AI Tour Summer 2008
This annual tour takes the finalists across America. Since David had already signed a record contract, not only was he touring, he was recording every chance that he got for his upcoming debut CD. His set included four songs: Angels, Apologize, Stand By Me, and When You Say You Love Me. Night after night many were wowed by his voice, and many were starting to notice his charisma and growing performance technique. Before and after the venue throngs of fans waited in the summer heat to great him.

Crush
Headlines blared “Archuleta Crushes the Competition” after his debut single raced up the charts, topping iTunes just hours after its release. The song became both a chart and critical success and began to silence those who had considered David solely a ‘ballad boy’. “David Archuleta” the CD debuted at number two on Billboard and currently has sold approximately 700k in the US. Crush has sold 1.8 million downloads and is still an AC radio mainstay.

Jingle Ball/Jam
David appeared in a slew of mini sets across the US promoting his CD during the holiday season. The one that always comes to mind is the Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden, when David was sandwiched between Kanye West and Chris Brown. He not only fit right in… he rocked it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCG9vGeNnyU

Solo Tour
At the beginning of the year David embarked on his first solo tour, playing a couple of dozen medium sized venues. The reviews of both fans and critics were positive as David had grown as an entertainer, blossoming on stage before our very eyes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCG9vGeNnyU

Asia, home again and McFly
David got a Beatles style welcome from his Asian fans during his press events and promotional performances. Back in the states he returned to the Idol stage and, hampered by nerves, he later roasted his own performance. Finally David toured with the UK band McFly. Bolstered by his fans who came from far and wide, David relied on his pristine voice, stage presence, and matinee idol good looks to win over the McFly fans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owTfslYg8KY

Reunion
David Archuleta and David Cook performed a back-to-back concert in Manila. During their stay they were given a warm reception by the fans; both have strong fan bases there. The concert sold out. 50,000 tickets were sold, with reportedly an equal amount swarming the grounds outside the venue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4nk4XXaPAc

The Present
So much has been said, and will be said about how far David has come, and where this road will take him. What has impressed me the most about David is his drive and determination. He is both tenacious and humble. It’s taken him a long time to realize that yes, the fans come to see him. He seems to try hard to not miss an appearance or an opportunity to greet his fans. David works hard at his craft, but he plays just as hard, taking the opportunity to take in the local flavor of the city or country he visits whenever he can. He’s a young man playing with slime at the Kid’s Choice Awards, and the next he’s working the stage with more than a hint of sass and maturity. I have no doubt that this is David’s passion. There is no question for me but that this is what he was put on this earth to do.

The Future
As another cycle of American Idol begins, and another winner and runner have been determined what can we expect as David’s ties to the show are perhaps relaxed? Will David become a Disney icon? Or will he become, as many of us hope, the type of performer he admires? Will he have the respect of someone like John Mayer, or the cool reputation of Jason Mraz? Soon he will go on tour with Demi Lovato, and is also working on material for his second CD. With talent like David’s, expectations must be high. I have no crystal ball. No prognostications. I do expect that it will be something to keep his growing fan base talking, tweeting, and blogging. I mean, how can we not? He’s done so much in this year since Idol ended, I can only imagine what he will do with even more confidence and experience. I think his future is bright. The accolades will be many. Yes, he’ll stumble sometime, but he’s shown resilience that belies the image many had of him. He’s come a long way in this incredible year.

-brooklyndawn

(And thanks to our own vermeer for the beautiful artwork.)

Various Interviews & Special Appearances during Idol Tour

01 David Archuleta @ ET NewsLink feat Top10 PRACTICING WHERE IS THE LOVE (19 June 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DASraBmIVj0

08-02 David Archuleta @ YoungHollywood – The Davids Hit the Road (Idol Tour)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a4ljn68DQA

03 David Archuleta @ YoungHollywood Interview (Idol Tour)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRpFW5ZDUC0

04 David Archuleta @ people.com backstage w/ Touring Idols (20 June 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBf_RtdWep8

05 Davids Archuleta w/ Top10 @ MyFox Phoenix – AI Tour Interview (20 June 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaLdkf_LOyk

06 David Archuleta & Carly Smithson @ AIS7 Tour – THIS WILL BE FUN! (20 June 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3B9_TYM4MA

07 David Archuleta w/ Top 10 @ Hollywood411 Idol Tour Interview (20 June 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG4YbO8mxeo

08 David Archuleta @ Idol Tour @ Fox04 KC (21 June 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN2kl_2wBqU

09 David Archuleta @ TheInsider feat AIS7 Top10 on Idol Tour (23 June 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7DyX08_pMk

10 David Archuleta w/ the Top 10 @ ET Interview (23 June 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg7Xix94PpI

11 David Archuleta @ Fox10 Phoenix feat Top10 Interview on Idol Tour (01 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipxQPQKhsjA

12 David Archuleta Full Length Interview @ Fox10 Phoenix feat on the Idol Tour

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdUZWjZNUQI

13 David Archuleta Interview @ TheChaparral – San Diego Stop, Idol Tour (02 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBHEan2VdkY

14 David Archuleta @ San Diego Union Tribune Interview (02 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FcKiZB5zb0

15 AIS7 Top 10 Idols @ KSEE 24 Interview (03 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1rYGXtNvj4

16 David Archuleta @ TVG Hollywod411 feat on Idol Tour w/ J Guarini (07 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gvp1GQQ1Wq0

17 David Archuleta @ Idol Tour Interview – Las Vegas Stop (07 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoEyEuGblAo

18 David Archuleta @ ET Paula Abdul AfterIdol – Backstage Tour Interviews (08 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfvseIwvg4w

19 David Archuleta @ Fox11 News feat Idol Tour LA stop (07 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m2whv1SRfo

20 David Archuleta @ ENews feat Idol Tour – TRUE OR FALSE (08 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rg7Kprd1mlU

21 David Archuleta @ ENews Interviews feat 2008 Idol Tour (08 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU2R-hOhJ0w

22 David Archuleta SLEEP TALKS & SLEEP SINGS @ Fox40 News Interview feat Idol Tour (09 July 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sY1gmCscgo

23 David Archuleta FULL Appearance @ Good Day UT – Idol Tour Promo (14 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qpNtCl46fU

24 David Archuleta @ Good Day UT – CRAZY & WOTWTC (14 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtyrBK_h0n0

25 Utahns Love David Archuleta – Idol Tour SLC Stop (14 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-0CcEverYQ

26 David Archuleta Interview @ Fox13 feat Idol Tour SLC Stop Day 01(14 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-0k6QEytec

27 David Archuleta @ Hollywood411 feat Idol Tour – Backstage Pass SLC stop (14 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIDGcWuDhHs

28 David Archuleta @ DHTV Interview – Backstage Idol Tour (14 July 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSnHELz6-ps

29 David Archuleta TEASER @ KSL Studio5 Guesting (14 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfZ-xP3Tl7I

30 David Archuleta FULL Appearance @ Studio5 – Idol Tour Promo (15 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYvY4N5aNPQ

31 David Archuleta @ Studio5 – CRAZY & HEAVEN (15 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PxU_uzIgMM

32 David Archuleta @ Hollywood411 – Idol Tour Backstage Pass (aired 15 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_6Xxyup-G8

33 David Archuleta @ KSLNews feat Studio5 guesting – Idol Tour Promo (15 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vVsXbDVYCc

34 David Archuleta @ Fox19 Cincinnati Idol Tour Backstage Interviews (23 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye51TlzIMUI

35 David Archuleta @ USA2day feat – What’s Next for Idol’s Top 10? (24 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g725kBsklg

36 David Archuleta & the rest of the AIS7 Top10 @ BTS Idols Live 2008 (24 July 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9C4zwYQ3Sk

37 David Archuleta @ CTVNews feat IDOL TOUR Canada Stop (26 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nercnmeJLWQ

38 David Archuleta @ Idol Tour Interview – Pittsburgh Stop (29 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBdh2uq_ayI

39 David Archuleta @ FoxNews Interview – Idol Tour Newark, NJ Stop (30 Jul 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm6WVOJy8KY

40 David Archuleta @ Fox5 NYC – Idol Tour NY Stop (04 Aug 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zg_7nybEtc

41 David Archuleta FULL BTS Look – Idol Tour @ LKL Live! Interview w/ the AIS7 Top10 (21 Aug 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ApCEpwV3Jo

42 David Archuleta @ MyFoxKC – Idol Tour Interview (29 Aug 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33MfmLZHVpg

43 David Archuleta @ PopTart Interview Idol Tour (30 Aug 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eRp4B9FlJ0

44 David Archuleta Interview w/ Emily Richett @ AIS7 Idol Tour Grand Rapids Stop (03 Sept 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs0JpWbP8KM

45 David Archuleta @ MyFox Tulsa – Idol Tour interview (13 Sept 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6c5VG2eDLU

46 David Archuleta w/ the rest of Top10 @ NASDAQ Closing Bell (01 Aug 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjvny-tnQ-o

Thrilling tour finale performance of “Angels” in Tulsa. Wow, David. Just wow.
Update: Thanks to ronaldsf for the new video mix.

Whoever thought David was inarticulate hasn’t been paying attention. Bittersweet is certainly the word, even for us.

Keeping in mind the fact that they do get their pound of flesh first, last, and always, I do have to credit the whole Idol machine for at least one thing when it comes to our boy. David does not strike me as the kind of artist who would have had the gumption, the temerity–perhaps even the ambition–to have carved out on his own anything like the kind of career he is likely to have now. Sure, any artist is going to get a major boost of an opportunity from Idol, but many of those artists might have also found ways on their own, eventually, to make their mark. I’m not so sure about David. I almost hate to say it, but someone like David may have needed American Idol’s Borg-like indoctrinations more than most. There’s a reason why he grew up on it, why he was destined for it.

More, even, than for a ready-made public, David needed Idol for himself. I think it might have been Justin Guarini who said that American Idol is like a hyper-intensive master class of all things entertainment. Like the Hollywood studio system of old, the immersion into everything from production to press to legal that the top ten contestants experience helps them learn in the span of a year what it takes most other performers five or ten years to absorb–and that’s if they pursue it with zeal and have a lot of luck. David is a fast learner (the improvement in just his public demeanor from a year ago is unmistakable), but he is not a spotlight-seeker. I wonder if he would have insinuated himself into situations that offered anywhere near the analogous experiences he’s had as a result of this mixed-blessing of a show.

On the one hand, I couldn’t be happier to see him leaving AI behind (gosh, I just dread seeing his clips–or, God forbid, him–showing up on cheap syndications of American Idol Rewind). On the other hand, David may never again be in a position to be so available to his public and so protected and supported by his peers at the same time. He’ll be on his own, now.

Well, maybe not entirely. He’s got us.

This has to be one of my favorite photographs from the entire tour, taken last night in Charlotte. At the risk of reading too much into it (Mamma Josie insists, “he’s just being seventeen;” I remind her that she’s not a guy and couldn’t possibly understand the importance of such frat-boy style mischievousness), there is so much here I don’t even know where to begin.

First and perhaps foremost, I don’t think David would have been caught dead doing this even two months ago. The fact that he his feeling his oats, as it were, expressing his new-found freedoms and power, especially in blatant disregard for the uptight pronouncements of the tour producers against any “unauthorized choreography or stage shenanigans,” is to me extremely amusing and very encouraging. David always shows so much deference, so much humility, that I confess I privately worry now and then whether he’ll be able to, well, do what he’s doing in the picture and take some names if necessary. I read this as a pretty hilarious indication that it’s well within his grasp.

Judging by the spate of fan videos that have been posted over the past week or so, David is undoubtedly revealing a more rogueish side of himself, and I for one couldn’t be happier to see it. It’s not just the revelation of his comfort level in public settings that I find so appealing, but the indications of a more faceted personality. I’ve had a number of indications of this from private sources, so it’s not that it’s a surprise, but seeng him express it more openly is a dang lot of fun.

Finally, I think it’s hilarious to think about how this photograph might be used in, say, oh, I don’t know… late November…?

This photograph from the Worcester show inspires me to imagine how exciting it will be when David can really carry a concert on his own. It’s hard to know when that will be.

Some of you got very annoyed with me because I had issues with David’s performance at the concert I attended. I felt that there was a substantial gap between the degree of care and discrimination he puts into his songs and the almost complete lack of same in his non-singing moments. It’s not that I felt that there was any significant amount of discomfort in his patter, his presence, or in his audience rapport–he was entirely competent–it’s just that he has not yet gotten to a place where his skill in that dimension is anywhere near where his skills are in the musical portions. But the cha-ruth of the matter is that the whole thing is a performance, and David will eventually learn that.

Don’t get me wrong–it’s not “professionalism” per se that I’m looking for in the non-musical dimension, the last thing I would ever want to see is David Archuleta somehow becoming “slick” like Cook or Cook; I’ll be the first to mourn if he ever relinquishes the aw-gosh laughs or even the slight physical awkwardness that betrays such an appealing vulnerability. What I am looking for, and which will eventually happen (I have no doubt), is the same level of conscious command of the stage and the audience as he so brilliantly displays in his songs: A great concert is not a series of disconnected musical moments but a total experience.

I’ve always been reluctant to bring up this analogy, despite the fact that I’ve thought of it often in regards to David, because it’s such an old-school reference, but here goes. Seeing Judy Garland live in concert was reputed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. People who were not even big fans of hers would apparently emerge from her shows with tears and laughter and drained of every ounce of emotional energy. Garland had a unique ability to juxtapose incredible skill, unparalleled professionalism, and immense vulnerability. You never knew what to expect from her, yet at the same time you knew you were in extremely capable hands. It was a thrilling combination of suspense and trust. David’s potential for emotional impact across an entire show is no less than Garland’s, in my opinion. The nature of the impact would obviously not be the same (Garland was as much a cynic as a wide-eyed child, making for both hilarity and pathos), but the degree to which an audience can be moved by an artist in an evening’s performance is as potentially significant in the case of David Archuleta.

For the sake of peace, I also want to make a couple of things clear about these observations. First, I think that one of the challenges with a talent like David is that because his skill in certain areas is so remarkable, that it sets up expectations in other areas where he is not as prodigal and where he lacks experience. These gaps won’t last. He is a fast learner. And, I want to make it clear that although no one expects him to be anywhere other than where he is right now (and goodness knows, that’s enough — I’m not sure my heart could take any more), that it doesn’t obviate the opportunity to offer thoughtful, constructive criticism.

Finally, on a personal note, I’d like to make it clear that although I welcome dissenting opinions and support healthy debates, there are two things I will not support here on notingDavid, so take note: (1) I will not tolerate personal attacks of even the most benign nature, in other words, criticize the idea, not the person; and (2) I will not respond well to suggestions or implications that I do not support David one-hundred percent, one-hundred percent of the time. If for whatever reason such a thing occurs to you, then you are laboring under a misapprehension. In any case, if that’s the way you feel, keep it to yourself.

There were a couple of things that Jeff said that gave me some encouragement about his current relationship with David. One was, “He really doesn’t need a lot of help from me, he knows what he wants.” That doesn’t sound to me like a man who is looking to imprint his own stamp on anything.

Mamma Josie (pictures just don’t convey how youthful and beautiful she is) had me hysterical with her entreaties to Jeff on getting David to change up the horrendous wardrobe the clueless AI stylists have saddled him with. “I can’t really tell him that,” Jeff said, which impressed me immensely. The man obviously knows where his boundaries are. I suggested that the reason David won’t make a change is because he doesn’t want to offend the stylist. Jeff agreed.

Jeff is visible at this point because he is required to be by law. That is not to say that he is not actively engaged with David’s career and involved in his current album production–Jive no doubt views Jeff as David’s manager, whether or not that is an official title. He was extremely complimentary about Jive’s deference to David’s artistic inclinations, his song selections, and even his views on production choices and directions. David is clearly being given a major role in all aspects of the work.

One of the most exciting things about the efforts underway is David’s contributions to songwriting. According to Jeff, four or five of David’s songs have already been recorded, and remain in serious contention for inclusion on the album. That’s a pretty major development, in my view, one that holds exciting implications for the trajectory of David’s career–not to mention his finances.

David was plainly exhausted and admitted, finally, that he hadn’t been feeling well. He had given up dairy due to its phlegmatic properties (“but it’s also acidic,” he explained, “it’s weird”), but he had apparently fell off the wagon (see, he really is human). “I need to get off it again,” he said.

When we first walked into the small, windowless room that had been designated for the meet-and-greet, David and Kristy Lee were hovered around the wall-mounted monitor watching the Olympic men’s swimming finals. They had clearly been following the contest and were invested in the proceedings. Sayehsa was perched on a chair, like royalty (but with none of the attitude), and communicating silently to save her voice. She is an amazingly beautiful woman in person, and her performance of Listen was off the hook, incredible. The rest of the kids were there, too, except for David Cook and Michael Johns. Michael showed up later and had everyone laughing in about thirty seconds. Jason is a sweetheart, and mentioned how difficult it is to sleep on the bus. Cook never made an appearance.

I had been so taken with Kristy Lee that I approached her first, when she was between fans.

“Kristy, listen,” I said, a bit conspiratorially, “don’t take this the wrong way because you’re not at all my type if you catch my drift but how freaking hot are you?”

She beamed at me and laughed. She is utterly gorgeous.

“And I mean, in every possible way,” I continued, “you absolutely owned that stage, you were amazing. I could have watched you all night.”

She seemed genuinely happy to hear it and gracious in her gratitude. We talked for bit about the Olympics, but I had a hard time hiding the fact that I was being distracted by watching David interact with his fans. The first thing you notice about him (even on stage, but more so up close), no matter how many images you’ve seen of him, is how small he is. I mean, the kid is downright diminutive. Then, you notice his skin. It is pretty much a miracle, any human’s dream.

Now, I’m not going to sugar-coat it and say that I didn’t get the feeling from watching him that he wouldn’t  have rather been snuggled up in bed watching the Olympics, and that there wasn’t a distinct sense of obligation underway, but I am also one-hundred-percent certain that not one of the people who went up to him had even the slightest notion that he wasn’t precisely where he wanted to be at that very moment. He has an uncanny ability to be extremely generous while maintaining a certain reserve. And you can only really see it if you are not engaged with him, because when you are, he has you hook, line and sinker.

When there was finally a lull in the que, I made my move.

“You’re so good to them,” I said.

He looked at me and smiled. “Oh, thanks,” he said, with a sincerity that made me believe he really appreciated the observation.

“So listen, I write about you.” I said, somewhat tentatively.

“Oh?”

“Yeah, you know, I have this blog… Your dad knows about it, I think he tells people to read it.”

“Oh, wow.”

“Yeah. But you don’t have to read it. I think I’d be embarrassed.”

He laughed, really gently. “Oh, no….”

“So, I know you hear a lot about how people enjoy your work and everything, but I really just wanted to tell you one of the reasons that, to me, makes you so special.”

That’s when I got the eyes. Like enormous saucers they lock onto you, and the world disappears. The only reason I have any idea what came out of my mouth next is because I had planned what I was going to say and I have a vague recollection that something resembling my intention was communicated. Otherwise, it is sealed up in Archieworld, never to be retrieved.

I think I tried to speak slowly, for emphasis.

“David, beyond everything else–the sound of your voice, your mad skills–you have impeccable taste. I don’t mean in picking songs–I mean, you pick great songs, too–but the discrimination you show in your musical choices, what you decide to do–and not do–with the skills you have.”

He didn’t say a word. He just beamed at me with a face so open that you could swim in it.

“I was really reminded of it when you sang The Long and Winding Road and Randy was all, ‘Yo, dude, you know, that’s where you can take some liberties, do some runs, work it out, dawg.”

He smiled generously at my horrendous impression.

“But I’m watching and thinking, ‘No! That’s what makes you so smart–that you could have done all of that but had the good sense and the good taste not to.”

He didn’t say “Oh my gosh,” he didn’t say “wow,” he didn’t say anything. He just kept looking at me. I took a liberty and put my hand on his shoulder and sort of rubbed his arm with a kind of parental affection.

“Don’t ever lose that.”

I moved to step away and allow him an audience with the trio of young girls who had started hovering.

With his eyes still locked on me he said rather quietly, “Thank you.”

Josie was right behind me as I turned around, and sort of frantic. “What did you say? What did you say?” She had a look on her face that I took to be alarm.

“Why?” I asked, getting a little concerned.

“Because! The way he was looking at you! My god! I took pictures!”

I burst out laughing. “You took pictures of him while I was talking to him?”

“Yes! You should have seen him!”

“Oh, I did. I did.”

Tomorrow: Meeting Jeff.

Seven hours of traffic, torrential rains, and hit radio. I wanted to slit my wrists.

To say that the trip did not have an auspicious beginning would be the height of understatement. I got a late start, but for good reason. I ran into Cody online and got some very inside information, some of which has to do with David’s album, and which, if it does indeed come to pass, will very good news. Especially for David. (There. That’s your hint.) Then, someone who shall remain nameless (Josie) kept me online with her hilarious fanaticism and considerable charm. I didn’t think the the difference of ninety minutes was going to make all that much of a difference and perhaps it didn’t, but I don’t think I went more than twenty miles-per-hour for the first three hours of the trip (the whole thing was only supposed to be four-and-a-half). The traffic reports were along the lines of, ” …the volume on ninety-five is causing major delays this afternoon, it just seems like everyone decided to go north all of a sudden!” Great.

Even though, as most of you know, I tend to take the long view when it comes to David’s career and don’t tend to obsess over every permutation, I did think it would be fun to hear his song on the radio, and especially since I only listen to radio music in the car, and don’t drive very often (living in New York City as I do), this seemed like a good opportunity to try and catch it. So, instead of putting in Oscar Peterson or Ella Fitzgerald for a long drive as I would normally do, I scanned perpetually for the hit music station in every broadcast zone I drove through.

Let me just say right off the bat that the state of pop music today seems a rather sorry state of affairs. Everything is so processed to within an inch of its life that when something like Colbie Caillat’s “Bubbly” or even Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long” comes on, it’s like finding an apple and a slice of ripe camembert in the midst of a deep-fried fast food feast. The one track of pure pop that got my attention included the lyrics, “I got a pocket full of sunshine” and “take me away.” Really smart but still perfectly pop, I thought, nice work… When I eventually had a chance to look this one up, what do I find but that it’s one of David’s favorites, indeed the artist he is rumored to be duetting with on his album, the one and only Natasha Beddingfield. Oh, the boy’s got taste, people, the boy’s got taste.

I never did hear “Crush,” but I was unable to endure the hit radio station investigation for the entire journey, so maybe I missed it. I had a CD I’d made and labeled “Archie,” which, at one point, I slipped into the CD player out of sheer desperation. When I looked up after the momentary glance down to make the insertion, there was an enormous street sign in front of me for Arch Road. Several hours later, when I decided I needed another break from the radio wasteland and put “Archie” in once again, I looked up and–no, I don’t think I can write it. It sounds all too… well, too unicorns and puppy dogs. Okay, I’ll spill it. But I want it on record that I am drawing no explicit correlation between putting David’s music on and seeing what I saw; I am merely reporting a sequence of events… After putting David’s music in for the second time, I looked up to see what I can only describe as the largest, brightest, most vivid and colorful rainbow I’ve ever seen in all my years. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I would have sworn it was a special effect from Hollywood or Photoshop. There was no doubt in my mind that every car on the road with more than a single individual was just then commenting on the wonder that traversed the entire expanse of the sky. “Don’t let the sun… go down on me…” he sang. The incredible sight lasted nearly thirty minutes. Just about the length of the CD.

How Josie knows me so well having not even met me in person I don’t know (she half jokingly refers to her psychic abilities; from what I’ve seen, it’s no joke), but her suggestion to me of where to stay was, in a word, perfection. I tend be rather high-maintenance about hotels–squeamish, even–but Wentworth by the Sea turned out to be a real delight. The food itself is worth the trip, and although I would give the service perhaps three stars instead of five, the geniality of New Hampshire people in general more than made up for any minor gaps. Being from New York, one can’t help but be a little skeptical in the face of such spontaneous kindness–I kept wondering what they wanted from me. Nothing, it turned out, that’s just the way they are. Crazy!

Okay, enough chit-chat. The concert. I suppose I could go on about how American Idol is such a machine that it’s hard not to be impressed by how they’re able to turn out such professional-looking shows with such margin-enancing efficiency, but I’ll spare you the cynicism. Suffice it to say that no expense was allotted without excruciating review. And then denied. The thing about seeing these kids live is that television distorts things. Sometimes to their benefit and sometimes to their detriment. To me, the biggest surprise of the night was Kristy Lee Cook. The girl commanded the stage like almost nothing I’ve ever seen. I can’t believe I’m saying it, but she’s a star. And hot? Smoking doesn’t even begin to cover it. And, the same goes for the other Cook. His stage presence is immense. His control over a crowd is really quite something to behold. Something our own dear beloved David could–and I hope is–learning from.

At the risk of committing Archie Angel blasphemy, I’m going to report that our dear David has some work to do. In an interesting way, he and Cook are almost direct opposites. Cook’s command of the stage is so impressive that the fact that what he actually delivers is so terribly common is sort of beside the point–he is an entertainer of the highest order. Archie, on the other hand, is the opposite experience. His stage presence is based almost entirely on what he delivers in performance (which is, of course, utterly spectacular), not on any conscious command of the stage and the crowd. This, I think, is a problem. It is an unfortunate fact that David is not going to be able to ride out his career on musical genius and heart-connected singing alone. Oh, sure, those for whom David’s guilelessness is part of his charm will always be able to open themselves to the miracle of his voice, but many others will need to be led with a bit more surety. Audiences want to be manipulated; they want to feel that a performer not only knows what they want but how they want it delivered. David understands that every song is a story, but I am not yet convinced that he understands that every performance is a story, too.

David offstage is another thing entirely. Everything you’ve heard is true. He is, in a sense, other-worldly. There is indeed an aura around him, although it is, I would say, as much of a protection as it is anything else. There is a slight distance about him, like a fawn in the forest that is stunning in its beauty and strangely welcoming in its gaze, but ultimately reluctant to let you get too close. There is something decidedly precious about David, but it is not fragile. I got this sense about him from the very beginning and I felt it quite strongly in his presence: David is an unusually powerful individual, with an iron resolve and steely determination. Make no mistake: David’s gentle compassion is the sign of a spiritual warrior. No one will ever get him to do what is not in his heart to pursue.

More stories and photos to come.

David has displayed an ability to assess new situations rapidly and incorporate his learning without sacrificing any of his unique characteristics. The challenges involved in working a crowd can be formidable, but after several weeks of performances David has clearly raised his game in this regard. His affection for his home turf in Utah certainly helps, but there is a considerable level of comfort and control in evidence here that offers exciting glimpses of what David is likely to bring to adoring audiences in the years to come. The ‘gosh laughs’ are still there (I hope they never disappear), but now too is some real bravado, and a level of ownership of the stage that we haven’t quite seen before.

I’ve said that when David has dominion, no one can touch him, and here’s a great example, Stand By Me from the Tuesday night show in Salt Lake City. Note how he works the crowd before the number. Becky/ITTO’s videos are also some of the best we’ve seen yet–be sure to check out the rest of her recent posts at YouTube.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8ocjwxB8_A]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvoFTlj7bAg