From Strength to Strength
This Parallel Journey of David & his Fans
David Archuleta’s career is on the rise both commercially and creatively. Since AI, he has been on this heady pace and we just love it! It helps that he rarely does not give us fans advance notice as to what he will do next. Does that mean we do not get surprised at all? Definitely, NOT.
It is the same thing with his upcoming autobiography, Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perseverance.
Look at that picture! Ageing becomes David (although I would have loved some warmer colors in the typography). He was this chubby-cheeked doe-eyed cutie pie in AI but towards the finale, he lost so much weight but still retained the cherubic aura.
Now, his face has lost it roundness. The last two years has given way to angles and a jaw line. But even with a more purposeful pair of lips, a deeper voice and more pronounced muscularity, his eyes – yes, his hazel-brown Spanish eyes – remain clear, yielding.
But don’t get fooled with the apprehensive, compliant-like demeanor. If people think they can put a stick in between his wheels but cannot stop his motivation, then nothing will.
Case in point: his DLTSGDOM performance. We all know what he had to put up with, on the way to the finale.
Just when you think he has given his all, he comes back stronger, more admirable and more loveable than ever.
Henceforth, it was Trust TheArchuletor.
For David’s strength lies not in brute or force. His strength shines through his quiet dignity, soft statement of directness, respectful perseverance and quirky sense of humor.
David seems to take a page from Yajur Veda’s philosophy.
One should always aspire for increments of strength, food and long life because each of them is dependent on the other.
David has shown us how he builds on from his early wins, slowly creating ripples of triumphs that have enormous potential of sustainability. Food? Hmmm, isn’t that a dominant item already in his twits and blogs? LOL
Kidding aside, what I find most touching is his earnest desire to share his gift for any bit of possibility that his sharing could help someone, someway. This may be the spirit behind the book. Some may question the decision to come out with a memoir at this stage of his career or of his young life. But for me, that doesn’t necessarily reveal a weakness in the process. On the contrary, it stresses how strong the choice is. And how consistent with David’s expressed priorities.
If nothing else, David is a true-blue millennial artist – a contemporary bilingual musician who uses a wide range of media to communicate his art and his values across genre, age and cultures.
What’s more, David takes steps to engage his audience and fans in his journey. He twits, he b/vlogs, he networks, he delivers speeches (who would have thought?!), he even consults us for his haircut 
And now he writes.
David leverages his art to spread a little bit of good with others. It would appear that this is almost always his bottom line. Is it any wonder that his fans’ affection and respect for him develops from strength to strength?
David at the Miami Charity Event
And rightfully so. Because David, at his young age, has displayed a keen sense of the fine art of growing in grace and truth. This is quite challenging especially in the very fickle and unforgiving world of entertainment. I am confident that he will continue to do so with the passing years, as he carries on in pursuit of his infectious love for music and humanity.
Chords of Strength, available for pre-order now from Amazon; Out May 4, 2010.
- jackryan4DA
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
JR, what a wonderful article! And just want to say how much I appreciate the many labors of love you have shared also with us.
It was at the end of Season 7, when David stood before us on the screen leaving his all there on the stage in those stunning performances, that I thought to myself he will be much bigger than this stage and his talent will not be denied.
Love this:
“David is a true-blue millennial artist – a contemporary bilingual musician who uses a wide range of media to communicate his art and his values across genre, age and cultures.”
His sharing of himself in so many ways has bound many of us to him for life. I am looking forward to this journey and the many surprises still to come.
JR: Congratulations on your first full-length article on TDC (and the fact that you figured out all the posting nuances for a feature on your own!)
“Kidding aside, what I find most touching is his earnest desire to share his gift for any bit of possibility that his sharing could help someone, someway. This may be the spirit behind the book.”
This might just be the core essence of David. His willingness, no, desire to help others in any small or large way that he can, seems to be foremost in his heart whenever he does anything.
jackryan4DA, Congrats on becoming a TDC admin and on publishing your 1st full length post! This article reminded me of what Simon Fuller said about David when he signed with Jive: “….he has dealt with the pressure and the high level of expectation with real fortitude.”
JR said: “David leverages his art to spread a little bit of good with others.”
And to think, he’s only at the beginning of his journey. As he matures and gains an even stronger sense of who he is, I believe his growth will be reflected in his art in a positive way. David has a message for us and he will deliver.
JR, I wrote a comment last night, thought I posted but never hit the submit button LOL. So here it is, though it is morning now. I will come back and read it again later. I just know I felt good after reading it late last night.
JR, beautiful article. (I want to put exclamation points but I’m feeling calm and gratitude for this post.) I so appreciate your words highlighting David’s person, his strength, his character. I love the quote “One should always aspire for increments of strength, food and long life because each of them is dependent on other.”
It’s late, I’m catching up. So good night! Lots of exciting stuff in one day already.
Well, the videographers are hard at work -- so much talent in the ArchuWorld:
Love your post JR and I agree that David has a huge career in front of him because he keeps things in their proper perspective.
I think this article by Sharon Osborne (wife of “Black Sabbath” Ozzy Osborne) is very insightful about the current “cult” culture that’s going on with today’s youth.
I think one of the most significant comments she made was about artists back in the 80′s, “fame was simply a by-product of doing something they loved, not an end in itself.”
This is where David has his ducks in a row. His focus has never been on being a “star”. His focus has been on what he loves to do….sing, make music and share a message in his song. If he gains fame from that, so be it, and I feel he is light years ahead of his contemporaries in this department.
This is a long read, but a good one.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1254209/SHARON-OSBOURNE-The-dark-fame--cult-celebrity-destroying-todays-children.html#ixzz0gs6WRgjI
Thanks RAM, VERMEER, JONER, DESERTRAT & MARLIE for the kind words on my baptism of fire LOL. I just find it fascinating that we can literally watch David grow and in so doing, we also do some growing up on our own
MARLIE -- what do you mean on my own? I just followed your instructions. So thanks for the hand-holding
So it is March 1 in my parts and I can’t wait for the premiere of Somos El Mundo. Anyone here who has access to the spanish channel?
Meantime, was finally able to capture the sneak peak televised by El Gordo y La Flaca — you can briefly see David having a good time as he goes through a clap-skip-hop routine in one of the song’s segment
Are we there yet?
JR, what a joyous article!!
David is a true-blue millennial artist – a contemporary bilingual musician who uses a wide range of media to communicate his art and his values across genre, age and cultures.
David is blessing us in so many ways, with so many different forms of communicating: singing (in Spanish or in English or in French or in Latin, in a whole variety of genres), songwriting, speeches, press conferences, playing instruments, blogs, vlogs, tweets, and now books.
David, ENOUGH with the multifariousness, already! You’re just too much, just too much!
JR, I love how you take us back to his DLTSGDOM performance, which I think stands as a personal milestone for him. “Imagine” is the moment many of us remember discovering him, and I think that DLTSGDOM was the moment when David discovered himself -- the moment he overcame and cast away some demons. I can’t wait to read what he writes about that moment!!
Just wanted to add that I hope the “Somos El Mundo” will make mention of the events in Chile…
It is so sad Ronald. Progress in relief is just starting in Haiti and now we have Chile. So many calamities in such a short time.
Meanwhile the constant calamity here in the Philippines is politics. Imagine Erap ranking 3rd in the latest survey. This is one of those rare times when am seriously considering leaving Pinas. Ay-yay-yay Pinoys, when will we ever learn!
Sorry for venting. I am just flabbergasted with our stupidity as a nation. We truly get what we deserve.
A brief but close-up footage of David jamming with WTK thanks to jbcutie817
JONER thanks for posting that article from Osbourne. Aspiring talents should get a chance to read it.
JR — What a thoughtful and well-crafted piece. You succeed in revealing some essential aspects of what makes David so appealing and so unique. I think “purpose” and “grace” are the words that stand out for me, and they are attributes to be celebrated and admired.
YOU are to be celebrated and admired, too!
Ssssshhh Rascal. {whispering} People might think we have put up a mutual admiration club. Bahahahahahahaha
In another vein: Somos El Mundo -- are we there yet?
Oh, so we’re not a mutual admiration club?
In another vein: what time does Somos El Mundo air? I can’t wait!!
But still I know that if I miss it I can rely on the YouTube Archuninjas.
This is truly an excellent piece, JR (is this your first article?). I hope we’ll get more from you.
You’ve summed up everything I’ve been thinking about David brilliantly.
Of course we are Ronald
! But we don’t need the world to know. They’d find out that we’re crazies here -- tee-hee
Somos airs at 10pm est, 7pm pst. It will be streamed here:
http://pt-br.justin.tv/karipu7#r=WzlWaW4~
Hi HG! Yes it’s my 1st. Glad you like it. I have something in the draft section since last year that I never got to finish and have forgotten all about.
My brain was all mush with numbers last week — work-related. I was originally writing a follow-up letter to Dr.FF {waves at Ronald} after watching AIS9. But when David’s book cover came out and “She’s Not You” leaked, I headed here to crank the right-side of my brain.I knew what to write immediately.
Speaking of She’s Not You, I found an HQ version of it. Download from here folks --
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?dmnyca5fmzm
I feel strange because no one seems to have heard Somos El Mundo. I heard it this morning driving out of Houston on a Spanish language radio station. I believe I heard David’s part (s).
Emilio Estefan was speaking to the radio dj and speaking about the different singers on the song and he was asked if this song might also be used for the recent Chilean earthquake.
I only heard it once and the traffic was horrible because it is Houston and raining cats and dogs. I wish I could remember exactly which lyrics he did. I believe it was “we are the world, we are …”. It was only about two lines and I believe then again later some more. So sorry, first because my radio is not very clear and because I was so preoccupied with the traffic. But what I heard of course was awesome. Somebody else has to have heard it, right?
JR -- I enjoyed your article! Your mention of David’s use of twitter led me to check out this morning’s tweets, and I found a particularly interesting one, tying in to the strength motif.
“I’ve been thinking just a whole lot lately, ’bout what’s been and what awaits me…”
This had a very familiar ring to it, but I could not immediately place it. I should be embarrassed! It is from “Smoky Mountain Memories” (Dolly Parton ). That was one of my favorites performances of his from Idol, and I love to hear him sing it again live some day.
…, and I would love to hear him sing it again live some day.
Aww, JR, such a beautiful post. Love every bit of it.
So glad you touched on the the spirit behind the book—about why he, at such a young age, would publish a memoir. From his own comments about it he has explained that he decided to seize the opportunity presented to him to write about his experiences because so many had asked about his journey thus far and how he has coped with the extraordinary events and challenges that have brought him to this point in his life. He hopes sharing his reflections will help others. And I have no doubt that it will help many. Yes, he leverages his art to spread good.
Oh, and so glad you mentioned his quirky sense of humor, too.
Again, just love this post!
Ram, can’t wait to hear Somos El Mundo!
Olemr, gosh… just thinking about the SMM performance … gets me all… emotional! Funny thing about those amazing AI performances. They seem to have an effect on me that only grows stronger with time. Weird. (And debilitating!)
David was awesome. I believe I heard him 3 times!
Oh, and let me say I really, REALLY LIKED THIS VERSION!
Here it is:
http://www.myspace.com/djafricaonline
ram, Thanks! It sounds great. I certainly had no trouble identifying David’s parts or Jose Feliciano’s. Can’t wait to see the video!
Listen or download before it gets pulled down -- SOMOS EL MUNDO
David solo in 3 parts -- woo-hoo!!! --> at 2:10, 4:20, 6:20
If they could have lessen the guitar riff in the progression from the rap part back to the basic melody portion, I would have loved this 100%. But definitely 10x better than the english version.
Of course am a little bit (?) biased cos David is part of this. That alone is already a huge minus in the english remake. But the spanish version sounds like it carries much more emotion and reverence for the song. Plus, it sounded more lyrical. Must be the passion the is always HAWT in the latino/latina blood.
Did I mention solo in at least 3 parts for David? (dancing the dance of joy as I hit the shower, LOL)
Good morning/evening everyone!
THREE SOLO PARTS?! This calls for a Happy Dance!
Cuz think about who got multiple parts in the original WATW: Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Bob Dylan I think…
The impact of “Contigo” must be bigger than I originally believed in the Spanish speaking world—it seems like David has moved up to (or is fast approaching) the A-List in the Latin music industry.
hi tdc -- ’somos el mundo” is now available for download on itunes!
go to the itunes homepage, type in ‘’somos el mundo” in the search box, top right hand corner, hit enter, or click the magnifying glass… you’ll be taken to the ‘’somos el mundo 25 por haiti ” page… listed are the song, and the video… the video is the one with the little tv looking icon… download away
there is a 2.99 package on the left hand side of this page… that includes i think the video and the song… let’s do this!
Ronald… thats all I keep thinking… Contigo killed the Etefans, but BAD… as well it SHOULD HAVE! Three solos… GORGEOUS SOLOS…. *Spazz*Spazz*Spazz*
Great article JR I especially love this paragraph:
For David’s strength lies not in brute or force. His strength shines through his quiet dignity, soft statement of directness, respectful perseverance and quirky sense of humor.
Yes, when we fell in love with his voice, his work ethic and resolve, his sweet sincerity, but who would have known we would also get funny and quirky too! That has been a real bonus. So many things David does just crack me up. From his various dental expeditions, to his hair cut decisions- decisions! to his bogs, vlogs and tweets…Those doggone tweets usually lift my spirit or give me a chuckle in the middle of a stressful day.
Also, here’s a salute to the lovely Latin community that embraced David and included him in this epic event.
This link is for Univision (the one above is for Telemundo):
http://yatele.com/univision/219-ver-univision-en-vivo-gratis-internet.html
Scroll down and press Play…
The Estefans provided a modified set of lyrics for the WATW Thanks to Angelicus who provided a rough translation of the Spanish re-make. From AOL, she explained:
“To be honest, when I did the translation, I tried not to translate literally. What I wanted was to capture the same emotion, the same feeling, because some things aren’t the same from English to Spanish. I wanted it to be broader, to cross barriers”
Thanks to Angelicus, she provided a rough translation of SEM
I put David’s part in bold font.
SOMOS EL MUNDO
Spanish lyrics: Emilio & Gloria Estefan
El dia llego (The day has come)
No hay momento que perder (Not a moment to lose)
Hay que buscar unir el mundo de una vez (We must bring the world back together at once)
Tantos necesitan un nuevo amanecer (So many need a new dawn)
Hay que ayudar (We must help)
Tenemos el deber (It is our duty)
No hay que esperar (We must not wait)
Que sea el otro el que va actuar (For another to act)
Cuando el dolor a tu puerta pueda tocar (When pain might knock at your door)
Al estar unidos no hay nada que temer (There’s nothing to fear by being together)
Para triunfar (To succeed)
Tenemos que entender (We must understand)
Coro:
Somos Amor, Somos el Mundo (We are love, we are the world)
Somos la luz que alumbra con ardor, lo mas oscuro (We are the light that warmly brightens up the darkness)
Llenos de esperanza (Full of hope)
Podemos rescatar (We can rescue)
La fe que nos puede salvar (The faith that can save us)
Juntos tu y yo (Together you and I)
De Corazon (From the heart)
Que sepan que importantes son (Let them know how important they are)
Que su pesar sentimos todos tambien (That we all feel their pain too)
Y que no estan solos (And that they’re not alone)
Queremos ayudar (We want to help)
Con compasion, firmeza y hermandad (With compassion, strength and brotherhood)
REPEAT CHORUS
Bridge:
Cuando alguna vez te canses de luchar (If you ever get tired of fighting)
Es que aqui estare a tu lado sin dudar (I’ll be here by your side without hesitation)
Te dare mi mano para juntos aprender (I’ll give you my hand so we can learn together)
La manera de poder vencer (The way to success)
REPEAT CHORUS
Me gusto mucho!
I really liked this. I enjoyed the rap part, too. I think the singers had a greater energy and “fed off” each other more, if that makes any sense. It seemed “tighter” somehow. Me likey
They gave everyone pretty much the same amount of attention, so I guess scratch what I said above. Still, this is such a big deal, for him to take on all those other great voices, and he was I think the youngest in the room by a good number of years.
David you did us puurrrrroud!
Univision posted the whole lyrics with the rap aaaaaaaaannndd put the singers in the verses assigned to them -- cool!
Here we go….
El día llegó (Juanes)
No hay momento que perder (Juanes)
Hay que buscar unir el mundo de una vez (Ricky Martin)
Tantos necesitan un nuevo amanecer (José Feliciano)
Hay que ayudar (Vicente Fernández)
Tenemos el deber
Verso 2
No hay que esperar (Luis Enrique)
Que sea el otro el que va a actuar
Cuando el dolor a tu puerta pueda tocar (Aventura y PeeWee)
Al estar unidos no hay nada que temer (Belinda)
Para triunfar (José Luis Rodríguez)
Tenemos que entender (Banda El Recodo)
Coro
Somos amor, somos el mundo (Shakira)
Somos la luz que alumbra con ardor lo más oscuro (Shakira)
Llenos de esperanza (Thalía)
Podemos rescatar
La fe que nos puede salvar (Jenni Rivera y Tito El Bambino)
Juntos tú y yo (Kani García)
Verso 3
De Corazón (Luis Fonsi)
Que sepan que importantes son
Que su pesar sentimos todos también (Jon Secada)
Y que no están solos, queremos ayudar (Willy, Lissette y Ana Bárbara)
Con compasión, firmeza y hermandad (Gilberto Santa Rosa y Juan Luis Guerra)
Coro
Somos amor, somos el mundo (David Archuleta)
Somos la luz que alumbra con ardor lo más oscuro (Cristian Castro)
Llenos de esperanza (Ednita Nazario)
Podemos rescatar (Paquita La Del Barrio)
La fe que nos puede salvar (Ricardo Montaner)
Juntos tú y yo
Bridge
Cuando alguna vez te canses de luchar (Gloria Estefan y Luis Miguel)
Recuerda aquí estaré a tu lado sin dudar (Chayanne)
Te daré mi mano para juntos aprender (Olga Tañón)
La manera de poder vencer (Natalia Jiménez)
Coro Todos
Improvisaciones
Somos amor (Luis Fonsi)
No hay nada que temer si estamos juntos tú y yo (Kani García)
Tantos necesitan un nuevo amanecer (José Feliciano)
Y solamente juntos volveremos a renacer (Jon Secada)
Estamos unidos (Ricky Martín)
Lo más oscuro (Melina León)
Cada amanecer el sol vuelve a renacer (Natalia Jiménez),
Eso tienes que entender (Ednita Nazario),
No hay que esperar,… que sepan que importante son (David Archuleta),
Con amor y esperanza podemos rescatar (Juanes),
Continuaremos tú y yo (Luis Enrique).
Raps
Pitbull:
Latinos Unidos pero más que nada somos humanos
Cuando uno esta pa’abajo eso es cuando das la mano
Eso es un hermano
Dios Bendiga los haitianos
Sak Pase Nap Bule
Ya tú sabes estamos claros
We are The World… the World (Taboo -- Black Eye Peas)
We Are The Children, The Children (Taboo -- Black Eye Peas)
Earthquake can bring it down (Taboo -- Black Eye Peas)
We just rebuild it (Taboo -- Black Eye Peas)
Somos amor…, amor
Somos el mundo
Somos Latinos (Taboo -- Black Eye Peas)
Dando Cariño
Daddy Yankee:
Este es un grito mundial
Que retumba en tu nación
Somos El Mundo
Una raza pa’
Un solo corazón
Somos latinos unidos en una canción
Con una poderosa misión
Contigo lleva la bendición por fe!
Haití renacerá del polvo y las cenizas
Cada niño tiene el derecho de llevar una sonrisa
Dale la mano a tu hermano
Sirve de consuelo
Siembra en la tierra (Taboo -- Black Eye Peas)
Y recibe el tesoro de los cielos
Come On!
Improvisaciones
Lo más oscuro (Pee Wee)
Vamos a revivir de nuevo juntos tú y yo (Luis Fonsi)
La fe y la esperanza que un día se acabo (Luis Fonsi)
Damos amor (Paulina Rubio)
Somos el mundo (Ednita Nazario)
Con una nueva esperanza (Tito El Bambino)
Somos latinos (Luis Enrique)
Llenos de esperanza (David Archuleta)
Podemos rescatar (Olga Tañón)
La fe que nos puede salvar (Olga Tañón)
Get the iTunes versions by clicking the picture at the top of our sidebar. —-->
JR -- just wanted to compliment you on your maiden post.
And since everyone has highlighted almost every paragraph as a personal favorite, I will add this one:
“Because David, at his young age, has displayed a keen sense of the fine art of growing in grace and truth. This is quite challenging especially in the very fickle and unforgiving world of entertainment. I am confident that he will continue to do so with the passing years, as he carries on in pursuit of his infectious love for music and humanity.”
And the video is fantastico, loved it! As far as David, is he ever short of brilliant!
i’m loving “somos el mundo”! i believe michael jackson would have been proud to know his name is attached to this version; the other, not so much. and three “ripples of triumph” for David … YAY!
A pix of David in the studio -- love his hair here
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/9886/27164691.jpg
If you want more pix, I just uploaded new images to my media folder : http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=b168764a61c78fdf67cd7f7bd65f7eef2e93b94b92b1a0de9d4bfef7ef5beeff
He did us proud again. Haaaaaaaay
JR -- thanks so much for your beautiful article.
I am grateful to all the admins here for steadfastly maintaining a welcoming site to share our LOD (love of David).
I am grateful to David for providing a light in the darkness. “Will you stay with me? Will you be my love?” he asks. He is tenderness and love incarnate.
xoxox
You know what I find funny in the vid — when David comes on screen, everyone, I mean e.v.e.r.y. one just fades away. He literally shines on screen. That skin of his must have tons of free sparkly radicals LOL
LIZ -- How true. Hope everything is ok from your end. Miss you!
JR -- I agree. He does just shine! Sparkly radicals? Perhaps LOL! I liked the audio but I loved the video. I loved seeing David up there with all those passionate hispanics! So many great voices!
Just watched Somos el Mundo on Cristina and of course purchased the audio and video from iTunes. So proud of David! This must have been such a special experience for him, to sing with so many notable Latin artists, and for a good cause.
Somos la luz que alumbra con ardor, lo mas oscuro – We are the light that warmly brightens up the darkness. Indeed David is the light that warmly brightens up the darkness anywhere.
olemr2001, beebee, SMM is one of my favorite David AI performances too. Simply stunning.
Oh and I love this Spanish version of WATW, not just because David sings in it (3 solos!!! GAH!!!) honest! It flows much better than the English remake IMHO.
I just bought the song and video and am so happy to have another way to support this very special cause. David and his vocals are so smooth and distinct and he just shines in every way.
Lovely post JR. The line that really resonated with me is about David’s “soft statement of directness”. It was just so beautifully phrased.
Sparkly David… Hmmm, must be why he likes Jordin
bahahahahahaha, AM. SO. LAME.
You have to excuse, am currently deciphering what Power factor, Real Power, Reactive Power and the cosine and tangent of these things are
Then translate all that into layman’s term.
ilovemyworkilovemyworkilovemywork
I loved the audio of Somos el Mundo. David´s voice is so unique and it flows so effortlesly I don´t know whether to laugh at how someone can be so talented or to cry for being so jealous lol.
His voice is like medicine… It pierces your heart and it´s like when your heart pumps blood through your veins and reaches all the way to your fingertips and just everywhere… I feel like David´s voice blends together with my blood and keeps me alive or something.
Gah, that sounded so stupid. Well, I´m not very eloquent after watching this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJB2jq2d0Z0&feature=related
When David joins Brooke on stage at 4:15… It´s like a punch in my gut. When did LITTLE David become so buff that his arms are three times the size they were just a year ago and his PECS (yup, I said it) look like they´ll rip his t-shirt apart any second?!?!?
I guess I´ll just go sit in the snow for a while to cool off. But to express my feelings in Finnish:
SIIS VOI LUOJA!!! MITÄ MÄÄ TEEN TON JÄTKÄN KANSSA LOL.
EMBE -- when it comes to David, there is no such thing as a stupid reaction. We have seen, heard, read all sorts and they all just support the fact that The Archulator has an unexplainable effect on people.
Take the case of this twit: “Am standing just 2 feet away from David Archuleta and I am shaking”
This was at the WTK concert and the twitter wasn’t a fan.
So if you want to flail, fangirly -- this is the place!
Looking forward to your next post
Behind-the-Scenes -- Somos El Mundo
I am so glad that David wasn’t involved with the ‘regular’ We Are The World. It seems to have only gotten bad reviews and has been basically either made fun of or criticized. On the other hand, ‘Somos El Mundo’ has been praised and looking like it’s going to be referred to as ‘the good version’. Could that be solely because David was involved? Hmmm…. As for the ‘leaked’ song, I love it. What is the deal with it anyway? I’ve read it was for album 2, then I read it was a reject from 1. I don’t really care either way. It’s a song I never heard, by David, so I love it. I made a ‘faux music/lyrics video’ of “She’s Not You” and upped it to one of my non-disabled youtube channels (below). (side bar) Youtube is becoming the crazy copyright police lately. I’ve had to argue 20+ videos (so far all successfully), but sheesh! Anyway, I know I haven’t commented in awhile, but I still read. Love all ya, and your insightful, funny, and witty comments.
embe: His voice is like medicine… It pierces your heart and it´s like when your heart pumps blood through your veins and reaches all the way to your fingertips and just everywhere… I feel like David´s voice blends together with my blood and keeps me alive or something.
This is soooo not! stupid. It is lovely. And so many of us in the David fanworld can relate to it. And yes, those PECS!!
JesseQ: Welcome back! Love the way you used David’s first two videos for backdrop for this new song.
JesseQ -- how nice to see your “face” here LOL. And I really enjoyed your “faux” video. Nicely sequenced! That song is growing on me.
Embe, WHAT?!?! What did you say? Can you say that again, I didn’t quite hear you?
I must JOIN you in your PECS fixation. I watched the Let It Be video at the timestamp you gave and I must say, he was having a Very Good Shirt Day.
Oh YES Almighty, Let It Be!!
JesseQ, I totally agree with you about the Spanish version, and I’m with you and Rascal that it was better that David not be involved in the WATW #2.
embe, I am curious to know how you came across David in Finland? Do you get American Idol? How did you get ODD??
joner, thanks for the link to the long but interesting Sharon Osborne article. David is such an old and wise soul I don’t ever worry about him (I’m sure many of you feel the same way) losing his perspective on what’s most important in life, no matter how long he continues to be a part of the music industry which Sharon calls “brutal, unforgiving and treacherous”.
JesseQ, thanks for the “faux” video (LOL LIZ and Jesse!) I absolutely love David’s voice in She’s Not You. I first saw the lyrics on Snarkies without knowing that there was actually a “leaked” track. I thought this can’t be a David song! It’s not at all what he said he wanted to do. He had said in some interview some time late last year that he won’t be writing about the kind of love stuff that maybe teenagers would want to talk about (paraphrasing) and he laughed. But after listening to his voice, I just love it whether it is a great song or not in itself. The only thing I wish for is if it is going to be a song with a good beat, I would love to hear real drums and not the synthesized machine beat sound.
jackryan4da: Thank you for your lovely comment
I´ll definitely be posting more -- I love this website. So glad I found it!
Marlie7: Heh, I just couldn´t really explain it the way I wanted to, but I´m glad you “got” me. David´s voice just flows through your body somehow -- freaky! lol
ronaldsf: Well, to translate, I said something along the lines of “OMG, what the heck am I gonna do with this guy”
And I´m shocked that the “Let the pecs be” -video hasn´t caught more attention in the Archu-world -- or maybe some people don´t want David to grow up and refuse to acknowledge the fact that he is so buff it makes me wanna cry lol.
Vermeer: Yes, we have American Idol here. I think the first season we had was season 5. Not sure though.
I´m a singer myself, and have always been fascinated by shows like AI, ´cause it shows how people can grow as performers if they just put their minds to it. Before David´s audition there was a teaser about it, like “next time on American Idol” and of course I wanted to see what the fuss was about concerning this dark and cute boy
So, when the next episode aired, I was waiting for David´s part.
And then it came. And then came Hollywood week. And his damn “just rolled out of bed” -hair and subtle speaking voice and beautiful face just captured me. So when he sang “Heaven”… Well, let´s just say I replayed it on Youtube for like eighteen times until I had to accept the fact that yes, that was indeed the most capturing voice I had ever heard and I would NEVER be able to pull that off (yup, the only thing I dislike about David is that he makes me feel like the worlds worst singer).
The specific part of “Heaven” was the word “your” when he sang “and I found it there in your heart”. I can do it, but that´s just it -- I heard it from David, who didn´t think about it when he did it. And I´m just copying.
The thing about season 7 was, that while I had previously watched in awe as people like Katherine McPhee or other big voices belted out the most amazing performances, my mom died of cancer the 26th of March 2008. And I started watching the season before that, and after that I just needed something to distract me for even a split second, so I wouldn´t think and think and think about my mom. So David brought me solace. When I was watching him, he just captured me in a moment and I it was like an asylum. It helped tremendously. David lived that phase with me and I hope someday I´ll get to meet him and tell him that.
Oh gosh, sorry this is so long! I´ll just put the link to my band´s myspace here, if ya wanna hear what kind of music we make and now I´ll stop writing lol.
http://www.myspace.com/mojoplant
embe: Your story about going through hard times when you first saw David -- and him bringing you some escape, perhaps some solace -- is echoed throughout the ArchuUniverse. So many people at different times have talked about being in a bad place when they first saw David and how his voice just poured like a balm over their heart and soul.
And now, those of us that have followed him, can turn on his music and still get that zen-like experience, or a moment of joy in a day filled with hurry-up and frustration.
So glad you are here!
PS -- and if that is you singing on your site, girl, you got chops!
OMGosh, when will this craziness end? And to think we were so fearful of the ArchuDrought! I just opened my inbox and look at the surprise waiting:
David as Dr. Seuss (In honour of Dr. Seuss’s birthday and National Read Across America Day)
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=b168764a61c78fdf67cd7f7bd65f7eef6938bd80f65777c8292b492bd5edc68e
hello tdc… from the fod front page… don’t know if you all have seen this yet… my inner geek loves this… the scholarship web site is awesome…
============================================================
The David Archuleta Music Scholarship for Murray High School
============================================================
”Last fall, a group of fans got together trying to come up with alternative gifts to give David for Christmas and his birthday! They wanted to come up with something that may have a lasting impression, and would show David the love that he always shows to his fans. Brainstorming began….
~~~WE ARE PLEASED AND HONORED TO ANNOUNCE~~~
THE DAVID ARCHULETA MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP
David has done so much for his fans. We would like to honor him by showing our support for this wonderful cause ….gifting talented students with scholarships to encourage them to keep the music alive.
Each year the music scholarship(s) will be awarded to a senior student(s) from David’s home town high school: Murray High School, in Murray Utah. These will be given to those who have plans of furthering their education in Music”.
http://www.thedavidarchuletamusicscholarship.org/
marlie7: Your words always have so much wisdom in them, I don´t know what to do with it! But seriously, David has affected so many lives by just being himself, and that takes a character out of this world. Yes, he is human, but still the closest thing to a magical, spiritual being.
What I have done to deserve his soothing voice caressing every fiber of my being I´ll never know. But I am so thankful for him, I could write a letter ten times the lenght of his album´s linear notes and it still wouldn´t be long enough to express my feelings for him. I hope I´ll get to tell him someday.
And BTW, yes -- that is me singing on that myspace site. Thank you for the compliment
My band Mojo Plant has an official website in both Finnish and English, if ya wanna take a look. It´s http://www.mojoplant.net.
Oh, and I have this thing with putting names together with faces, so here´s my face lol. Not a good picture and it´s like 6 months old but anyway
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs214.snc1/8126_152125764234_704724234_2442501_7792828_n.jpg
JesseQ, your video is AMAZING! Has it been posted on other sites yet? And please stop by and comment more often!
Embe, I love that moment you mention in Heaven. I think that’s one of his best vocals -- it was so amazingly rich and detailed, and you really can listen to it over and over. Not like so many young singers who hit a note and it’s flat (not poorly-pitched, but just plain), but David is doing all these things with dynamics that his voice quivers with feeling.
I listened to your Myspace, and I like your voice! Does you guys do mostly slower songs? I hope things go well for you and the band!
And while we’re matching faces with names… First of all, are you a model, too?
As for me, I’m currently in Detroit (the “sf” in my name refers to my hometown of San Francisco), and experiencing a real winter for the first time. The snow is still new and magical to me, so I guess you can say I’m still luvin it lol. I’m sure you’re used to it in Finland 
After last night’s American Idol male singers turned in mediocre performances (at best, except for perhaps 1 or 2 of them), The New York Post had this to say (and a lovely video to show to prove their point). Don’t miss it!
http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/popwrap/imagine_talented_top_on_idol_this_1GaRRoktOkpjt8ZNrG5iSL
I watched AI tonight, and must say that there were a few girls I liked: namely Crystal, Katelyn, and Siobhan. Siobhan hit a note that will probably be referred to all season. Crystal had a nice musicianship and soul about her.
But as for the boys, ohmygoshashley was I crying tears of embarrassment and pain. David Archuleta has been getting a lot of mentions in Google News lately because of Aaron Kelly. *cue torches* Well, let me just say that I think the references will end soon, if the world were fair. But alas: I think he’ll concentrate the Sanjaya vote for some more weeks. Crap.
Got these from IDF:
There’s some fun comments to read on the Somos El Mundo video on YouTube:
‘quien es el chavo que sale en el 2 30
canta muy bien
diganme please”
” ustedes me podrian desir quien es el chico de 2:32 ”
Alguien me puede decir quien es el chico que canta al minuto 2:31 me encanta su voz, pero no tengo idea de quien es.
ayuda porfa!!
Who’s the young guy at 2:30? He sings really well. Tell me please.
Guys can you tell me who is the guy at 2:32
Someone tell me who is the guy who sings at minute 2:31. I love his voice, but I have no idea who he is. Please help!
Ronald: I watched AI tonight too, and have to agree with your choices. And OMG, that note! A little bit of Aretha in that tiny, quirky white girl
Ronald: The comparisons are getting thin and some are starting to realize that only the “cuteness” is comparable (although, they have to be nuts to put Aaron in the same category as David, JMHO). Here is a section of an article from Zap2It that begins to break the comparison…
“No. 5 Aaron Kelly
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Justin Bieber met Motown? Here it is with Aaron Kelly doing “My Girl” by the Temptations. Aaron took out the great falsetto parts like on “So much honey” and gave the song a very bland feel, though it was still a solid vocal in the first half. The second half had some rough spots, particularly the one falsetto part he didn’t quite reach. However, there was no emotion there. Aaron might just be too young. He doesn’t connect with the music or the audience and it’s because he has this great instrument and no idea what to do with it. He was all over the place Tuesday.
Simon agrees with me, but he knows it’s futile to criticize Aaron at this point because he’s adorable and will sail through. He’s David Archuleta minus Archie’s incredible voice. Just btw, Aaron pulls his own Pam Beezley in the clip from backstage last week when Simon compliments him and he gets so flustered that he turns back to the camera all, “What was the question?” It’s cute. “
ronaldsf: Thank you for listening to our songs! So cool
We have a good mix of slow and up-tempo songs, but not all of our songs are on myspace. We just made a cd with 7 songs on it. I´m the writer in my band and the melodies are made by the guitarist and the drummer, though we all bring something to the arrangements.
And LOL, no, I´m totally not a model
Although I did complete a modeling course once, but that was for ad-models, since I´m way too short to be anything else lol.
It´s been really snowy in Finland this winter -- people have been killed when trying to take the heavy snow of the roofs, because they´ve either fallen from the roof or suffocated under the snow. Not to say that it isn´t tragical and unfortunate, but umm HEY, that´s kind of a stupid thing to do! Where´s common sense when you need it…
Anyways, now there has been a few days that the temperature has risen above 0 celsius degrees, (which is 32 fahrenheits), but before that there was 90 days when the temperature was CONSTANTLY about -20 celsius degrees, (which is -4 fahrenheits) so it´s been a bit cold here. Here are a few pictures for ya to demonstrate the Finnish winter
Christmas eve with my dogs:
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs191.snc3/19865_279704624234_704724234_3117921_4200048_n.jpg
Our SUMMER cabin
Not so summery now:
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs271.ash1/19865_279704644234_704724234_3117922_1789174_n.jpg
From Lapland (and no, I don´t live there
I live in central Finland):
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs191.snc3/19865_273268404234_704724234_3091724_4532714_n.jpg
This is from Lapland too:
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs191.snc3/19865_273268429234_704724234_3091726_2450527_n.jpg
And finally, here´s a reindeer for you
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs171.snc3/19865_274692999234_704724234_3097727_5660133_n.jpg
But if you like snow, you´re very welcomed to come visit me here
And sorry about spamming and being so OT, won´t happen again. From now on I´m sticking strictly to the topic at hand
GGDOORSFAN -- what a inspiring idea! And what a great way to honor artistry and dedication of a musician like David. Thank you for always bringing informative and interesting news at TDC
Meanwhile, anyone care for another CRUSH @ TheMint -- complete, closer and this time FRONT VIEW! Thanks to 3rdstreetmusic
embe:
Thanks for sharing your story and your really cool pictures. All of that snow! Actually it looks very beautiful and peaceful, but I cannot imagine that constant cold- I am spoiled living in Florida. You are very pretty and your dogs are just adorable. Is the tan and white one part sheepdog?
just got this in my inbox… looks like a new david site is launching…
=========================================
The official David Archuleta site – A message to all members of DAVID ARCHULETA
Hello friends of David Archuleta!
We’re launching a brand new DavidArchuleta.com website and David needs your help! He needs you to sign up for the new site as this old one will be deleted. David is really excited for this new site because it will be the official spot for all things David including exclusive news, music, videos, tour information and more!
How you can help? Gather up all your friends and let them know to sign up for the new and improved DavidArchuleta.com Let’s get his new site to be one of the biggest sites ever! David appreciates your love and support.
The new site will be live this afternoon, so keep checking back at http://www.davidarchuleta.com!
Thanks!
-Admin
raelovingangels: I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Florida! I hope someday I´ll get to travel to the US and see New York and Florida and all the famous places
Not that anything´s stopping me, it´s just really expensive :/
The summer in Finland is actually very warm. Last summer was very hot and it was kinda difficult too, ´cause a lot of elderly people were like passing out and stuff. We really cope better with the cold lol. But I love summer and cannot wait for all this snow to go away.
Thank you for complementing my beloved dogs
The black and white one is a mutt. His name is Lugo, and he lived in the streets of Spain, but I adopted him. There´s really no way of telling what breeds Lugo is a mix of, but he definitely has some sheepdog in him, because he bites my other dog´s (Sepa) ankles when we go for a walk lol. I guess Lugo tries to keep Sepa inside our property or something.
Sepa (full name Sebastian) is an Italian Spinone. It´s a rare breed and really old too. Sepa is HUGE -- his height is almost 28 inches and he weighs over 110 lbs
But he is the kindest dog you´ll ever meet. He really should learn to defend himself!
Here are a couple of pics of them -- sorry again for being off topic, I just love to meet other David-fans and I love to use my English skills
Me and Sepa on a boat:
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs162.snc1/6056_113008394234_704724234_2044696_812748_n.jpg
The downside of owning a dog:
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs162.snc1/6056_113008419234_704724234_2044699_4947211_n.jpg
BFF´s:
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2067/163/33/704724234/n704724234_1155160_3681.jpg
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs032.snc1/3222_73820319234_704724234_1508472_3306565_n.jpg
Sepa doing what he loves -- carrying a toy around and begging us to compliment on it:
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2067/163/33/704724234/n704724234_1155215_7380.jpg
Lugo:
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2067/163/33/704724234/n704724234_1155511_7006.jpg
At our summercabin:
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7421_150729364234_704724234_2431586_7102028_n.jpg
Me with my boys <3
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2067/163/33/704724234/n704724234_1157924_705.jpg
Ok, that´s enough now! Heading to the sauna now (I can´t live without sauna!!!), then I´ll wait for the hubby to fall asleep so I can spend some quality time with David
Hi all and especially Embe!
Finally there is someone else from Finland!
I have been here and all the other sites from the beginning allthough I am lurking most of the time. But my love for David is strong as ever and I’ll do everything I can to help/promote/support him.
I have seen people coming and going, sites starting and ending, new fans coming and old ones leaving. But one thing stays, our love for David! Eventhough people starts to argue what Davis should do or sing or say or think or whatever they have never stopped loving him!
He is a very, very, very special one! Isn’t he?
And Imagine one day we’ll be as one… How strong we could be then…
JR -- I haven’t been by in a while… what a sweet article you’ve written, so BRAVO to you!
Off to buy the Somos el Mundo vid, but before I go, I found this little morsel while searching for the full rendition on YT. Thought you’d all enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWbxH-WIO3w
Rrrrrrrrrrrr! (practicing rolling my r’s!)
Just uploaded the behind-the-scenes vid of the Somos El Mundo Shoot w/ download link provided in the description box
Enjoy!
EMBE, NINA6161 — welcome to TDC. Hope to see you post more often.
EMBE -- you sound cool and look very pretty
Thanks for sharing your story and links
Thanks everyone for your kind words. HV — it has been a while! Check in more often
Nina6161 -- TERVE!
So nice to see I´m not the only Finn appreciating David´s talent. I have no idea about his Finnish fanbase, and couldn´t find anything on Google either… But his career is still at the beginning and it takes time to make oneself known in smaller areas, such as Finland lol.
jackryan4da: Thank you very much for your compliments -- blushing here!
I wrote this loooong post with pictures (for raelovingangels) but it´s still awaiting moderation and it´s very off topic too, so i dunno if they´re gonna publish it or not.