American Music Awards
David Archuleta at the 2008 American Music Awards
Backstage
No matter how high his star rises, I get the feeling that David Archuleta will always be as graciously focused on what other are doing, on what others represent, than what his own particular role may be. I can even foresee a time, decades from now, when David himself is one of the luminaries, one of the legends at an event like the American Music Awards, when an interview such as this portrays David speaking with hearfelt enthusiasm about the the young newcomers who represent the future.
Our expectations of David have evolved so much in such a short time that it is no longer a surprise to see him being both affable and articulate. But it’s still a delight to feel his own enthusiasm for being part of something represents so much of his aspirations, and perhaps more so to see him just beginning to believe that he belongs there.
On the Red Carpet
“I’m not this hunk or anything.”
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
So true, Rascal. Plus, David does know where he’s going… he even made that into a song!!
Oh yes rascal “But it’s still a delight to feel his own enthusiasm for being part of something represents so much of his aspirations, and perhaps more so to see him just beginning to believe that he belongs there.
To see David begin to believe in himself and see his acceptance of the fact that he does, indeed, belong makes me so happy for him.
Rascal, I was seriously just now about to post this in the previous comments thread and point out how excited he is to be around the other stars, and I see you made a new post LOL
Of course you put this, and more, in words better than I would have.
One of my favorite interviews of David ever -- shows how “real” he is. A keeper!
At 1:12, after the interview asks him what it would be like to perform “in front of his peers,” David hesitates and asks “What kind of peers?” “Musical peers,” the interviewer says.
Interesting moment! I first thought he completely didn’t think of himself as one of the stars, but then he asked the question.
The growing awareness that he is one of them that awestruck mentions, perhaps?
rascal…what you said..
” I can even foresee a time, decades from now, when David himself is one of the luminaries, one of the legends at an event like the American Music Awards”,
You see what I see in David’s future…and I can honestly feel the lump you had in your throat as you wrote your post…I know, cuz I had one as I read it..
David is so real, what can you say? BTW, did you all see him just grinning his typical wide grin when he became a punchline in Jimmy Kimmel’s opening routine? You’ve arrived, baby!
Oh our precious David. Don’t we all just love him? Just love to see how excited he is. This is the big time baby!
I’m so happy that they perceive him as being worthy enough to single him out of THAT crowd for some special attention.
He is truly a pop icon!
Hi Erin! Commercial is on…
haven’t “seen” you in a while…YES we JUST LOVE HIM!!
And sooo happy & excited for him. He is exactly where he should be..NOW…but just wait til next year! He will be performing & getting awards, not presenting! I just have to keep saying that..can’t help myself!!
Back to the show!!
Um, Kanye, you’re right: it is time for a new Elvis, but it ain’t you, baby! Go David!
Yeah..HG..In kanye’s DREAMS…hahaha!
SF, I know right? I like how Kanye is being so prophetic, but has such a big head, he doesn’t realize it’s not him! ha ha!
Can you buh-lieve Rihanna beat out Mary K & Alicia???
COME ON, NOW!!
I knew Rihanna was going to win just because her “Take a Bow” single was more popular than their songs. This is the AMAs, not the Grammys, so take it with a grain of salt.
Squeeee!! Look at our David! Sigh.
Who was that Amazon that was with him at the podium?? Sheesh!
Humility -- is in full display here in this video. And humility becomes Archuleta because it comes from a place of deep respect for others before him and for those who will come after him. The high regard he affords others is rooted on the belief that it takes hard work, talent and passion to endure the business. So he presses on.
Despite the huge response he is getting from his orbit, it is a relief that he has not displayed any self-serving demeanor which only endears him more to those who get him and alienates him further to those who don’t (IT IS their loss).
It has been said that within the mix of self-adulation lies the belief one is worthy of such lofty position or adoration. And however true and much deserved that might be of David, he has not succumbed to it.
That this fine young man is slowly but surely making headway in a rough-and-tumble industry against which his character stands far off, makes for an exciting entree. That he would be able to seep into the cultural consciousness of several generations, not only in America, makes for an enthralling conclusion.
Exciting times indeed!
As an aside: A HUNK! A HUNK! Our David is growing up to be a hunk and he is effin’ clueless about it!
yeah..I forgot..That’s what David’s gonna win..Grammys!
He looked sooo cute! but who was the TAAAALLLL girl?
never heard of her? And David did most of the talking!!
Joner, I didn’t get the name, but I think she’s part of that Secret Life of an American Teenager show.
No offense, but I think she was there as a prop. David did all the heavy lifting
Cold Play was awesome. I was so sure I would stop watching after David, but the performances might actually be good (and I’m addicted to that new “Single Ladies” song from Beyonce, so I hope she performs it!).
Cute pics of our David!!! Awwwww….
http://s327.photobucket.com/albums/k461/danaduck0486/?action=view¤t=davidhq_ama09.jpg
Why such a tall presenter with David? Hey did you guys notice in the AMA pics that T-Pain is just about as tall as David but for his hat -- LOL!
Oh Mariah *rolls eyes* please put your boy toy away. Nice gown though, and Terence Howard is looking might fine.
I have to say this: I haven’t watched this show since the ’90s! It’s amazing what I will tune into just to get a glimpse of his Archu-greatness.
Joymus, I did notice that. The photo make me LOL!
I wonder if David got to talk to Mariah?? She’s the one who gave him the courage to try this falsetto on AI..
smart girl!!
Rhianna wins!! It’s sooooooooo cool that she will be headlining when David comes to Chicago Jingle Bash.
Oh David, you little hobknobber you!
Silverfox-
I’ll forever be indebted to her for encouraging David to stretch his abilities. His album and us are the recipients of that golden piece of advice.
Joner..yes and in Houston too!
AP images…. awww, David in black with a grey PLAID tie on. Yeaaow, snappy!
David and Annie Lennox!!! Gah! What fun… wish the show would hurry up and come on (drat, I’m time-zone challenged!!!)
I’m sooo glad for David. All the Vh1′s and radio plays waiting for him to speak or appear has sure put me in touch with the current music and artists out there. I was sadly out of touch until fairly recently. Thank You Davey!
Joner..that link of David from behind..uh..his back-side looks just as GOOD as the rest of him! He filled out those church slack really well!
Uh-oh. .
You know, Joymus, you’re right about that. I’ll keep my snide remarks about the diva to myself and be grateful for that wonderful bit of advice.
OMG OMG OMG!!! Enrique Iglesias!
#32 -- silverfox……ahhhh……yuuuuuuup…..slippery slope.
SF, David has always been able to fill out his slacks nicely. These Jonas Brothers are just not cute to me; just not getting the hype.
He is having the time of his life! Sooooooooooooo happy for him!
HG, Silverfox
BEHAVE!!!…..I noticed also -haha
OMG -Beyonce -- David cover your eyes! Anybody else thinks she is copying Rhianna -- Umbrella perhaps?
On that second video up above, when she asks him how he is and he’s like, “Doing well…AND HOW BOUT YOU?” looking her straight in the eyes with THAT SMILE….Oh David, you big flirt you!!
Beyonce! -- Just stole the show -IMO, WOW such power and conviction!
Joner, HG…uh..OK…Sorry I brought up the slacks!! They are nice though…
JB’s…I just don’t get it..they can’t touch David in talent or looks!
I am so proud of David!!! He is coming into his own, but is still staying his same humble self. I was happy to see that he has such huge respect for Aretha Franklin! Rascal, you brought tears to my eyes when you said “decades from now, when he is one of the luminaries….” Although I am so enjoying David in the here and now, I know he will definitely make his mark as one of music’s legendary recording artists. I am excited to see how David’s future unfolds. And what is “I’m not this hunk or anything” business?!!? Of course David does not see himself that way, but the rest of us certainly do! And it’s not just because the outside package is very pleasing to the eye (and we all know it is!!!!), but it is also because the truly sweet, generous sincere human being that he is always shines through!
For those who missed David presenting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY1u0C5_DS0&feature=channel
Beyonce rocked! And that’s my song!
Joner..David cover your eyes?? I bet he gets into the music..it’s all about the music..he tells himself..it’s all about the music, it’s all about the music..it’s all abo…
Just cuz he has morals doesn’t mean he’s blind!
Sorry *shaking head* but the Jonas Bros look cuter than they can sing. Remind me again how they got so popular?
Lick those lips, baby!!! I miss David doing that!!!
How cool for David to be included among these “musical peers.” I wonder how star struck he’s gotten. BTW, he didn’t look nervous at all while presenting. He’s probably way more excited than anything.
Ugh…Jonas Brothers…not getting them…Ugh!!! Pussycat Dolls!
I guess, after David, after Beyonce, after Cold Play, and after Alicia Keyes (is she even performing tonight?), there’s nothing else to look forward to?
Just cuz he has morals doesn’t mean he’s blind!
Well, he is a healthy young 17-year-old, isn’t he? Except I would like to shield his eyes from the Pussycat Dolls. If Beyonce and her dancers looked like empowered women, these chicks look like “skanks” (sorry). Could they look any trashier? Sheesh!
I think Kimmel’s remarks in his funny way shines the light not just on David but on his appeal as a good clean living kid!
I can only imagine what a breath of fresh air David must be!
Annie Lennox!! That was beautiful! See, Madonna: this is how you age gracefully. So glad David got a pic with her.
o.k…. sorry I must just drop in for sec and say how drop dead glowing handsome David looked tonight……. oh my heavens !!!!
I am speechless….will view the videos above later when I can think straight….
Loved Beyonce!!!
I never realized that Annie Lennox has been managed by Simon Fuller and 19 Entertainment. Hmmmmmm…..
Did you catch David in the crowd when they gave Annie the standing O. He looked like he belonged there!!!
HG -- agree with you about Annie Lennox. Classic grace -voice and piano. Needed no extra frills nor thrills.
Joner..David does belong there, among HIS PEERS!!
Oh here’s Natasha..David’s bud!
One thing that is glaringly obvious about this show….musical performances today are extremely gimmicky.
The only performer tonight that came anywhere close to reflecting David’s style was Annie Lennox.
It’s all about the voice and delivery, not the costumes, props and dance routines.
Joner -- Standing O. I reached a very similiar conclusion.
Most acts simply are filled with too much noise and little attempt at finesse.
Well, I’m not even going to comment on Rihanna’s eyepatch. What’s her gimmick: Pirates of the Caribbean or Vampire Fetish?
I predict an EPIC blog in the next couple of days. haha!
It seems as if 19E is proving a point tonight!
Joner..you are so right!….
OK Kanye…..what’s with the goggles? Are you going downhill skiing?
Like I said….senseless, goofy props.
Kanye…ELVIS WANNA-BE…sorry..no.
Sarah …singing one of David’s Favs..
Sara and Pink -- WOW!!
OMG…Sarah & Pink with just a piano & their voices …That is how I picture David..a babygrand and THE VOICE!!
Here’s JKimmel’s intro wherein he teased our David:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WTrVu6OhDk
Haha! More TV close ups for The Archuleta
SF, while listening to them, I was a bit sad David didn’t get to be part of the performance line-up. Oh well. There’s always next year!
Well, it’s been fun tonight and I hoped David is having a
total BLAST! G’nite all..and for David..
Dear Lord, We are unworthy to ask, but we are asking anyway, please…
Take Care Of Our Earth Angel, David. Watch over him, Protect him from all harm. Cloak him with your love and give him the strength to endure all that’s thrown in his path. Give him the courage and guidance to SAY NO to those who ask for more than he can reasonably give. Surround him with loving and supportive people who love him UNCONDITIONALLY as we, his ARCHANGELS do. SEPARATE HIM FROM THOSE WHO HAVE AGENDAS OTHER THAN FOR HIS WELLBEING. Give him rest when he’s weary and fatigued. Give him the stamina to sustain his hectic pace. Give him assurance when he feels doubt. Give him joy when he feels sad. Cloak him always in your protective arms. Keep him healthy and strong so he can continue fulfilling the Destiny which was written in his Book of Life before he was born.
This we, though unworthy, humbly pray. Amen.
Sweet dreams David, be safe & secure in our love always! CONTIGO SIEMPRE CON AMOR! Take care.
We love you madly! And you will always be numero uno in our eyes!
(I know David doesn’t see this, but I hope he FEELS the love we send every night!).
And David gets ANOTHER nod from Kimmel at the end! Man, that’s unbelievable!
Did you hear Kimmel drop David’s name AGAIN? Last name mentioned at show’s end. Thanks for the shameless promotion!
Kathleen Battle, the opera singer …with Alicia Keyes and Queen Latifah?! That was, um, interesting.
Alicia, Queen L and Kathleen Battle -- Super Wows !!!
Jimmie K even ended the show with a joke about putting DA to bed -- lol! DA HAS arrived!!
Good Night Everyone -- it was fun watching the AMA and blogging with the ND family.
Silver Fox -- nightly prayer? Thank you so Much!
SilverFox -- I guess we crossed posts in the air -LOL!
GoodNight Again.
G’nite SF! Amen! Time for me to sign off too!
Thanks for joining me tonight at the AMAs everyone!
I agree joner. Too much hoopla. I did get that tingly feeling though, when Jimmy gave his intro!
I don’t know why that last post showed up so late. Hmmmm…anyways everyone in that crowd sure knows David Archuleta’s name now. THANK -YOU Jimmy Kimmel. That was terrific! I wonder if David knew Jimmy was a fan?
Thank Hg and JR -- I had to work tonight and missed it all. I really appreciate you linking the pertinent videos. He acted like a pro!
And he looked gorgeous.
Wow…so much to say about tonights show…where to start where to start?? When Kanye West mentioned wanting to be like Elivs…I was like uh nnnnnoooooo sorry your not it…David is the closet one to being that…a guy with some soul LOL! Annie Lennox was given the award for being a humanitarian and making meaningful music…sounds like the same path David will take if given the chance. I missed the first of the show and watched the utube videos…I don’t know if being made fun of is a bad or good thing…guess any kind of recognition is good LOL!! At least David was not the only one being made fun of. It was Taylor, Jo Bros, Miley, David, and they are all young. At the end of the show didn’t he say it was time to put David to bed? LOL!
Joner- I agree with you…so many gimmacks in music today, not enough of being a REAL artist and too much nonsense.
HG-OMG..the Pussycat dolls..I needed to borrow Rihanna’s eye patch for that one…YIKES!! Saw more than I wanted to with them….
Is it just me or are the Jo Bros not so hot singers? They put on a good show playing their guitars and dancing…but the vocals made me turn down the sound for fear I would loose my hearing and not be able to listen to David again…geezzzz…tell me why they are so famous right now?
Didn’t get to watch the AMA’s live, but thanks to all the people able to download on youtube, I’m kind of caught up on this conversation. That first video David looked so enthusiastic. Yep, JackRyan- David is having the time of his life. And speaking of Aretha Franklin, Rolling Stones magazine named her #1 in the 100 greatest singers of all time.
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/24161972/
Give it time… David will soon be on the top of the list too.
Also, I watched the youtube video of David Cook introducing Taylor Swift,I’m being bad right now, but did anyone else find it very funny that a banner ad for Desperate Housewives popped up just as Cook came onto the stage??!!!
A couple of observations:
1. Loved how DA was introduced as “The Hit Teen Recording Artist” vs say.. “..his 1st album debuts on the charts this week …”
2. Taylor Swift’s song -- White Horse -- reminds me of You Can & Somebody Out There in terms of structure — you know what I mean? Unplugged but with better vocals but same melancholy, sentimental aura. If her songs are received well by the market, then that bodes well for these 2 songs, right?
Am sure that it will do good here in Asia. We’re a sentimental lot here…
Thanks to all the posted links here and at SnarkyArchies earlier, I got to see everything I wanted to see even before I went out to dinner. But the greatest thing was when we got home, turned on the TV and 30 seconds later, David came on to present!! I was so happy I got to see him on my own TV!
When the show was ending, I came here to my computer but kept an eye on the TV screen in case they showed the audience but heard the name “David Archuleta” uttered by J Kimmel’s closing remarks. I thought I imagined it so I’m glad I got to find out here that he made another joke mentioning our David!! I just saw in a comment at YouTube that when Randy Jackson was on his show, JK said David was his favorite to win AI. He is a fan!!
David is one of the most delightful people you could ever hope to meet. During the show, I kept thinking about how happy and unbelievably excited he must have been feeling, having the opportunity to see so many outstanding performers (not JoBros and a few others). He must have been pinching himself. Less than a year ago he first appeared on AI season 7, but now these people are his “peers”!! I am so happy for him.
Inspired by David 77, I had the same thought about how some day David would be there to be honored just like Annie Lennox for being a great singer and performer AND a humanitarian.
See you all tomorrow!
David seemed euphoric to be at the AMAs, and so was I to see him there!
Cook looked good and did great, but I must admit I was thrilled when David was announced as ‘hit teen recording artist, David Archuleta!’ Cook was brought out with, ‘His first album debuts on the charts this week, welcome David Cook’. Pretty obvious where they were placing value. Plus David got two mentions by the sometimes funny and often annoying Jimmy Kimmel.
They emphasized David in the middle of a ton of huge stars. I think the business is waking up to the fact that the young guy some were dismissive of has a bazillion rabid fans like no other. Well, maybe the Jonas Brothers; they have rabid fans, too. They hurt my ears, though, do not sound good to me at all. I do appreciate that they are decent young men.
I recorded the show but only viewed it periodically and ran out to watch when I heard that David had been mentioned or was on. (Shades of Idol! haha) I love DVR! I missed Beyonce and will find her tomorrow. The ones I saw that I did enjoy particularly were Taylor Swift, Natasha Bedingfield, and the duet by Sarah McLaughlin and Pink. Wow. Nice.
Like others have said, a lot of the show was just production. Some of it was passable, other parts were not appealing. What I thought was worse than that, though, were the women who looked like singing hookers. Either I’m getting old or I’m just in a different place, coz I was really missing a class act type of female singer. Few and far between. One thing that I’ve always liked about Natasha is that she looks gorgeous, feminine and classy, doesn’t go for the hooker-wear.
David was as adorable as always, and I thought he did a really great job presenting and interviewing. Smooth. He’s growing in the job. Love it.
And, I beg to differ. He is definitely a hunk. I think he relates size to quality, and I don’t think it necessarily computes that way. Besides being handsome enough to be pretty, he’s a beautiful person on the inside as well. That kind of appeal is very magnetic. The uber-talent, smile and charm don’t hurt, either.
All in all, a great night for my guy!
Aside from The Archuleta, my favorite performance of the night was that of Alicia Keys feat Queen Latifah (rap) & Kathleen Battle (classical). Gorgeous, glorious, powerful rendition of Superwoman. YEAH!
He brightens my day.
Oh and i just remembered -- that was the music being played when David was being interviewed backstage during rehearsals. Love it, love it, love it!
SUPERWOMAN, YES I AM, YES SHE IS!
Good morning all! So nice to wake up to all the pics of David from the AMAs! He was glowing! I’ll bet he could hardly sleep last night from all the excitement! I’ve been kind of missing him the last few days. It feels so good to see him! I can’t wait for his next blog…I’ll bet it will be a real rambler!
Good morning everyone! Cannot wait to read his next blog! I’m sure he’ll give us all the details of his AMA experience.
Thanks for all the links so I could catch up.
Affable and articulate, yes! That’s our guy!
I got up today and started running on the treadmill. Last year I gave up cigarettes. Maybe I should start the yoga or break out the old Richard Simmons video? I need to be really healthy to be around “for decades”. Where’s that dang fountain of youth?
Ok….WHO the heck is this with our David???
Jeff, please keep your eye on him!
I don’t want to be reading that a dingo ate our baby!
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k461/danaduck0486/z9.jpg
Happy, so sorry to hear of your loss. I first discovered David the night of a dear friend’s funeral – his music is exactly what you needed to hear.
Rascal, “It’s still a delight to feel his own enthusiasm for being part of something that represents so much of his aspirations” – you’ve nailed it once again!!
Sorry, David, but I laughed out loud when Cook’s first song began and my local station cut away to a Bell commercial.
Joner #90, ROTFL.
Ronaldsf#4, I noticed the same thing. That he didn’t equate “peers” with the luminaries attending the AMAs … there’s that sweet hunk of humble pie again … oh, I forgot, he’s “not this hunk or anything.”
In a world where respect is no longer the province of the respectable, the footsteps of the diminutive DA are setting off tremors just below the earth’s crusty surface…the latest tremors occurring last night at the AMA’s. Quite a bit of attention to the humble newbie in a vast space crowded with desperate attention seekers. Hmm! Note: While typing ‘diminutive’ I was actually thinking more along the lines of ‘powerhouse’ or maybe ‘hunk’…OMG Better get this hick back to lurkville before charges can be filed.
WhatJustHappened -- Please stay out of lurk mode! I adore what you just said!
Joner #90 -- OMG! David will DIE a thousand deaths when he finds out who that lady is!
“Air Force Amy, a legal prostitute in Nevada, pornographic actress, and adult model, considered one of the top earners in Nevada’s legalized brothel business.”
ROFL! David! OMG!
Joner…hahaha! Looks like our Hunky Angel was sprinkling Angel Dust all over the AMA’s..and he doesn’t look threatened by the “dingo” at all..in fact, he looks pretty dang happy! Not becuz for the dingo..he’s just happy!
Tofan..yeah, my station cut away to commercial during Cook’s performance..
WhatJustHappened…Love your post too!
Did anyone notice his “handler”? She was HAPPY too!
What a job…”handling David”..
juliebug…NO! You can’t be serious!! How do you know, or are you just kidding??
http://theenvelope.latimes.com/env-best-worst-amas-2008-nov23-pg,0,2920318.photogallery?index=10
NOT kidding Silver!
IDF and Snarkeys are reporting it. They looked up her name that was listed on the Getty image.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Amy
NOT kidding.
The Getty image says he’s with Air Force Amy.
I tried to post the link the the Wikipedia entry but it won’t take.
Snarkey’s and IDF are reporting it. They looked up her name when they saw it on the Getty image.
OMG!
I think it’s absolutely hysterical how David always seems to innocently get caught in the middle of the fray. They’re gonna have a field day with this one and what’s even funnier is that, as far as publicity goes, it keeps his name “out there” without being involved in a scandal or anything.
Other artists probably have their PR people deliberately planting stuff like this to get attention.
All David has to do is be his sweet, humble, talented self and he gets drawn into the brouhaha.
(David would LOVE that word…..brou”haha”)
Thanks for the welcome.
Loved in the rehearsal interview when he said, “There are some songs I’d be kind of embarrassed to sing in front of these people…” (Like all the JIVE stuff I am contractually required to sing haha) I say….
Unleash the soul man! Let him groove!
I’m glad he didn’t perfrom Crush this year. Next year let him sing for his true peers….Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and every legend he personally adores, and names and spells.
I love the album. Songs 1-17. Bad enough my four teenagers think I carry it from room to room….I actually have a CD in each room and one in the car. You never know where you’ll be when you succumb to that compulsion to reread the liner notes…GAH!
Must go for work appt. My earnings have decreased significantly since Shop Around, commensurate with my increased happiness.
And so it goes.
NEW THREAD Everyone!
AWWWW!!!!!!!! I’M NOT A HUNK OR ANYTHING! THATS SOOOOOO CUTE!!!
David continually exemplifies what we call “humility”. I’m Not A Hunk or Anything!” Yesssssssssssss you are!!!!!