This kid has magic in his voice and is incredibly uplifting. Here is the most touching example of the influence David has had on anyone that I've yet found. I mailed it to his family. I don't know if it got to David or not, but it should. I found it in the comment section on iTunes for people who had purchased David's song "Imagine". Here goes:

Thank you for making me believe again * * * By Iraq Soldier

“I want to thank you, sir. I have saved and lost many soldiers on my hospital beds in the E.R. in Baghdad, Iraq, 28 CSH. For the last six months I could not find peace in my heart after I left. I could not find sleep. I could not find reason. I found all of those things tonight as you sang, and I wept so hard. You have an amazing gift. Use it wisely; it will open so many other doors. I will take the risk and dream again. I will imagine. Thank you, David. You brought belief back to a grieving soldier M.D.”

Thank you Mr. Pierce for that article. David deserves it.

Thanks so much for this article it restores my faith that the truth will prevail. I have read horrible things about David on the internet and it has hurt my heart for him. He is the best and we all need to vote tonight to help him reach his dream. Thanks again for positive feedback on a great kid.

Thanks for the great, uplifting article!

And thanks, too, to Paul Hales for sharing the comments of the M.D. who served in Iraq. Although I have a pretty easy life compared to those serving in Iraq, I, too, am moved each time I listen to David sing "Imagine" and some of his other songs. I'm way beyond being a "tween" or "teeny-bopper" but I've downloaded all his iTune songs and play the CD in my car. Can't wait for his CD's to start rolling out.

David A is such a great example! I hope he wins this week, but if he doesn't, we'll all know he's already a winner!

The Archuleta's have nothing to worry about. I think all of us with common-sense know by now who to trust and who not to trust. I trust Deseret News. TMZ and most of the media? Not a chance. David doesn't have to prove anything to us, we already know he's the real deal. And Jeff? Wow, I know a lot of people who wished their Dad would have shown up to any event in their life. I don't think I've seen a show yet that he hasn't been in the audience supporting him. Just remember, these senseless and negative articles out there only represent a small fraction of the population. So keep it up Deseret News, keep publishing the articles that represent how most of America really feels. Scott Pierce is a true journalist.

That was so touching, Mr. Hales. David's voice and personality are both magical. Hearing and watching him sing makes the world around me a better place to live in. All his songs are in my ipod and I listen to it every morning so I know I have a great day ahead of me. He is truly amazing and I thank God for him.

I am SO glad that this "talent" contest is almost over. Then everyone can shut up about it!

Thank you so much for that article! I think everybody needs to see this! Thank you! Thank you!!

Critics are paid to be critical. People pay good money to hear critics rip apart other people. And they seem to love to hear critics rip apart someone who is projecting a wholesome image (look at Celine Dion).

There is plenty of room in the music business for trampy and vampy, but that does not mean that is all there is room for. What this kid does tonight is not near as important as what he does next week. Win or lose, he has his start.

Did you guys know that David is a Mormon?

hen will they be unveiling a monument to St. David of American Idol? I'm sick of this kid already and he hasn't won anything!

Awesome. It's like everything I've been wanting to say - put so bluntly in black and white. Thank you so much!

You say you will be SO glad when this "talent" contest is over so that everyone will shut up about it? How funny. You dislike this all so much but yet you come to a message board to comment about it yourself? I think you are jealous of the success of David and can't stand that he is getting so much attention. Too bad for you.

Hurray for David and his father Jeff! Big kudos to his mother and siblings. This is an example of a family that has tried to do the right things for the right reasons. It is nice to see a good kid succeed.

To those cynics and critics who think they are all that... You only reveal your own lack of character with your acerbic remarks.

If you aren't interested in the show, the kid, whatever, why bother to read about it? You people are tiresome.
BTW, I don't know Jeff, btu Lupe (his mom) is an absolute dear. And his siblings are all well-behaved nice kids.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir usually brings in outside talent to augment the Choir's annual Christmas Concert presented in the 21,000 seat Conference Center. Here's hoping and urging that this year it will be our own David Archuleta!

To Anonymous: Wow, if you will be SO glad when this show is over why do you continue to hear and read about it? Go find some good cause to be involved in and then maybe you won't be so jealous of someone else. Really, try it. You might feel better about yourself.

To those who are sick of David A and AI, then don't read and don't watch. The fans are enjoying watching such a talented and very nice young man. I can't imagine being sick of something or someone so good, you lose. The green eyed monster has raised his once again. I hope your artice reaches the world, if they don't know how wonderful David A is they need to know. Thanks for the great article

I've enjoyed AI this season - so many tallented people. I think both of the finalist are great, although I am leaning toward David A. because I prefer his type of songs but I wouldn't be upset if David C. won. Both of them will be able to use their fame to further their careers. How exciting for them. It really doesn't matter to me who wins, some years the biggest winners were ones who didn't actually take home the title.

David A is great to listen too, I hope that everyone will buy his record when it comes out and vote for him tonight. I predict that a David will win!

I love you guys that are "sick of AI" but continue to bring it up day after day. News Flash.....Change the channel, find another blog, get a life and leave the AI Fan Club in peace. We definitely don't need you. To be so jealous of someone else making a successes of their lives. Go make your own success and quit whining. Boo Hoo, quit writing, we don't want to hear from you. PS: GO DAVID ARCHULETA.......NEW AMERICAN IDOL IN TRUTH AND SPIRIT

Thank you very much Mr.Pierce for your article.
David Archuleta is wonderful inside and outside.
thank you.

I do not have a problem with David. He's a 17 year old kid and seems to be a nice person. I do have a major problem with the man raising his arms behind his son- give it a rest Jeff. At last look I think the people are cheering for your son not you.

Thanks for the article. The WORLD needs more teens like David Archuleta. He's a great role model and a true talent. One thing that makes ME want to scream is the media basically saying that only teens and kids vote for him--completely false. The average American Idol viewer is about 30 years old...How is it that Archuleta is still in the competition? Because he's the real deal and people know that. By the way, I'm 20 years old--Not a kid at all...Only at heart.

Are you going to scream like a big girl?

I watched American Idol for the first time last week I had heard there was a young man from Utah who was on and was fantastic so I wanted to see for myself and he was. I had also heard the news reports about him coming home for a day before the finals and how much everyone thought of him especially my 80 year old father who has been watching all season this was a shock for me. My point is to those who are tired of hearing all about this you need to focus on other things in your life, maybe your own family could be a source to help you not have to deal with all the media attention this is getting focus on them. To David best of luck I hope you make it to the top and thanks for making my dad so happy he loves music and it is fun when we can enjoy listening to the same music. Kudos to the reporter thanks for giving us the positive.

Dad's support is definitely all important since he is a minor but I agree Dad should stay on the downlow and be the "stage dad" backstage. This is David's moment and he should relish his celebrity status alone. However, a lot of Dad's could be as involved with their kids as he is. As everyone knows David is the real deal and he loves his family completely, shows tremendous pride in them all...So they must be doing something right. GO DAVID,

A good quote I once heard; seems it would fit here.

"If you have to remind people of how humble you are, perhaps you aren't."

I really couldn't care less about American Idol, but it is incredibly depressing to me that America hoists these performers up as societal heroes. Yeah, they can sing. Congrats. Once you can write and perform a decent song on your own then you qualify as an artist.

My problem with Archuleta is his total butchering of John Lennon's Imagine. Such a beautiful and perfect song about the world, and Archuleta turned it into a corporate pop song on the biggest fake music show out there. If he read the lyrics of the song (which I doubt, since he conveniently left out the more controversial ones) perhaps he missed the irony.

I love David Archuleta!! He is a wonderful singer and very very talented. I agree that he is the real deal. I firmly believe that he deserves to be in the position that he is currently in and that he deserves to win the competition. Best of luck to David in tonight's show!

I was at David's homecoming as well. There is no way you can fake that. The kid is an singer, not an actor. Which is precisely why I am traveling to California to go to the finale! Even if he doesn't win he will go a long way. I like both Davids, so the is really a win win situation

To An American Idol-Jeff A

He is pointing to his son and not raising his hands for himself. It is very common for friends and family to raise their hands and point and that is all he is doing. Look at the picture before you make a bad comment

FITTING: "IMAGINE".... having 1 1/2 minutes to sing a song. David chose the selective verses that meant the most to him, not you, him. He loves conveying a message to the audience that he wants to express. He did a beautiful job which I may add has had more positive comments than any other song he has sang. Which is why he will do it again tonight....so I hear and certainly hope. I loved the song, loved the emotions he put into and there was no butchering except in your mind. GO DAVID ARCHULETA

to t.j. and anyone else who wishes to listen. A few years ago I attended my daughters college graduation out of state and as she received her diploma all of a sudden I was on my feet yelling "that is my daughter". I was not yelling for myself! I was so proud of her and I wanted she and the world to know how proud I was. Maybe it was foolish but it was on a moments notice so I have no regrets. A short time later a proud mother stood up and yelled "that is MY daughter" everyone had a good chuckle. Maybe it is the same with David's father. Who am I to judge?

My prediction.....you ready?
David will be the next American Idol! ;)

Oh man, Fitting, you apparently missed the point of "Imagine" not to mention you apparently don't know that David needed to cut it down to 1:30 mins, as the show required. So why critisize him for choosing the verse he liked best and for thinking it had a great message? Not everyone is about religion, some people actually consider poverty a big issue, too, think about it! And to even suggest that David never looked at the lyrics is just ridiculous! "Imagine" is my all time favourite song and I never thought anyone could ever touch John Lennon's version, but David is right up there with him, because unlike some people he totally got what this song is about and brought the message across 100%! I mean, hello, how many teenagers do you know that even know that song?!

Folks, vote for David Archuleta tonight! Cook is very good too, no doubt, but Archuleta is simply pure magic when he sings and his off-stage-persona is a blessing for all parents in the USA who are hoping for a good role model for their kids! VOTE!

WELL SAID RON !!!!!!!!!!!

Hey “When”: From reading these comments it looks a lot like he has WON a number of individuals hearts and admiration and to me I know of no greater trophy than someone’s love and respect. But you might not understand that.

Good for you, David, for being a good, genuine kid. It's refreshing to see in a world of kid singers gone sleazy (think Brittany Spears, Christina Aguillera, etc.). You are amazing, and don't lose your spirit to the pack of wolves out there ready to eat it up. Keep up the good vibes!!

XO~
A 31-year-old, mother of four FAN!

Ron, did I say anything was wrong? I think that what his dad did(and what you and the other mother did) was just fine. I probably would have done the same thing. I was just stating that the person I addressed my comment to was wrong is his/hers. They talked like the dad was all about himself with his hands in the air but he is pointing to his son and so it is not on him obviously. He is just a proud father. Is that wrong? I sure hope not. I hope when I have kids that I will be able to be proud of them just like you were proud of your daughter. I see nothing wrong with standing up waving your arms cheering and pointing.

I would like to see him as one of the guest soloist for the mormon tabernacle choir as well as with the Osmond Family during the pioneer day celebration. That would be awesome! Go David!!!!! Way to go youngman.

Stay Humble and Kept the faith it will bring you farther in life and more success.

To your Dad. Great Job. You should be proud of your son. Good Luck.

He's not an Idol. Why wasen't he this spiritual, inspirational, touching, etc...blah blah blah BEFORE he was on "AMERICAN IDOL" He's been in Utah for a long time, how come UTAH didn't view him like this last year? Because he is just a kid, toddler, baby. Treat him like he's always been treated, a scrub, you Utahns. For his dad to be the dad from hell is he mormon too? Heh, not a good example is he?

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TONIGHT !!!!!!!!!

BOTH GUYS ARE GREAT BUT ONLY ONE CAN TAKE THE TITLE. GOOD LUCK TO BOTH TALENTED YOUNG MEN.

BUT........FOR ME...GO DAVID ARCHULETA !!!

To Scott Pierce:

Thank you so much for writing this awesome article about David Archuleta. It is so refreshing to know that there are journalists who appreciate David for who he really is. I was especially moved by your description of David’s emotional reaction to the massive number of fans who welcomed him at his homecoming visit. David Archuleta is an amazing vocalist and deserves to win the American Idol title. I wish David A. the very best. Go Archie!

Just for the record, the lyrics of Imagine are some of the most anti-establishment and anti-conservative viewpoints there are: a world without religion, war, where all live in a communal (not communist) lifestyle.

It's a beautiful song, and I personally love its message, but don't think for a second that it can be simplified into just "ending poverty."

Frankly, I'm surprised that most Utahns were fans of David's use of the song, for that reason alone.

I used to be on Davey's coach pitch baseball team and and he could sure throw that ball! He was so good he could hit from both sides.

Where is the evidence that David is humble, kind, a good mormon? Tears while people are cheering for him, really. Where are the stories about him going home teaching with his dad?? Why did most the student body at Murray High not even know who the kid was??

Just assuming that someone is humble and kind doesn't mean that he is....where's the evidence??

David was great. I just found out her was a mormon, but I have liked him all along. Religion has nothing to do with singing talent. However, I am Canadian...so my opinion doesnt matter yet.

Imagine was a great song. I don't care about the communal nature of the song. I'm a Mormon and lean heavily to the left. "Imagine...," the cold war is over. Grow up.

I think our hometown hero is going to pull off a huge upset tonight!

I am LDS senior, live in mobile home park. Neighbors hear me play Mormon Tab. Choir, and that's it basically. Tonight: I heard a young man on American Idol: David Archuleta....Amazing vocalist and everyone heard this senior citizen all the way through the trailer park as I at the top of my voice told him to "rock on"....My young neighbor family said first time they heard my voice since I moved into the park over 15 yrs. ago....David is sincere and humble. Can't fool this old goat at my age....May the Lord Bless You David.

Dear Evidence: You say - "Where is the evidence that David is humble ... Why did most the student body at Murray High not even know who the kid was??"

Didn't you answer your own question?

This guy is just good!