“The Next David Archuleta”?
The Hollywood Gossip has just reported that a 16-year-old Aaron Kelly is rumored to be among the Top 24 on this season of American Idol. THG also states (second hand, of course) that “[c]ritics are already comparing Aaron Kelly to Archuleta, Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber.”
David fans, put down your torches! 
First: David Archuleta is a one-of-a-kind überkind, so no need to defend his honor. Any expectation to match David in talent and general awesomeage is somewhat unfair. Think of it this way: it’s a positive thing that David Archuleta is referred to as a reference point for other artists, and whoever is following Aaron Kelly will also be curious to know who is David Archuleta.
Still, let’s talk!
All I have to say for now is that whoever is comparing Aaron to these 3 other artists is probably doing it on a superficial basis: in comparing him to David, Aaron is also good looking, male, religious, auditioned for American Idol, performed since he was a child, and 16. Still, it would be unfair to say that the similarity stops there—the guy’s got some talent that I’m sure David’s fans can appreciate.
The link THG posted has been taken down; however, here is a pretty good video from Aaron Kelly’s YouTube channel:
So yeah, he’s one to watch out for.
(Remember, we are a site appreciating talent in general, not only David’s. Also, I just think that comparisons and contrasts are a key way to appreciate any artist, including David. So feel free to talk away here and elsewhere, but keep comments respectful.)
-Ronaldsf
P.S. – I can’t seem to verify THG’s claim that Aaron Kelly states he is a “Legend in the Works” on his Myspace page, because it’s not on Aaron’s Myspace music page.
And also—totally off-topic—but does anyone else think that Justin Bieber bears a freakish resemblance to Donny Osmond?
E.T.A. – I have confirmed it – his self-titled album, made when he was 13, is titled “Aaron Kelly: A Legend in the Works.” Hmm…
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Ok, let’s talk.
So, yes, he has a nice voice, and all the other comparisons (he’s 16, blah di blah) are things that can be said about a zillion other kids (other than his potential inclusion in the top 24).
But (you knew that was coming, didn’t you?) the thing I haven’t seen from this very short video, is heart and soul. I’ll be interested in watching him on AI -- yes, I still watch that silly show -- and seeing if he has even a teensy bit of the connection and soul-shattering persona of David. That is the throw-me-over-the-cliff element that David brings to his music.
When do they finally get through all of the crazy auditions, anyway? Anyone know?
I like the kind of country music that is outside the typical subjects (romance) and more honest, contemplative, simple, and soulful. And so I’d like to see Aaron take on one of those numbers and see how he’ll do.
But yeah if David’s about anything, he’s about SOUL. And whatever “he’s got” is transcendent, is something that spans musical genres, people of different ages, nationalities, and backgrounds (if I’m in the mood for country, gimme Smoky Mountain Memories any time
).
Of course, my preference is personal—Aaron may do very well on the show if he gets through. I really like his performance of “Already There.” But like isn’t love. Aaron might have vocal power, have confident stage presence, or become enormously popular. Who knows? But neither of these was David Archuleta’s forte while he was on AI. None of that quite gets close to what David “brang” in Imagine.
But we’ll see—Aaron might get the chance to wow us a lot more in the coming months. And he has clearly put a lot of hard work into fulfilling his dream—here’s to wishing him great success.
The “next David Archuleta”? Pffft!!!
(Goes off to grab my torch.)
Love you, HG!!! This site could always use your fire.
Just trying to keep it real, Ronald!
LOL -- It is really interesting to see how we absolutely cannot imagine anyone coming near David in the musical-genius-connection-voice-and-love department.
Searching for my torch, too
Hi Ronald, Marlie, HG,
Well, if anything THIS brought me out of the shadows long enough to say GIMME THAT TORCH RIGHT NOW.
(Sorry about the rant but honestly could not hep myself)
Wow, look at me trying to be all fair and balanced, and now being outdone by my fellow TDCers.
I almost feel compelled to repost the picture of Aaron above, only with the picture burning lol.
ram: LOL -- posting this info from the Idol talk tracks, Ronald sure has riled us up. I love it!
While out in my shed looking for my torch, I had time to pause and think for a moment. Perhaps Ronald is on to something.
I still remember my twenty something’s daughter saying many months back, “Wow, you have never been like this before!” with a look of confusion, worry and a lot of amusement. And, of course, she was right. She was wrong, in that she thought it was because David sings like an angel and is adorable. Partly true, yes
. But I know that for many of us, it is the person he is, that changes everything. Who he is, is so much harder to define. It is hard to put my finger on why a ninteen year old singer can have such a positive impact on my life.
So legal counsel Ronald, I think you are correct that we need to look at other young talents. I have in truth lived a lot of my life without ever finding any one like David before. There will be “no substitutions” for me,,, BUT,,,,, I think it just might help me figure out why DJA is so amazingly special.
)
(By the way, did it drive anyone else crazy that this Aaron kid kept switching hands with the microphone, like his own personal game of “hot potato”? (Just askin
Sitting here in my David Archuleta t-shirt with torch in one hand and David Archuleta coffee mug in the other snuggled up in my David Archuleta blankie….and that’s all I have to say ’bout that!
Typical of American Idol & the celebrity media. They are always having to play catch up. They never appreciate the true “diamond in the rough” and are always looking for the thing they had already missed. During season 7, many of the idol sites were claiming that that was the year of the rocker, because American Idol goofed with Chris Daughtry, and that is exactly how season 7 played out. Now with the missed opportunity of David, they will try to find the magic again. Simon has already tried twice with X-Factor and has failed.
Though, according to those sites, this should be the year for a female American Idol, I will not be surprised when AI will seriously try to find the “Next David Archuleta”. (hmph, like that is even possible.)
The Next David Archuleta? OK, lead me to the Holy Grail…
(joining emmiegirl with my DA shirt on for sleeping, hmmmp)
And yes RonaldSF, Bieber looks like Donny but has more sass than all the Osmonds put together. I saw that kid guest at Chelsea Lately and I was entertained. He has some spunk. Buuuuuuuuut spunk that he shouldn’t have at his age. Just my opinion.
Off Topic, somewhat:
I wonder if anyone else has noticed that some of David’s recent YouTube videos, including “Best Singing Moments” and “Spirit of God in Spanish,” indicate that “this video is most popular with male, age 13-17.” Could this simply be a YouTube glitch, or is there a trend worth noting?
Aaron’s no David but he’s pretty good for his age. I watched one of his other videos (Sweet Home Alabama) and he seems to have a a bit of swag. I think he will get some screams on AI.
olemr2001, where do u look to see the phrase “this video is most popular with …”?
desertrat,
Click on “Statistics and Data,” and then scroll down to “Audiences.”
Jackryan4da, what you said about Justin Bieber: “Buuuuuuuuut spunk that he shouldn’t have at his age. Just my opinion.”
I see what you mean. I was a spoiled, pampered Filipino son who got really good grades, so I know what it’s like to have to deal with getting too much praise and attention. Can you imagine the violence all that fame and adoration and male power and privilege must be doing to that 15 year old’s psyche, what kind of monster it’s creating? He looks about 12 in that video, but it plays him up to be this freewheeling, get-all-the-girls mack daddy. Ugh. Kinda makes me want to turn my nose up in the air and pinch it. And think about all the boys who are being told that this is what a “man” should be?
Of course, that over-confidence probably exists with every 16 year old guy who has the courage, while an adolescent, to put himself forward as a performer. David, however, had trouble coming to terms with the fact that people wanted to hear him. I think David can do it now because he’s sharing something -- music -- which he enjoys and means a great deal to him. Just another reason why David is so speshul. The performance is for us, not for him.
#16, thx for the response. if the utube stats are true, they sure don’t match his solo concert audience demographics where atleast 1/2 of the people appear to be adults.
#18 desertrat,
I noticed a little while ago that rchavira7′s video of “Don’t Stop Believin,’” with almost 9500 views, also says “most popular with male age 13-17.”
When ya got it, ya got it:
#19 olemr2001, very interesting. I noticed that many people linked to the utube videos either from Snarkys or FOD. Maybe quite a few males in that age group actually visit Snarkys & FOD for news but they don’t post on the websites.
#20 ronaldsf, no matter how many times D sings Angels, I never tire of it. If he gets to sing for the Haiti charity event, I’m hoping he either sings Angels or Lean on Me.
All David needs to do is to perform at more football games to help his male fans admit that they like David & his music.
While my brain is saying that David will probably just be manning the phones, my heart wishes for David to sing during the Haiti telethon. There are so many songs that would be perfect…
“Prayer of the Children”, “Save the Day”, “Angels” and “Somebody out There” to name a few.
Oops, David just twittered….Hey all, tomorrow I’ll be answering phones taking pledges for Hope for Haiti. Tune in, and call in to help how you can!
Oh well.
Still, its nice that David gets this opportunity to help. I bet he’s really excited to be a part of it. 
I meant to mention this exchange on twitter from Jim Cantiello of MTV:
@archftw Is @DavidArchie singing or manning phones?
jambajim: Not sure. But it’s Archie so he’ll probably sing while manning phones regardless.
I wouldn’t keep my hopes up, cutter12
If anyone were to know if David’s singing, it’s David. The producers would’ve given David the heads up so he could prepare, and David would be tweeting us to watch him sing because he’d know we’d be more likely to tune in to the telethon and donate.
Do the producers not know who they’ve got their hands on? If asked, David would sing in a heartbeat. Sure, perhaps there are some bigger names they’ve lined up, but I can’t imagine anything more powerful than a David song and a short appeal from David to inspire more giving.
Well, this Aaron fellow does have a good voice. Gotta give it up for anyone who goes up against Patsy, and does a passable job at it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTyEzTZ70qU
OK, I see torches outside… gotta go bolt the doors!
#25 highervibe, Thanks for that link! I am a longtime Patsy Cline fan — oh, man, can you imagine if she’d had a long life and continued her career! — but I’ve got to admit that Aaron does a very credible and creditable job there on “Crazy.”