Reader comments: Knockout punch? Tide seems to turn Archuleta's way on show

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Anonymous | 1:15 a.m. May 21, 2008
As Paula said, it was pure magic. What a wonderful talent David A. has, and what a wonderful person he is. Whether or not he wins Idol tomorrow night, I think those of us who watched tonight were witness to something rare and special. I found his performances absolutely breathtaking!

Win or lose Idol, David A. is a winner.
AK | 1:20 a.m. May 21, 2008
I have never even watched this season of Idol but have kept tabs on it via the internet. I think its great that some one from Utah and LDS has made it so far into the finals. I hope he wins. I think he would be a great example to American teens.
Saborn | 1:57 a.m. May 21, 2008
Archuleta was amazing tonight! It was inspiring to listen to him sing. Although the judges declared him the winner, I'm not sure whether or not he'll win. Cook seems to have a huge number of people cheering him on. In any case, go Archuleta!!!!
Comments continue below
pohaku-1 | 2:18 a.m. May 21, 2008
David A... he came, he sang and sang and sang AND he conquered [ BIG ]

Some of us stayed up to 1 AM to vote !!!!
Skeptic | 4:58 a.m. May 21, 2008
I think next year they should do a show where they sing Judas Priest songs. You know, challenge the singers a little. It would put a little hair on Archaletta's chest.
Lee | 5:28 a.m. May 21, 2008
I thought going into last night's compitition that David C. had the advantage and momentum. However, David A.had a terrific night.He hit a home run on all three songs.Both Davids are very gifted and talented. It's a shame one will have to lose.But it is a far cry from what Idol has crowned the winner over the last 2 years!At least both Davids will get a new Mustang!
JRM | 5:40 a.m. May 21, 2008
Honestly, I though they both did well. The absolute support of David A. over David C. seemed to me a bit odd. I think that David A. was given the total support of the judges because those at American Idol: (1) knew that David Cook would likely win (given iTunes purchases, previous vote totals, etc.) and (2) wanted both David A. and David C. to have successful AI-based careers and thought that if they gave David A. their total support with David C. still winning, it would make this more likely possible.
Anne | 6:05 a.m. May 21, 2008
GO ARCHIE!!!! YOU'RE GOING FAR!!!!! YOU'VE ALREADY WON IN AMERICA's EYES!
GLG | 6:22 a.m. May 21, 2008
Whatever happens David Archuleta won last night with his performance. He was amazing and I voted four hours so hopefully he will be the next American Idol,if not he is the BEST and no one can take that away from him.
Go DA | 6:38 a.m. May 21, 2008
WOW! He really out performed Cook. There was no doubt to the judges and to the viewers who sang the best - but this is still a popularity contest and it all depends on who gets the most votes, not necessarily who sings the best. But we are all proud of the teen from Murray. Well done.
Not a teenybopper | 6:39 a.m. May 21, 2008
I don't have a TV, but after hearing so much about Archuleta, I went to Youtube and watched some performances. My (somewhat cynical of performers) wife was in tears watching Archuleta perform. I'm sure Mr. Cook is a nice guy, and he did a great rendition of a Beatles song, but he does seem to be just a run-of-the-mill rock singer. That is just my opinion, but I didn't hear anything from Cook's performances to say, "Yeah he is a great/unique singer that makes me want to buy a record".

But with the vagaries and whims of American public, who knows?
C1 | 7:08 a.m. May 21, 2008
Love the Judas Priest idea. Or how about some Black Sabbath/Oz? AC/DC?

Gotta love Archie though, even if he is a little on the sugary sweet side.
Concensus among who? | 7:13 a.m. May 21, 2008
who was polled?
Camille | 7:26 a.m. May 21, 2008
I watched last night and David Archuleta was AMAZING! It took me 3 hrs. just to get thru and get one vote for him and I'm not a teenager either. He deserves to win!
T-Bone | 7:32 a.m. May 21, 2008
I'm devastated that I had to go to work today and provide for my family, contribute to society, and help the infastructure of our economy. I would love to stay at home and watch all the reruns of "The Idol" (that's what we nerds call American Idol) that I have recorded. I could just gobble up that little fella who sings his heart out. I know his singing skill has strengthened my testimony. If I wasn't already a member of his church I would join just because of him. I might even leave the church just so I can join again, so when people ask what was it about the church that made me become a member, I could proudly say..."The little fella from "The Idol" my friend, the little fella from "The Idol"!!
32 year old male | 7:46 a.m. May 21, 2008
I've never "felt" a song before on TV, except by the Tabernacle Choir, until last night. "In This Moment" was one of the most stunning performances I've ever experienced. WOW!!! It was an absolute runaway for David Archuleta. I really hope he wins.

David Cook did well, but he acted like he had it wrapped up already. I can't stand his "I just got out of bed look" either.
What? | 8:03 a.m. May 21, 2008
Those who have watched American Idol over the years know it is a popularity contest. The votes don't always go along with the best talent. Sanjaya was a classic example of limited talent, but continued to stay on the program week after week, after week.

I expect David C to win, but I think David A outsang and outperformed David C by miles. The judges had it right, David A won the night, but again the voters don't vote on talent.

To me David C just "looks" unkempt and disheveled. It appears he doesn't care about how he looks. That is just my opinion.
Mayhem Mike | 8:08 a.m. May 21, 2008
David Archuleta is a SURE bet to win! Why? Because my wife voted 1000 times (yes, that' right. . . literally, 1000 times) for him last night. Took her until midnight to complete her voting.
Early Mission for David A? | 8:13 a.m. May 21, 2008
In Texas we're hearing that the LDS church is going to send David Archeletta on an early mission when he's 18, instead of 19. Anybody know if there's any truth to that? Something about a public relations mission to bolster the image. Wouldn't that interfere with his IDOL tour?
Isa | 8:20 a.m. May 21, 2008
David Archuleta was awesome!!! He deserves to win. Going into last night's competition I said: "I am going to vote for the one who sings best". David Archuleta got my votes!!! I knew from the auditions that he should be the next American Idol.
Anonymous | 8:30 a.m. May 21, 2008
T-Bone,
Shocking but alot of us contribute to society with an actual 9-5 M-F job which SUPRISE!!! leaves us free to enjoy our evenings!
Anonymous | 8:34 a.m. May 21, 2008
Take a deep breath and believe that someONE can be
so talented AND nice.
CA mom | 8:38 a.m. May 21, 2008
To Skeptic and C1: American idol is a "singing" contest not a "screaming" contest.

Archuleta out sang Cook hands down. While I really enjoy listening to Cook, I have to agree with Andrew Lloyd Weber and am concerned for his long term vocal health.
Linda | 8:46 a.m. May 21, 2008
I'm a 47 year old female and I too "felt" Archuleta's rendition of "In this Moment!" He was nothing short of amazing! Prior to last night I had wanted Cook to win. But now, I say go Archuleta all the way!
34 year old female | 8:49 a.m. May 21, 2008
I'm also not a fan of the "I just got out of bed look" either. GO Archuleta!!!
Thanks T-bone | 8:49 a.m. May 21, 2008
For your tender touch of reality. After all the world is way too sugary and we need more realism in our lives to off-set all the murders, terrorism, earth-quakes, and cyclones. Any time I get too soppy by reading and watching all the wonderful news reports of overly kind people in our world I will just hearken back to your wise dose of realism to bring me back on track. May the farce ever be with you! !
Randy & Paula & Simon | 8:55 a.m. May 21, 2008
Randy: Yo, check it out! Yeah, baby! That was a lava hot molten bomb David A. Your da man. You are the Rocky of Idol man! What a knockout performance.

Paula: I'm just speechless...Goosebumps...When you get home have a wonderful home evening...blah, blah, blah,... (speechless?????????)

Simon: to David Cook...forgetable...poor song choice...

Congratulation! David A. and Utah!
Rose | 8:57 a.m. May 21, 2008
Mayhem Mike, I think it will be funny when you get your phone bill and you are charged $3.99 per vote.
T-Bone fan | 9:00 a.m. May 21, 2008
T-Bone, I spit my caffeine free soda on the computer screen when I read your post. I'm LDS and I thought it was very clever.
Randy says.. | 9:04 a.m. May 21, 2008
Yo, David A., check it out baby. That has to be the hottest molten hot lava bomb knockout perfomance of all time! You are da man, your da Rocky of Idol!
L C L | 9:09 a.m. May 21, 2008
I watched "Idol" for the first time last night, just to see what all the hoo-haw is about. I thought both David's did well, but there was no question about who did REALLY well, and David A. was that person. I think both of them will have great singing careers, but I really hope D.A. wins this thing, based on his outstanding performance on all three songs last night. I even voted for him several times (after trying for quite a while and getting a littany of "all circuits are busy"). I never thought I'd actually take time to vote for anyone on this show, but have to admit I was impressed enough with D.A.'s performance to decide I should get my 2 cents worth in!
Launa | 9:12 a.m. May 21, 2008
It's David A's purity and passion that moves people. He comes alive in his music. He is so human and vulnerable;that connects too. I like David C He is giFted and talented but his music doesn't inspire like David A's does.CONGRATULATIONS DAVID A!
like the Downy Soft Bear | 9:15 a.m. May 21, 2008
Good job Archie!
If you were here I'd put ya in a headlock and give you a nuggie. You know, friendly like.
Scoop | 9:15 a.m. May 21, 2008
The Scoop (on MSNBC) cites insiders who say the producers want Cook to win because he's "more manageable". Archuleta's career is being driven by his dad, so Idol doesn't want Archuleta tied in to their label.

But in a talent competition, the cream eventually rises to the top. Archuleta was head and shoulders above Cook last night. He exposed Cook for what he is - a one-dimensional post-grunge rockabilly.

But I still hope Cook wins - I don't want to see Archuleta managed by the screwups at 19 Entertainment. Let Archuleta get his own deal and we'll see much better things out of him.
Re: Early Mission... | 9:17 a.m. May 21, 2008
Can't speak for the church, except that it's unlikely they'd ask him to break his AI contract to go on an early mission. I don't think people get called on PR missions, per se.
I do know that as members of the Church we can all be missionaries as we strive to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. No official call necessary.
David A. has already been a great example of the goodness and humility the Savior taught. Keep on shining, David!
Pickles | 9:18 a.m. May 21, 2008
While I agree that David A. sang Imagine very well and I agree that he is a talented young man, I think overall David C. has a more powerful, resonating and varying voice; AND, for me, he is more entertaining to watch. (I disagree with the "disheveled and unkempt" comment. I think he does take care in his appearance.) We have had a teenage "idol" as well as a sweet ballad singing one, but we have yet to have an edgy one. I think the time has come.
Joe Moe | 9:19 a.m. May 21, 2008
David Cook has stage presence, a great voice, and versatility. Archuleta has a great voice.

I can appreciate Archuleta's talent, and it's fun to watch a "hometown" boy be so successful. But he's just not the type that is going to get me to buy his CD. It would end up collecting dust. I'll be looking for Cook's album.

For the past six weeks or so, the judges (and America) have given Archuleta a pass when it comes to showing any versatility. He can sing one style, and no matter how good he does it, it's still just one style.
Early Mission 2 | 9:20 a.m. May 21, 2008
I said I don't think people get called on PR missions per se -- let me clarify -- I don't think famous people get called on PR missions just because they're famous.
There are people called to serve as public relations representatives all over the world -- most of whom are regular people.
Hey Early Mission | 9:21 a.m. May 21, 2008
Nice Rumor. I don't think so.
Boring | 9:23 a.m. May 21, 2008
I watched AI last night for the first time, just to see what all the David A fuss was about. I have to admit I'm not impressed.

Yes, he CAN sing well, but he has ZERO personality, and sang only one type of song, ballads. The other guy was able to at least sing more than one type of song and I thought he was waaaay more entertaining. Plus the other David didn't look like he was going to cry whenever someone talked to him.

IF David A wins, the industry will eat him alive.
Absolutely the best! | 9:24 a.m. May 21, 2008
David A. was inspiring. He has a tender heart, love and compassion and he fought the good fight. In my estimation he's the winner all around. He's clean cut, dresses conservatively and has the most mellow, wonderful voice ever. Way to go David A.

I think as long as you don't have to watch David Cook he sings well. However, his appearance, or lack of it really made me feel like he just didn't care what people thought. Not particularly idol material.
DA fan | 9:26 a.m. May 21, 2008
Where do rumors get started? No, the church is not going to send David A on an early mission. That is not the way it works. When David is 19 he will make that decision.
k | 9:31 a.m. May 21, 2008
T-Bone, I loved your comments...Couldn't tell if you were serious, but funny, none-the-less.

Go, David A!!! What a cute kid!
Early Mission? | 9:32 a.m. May 21, 2008
Ain't gonna happen. If anything, he may be honorably excused from serving a "regular" mission, just like Donny Osmond was. He can reach more people doing what he's doing than he ever would going door to door. It's really up to him. But an early mission, don't count on it.
Anonymous | 9:36 a.m. May 21, 2008
David A you deserve to win. You were fantastic last night and a great role model for young people today. Hope you win but if the popularity vote does not go in your favor, please know that you deserved the win. you made us proud!.
Anonymous | 9:37 a.m. May 21, 2008
didn't the prophet tell lds to stay away from the television? come on people dedicate your life to the lord not american idol. spend hours studying the scriptures instead of dialing the telephone. you guys are so obsessed for an idol it's embarrassing to utah. instead of praising a teenager whom none of you know (except for David A's local grocery worker) praise your own kids and people in your ward. there are people who have more talent than david archuleta praise them publicly.
Jak | 9:40 a.m. May 21, 2008
To Early Mission for David A?

there is now way that they would allow him to serve an early mission. The rules(i am using rules for lack of a better word) have stated that you can serve when you are 19 and the church just doesn't go against the rules it sets. The church may ask him to speak and sing at different events but I doubt that he will be called on a mission at 18. And you have to see that he is only 17 now and is a junior in school. He still has one year left to finish and it looks like he will be 18 for part if not most of that school year although I doubt he will return to Murray High. I bet he will go to a private school or take online courses so the school thing may not matter at all.
lol T-bone | 9:53 a.m. May 21, 2008
I thought you were quite entertaining.
Out a bed | 9:53 a.m. May 21, 2008
I just got out of bed and I think that Sanjaya was the better Idol. Of course Archie wasn't bad.
A Fan | 9:55 a.m. May 21, 2008
I don't really care who wins. I like both of them. I was more worried that one of them would forget the lyrics or just fold under pressure. I wanted them both to do well and they did.

For 17 years old, I am impressed that Archuleta has held up. With all the rumors about his dad and with all this build up to the finals, I was worried the pressure might get to him. Archuleta hit a home run last night. Impressive.
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Amanda Williams, 15, right, cheers with Alysa Martindale, 15, center, and Martina Martindale, left, in the Murray High auditorium Tuesday. (Tim Hussin, Deseret News)
Tim Hussin, Deseret News
Amanda Williams, 15, right, cheers with Alysa Martindale, 15, center, and Martina Martindale, left, in the Murray High auditorium Tuesday.