I’ve had one of those evenings when I didn’t feel like working. And so I took a walk through my video library. I have no wisdom to impart, no analysis to provide. I just want to share these videos that are in my all-time favorites list.

I want to hear David sing. I want to watch David move around the stage and hunker down. I want the new CD and a tour so baaaaddddddddd.

Enjoy!

Touch My Hand and Waiting for Yesterday, Leicester, UK – McFly Tour

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbWBZP7V44E

Stand By Me – Manila, May 16, 2009 Concert with David Cook

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvVNuLEw3t8

My Hands – Salt Lake City – March 27, 2009

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTPHlG08MZI

Don’t Let Go  - Greensboro, NC, July 29, 2009

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEMqNqWFS6U

Apologize – Las Vegas, NV, July 18, 2009  

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa0HDoJpPZc

Zero Gravity – Sunrise, Florida, August 1, 2009.  He uses every inch of that stage.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=12rcRYx7D8s

Contigo en la distancia at the 2009 ALMA awards

www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6FsfvxyyT8

David, who usually expresses uncertainty when talking to fans about his upcoming music, is overcome with excitement in his latest video blog when talking about his upcoming album:

I just can’t wait for you guys to hear these songs! … I feel you guys will really get to feel me in these songs because I’m… a part of the writing, and so part of my ideas and just how I feel are in these songs.

Aside from the involuntary joy one feels while viewing a David video blog, one can’t help but feel enormous anticipation with this one as well. For David—who is a perfectionist in many things and admires the musical greats of the past—to feel a sense of accomplishment and joy in sharing his own musical production can only bode well for the quality of his second pop venture. David’s unique choices in selecting and styling his songs reveal an impeccable musical instinct.

How many frikkin songs has David written already? It seems like it’s almost every day we receive a tweet announcing a new song that David helped write. David’s first album was largely written for him, and recorded in hasty sessions at different stops over the course of the 2008 Idol Tour. David had very little time and/or experience to “find his voice” in the decision-making process regarding the larger choices for the album. Now, David’s initial forays in wielding a hand in his own destiny in both business and music will show their first fruits. David, Part Deux promises to surpass the original.

Okay, so David says that the next album will better reflect him? That we’ll “really get to feel” him in these songs? What will come from David’s self-admittedly and wonderfully “weird” and “spacey” mind? What should David’s confession of “me-ness” tell us about the musical styles and lyrics we can expect on the album?

Hardly anything at all, I’m afraid.

We have even less of an idea of what music is in store this time around, precisely because David has had such heavy involvement in the process. Any look at David’s musical and thematic inclinations will show that they are wildly varied. He can command a variety of genres, best exemplified during his American Idol days. One of the sources of excitement in following a young prodigious talent like David is the constant potential for surprise and discovery.

David has provided us with no hints. We’re left with looking back at what David has written or helped write in the past, to get any idea of what might be on the menu for his next album. So, shall we?

1. “Works for Me” – Sassy, Bluesy, Attitudy David?

How many of us thought David had a song like “Works for Me” in him? The song was co-written with Daniel Bedingfield and, with its soul influences and bluesy guitar hook, calls for strutting and finger-snapping. We also hear little bluesy, soulful touches that David brings on in full glory in his covers of “Crazy” and “Waiting on the World to Change.” All that’s missing is a glimpse of the Archuneck that David whipped out while singing “Shop Around.” In one interview, David has said that his new album will show more how he thinks. Looking at the lyrics to WFM, we see a witty, confident, and humorous side of David. Perhaps we’ll get to see some of this David in the album?

2. “Somebody Out There” – David the Love Balladeer?

Surprisingly, David’s first album did not include a ballad that had strong radio potential, especially given that this genre was the box many people put David in after his singing “Imagine.” It will be interesting to see whether David and the label opt for a strong ballad as one of his singles this time around. I thought that “Somebody Out There,” co-written with Mike Krompass, may not have had the potential of becoming a pop hit, but still it was the most musically interesting and lyrically strong of the three love ballads on David’s first album (though this was only on an extended version of the album). The lyrics and music expressed a simple, earnest, generous affection, spoken as if in an intimate conversation, that one doesn’t hear in many love ballads. Perhaps we will hear David bring some new ballads on his next album. The pop world needs a fresh, sincere voice like David’s.

3. “Don’t Tell Me” – The Rhythmic Pop Supah-Dupah Star?

This is another possible route that David and his management could use to establish some early commercial success off his album. While a young teenager, David apparently wrote the melody and lyrics to “Don’t Tell Me” while another musician filled out the arrangement. With a catchy melody that progresses well from one section to the next, it is an amazingly proficient piece of pop work, especially considering it came from such a young artist. When I first heard this, I immediately thought it was influenced by Christina Aguilera’s “Stripped” album – David probably could rock some rhythmic pop if wanted to. The verses to “A Little Too Not Over You” – also co-written by David in tandem with Mike Krompass – also show his melodic creativity in this mode of music.

4. “Falling” – David the Soul Artist at the Piano?

In my opinion, this song, though it didn’t cause a sensation in the fandom (see #5), gives the clearest glimpse of the heights David can potentially reach with his music. The MUSIC (ahh, the music!), with its dramatic chord passages and his tenor voice soaring above them, show a David that is prepared to and entirely capable of bringing forth big emotion in his music. Perhaps David will bring us something spiritual and transcendental? A message of social relevance? Or something exploring the painful side of the human experience? We shall see.

5. “Zero Gravity” – David the Club King?

Ahh, “Zero Gravity.” Did any of the fans expect David to produce a song that, with the right production, would comfortably fit on the same station with Ke$ha and Lady Gaga? Like “Don’t Tell Me,” ZG’s catchy hooks and natural progressions from one section to the next make it a very strong pop song. But even more than DTM, ZG is such an earworm that it just has you singing along after a few listens – which is a key ingredient for a pop radio hit, and means that this was possibly a lost opportunity for a second successful single. With pop music becoming increasingly influenced by techno and other kinds of dance music, one can see David and his label trying to experiment with a dance track or two on the new album, at least as bonus tracks.

Given David’s wide range of musical inclinations, one wonders how he and the label will come to an agreement as to what will be on his next album. Perhaps David’s album will be eclectic? Or perhaps it will be a cohesive mission statement that declares, “This is me”?

On that, we don’t have an answer either(!). And perhaps everything I have said has been worthless drivel based on wild speculation.

But that doesn’t make speculation any less fun.

So everybody join in!! What do you think will be on the menu? And what are you craving!

-Ronaldsf

The recent discussion surrounding David’s own personal Twittergate has brought to the surface, yet again, the political differences that lie among David’s fans. This debate has prompted heated exchanges and caused hurt feelings.

As crazy as it sounds, that only means that David must be doing his job.

In the course of David’s young, incipient career, he has accomplished the highly unusual feat of bringing together people from a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints under a single umbrella. His enigmatic appeal draws in young and old, socially conservative and liberal, men and women, straight and gay, and people from different cultural backgrounds and nations.

Many of us were struck by David’s performance of “Imagine” on American Idol, and felt his hope for a better world. But what was that world we imagined? It was a world “without religion.” Or a world with religion. Or a world of peace and cooperation. Or a world without the injustices that divide us. Or a world that upholds principles and morals. Or a world that embraces change and diversity.

In a word: a million-and-one things.

A song is not a conduit to a spiritual world that lies outside of this one: it is a call upon our imagination. It is a channel—in David’s hands a powerful, direct channel—to thoughts and emotions we otherwise could not access.  When David sings a song such as “Imagine,” we feel connected once again to our own hope in humanity, our own courage that we once thought lost, our better natures.

David’s greatest crime is that he does this so well, for so many. And the kicker is that David’s extraordinarily generous and compassionate nature means that his fans project all of their hopes not only onto his music, but onto him—he becomes each fan’s paragon of virtue. And so, in each fan’s eyes, David becomes that disciple who can most effectively spread to those who would otherwise live in darkness the “good word,” whatever that should be. He becomes that person on whom we can project our deepest and sincerest hopes for the world.

And so it should surprise absolutely no one that David walking into a gay bar and then responding to rumors with some inartful statements have aroused passion. Not only were fans’ differing political views placed in direct conflict, but hopes we had kept in our heads had slipped away as well. While there remains much disagreement, there is one thing everyone can agree on: no side can lay exclusive claim on David as their angel, which he never was in the first place.

The ongoing exchange here at TDC has not been without some hurt, but it has also fostered greater understanding among people who otherwise would never talk so frankly, let alone be in the same room. That would never have happened, had David not initially united us. Thank goodness that David, when communicating, is not limited to 140 characters.

Perhaps the process of creating a more harmonious world is nowhere near as harmonious as singing “Imagine.” But in our case we did get somewhat closer. And starting us on this journey did require a boy to sing.

-Ronaldsf

I began writing this article before I knew that David was scheduled to appear on this week’s Idol results show. The premise of the article was that perhaps the recent relative quiet in Archuland was a time for reflection, and may have been serving as such even for David himself. I speculated the possibility that, in the two-year period since David found himself winning the largest television audience in the world and courting some of the most devoted fans on the planet, he may not yet have had a real opportunity to unpack what had actually happened to him. One learns (perhaps most) in the doing, but taking stock is vital, too. Maybe in this relatively quiet time, I thought, he may have finally had that opportunity.

I think it’s safe to say there has been some serious reflection indeed.

Some find fortune. Others have fortune thrust upon them. I’ve often wondered to what degree David was complicit in the creation of his own fate. I think the general consensus has been that if it weren’t for others egging him on, encouraging (among other things) him to put his talent on display, the voice of David Archuleta might still be confined to the room at the top of the stairs after a long workday at the local audio-video store. The television show “Glee” has tried to profile the unwitting talent, the one who has “the calling” thrust upon them, but somehow I can imagine even the most reticent Gleester belting out tunes in their bedroom with a firm vision of the audience just beyond in the dark, and vivid fantasies of fame and fortune. Whether David was unwitting or complicit, he has never betrayed a hunger for an audience nor an explicit desire for fame and fortune. On the contrary, in fact, he seems to have wanted nothing so much as protection, not exposure.

In the midst of this enormous trajectory of professional and personal growth, David has also sought shelter and comfort in a dimension of his life that offers a constancy and structure absent elsewhere. That dimension is, of course, his faith. It isn’t hard to understand how someone with David’s sensitivity would seek asylum from a world of weakness, vipers and vulgarity. Who could blame him? The desire to be tethered to something sacred, to be in the world but not of it, is understandable and admirable. But religion itself can sometimes serve as a substitute for objective inquiry and self reflection, substituting a host of apocryphal fables and arbitrary regulations for true spiritual development. I am not suggesting that David has fallen victim to this risk (we are sure to know more on this subject when his book drops), but there has always been a question for me regarding the degree to which David might be seeking retreat from himself. In particular, from his own power.

The discovery of one’s own power can be one of the most surprising aspects of accomplishment. And power can be frightening, even — and especially — when it’s your own. Anyone of any insight who has followed David closely realizes that his experience with the adjudication of power in his world has been, at best, a very mixed bag, and, at worst, a series of tragic disasters. It should come as no surprise, then, that David’s own formidable power — as evidenced by everything from the sporadic instances of truly unbridled performance moments to a reported stubborn streak a mile long — may well be the source of real apprehension for him. How does one adjudicate the power to hire and fire people, never mind the power to make people weep and scream and faint?

The one form of personal power with which David is obviously most comfortable is his voice. And yet, it is the remarkable control he exerts over this power, his instrument, that produces some of its most tantalizing effects. Indeed, it is often not the expression of power but the implication of it that creates excitement for an audience. This is something many contemporary performers don’t seem to realize. Of course, the power has to really be there, it can’t be a ruse or else it won’t play as a genuine threat. From where I sit, David implies far more power than he has ever actually expressed, and I have no doubt whatsoever that it is all really there. Every bit of it. The tension between implication and expression, between control and release, is what great music (among other things) is made of.

In the short span of a week, many of these persistent questions about David’s relationship to his own power have begun to be answered. If David wasn’t entirely complicit in the formation of his role as a performer, he is clearly taking the reins now. As always, David is nothing if not methodical. Those of us with a good deal more impetuosity in our nature can become awfully frustrated watching someone abide when action might be taken. But David is on David Time, not Rascal Time or Jive Time or even Earth Time. The upside is that when decisions are made in David Time, they are definitive, uncompromising, and sure. They are powerful.

The new adjudication of power is evident in David’s latest performance of “Imagine.” Relaxed, expressive and genuine, this performance is deceptive in its simplicity and extremely subtle in its new evocation of strength. David will always be the kind of singer whose charms and wonders appear to those who accept his invitation to connect. David doesn’t grab you by the scruff of the neck and drag you into his world, but merely shows you a door. It’s up to you to come in. In the earlier versions of “Imagine,” I think perhaps David hadn’t quite realized what his role was inside that world. I suspect he thought he was the entertainment. Now, I think he realizes that he is the host.

I’ve seen as much real power emanating out of David Archuleta this week as in the past two years combined. As with everything Archuleta, it is subtle but unmistakable. There is a new confidence, an assertiveness, that feels entirely genuine. David isn’t trying on some new attitude for size. This new expression of strength is deeply grounded, obviously the result of long and careful consideration and fertilization. And it’s not going unnoticed, either. Observe Simon Cowell’s expression as David is talking with Ryan onstage after the performance. Note that Kara DioGuardi, also in the frame, has that typical “aw, isn’t he adorable” look on her face, but Simon is plainly intrigued with the new Archuleta. He’s got that “well now, what have we here…?” expression.

I’ll tell you what we have here: New management. A new album. A new haircut. And a new and very exciting supervisor of the David Archuleta phenomenon: David himself.

– Rascal

News is spreading fast across Archuland of David’s report to Ryan Seacrest on his radio program this morning that David’s father is no longer part of his management team.

In discussing his forthcoming book, Seacrest asks David what he expects his dad might think of the book. “My dad is my dad,” David explains, then adds, “just like my mom is my mom and my brother is my brother.” He reiterates a familiar point about how important family is to him, and then remarks, rather offhandedly, that “my dad was part of my management team for a little while; he isn’t anymore.”

The interview can be found at the following link, and is definitely worth a listen. David talks about standing up for himself and making his own decisions, and in general talks a blue streak. Very refreshing. Like the news.

http://www.kiisfm.com/cc-common/podcast.html

This is the most excited I’ve been about an Archuperformance since Contigo en la Distancia.

We already know that David’s reiteration of Imagine will be transcendent, and that David will bring to this cheesy reality show a good dose of his old-school, heart-stirring soul.

And we can already predict some of the buzz that will come in its wake. Singing the very song that catapulted him into international consciousness just over 2 years ago will invite the inevitable comparisons. Unless he gets the being-on-AI jitters again (which I doubt—Imagine is one of those songs David loves and was made for singing), David should succeed at demonstrating his growing significance as an artist. The vast majority of the AI viewing audience has not seen what we have seen: David’s tremendous growth in stage presence, command, and vocal depth and power over the past couple of years.

Of course, this is not about silly comparisons and petty debates. This is an opportunity to appreciate the purity and beauty of this anthemic song in David’s masterful hands once again. And it is also an opportunity to celebrate another milestone in the growth of a young artist into manhood. Something is telling me that this is a fitting occasion to bring out the champagne glasses, as well as the kleenex.

(Anybody else excited?)

- Ronaldsf

When David revealed on Twitter March 5th that “She’s Not You” was from “a while back”—and therefore wasn’t a candidate for the second album—I felt relieved.

No, no, no… it’s not that I hate the song. I like it: it’s catchy, and in particular the melody and the guitar in the verses create a nice vibe. (Though the chorus is a bit too bland for my liking.) When I first heard it, I felt anxiety about the second pop album… was this the direction it was headed?

We now know that it was a track recorded for David’s first album, but still my day or two of not knowing this made it a useful reference point for thinking about where David’s studio production was at 18 months ago, and what new directions it could and should go in now.

“She’s Not You” resembled much of the first album in its level of quality, and in that it was quite conventional—it dealt with simple young boy-girl love, and fell squarely in that space between R&B and pop that characterized much of the album. This approach made sense at the time—it was perhaps the smartest thing to try first to create commercial success, and after all there was little time for David and the label to define jointly the best approach for the album. But now David and the label have the benefit of time to create an album that paints some bold strokes—bold, first in the sense of having some particularly strong, standout songs, and second, bold in expressing who David is as a person and an artist.

Because, let’s face it: we, his fans, know that David is capable of greatness. Still, we have yet to see a musical composition that summons an emotional gravitas that is commensurate to David’s ability to convey it. I am not asking that the perfect song be on David’s second album. However, it is fair to want and expect that a genuine attempt be made.

That means songs that feature David’s voice. Songs that David can connect with. Songs that can summon some of that earth-shaking emotion we know David is capable of delivering.

This doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning the pop route—in fact, if we are to speak of industry formulas, it seems to me that a pop power ballad, putting that stellar voice on a pedestal, would be the best approach. But what can I say? When it comes to what makes a song a hit, I’m not an expert. Still, as amateur fans we know enough to know that some things work for David that should be done.

In terms of arrangement and production, David’s fans are now more aware than before that, when it comes to David, it is often true that less is more. The bare instrumentation of “Contigo” put David’s voice front and center. As listeners, we honed in, not on the melody or the instruments, but on the subtleties of David’s voice. No fancy, expensive studio tricks, no synthesized hooks vying for our attention. Just us, and The Voice—a direct emotional conduit between the listener and the artist.

Another aspect of “Contigo” and of other songs (“Fields of Gold,” “Prayer of the Children,” “Imagine”) is that they were dear to David, on a theme that David could relate to. In my opinion, “Somebody Out There” was a much stronger ballad than either “To Be With You” and “You Can,” which I think comes down to the fact that David co-wrote SOT and could relate directly to what it said. “Falling” is gripping because we know these are David’s words, and that this music comes directly from his heart.

So I hope to see some movement in these directions with the second album. I am not saying that the album should be comprised entirely of soul-wrenching ballads. (Though I actually wouldn’t mind that.) In fact, I am hoping that there is some freedom given to David to express his rich musicality in a variety of musical genres.

In the first album, there was some variation in styles in the official twelve-track version, but they were a bit outside of David’s own inclinations. Unlike songs such as “Desperate” or “Running,” which because of the production were kind of hybrids of other styles, a conventional-pop melody with some stylistic dressing—some of the compositions David himself worked on, from the sassy “Works for Me,” to the club-thumping “Zero Gravity,” to the intimate “Somebody Out There,” jumped fully into the genre, spoke its language, and expressed a clear idea both lyrically and musically. Thus, a unity between words, music, and artist.

The most promising fact about the second album has been David’s extensive involvement in the writing process. This suggests that the folks at Jive/Zomba are trying a different approach and want this album to express David the Individual, whoever that may be. It is thrilling to think of what might be in store.

For now, “She’s Not You” is my new David music fix to sustain me through this long, extended Archudrought. Still, I do this with full knowledge that this isn’t the David that made me fall obsessively in love with him in the first place. Greater things await.

If this song were a person, then it would be the musical equivalent of a rebound—entertaining and pleasant enough for now, but just someone to hold me over while I’m really thinking about someone else.

“He was really nice… but he’s not you, David. I just know you’ll come back to me. I’m burning a candle in the window…”

-Ronaldsf

This is a picture of David that does him justice. Finally, a cover that shows the depth in his eyes, and his thoughtful nature in his expression. Even his clothes look like he picked them out himself rather than some stylist that was trying to make him into a tough-guy or an innocent. Enjoy!

Soliloquy (suh-lil-uh-kwee)
• Noun. A dramatic monologue that represents a series of unspoken reflections (Merriam Webster)
• A literary device often used in drama whereby a character relates his or her thoughts without addressing any of the other characters (Wikipedia)

I know it’s mighty late to comment on this, but I’m kind of in love with this song right now. Just recently, I relistened to David’s performance of “A Merry Christmas to Me” with the orchestra in Ann Arbor on November 27, 2009.

I couldn’t help but think there was something different here.

Sure, it was new to hear David sing with a full orchestra. Having an orchestral backing punctuated by French horn, strings, and flutes was something sublime indeed. Its sound had an obvious popular appeal—one could easily imagine hearing this in a big Disney production, for instance.

And then there was the song itself: with no visuals to distract me, I had a distinct picture in my mind of David in a Broadway musical, in a break from the main story, standing under a spotlight, center stage. Although the lyrics speak of a happy Christmas, there is a note of melancholy. The lyrics—not an expression of hope to someone else, as in “Imagine” or “Angels”—in this case were of someone singing to himself, finding joy in Christmas when Christmas time can too often be sad. The song is intimate, inviting us to feel what he feels, to share his joy and pain—it has highs and lows, it swells.

This “dramatic” side of David, in the sense that I am trying to express it, is something that had not quite struck me as clearly as now. As for expressing the emotion of a character, David “has it.” No one can express emotion as frightfully purely as David can. On top of everything else he can do, David could soar in a musical that was properly suited for him.

I had trouble making out the lyrics, so I wondered where I could find the words to this Christmas classic. This song, with its classic jazz-pop stylings, sounds decades old. It reminded me of Christmas songs sung by Bing Crosby and Judy Garland. While listening to this song, joined as it was with David’s voice which is oh-so-suited to this kind of music, I even got the same chills and images of snow.

But, to my surprise, I did not find a single instance of this song on the internet—it is not a classic. Far from it—it has never seen the light of day with the general public. (Perhaps this was why security was so tight?)

This song needs to be released, by somebody. Why have we not heard it again? Will it be released, and if so, who will release it? Is it still waiting in the wings?

Here is the song again. According to one YouTube commenter, it was composed by Dan Rodowicz and Phillip Keveren. Many thanks to emilyluvsarchie for her considerable ninja skills:

A Merry Christmas to Me

Rooftops laced with white,
A starlit night,
Inside by the fire we’re warming:
This would surely be
A Merry Christmas to me.

But what I long to see won’t be under my tree,
Though my wish is most sincere:
If the spirit of Christmas could fill every one of us
And light each day of the year,
This would surely be the most Merry Christmas to me.
This would surely be the most Merry Christmas to me.

Special Thanks to FSteven for this artwork!

As we herald the Year 2010 and a new year in Archuland, it is time to reflect upon all the wonderful moments and memories that David (and being his fan!) have brought us. Thank you, everyone, for participating in the nomination process for the 2nd Annual Archie Awards. Below are your choices, along with a few of our own. (Many of the pictures lead to videos.) Voting begins at the link at the bottom of this page. Once the votes come in, we will post a special article announcing the winners. So vote, and join the party! 2009 was a fabulous year to be a fan!!

Voting will close the night of Friday, January 8th, at 12 midnight Eastern Time.

Voting has Closed

Jump Down to Each Category:
Best Video Blog
Hawtest David Picture
Cutest David Picture
Most Archudorkable Moment
Best TV Appearance
Best Live Performance – Rockin the House
Best Live Performance – Heart Connection
Top David Moment of the Year
Best Pearl of Archuwisdom
Funniest Archuquote (non-Tweet)
Tweet of the Year
Best Christmas Song
Song of the Year

Best Video Blog

David’s love and appreciation for his fans shine through in his frequent and spontaneous video blogs. Which one wins the honor of being the Best Video Blog of 2009?

• May 16^th: “Manila Show and International Fans”

David is love. That’s all that needs to be said about David’s heartfelt thanks to his Manila fans after performing with David Cook to a huge crowd. “I can’t say salamat enough.” Once is enough, David.

• June 9^th:“Fan Pack @ iTunes!” (Mirror mirror on the wall)

David’s awesome randomness is not limited to his tweets. While announcing a charity performance in D.C. and the release of “Zero Gravity” and “A Thousand Miles” on iTunes, David can’t help but comment on the fact that the mirror behind his head reminds him of a certain Disney mirror with that “face guy in it.” “That was weird,” he says. No, David—that was EPIC!!

• Aug. 18^th: “My voice is back!”

“Lame, long, boring, makes no sense.” These were the YouTube keywords that David used for this video blog in which he covers widely disparate subjects such as getting his voice back, touring with his friend Ashlee, and suddenly recognizing a song in the background. David confesses that there was no point to this vlog—which only makes it more awesome.

• Sept. 29^th: “Bye bye wisdom teeth”

Most people, when going through a nerve-wracking experience such as surgery, try not to talk about it in order to block out the fear. But for David it is another milestone that he absolutely must share with his fans. This is the vlog in which David “CRAAAVES” orange juice, as well as other juicy moments.

• Oct. 7^th: “Puffy Cheeks-B-Gone”

Where was David? No concerts, no public appearances—it was a veritable Archudrought during which fans only received the occasional tweet reporting on his chipmunk cheeks or on the weather outside. However, once his cheeks were back to normal, not even an “issued computer” could stop David from updating his fans. This is the infamous vlog that included PX90, the piano incident, and the introduction of tour buddy Benton Paul.

Hawtest David Picture

Well, what can we say about David and the camera. He is one of the most photogenic singers around and it sure does show by the sheer number of pictures of David in concert, at VIP’s, at award ceremonies. But you’ve picked some “hawt” ones to vote on so here they are:

The Christmas Outtake:

Kansas Abandon Pose:

Rio Tinto:

At the Wachovia:

David’s Intensity:

London, Oh, London:

Cutest David Picture

Not only can David be breathtakingly “hawt”—he can also be amazingly cute sometimes. Youthful, silly, chipmunk-ish, the cutest David pictures you have nominated are here:

Posing with Sara Bareilles:

With Totoro:

David’s chipmunk cheek, dimpled, cat-that-ate-the-canary, sweetheart grin:

Cute doesn’t have to mean Funny:

Most Archudorkable Moment

David would be the first to describe himself as “weird” and a “dork,” but for his fans this quality is perhaps what most cements their loyalty. Which moment of 2009 was David’s most Archudorkable?

• January 5^th: “It IS??” (at 1:33)

While gearing up to sing the National Anthem for the inauguration of Utah’s governor, David was awarded the title “Utahn of the Year” by a local TV station. On the air and live, when the newscasters told him that it might snow during the governor’s ceremony, David apparently needed to be told twice. Comedy gold!

• Feb. 4^th: Hearing himself sing “I’m Yours”

David never wanted to sing in the first place… a local radio station convinced David to partake in a game in which he sang along to a song without hearing himself. Ever the perfectionist, David was scared about how we would do. But that was nowhere near as terrifying as hearing himself being played back to him. Blah-de-blah-de-blah!

• May 28^th: Clapping his hands

David is still getting used to the concept that people want to hear what he has to say, but hmm… simply to watch him? That’s what he’s trying to process at 0:30 in this hilarious interaction with a TV interviewer. However, when he is assured at 2:10 that he is not on TV any longer, his nervousness goes away and we get a rare glimpse of David feeling like the cameras are not on him. La la laaaa!!

• Oct. 6^th: “Awkward I guess” (w/ Rick Springfield)

It’s no secret among David’s fans that his mother is lovely and, well, “hawt.” But for David to hear that about his own mother is another story. Let alone from a rock star who points this out to him while they’re in front of the TV cameras.

• Oct. 26^th: What do I sing? (Utah conference)

After dropping several pearls of Archuwisdom, David is asked to cap it off with a song. What should he sing? A simple question, but David approaches it with the indecision of a Hamlet. Already hilarious—but David’s recognition of his own shortcomings is at once charming, funny, and wise.

Best TV Appearance

There were only three entries in this category, and not because there were only three TV appearances. In truth, most of us want to forget the return engagement on American Idol, and iCarly was (thankfully) not mentioned, either. I’m sure there were others, but these three appearances are surely his best. Now you decide which one is #1.

• Singing America the Beautiful at the US Open

Not only did David get to perform a much-loved patriotic hymn before a huge television audience, he got to infuse it with his own brand of soul. Add to that the display of the nation’s colors, and what you have is an unforgettable bravura television performance.

• Singing “Contigo en la Distancia” at the 2009 ALMA Awards

How many times did YOU watch David sing “Contigo en la Distancia”? Good thing we’re in the digital age, or else our VCR’s would have been worn out long ago through endless repetition. David brings us heaven and then humbly steps off the stage. (Play that again, please?)

• Acting and singing on Hannah Montana!

“It was the onion bagel, wasn’t it?” David’s charm shines through in his stint on Hannah Montana, in which he sings a duet with the Disney star before she ditches him (gasp!) and dates a boy whom she’d done wrong. David is understanding, however, and fans are happy that this left David for the rest of us (and we got a new David song to boot!).

Best Live Performance – Rockin the House

David can sure as heck Rock the House, and various Zero Gravity performances were among the nominations. Barriers and Works For Me were also fan favorites, and along the way we fell in love with his rockin’ guest performance with an old rock group and a swinging holiday tune.

• Zero Gravity in Columbus, OH, March 6, 2009 -

David shows off his dance moves in another full-tilt rendition of this fan-favorite song. His co-writer, Mike Krompass, is there on stage with him, helping to pump up the energy!

• Zero Gravity, Chicago House of Blues, March 8, 2009 -

The relative intimacy of the House of Blues made for an especially intense and jumpin’ version of this high-energy favorite. The video is shaky because the whole floor was moving from all the jumping!

• Works for Me, Reno, NV, March 18, 2009 -

How could anyone forget the opening of this crowd-pleasing song? For this performance ONLY, David added some improv’d phrases that just thrilled the crowd (and became merry-go-rounds for the rest of us!)

• David’s appearance with REO Speedwagon, May 30, 2009 -

A surprise appearance on stage electrified the REO crowd. David more than held his own in a rockin’, soulful, “sing-off” competition!

• Barriers, Sacramento, July 16, 2009 -

This song is a combination of dorky hand gestures and foot-stomping sassy attitude. “Just gotta…stoooop!” How can you not love the head pullaways on “too many…”

• Zero Gravity, Sunrise, FL, Aug 1, 2009 -

Last summer on the Demi/David arena tour, David rocked the house with this intense version.

• Feliz Navidad, Kansas City, MO, Dec 8, 2009 -

Here’s an old chestnut that might have made you cringe in the hands of any other singer. But David infuses it with his Latin soul and makes it a crowd favorite. Anything that David sings in Spanish is an instant hit!

Best Live Performance – Heart Connection

David stole our hearts long ago, and he continues to fill us with love, give us chills, and make us cry, dang it! There were so many performances that strengthened that heart connection, and now we have the difficult decision of deciding which was the best of the year.

• I’ll Be, August 6, Rockford, IL

This beautiful love song showcases tenderness and vulnerability.

• Desperate, August 6, Rockford, IL

Even though this song was on his debut album, this date marks the first live performance of this deeply emotive song.

• Contigo en la Distancia, September 18, ALMA awards

This is the performance that created a huge buzz across the blogsophere. David sang in Spanish on a prime time awards show for the first time.

• Fields of Gold, November 24, Salt Lake City

This was the first time we heard David sing this song – originally sung by Sting, but David sings the rendition of one of his favorites: Eva Cassidy.

• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, November 24, Salt Lake City

A surprise appearance from lovely mother Lupe shocked and delighted the Salt Lake crowd. Although her singing is not perfect technically, Lupe shows off her lovely voice and stage presence and there is a long, heart-felt hug between mother and son at the conclusion.

Top David Moment of the Year

2009 was arguably even more awesome than 2008. But out of all this awesomeage, which moment stands out as David’s brightest, most significant, or memorable for the year? Vote for the Top David Moment of 2009!

• Singing HYAMLC with Mama Lupe in SLC -

Love runs deep between David and Mamachuleta. Lupe, while singing a gorgeous Christmas duet with her son, is overcome with pride and moved to tears. David and Lupe share a tender moment. Pass the Kleenex!

• Singing “Contigo en la Distancia” at the ALMA awards -

No one watching David on this night could ever have guessed that this was his first time singing Spanish before a large television audience. David brought a breathtaking beauty to this performance, paid loving tribute to his Latin roots, and made an indelible impression upon the Latino entertainment industry.

• Winning 3 Teen Choice Awards.

David’s amazing talent at so young an age was bound to be acknowledged by the country’s premier teen awards show, placing him next to some of the nation’s biggest stars.

• Manila Concert -

David got to perform before his biggest audience ever of about 40,000. It capped a wonderful visit to a nation that adores him. On top of that he got to reunite with AI buddy David Cook. He was so moved that he posted an video blog thanking his fans.

• 50-minute talk at the Women’s Conference in Utah -

Admitting that he just recently never would have imagined himself delivering a speech, here he was, conquering his fear, and succeeding admirably. He shared some insights with charm, humor, wit, and a wisdom beyond his years.

Best Pearl of Archuwisdom

David has his random side as well as his philosopher side. Even though he’s still in his teens, he’s had his share of obstacles and challenges. In interviews and in conversations with fans he occasionally shares some nuggets of ArchuWisdom, some light-hearted, some serious.

• From a Deseret News article: “You just take whatever (life) throws at you, and you just learn how to deal with it, even when you don’t think you can,” he said. “It’s about pushing yourself and pushing past what you think are your limits.”
• From a VIP: “There’s never any reason to lower your standards.”
• From MSN Entertainment during the Philippines tour: “It’s weird because if I wear something in public again, people will go, ‘You wore that three months ago!’ or ‘You wore that two weeks ago!’ So that’s the price of fame – you have to keep buying clothes.”
• From the Utah Women’s Conference: “Sometimes even if it is a hard path to take, even if it has those big hills and climbs and all those scary trees and you can get scratches, and you can get hurt sometimes. But I think that’s what makes us grow. That’s what makes us learn in our lives.”
• Again from the Utah Women’s Conference: ”Face your fears”…”as we face those fears more and get over that first hurdle we can make those weaknesses become our strengths.”

Funniest Archuquote (non-Tweet)

Speaking with a friend today (who also loves David), I mentioned that he was hilarious, almost at times, ridiculous. And he is, in a fun and adorable way. Why else would he have almost 300,000 people following him on Twitter, and thousands of views of some of his interviews on Youtube?

• I have my faults: “I certainly don’t see myself as perfect,” he says. “I have my faults. There are plenty of them. I take longer to do things than most people. I forget things a lot. I’m clumsy. I spill my lunch.“
• About being with family at Xmas: “I don’t remember what I got, but I remember what we did.”
• From his twitter bio: “I’m David. I like music.”
  
• Utah speech (0:42-0:55, Part 3): “I tend to ramble… the scary thing is it’s not just rambling, it’s rambling and it’s like what is this kid talking about.”
• Cinnamon Mazeltov: – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42w6jJf0zFY

Tweet of the Year

Okay, this is going to be a hard one. There have been 1700 tweets and counting since David first opened his twitter account last April. We fans were privy to his thoughts about food, his nervousness before shows and his endearing randomness. Which tweet will make the cut for Tweet of the Year?

• From June 15^th, the noisy cats:

Oh my heck, there are cats outside fighting and they’re really loud! Hush cats! People are trying to sleep! You shouldn’t fight anyway.

• From July 14^th, an annoying and recurring malady:

“My left eye is red again. That little stinker.”

• From December 2^nd, dang that battery!

I wish my camera battery wasn’t dead and that my charger wasn’t lost, because I’d take a picture of this GIGANTIC grape! It’s huge!!

• From December 5^th, a food that makes David happy (food seems to be a common tweet topic):

Oh man! Hello giant bowl of guacamole. I think I love you.

• From December 29^th, David shared a small tragedy, complete with picture:

“Nooo! My brother’s dog ripped totoro’s eyes out!” … “http://twitpic.com/vrlmb – R.I.P. Totoro”

Best Christmas Song

David’s Christmas album wowed his fans, but which song wins the Archie?

• Ave Maria – David brings tremendous reverence to “Ave Maria,” which includes the Latin version of the prayer “Hail Mary.” Foregoing the more popular melody of composed by Schubert, David takes on one of the most revered (and challenging) Christmas hymns with Gounod’s “Ave Maria.”
• Joy to the World – David starts off his Christmas album with a rousing, bringing-down-the-house version of Joy to the World that makes all other versions sound staid and tame in comparison.
• O Holy Night – David brings a surprising restraint and subtlety to a song that is usually powered through. Upon listening, it is not surprise that this is one of David’s favorite Christmas songs.
• Pat a Pan – David chooses a relatively-unknown song to apply his own personal stamp, bringing a modern production that melds rhythm with a dramatic string arrangement.
• Silent Night – David sounds like he is singing to Baby Jesus in the manger, maintaining the same intimacy and tenderness from the quiet beginning of the song to the spine-tingling ending.

Song of the Year

Which song, of those that David released in the U.S. beginning in 2009, was the best/your favorite? This was a somewhat unusual year, with only 2 singles, and all the album tracks already covered in the Christmas song category, so this year we are limiting it to those songs that were released as singles or distributed to radio:

• A Thousand Miles –David’s minimalist take on A Thousand Miles allowed him to bring an aching intimacy to this recording, and allowed for David’s soulful voice to shine.
• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Beautiful and restrained, David’s and Charice’s voices melded together like buttah, in a charming duet that echoed back to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Who could ask for anything more?
• Joy to the World – David made a fresh and original take on the Christmas classic, and in the middle song he really brang it and brought this song into the stratosphere. Did he launch it high enough to win Song of the Year?
• Melodies of Christmas – This inventive song cowritten by David incorporated several Christmas songs and brought out what Christmas means to David. A fitting way to end the album, wrapping this wonderful Christmas collection in a pretty little bow.
• Zero Gravity –This song brought a surge of energy to David’s first solo tour and got David’s fans clamoring for a release. Released along with “A Thousand Miles” and an iTunes “Fan Pack,” ZG (co-written by David) was an exhilarating venture into otherwise uncharted territory.

Voting has Closed

~Ronaldsf, davidfanLIZ, Marlie