he’s almost from another realm, he’s so…what? I’m searching for a superlative or two here. He and his music are almost otherworldly.

I cannot believe how much I love this kid. It’s so strange for me coz I’ve never been a fan of anyone, and actually stopped listening to music (other than an occasional trip to the symphony) for 20+ years. Now, I am completely besotted, totally captivated by David, his music and everything about him.

David lifted me out of a funk after caring for my severely handicapped daughter for 26 years. Love her DEARLY, but trust me, it was BEYOND hard (major brain damage, medically fragile, special diet that had to be perfect, aggressive towards her brother 9 years her junior, serious behaviors, etc.). I stopped when I could not go one inch further. I was SOOOO burnt out by the time I placed her, it wasn’t even funny. David really lifted my spirits and brought joy back into my life. I feel like I was drowning, and he fished me out of the water.

I’m also half way paralyzed (metaphorically speaking) coz I gave up my youth and beauty while caring for her, and I have no retirement waiting coz I couldn’t work regular 8-hour a day jobs as she was way too unpredictable in her behavior. I’m shy. I don’t know what to do really to right the situation if there is an answer. But, I watched David who was “painfully shy” climb up on the world’s stage and face and triumph over his fears, and it really inspires me to get off my duff and do as he does and “give it a shot”. Make a plan, make the effort, hope and pray for the best.

It’s embarrassing to be taught life lessons by a 17-year-old when you’re an intelligent, functioning adult but it is what it is. It did help me to remember that Jesus held up children as an example to his followers. “Except ye become as a little child…” So, there is some serious precedent for it . Haha Guess I don’t have to feel tooo bad.

Anyway, these are some of the reasons I love David so much. I want to go to a third concert but they’re all across the nation, and I can’t afford the airfare. It’s weird. I miss him. I can’t imagine what it’s like for his family and close friends. The way he draws people to him, coupled with that exquisite voice of his and that unique musicality he possesses makes him a lock for superstardom in my book. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy or one more deserving. I’ll be at your back every single step of the way, David.

Sorry about the thesis, Rascal. I didn’t see it coming, just started to write and it popped out. Delete it if it aggrevates you. You’re wonderful, and I appreciate your artistry, your insight, and your site very much! There was a hole in my life with you gone, so things are good again now you’re back and sharing your thoughts on David.

I love watching this video, David is such a doll, how wonderful we get to be with him in the studio as he experiences the moment he’s been waiting for all his life. He didn’t have to let anyone film him but he did. Anything he experiences, his fans experience along with him. If something upsets him, it upsets us. If he is thrilled to death--and he certainly appears to be--then we are thrilled, too. I appreciate him letting all his fans come along for the rise to superstardom, we have been enjoying every moment of it. We’re all in this together. Thank you David!

#49 Bookaholic--I’ve been reading your posts on various David websites during the last 5 months or so, my heart goes out to you, I think of you a lot--I’ve had hard times in the last 2 years and since I discovered David in late March, I am so addicted to him that I have to listen to him every day along with cruising the Net trying to find everything about him. I can’t wait to get home from work and hit the computer to see/hear the latest David news. His voice reaches deep into my soul and I feel so much better after listening to him. David was given his talent to lift people’s spirits, that’s why he has such a NEED to sing and that’s why so many of us have such a need to hear him. One cannot exist without the other. I hope some day he realizes how many people he changed. David has my ears and heart forever.

thatguycansing: the thing about blogs is they’re all about expressing a view, and then allowing others (virtual strangers) to disagree & dissent with your opinion. That’s what makes blogs interesting. If we all agreed on every single little thing, life would be boring. When you start a blog, you have to get your thick skin on, and be open to varying views.

I have an animal welfare organization in Japan (which I now run from the States, which isn’t easy). I often participate in a message group for an organization based in Asia that tackles the issues I was dealing with while living in Japan. I was blasted on a daily basis — for many reasons.

First, I’m conservative, but I’m what they call a “crunchy-con” (a conservative with a conservation/environmental twist). Regardless, the stereotype that a con. can’t possibly comprehend or care about environmental issues always followed me.

I also battled the notion that someone who has a strong Christian faith cannot possibly care about wildlife and conservation -- that (incorrectly so) the Bible and conservation conflict (totally wrong). On top of all that, my husband is military — making me automatically labeled as a non-pacifist. So again, I was not “in line” with the stereotypical animal “rights” person. I always made it clear I was an Animal WELFARE activist, that I believed ALL life has rights (including humans, LOL), and that, too, got me in hot water.

But you know -- I always stuck it out. I put my neck out on the chopping block, took my blows, but stuck to my guns. Never, though, with an angry “I’m taking my ball and going home” mentality, and never in a belittling or condescending way (although it was tempting, and I often bit my tongue).

Sometimes, I stepped on my tongue, too, saying something that I wish I hadn’t posted. O.k… that happened a lot. LOL. But it always started an interesting debate, to say the least, so it was never for naught.

I often had to decide if I had room in my life for so much criticism. I found myself spending SO much time at that message board, that I was neglecting the things in my life that ARE important. Sometimes it would consume me.

I’m now at a point where I’m going to back off a bit from my ODD and get back to life’s priorities, and put the ODD part of my life into the “recreation box”, where I will blog about my ODD when it’s raining outside, and there’s nothing more pressing to do.

Perhaps this is where Rascal is right now… afterall, he does have a real-world-life, a career, etc.

But I do wish Rascal had not closed the thread in haste.. dissension is a good thing, and perhaps he should have left it going long enough for his fellow bloggers to reach a resolution on the topic WITH him… and for some interesting thoughts have a chance to be expressed.

Just my .02 cents.

I don’t believe anyone was telling him what to do, davidfanLIZ.

Where you came up with that, I have no clue. Rascal closed a thread that was getting heated and controversial. No biggie. I just expressed that I wish he hadn’t, but certainly was not telling him what he should do.

Sheesh. Everyone needs to lighten up.

And I’m moving on… best wishes to everyone here! It’s been fun!

I’m not sure we should jump to conclusions and assume that Rascal has avoided posting a new blog because of the way the discussion on the last post unfolded. Sometimes, life happens and interferes with the writing process (case in point: I haven’t updated my own blog in a few days).

Either way, I wouldn’t say the problem is dissenting opinion. The problem was making erroneous judgments in which some asserted that Rascal was being “inappropriate” when it’s more than obvious this blog has never approached that tone and has always been respectful toward David. That some of us have displayed a certain narrow-mindedness in discussing certain subjects makes it difficult to have a deeper level of conversation here, which is what many of us cherish.

Dissension is good; erroneous conclusions not so much!

Bookaholic: Sending BIG hugs your way. David really does make life a lot sweeter, doesn’t he?

#60 I liked your view, there. That is very accurate.

Bookaholic, the things you write about up there are the REAL things in life that matter.

My post earlier, I don’t know what I was saying, maybe only a slight bit of encouragement, but I think Rascal’s okay on his own. It’s Rascal’s site, he can do whatever he wants. I get that.

And that’s about the last I’m going to say about that!

#57 hello gorgeous, we need to remember that what you call ‘puritanical’ and ‘narrow-mindedness’ is someone’s opinion. And those almost always vary from our own. Sometimes only in small ways and sometimes the differences are vast. Tolerance of all our differences is something I would expect from the level of intelligence that has always been displayed and shared on this blog by all it’s participants. I really would have expected you to not only understand that, but as in other posts on another site you have posted, that you would be a proponent of that tolerance, rather than declare impatience. I really have to say I was suprised to see that you have this mindset in others that are different from you, whatever that difference may be. For how can we encourage and seek others to accept the differences of people in one area and not in all areas? I also do not see how others voicing their opinion makes it difficult to have a deeper discussion. As bigsky said, if anything, it will deepen the conversation and provide more layers of insight. It is easy to make a statement, but when an opposing view calls attention to it, the defense of it will always cause a deeper inward evaluation and then an outward communication that is equally as in depth. It is that ‘deeper inward evaluation’ that often causes a person to alter their original thoughts. It is then, in open discussion, that we have the greatest chance of altering a mindset. But, to get to that point, tolerance and patience are needed by all sides.