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- David Archuleta
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- Brooke White
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- Carly Smithson
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- Chikezie Eze
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- Michael Johns
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In the spirit of the night, with all the on-the-scene, up-to-the-minute blog posts about the UFC and boxing matches dominating the Las Vegas Sun, it seems fitting to weigh in briefly on the night's other major event in Vegas: the "American Idols Live" concert at the Thomas and Mack Center.
The three-hour event was not a competition, and (blessedly) there was no troika of judges to proclaim "pitchiness," etc. But it appeared to this witness that the walkaway winner of the evening was 17-year-old David Archuleta. Sure, he was the runner-up on the actual show that spawned this concert and its 53-show tour (Vegas was stop #4). But Archuleta brought his A-game (or some other sports cliche) and proved he's on course to be a musical star in the long term.
More details on the day in a Tuesday's Las Vegas Sun, but here's my ranking of tonight's Top Ten on the strength of tonight's performances: #2: David Cook, #3: Carly Smithson, #4: Jason Castro, #5 Michael Johns, #6 Brooke White, #7 Chikezie Eze, #8: Syesha Mercado, #9 Kristy Lee Cook, #10: Ramiele Malubay.
I'll leave you with one quote from this afternoon's Idol press conference:
Carly Smithson: "I want a David Cook t-shirt!"
DA is the best!!
Archuleta's performances were spectacular and heartfelt - at least for those of us willing to open our ears and heart. Especially when he closed his set with When You Say You Love Me.
David A. is an amazing artist and performer, every time he sings he put all that he is in it, and that is the reazon what people love him... I hope he will be around as an artist for a long time so we have more oportunities to enjoy his beutiful voice and his great persona...
You know, I have to agree with this article. I was at the concert last night because I really enjoyed this season, but after seeing David Archuleta, I have to tell you that he is amazing. Truly an undeniably talented and entertaining singer. His voice was stunning and you could literally feel it coursing through your body. I can't say enough about him! He converted me into a diehard fan. I came home and have been googling him all night and I found more and more performances that just increased my newfound love. I need to step away from the computer for a bit, but I can't.
If he puts out a cd and sings with such heart I will buy his cd. And I would definitely pay to see him again. He was worth the price of the ticket alone.
I should mention that David Cook, Kristy Lee Cook and Carly were really good too. Jason Castro is beautiful, but he needs a bit more confidence on stage. I am sure it will come to him soon. They have many more performances ahead I think.
Finally, I have seen past Idol concerts and this one was by far the best and on top of that, David Archuleta was the best performer of all the concerts I've seen. Geez, gush gush gush. I should stop now.
This is NOT surprising from Joe Brown. I don't think Joe Brown was ever a fan of "David Cook".
He always had something bad or insulting to say about him which were sometimes not even directly related to Cook's performance.
On May 6, 2008, JOE BROWN wrote,
"And did it seem to you like David Cook was flipping the "Idol" audience the bird with his malnourished performance of "Hungry Like the Wolf" (from the whole Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he picks Duran Duran? Really?). And then he repeats "it's only teenage wasteland," over and over again, staring knowingly at the tween-packed studio "mosh pit" in his second song, The Who's "Baba O'Riley." Hmmm."
Reference:
http://www.scopemag.com/blogs/joe-brown/...
On July 2, 2008, JOE BROWN openly criticized David Cook's song out of all the songs being sung by the contestants and gave Archuleta first billing.
"Poor David Cook has to sing his crummy coronation tune, The Time of My Life."
Reference:
http://m.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jul/0...
David Archuleta is AMAZING. I agree with this article and I thought the writer of this article has a good taste in music. Anyone can't deny that this kid has a tremendous talent and will have a long and successful career ahead of him. His voice reverberates all throughout the arena, and I have to say that he is on a different league. He definitely has what it takes to become a great singer and performer, along with David Cook. I'm not sure about the other contestants though. I would say Carly and Michael did great. Jason is good too. But again, to the writer of this article, I salute you for having a good taste and for writing this article. David Archuleta turned me into one of his biggest fan after hearing him sing.
I am so thrilled to see David winning new fans!!How could anyone not love him after hearing him sing? I can't wait to hear him live!!! It is just awesome to be here, watching his career take off... a superstar in the making!! I am happy to hear all the great reviews for all the idols. Best of luck to all of them!
I, too, was at the show last night and I have to agree that Mr. Brown is correct. Archuleta was really impressive. Both he and David Cook were the highlights of the night (as well as Michael Johns and Carly Smithson). Overall I think this season was one of the strongest for the show. There are many who have the ability to have long music careers.
Awww, topidoljudge, I don't mean to knock David Cook. He was tremendous last night, and I have accepted him as my American Idol.
And it's not his fault that he has to sing that "Time of My Life Song," he contractually obligated. Last night he introduced the song by saying "I'm just trying to earn a paycheck..." The person sitting next to me said she had met him Saturday afternoon and he confessed to taking a bath on the nickel slots.
Anyway, Archuleta showed so much artistic growth and command of the stage last night. I'll say much more in my upcoming review in the Las Vegas Sun.
By the way, I enjoyed your investigative reporting of my supposed anti-Cook bias, complete with links!
Thanks for reading and keep the comments coming!
Joe
My favorite of the night was Jason Castro. He has a beautiful voice that is pure and at the same time rich. He is very natural on stage. His is the type of music I would buy. Then I liked Cook. Very strong commanding stage presence. Archie has one of those rare beautiful voices. But I dubt I would buy his music. Johns and Carly screeched to much. Syesha boring and her performance felt scripted. The rest were all ok. No one stunk. So I loved the show, but the screams and fan reaction indicates that Cook-Archie and Castro are the stars of this years concert.
Thank you for this review! Really hope to read a more detailed one. I watched nearly all the videos from last night and yes David Archuleta is the best of the night!
It is hard to imagine that at only starting point of his music career, he is already so good! What will he become in five years? He is so confident and charming on the stage, and his vocal ability is in a completely different league. I think he will continue to grow as he becomes a more seasoned performer during the tour.
Kudos to SuncityBabe, who has written the best, most concise concert review-in-the-comments that I have ever read:
"No one stunk."
Fabulous.
There are reasons why Archuleta got 7 offers from recording companies after the Idol, and received more money than any contestants. His pure vocal talent is hard to find in this business. On the Vegas show, his 'When You Say You Love Me' is stunning! How can a 17 year old deliver so much emotion for each lyric? I can't wait to buy his CDs and I will buy Jason's CD and Carly's. I doubt I'll buy Cook's. I am not a rock fan. The other day, I was listening to the radio, and I thought Cook had a new song out because the voice was a lot like him, but it wasn't him.
Archuleta may not have won the AI title, but it sounds like he won over Vegas at last night's concert. He's really has come out of his shell since the show ended. He's not only an amazing vocalist, but now he's a performer!
I'm so happy to hear the rave reviews coming from each concert spot. I don't know why its such a surprise to some. Those of us who have supported him from the beginning saw that special something in his first audition...and it goes far beyond his vocal talent. His sweetness, his shyness, his lack of ego together with his talent comprises a complete package that is so lacking presently in the industry. In a world of Britneys', Paris' and Lindseys', I think people have been waiting for someone to come along who encompasses not only incredible talent, but a sense of values, humility and hope. It's only a matter of time before David is a major superstar!
Give me Castro any day of the week and I will be one happy woman. I love his voice, his style, his way of packing emotion into a song and making the hearer believe it. All the performers have their strong points, and doubtless Archuleta is a good singer and Cook an excellent performer, but I'll take artists like Castro everytime over them all. Just my two cents.
im 24 and travel from Ireland every year to visit las vegas and dont think i will ever stop ,its a fantastic city and has more to offer then any other city in the world.The newspaper in london should worry about its own city with the problems they are having,18 teenagers have been stabed to death in the past 7months
I attended the concert not caring to hear anyone BUT Jason Castro sing. GLAD I HEARD ALL OF THEM.
They are an OUTSTANDING GROUP!!! It was a great concert...Archuleta was superb and Cook is a born entertainer. And, keep in mind, Jason Castro has only been singing a short while and has had no formal training...self taught. With time, he'll be moved up from the number 4 spot!!!
I have never really watched the AI show beyond the initial tryouts where I can get a good laugh. When I saw David Archuleta, I drove home as fast as I could to watch him perform each week.
I have grown very fond of David Cook, but find myself smitten with little David. His performance in Vegas was outstanding. I can hardly wait to watch his career unfold. Thanks for this review. I sent it out to a few others.
Meh. I thought David Cook was fabulous in Vegas that night, although Archie did sound much better live than on the show. But DC>>>DA for me, so to each his own.
Fabulous show! I must say that they all have that "it" factor-some more than others-A tremendous display of talent! Michael Johns-tremendous response from the audience-I have to say that seeing all of the performers live gave me a totally different perspective of their individual abilities with an audience. Michael Johns grabbed the crowd with "We are the Champions"-Carly S "I Drove All Night" was a strong feature-David Archuleta is fabulous-what a voice-he will have many hit records. David Cook a strong musician and vocal talent-incredible charisma-knows how to play the crowd.
I realized last night that several of these kids may have hit records in the next year! David Cook's "Billie Jean" is so unique-David Archuleta's "When You Say You Love Me" is a hit!
And what do you mean by 'wins the night?' Are they still in a competition? That's weird, I thought AI is over. This is a tour, for Christ sakes, not a contest.
david archuleta was amazing. His voice was exceptional and has shown improvement on stage presence.Thanks for the positive reviews on him.
After attending the concert, I agree with almost all of Joe's assessment except that I would flip-flog Jason and Carly and put Jason at #3 and Carly at #4 simply because I prefer his more mellow approach to her more theatrical one...or let's call it a Tie for #3 because they were both great in a different way (it's like comparing apples and oranges with those 2!). I am actually a big David Cook fan BUT was shocked by David Archuleta's performance. He was simply amazing. The shy, awkward, tounge-tied kid who appeared American Idol is gone. (Jason is working on the same thing but isn't 100% there yet...I have confidence after a few more shows he will be). IMO David A. was the stand-out (and that's coming from someone who voted against him during the competition. I thought they all did very well and many showed improvement from their time on the show (most noteably Chikeze!). Good show with many different styles from the Rockers (David C., Carly, Michael) to Folk/Pop (Jason, Brooke), Pop (David A., Ramielle), R& B-ish (Chikeze, Syesha) and Country (Kristy). Look forward to reading your throughts in a complete review.
I got online tonight to see what David A. was up to since I have tickets to the Idol Tour in Portland, OR.on the 11th. Google sent me to this blog. You guys have got me so excited for Friday! I liked both Davids but the little guy was my favorite. Anyway, thanks for the report. What did Jason sing? And did David A. sing "Imagin"...the whole song?Thanks! (I live in Longview, WA)
when are you posting 'more details'?
Can't wait to read the rest of your thoughts on the Idols!
Thanks for the note, Mr. Brown.
In my honest opinion, the competition is over. All of the contestants in the AI Tour are number 1 in their own right and are winners for putting out an excellent show that all attendees will treasure as great memories. Thanks so much, again, Mr. Brown! With love from your reader. ;-)
Mr. Brown, topidoljudge exposed you. You never liked Cook, and that's clear from your previous writeups. Even the diction in your posted reply in this thread ("I have ACCEPTED (emphasis mine) him as my American Idol.")reflects this. That's fine-- you're certainly entitled to your preferences, but don't act as though you weren't just "outed".
Here's the thing, though, you cite Archie's "command of the stage". I think even the most rabid pro-DA/ anti-DC fan would acknowledge that Cook trumps him in that department.
hi mrg: it's all written with a sense of humor, really. (and i've been out since 1980.)
my review of saturday's las vegas concert (with audio clips from interviews with several of the idols) will be in tuesday's las vegas sun.
thanks everyone for your energetic (and polite!) comments. keep 'em coming. we're all very interested to hear what you thought about the performances on the big stage before a real audience.
joe
AI is over and David Cook won the competition..but that doesn't mean he's better than Archuleta..just means more people preferred him at that time. I don't think the writer did any injustice by saying Archuleta won the night..we are still entitled to all our opinions. I watched all the performances and believe Archuleta was indeed the best vocally especially with the Groban song that was in a different league.
I don't understand why praising Archie means anti-Cook. Isn't the competition over and every reviewer has the right to their opinions? I am sure there will be at least one or two people thinking Cook is better. So why complain because other people disagree with you?
The place you finish at American Idol has little to do with your future music career, especially for the boys. Remember where Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry, and Eliiot Yamin the top 3 most successful male idols finish in the competition? And remember Ruben and Talor, both male winners are dropped by their labels this year? So why use the votes or position in AI to measure anything beyond that?
To me Archie is in a completely different league vocally. He will greatly improve during the tour on his performance skills. I have confidence that he will produce great music in many years to come. That is enough for me. Or wait, I must have an anti-Cook agenda if I love Archie. Please out me with links, soon.
Thank you for the nice review of all the Idols. I have to agree when it comes to vocals at 17 the kid is truly stunning. His vocals are not those of some Disney 2min of fame. He posses a natural talent far beyond his years. He is stunning to watch. Bone chilling. Comparing the 2 Davids may never end. Either way, I'm glad to see young David have a lovely review. Why do Cook fans have to freak out whenever David A gets a good review. Relax and Breathe..
Thank you Joe for such a positive review. Finally someone who recognize great talent and hears what we ARchuleta fans hear. I have seen all his you tube videos and all performance is amazing and cant even imagine it live. Finally, Archuleta is getting the credit he deserves so well and is now truly shining.
To Cook supporters, chill out cause you will and never will get positive reviews all the time. That is part and parcel of an AI winner, Cook will be judged and harshly at that being the winner and will always be in the media eyes. You guys need to get use to it. Also, there are 49 more concerts to go and there are more reviewers out there.
Hi Mr. Brown! I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated your review of David Archuleta's performance, the way the crowd responded to him, etc. David A has an incredible career ahead of him with international appeal to go along with his appeal here in our own country......it will be fun watching him develop even more with experience!
David Archuleta was so good! the best in my opinion from what I saw in vids. Great review!
Wow - I'm surprised at the backlash from some Cook fans here. I agree - chill! Archuleta is by far my favorite, but I've NEVER had a problem complimenting Cook when he deserved it. Too bad the same couldn't be said for some of you. I agree with Ron. Praising Archuleta isn't a slap in the face to Cook. Joe named him in 2nd place for the evening. Cook can't always be first! Show a bit of graciousness. The two Davids would.
Kudos to David Archuleta. He deserves all of the praise and rave reviews that comes his way. Nobody, with any sense of musical knowledge and appreciation, can deny what this young man brings to the stage.
If a reader cannot accept the fact that Archuleta 'wins the night' than that reader should just stop seeking out the reviews to the concerts. 'You' would be the one still making it a competition. Don't accuse the writers of it.
its great to see your UNBIASED opinion about the tour. and its also nice that the top 4 are my top 4 favorites, in the order of how much i like them. its nice to see someone recognizing david archuleta's talent and finally applauding his efforts. i'm sure they all did a great job. and its very much mind boggling how some people cannot conceive how david cook can be #2. if putting him at #2 out of 10 makes you a basher, then so be it. and i read your other comments, and i dont think they were malicious. "time of my life" isnt that great a song, and jason and cook were not very good during top 4 week. i dont think your comments were unfair. thanks for the article.
Looking forward to tuesday's full review.
The Davids are such different artists...can't
really compare them...My fave is Archuleta but I like Cook too.
Can't everyone settle down...it's the reviewers opinion..you can all have your own,too...not sure why people feel they have to make sure their favorite has a #1 next to his name.
I have viewed all performances of the Top 10 at the Vegas concert.
I agree and I say Mr Brown's review is unbiased and fair. David Archuleta is stunning with his amazing vocal and his performance is heartfelt. He left me emotionally charged. Jason is an eye-candy and sings well too. But David Archuleta is the most outstanding of all.
I am from Asia, and I learn from my contacts that he is very well-loved in this part of the world.
The author believes David Archuleta outshined David Cook during the Las Vegas concert. Why is this a big deal? This is an opinion shared by not only the author, but many other concertgoers as well - and by this reader, who has only seen mere video recordings of the performances but was still breathless after David Archuleta's final number.
It's an opinion. Gosh, people, get over it.
Looking forward to Tuesday's review!
Thank you for the rave review on DA. He had stolen my heart since day 1 of the audition. I followed his progress in the AI as a shy, innocent, awkward on stage contestant. Deep down me can't get enough of his awesome voice that transform him into somebody else when he sings. His aura was so strong, grasp your heart and soul to the brink of crying.I read so many comments... Amazingly, there are many who felt same way. I can only say this rare gift DA has must be Godgiven, coupled with humble, caring for people
and tons of personality added to his appeal worldwide. God Bless his heart and keep him safe
on his journey to stardom.
Hello Mr.Brown,
I truly enjoyed your article and found it quite soothing that you are giving CREDIT where it is long over due! This young man is OUTSTANDING~
beyond compare~a totally UNIQUE artist if I have ever seen one. He has the ability to bring something new and fresh to each performance...
that is a remarkable gift in itself.But the thing I enjoy most about him is the PASSION he puts into each song...he MAKES me believe the lyrics so much so, that I have been moved to tears on several occasions. No other artist has had that impact on me. He is just a beautiful person and I am so happy he is living his DREAM!!!
I agree whole-heartedly with this review. I'm a huge David A. fan but I always thought Cook was tremendous! Everyone had great moments on that stage during the Vegas concert, some may have had more applause and cheers but everyone had a shining moment. DA sang all his songs with passion and they were a great thing to watch, but Cook had awesome performances as well. We all have our favorites, and some people just prefer Archuleta to Cook.
Finally a male reporter that appreciates the very young and talented 17 year old David Archuleta. Kudos to you Mr. Brown. I thought all the contestants were terrific, Cook was great at this concert also, but I agree that Archuleta was absolutely amazing. Now David Cook fans, easy. We are not bashing David Cook's talents, but praising the runner up David Archuleta, who continues to amaze all of us daily with his incredible and pure voice, his talent and maturity. And I am not a teen, but a David Archuleta and David Cook fan.
I feel this is a fair ranking of the concert. Only change I would make is to put Jason Castro 3rd because I feel that sometimes Carly goes into "screaming" mode but she does have incredible stage presence so it's a draw.
All 4 (David A., David C., Carly, Jason) had moments of brillance during the concert. David A's "Apologize" was hauntingly beautiful and almost brought me to tears, David Cook's rendition of "Billie Jean" was as good as it was on the show and he has supreme confidence on stage, Carly brought the house down with "Crazy on You" which shows off her incredible pipes range and Jason let loose and proved he can do more than "folk" music with a more mainstream, comporary song Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy". He also does some soloing on the guitar and is so carefree and happy that you can't help but smile when you watch him. David A. looked more "grown-up" and Jason's face on the jumbo screen is absolutely stunningly beautiful. They were definately the Top 4 of the night (with Michael Johns close on their tails! He's also extremely good.). David A. is coming on much stronger on tour than he did on the show. I voted for David Cook and Jason during the competition but after seeing David A. live, I'm seeing what others saw in him in along. I think this tour will make/cement the careers of both Davids, Jason, Carly and Michael and that all 5 of them will find some degree of success beyond Idol.
Let me say that I am a David Cook fan. He was the only one I voted for on the show. That said, I was disappointed with his performance Saturday night. David Archuleta, Jason Castro and Brooke White all had more of an emotional connection with the audience. To me, that is what's missing with David's performance on tour. My only thought is that he's moving around the stage more...Jason & Brooke do very little movement and David Archuleta moves but not alot. I think the stillness creates more intimacy and you can focus more on their singing. Michael Johns & Carly have the same problem. It's almost like they're trying too hard. But I think all 5 of them put on a good show and were above average. I will say Chiceze was a huge shocker. He was much, much better than he was on the show and possibly was eliminated too early. Syesha, Kristy & Ramielle didn't do it for me at all. Felt those 3 were just average but that's just one person's opinion.
All of them put on an excellent performance. However, the entire show did seem very rushed to me, which I didn't like.
For me, Jason Castro and David Cook took the night. I was never much of a David Cook fan, but he does know how to work a crowd. Props for that.
Jason Castro's performance was like a little oasis of serenity in the middle of such a fast-paced show. I was delighted to hear him live for the first time and I love how he performs in such a way as to bring the audience in with him. All of a sudden, we aren't at some huge concert. Instead, we're witnessing an intimate moment between a young man and his guitar (or uke, depending on which song he's playing!). That is a true artist right there!
Also notable for their performances, I would say, are Brooke White (always a pleasure listening to her!), Carly Smithson, and Chikezie (whether you're a fan or not, you have to admit the guy's got charisma!).
Great!!!!! Love the interview!!!! DA is becoming more opened with some themes like his music, the AI experience, and his father situation during the show...I really enjoyed the fact that he can get mad and become anoyed by the media that incist in doing the same questions over and over again, and used rumors aboutsitutations that don´t exist... You go DA!!!!!...
Thank you very much for the interview! Joe, are you the interviewer? You asked real good questions and did some research apparently.
I really love that David Archuleta has a clear idea that he needs both radio songs and emotional songs to be successful in the industry. Very realistic yet true to himself.
There is no doubt that David Archuleta has a tremendous talent and have great voice from the very beginning, I could tell this kid will make it BIG and for me HE IS THE TRUE AMERICAN IDOL ( NO OFFENSE TO MR. COOK).
When Archie sing you can really feel it - that is one of the quality that he has; not every singer has that kind of gift plus he deliver his lyric clearly, beautifully and with intesity as if he is painting the word to a song that is why he connects so well with his audience.
HE IS REALLY A GIFTED KID.
I feel bad for a singer who will say that: "I'm just trying to earn a paycheck..." that is so pathetic and really sad trying to blame it to someone or its escapism. You know what if you are a real good singer no matter what song they give it to you; you can make it really great song - it just a matter of how you deliver it. There is a saying: thats where the rubber meets the road - It's just so sad to say the least. How about if his CD did not make it well what could be his next reason?
TY MR. Joe Brown for the interview:) Man I love this kid...so down to earth and wise beyond his years!!!
David Archuleta will be one of the greatest singers of all time to be written in music history. He is now known and famous all over the world. This kid is undeniably the best singer to have arrived in such a long long time. He is a rarity, both Talent and Personality. No unpretensiousness, he is so real, the real deal.
I have abandoned listening to music for about 25 years, I am now in my senior years, and when my daughter was watching AI, she called my attention, told me "Dad that young David is so good, and so cute, too". I did not pay so much attention to him, until he sang Imagine, and right there and then, my love for listening to music has been re-awakened, has been revived, but not to all the songs, just to the songs of David A. I was truly impressed with this kid and I became his follower from then on.
And Mr. Joe Brown, in my opinion, you are so in the money in putting David A as the walkaway winner. And you too Mr. Brown, like so many others, have the clear ears and eyes to know who truly is the number 1.
Thank you for the positive review of David Archuleta and the great interview. I have been so impressed with David all through American Idol and how he has handled everything after the show ended. Not only is he an amazing talent and a person who sets high standards for himself, but I am impressed with how smart he is already to the ways of the music business and what is going to be required of him by the industry to get his career started on a successful path. For now, he may not be able to record just the songs he would like to record, but when he is established he will be able to call the shots and make the kind of music he wants to make. I look forward to that day, because I know those songs will be amazing. Just hang in there David. There will be pressure from all sides to get you to compromise your ideals and your standards, but just remember who you are and be true to yourself.
Thanks, Joe, for your comments.
Goethe said: “A really great talent finds its happiness in execution.” Archie said once that he only got "this tingly sensation" when he sings, proof positive of the truth of Goethe's words.
The anathema that some of Cook's more rabid fans have expressed toward DA throughout the AI contest is the result of a culture clash. Raised in the world of zonked stoner rockers whose pitiful singing talents are masked by extremely loud guitar and drum sounds and over-amp'd vocalizations, the 20 and 30 something bloggers and music critics who routinely denigrated the gloriously obvious singing superiority of the teen singer from Murray, UT, cannot be expected to like a truly beautiful voice such as DA's. They can't like him because they wouldn't know true singing talent if it slapped them in the face at a pot party. By the end of the AI tour the long-lasting talent of the phenom from Utah will be so obvious that no amount of denial will be able to mask it.
I went to that concert and it is a shame this article was written by an Archuleta fan. All the idols were good including Archuleta. What is outstanding about their concert is that they are not in front of a judge and are at their best without worry over critic. David Cook is a gracious winner and you know, you can feel the closeness in their performance as a whole. Please don't be so simple as to give credit to one who did not win just buy the cd and enjoy the concert that is great because of all the idols.
At the beginning, young artist came to be given a chance. None of the young artist signed a contract to where they are subject to bashing or horrible critic from those who did not vote for them. I love that in Amrica, people are given th chance to succeed. To have been in the top ten is an honor to those who are serious about their career and would have to be to have taken the judges comments. Do you believe these idols need the critism? Do you believe n one has a chance other than who you think? Please don't ruin innocent people because words carry more than if you struck them.
Thanks for the great articles Joe. I've watched AI for all 7 seasons and, although I've had my favorites, no one has touched me like David Archuleta. His exquisite vocals and musicality put him in a class by himself and I have become a fan for life.
I'm not the least bit surprised how well he has done on tour. This is the David we all fell in love with and who took our breath away during his auditions and throughout the season....now free to just sing from his soul without the pressure of the judges, producer manipulation, and having to defend his father at every turn.
This kid is gifted and has musical soul and depth well beyond his years. Your audio interview with David is fantastic and very telling...despite what some may like to think, DA is no immature pop idol flavor-of-the-month. This kid is the real deal: a serious and brilliant artist who is about to take us all on one heck of a ride! Bravo Master Archuleta!
I am so excited with your review. THANK YOU !!! I am a major DA fan and anticipate magnificent things from that cute kid. I didn't vote for DC on AI but he won (deservedly so) because of his stage presence. They both are #1 in their styles. The difference is (and I am not alone in this): I feel David Archuleta when he sings. There is a deep connection in his songs that DC cannot touch. My skin tingles, my heart opens up with emotion, and peace is in the world when he opens his mouth to sing like a lark. DA will be huge asset to the music industry. Again, thanks for the review..........the kid is truly loved by many
I never watch TV but have connected my cable when I saw for the first time this kid, David Archuleta sung: "IMAGINE" in YOUTUBE. You could just feel it when he sings. I got this goose bump and shed some tears - that was the first time I ever felt like that for a singer and I know for sure this kid is really gifted; from then on I've been a follower of Archie and I become one of his Archies Angels - After Archie I disconnected my cable I am done with AI - He should have WON but this kid is very modest and humble that is the reason why people love him so much. His fans is from all over the world and from all walks of life plus HE HAS AN AMAZING LOVING LOYAL FANS who is there for him through thick or thin. I cannot wait to see him this Saturtday in his tour at Tacoma Dome in Seattle.
Fangirl, you wrote, "Let me say that I am a David Cook fan. He was the only one I voted for on the show. That said, I was disappointed with his performance Saturday night. David Archuleta, Jason Castro and Brooke White all had more of an emotional connection with the audience....To me, that is what's missing with David's performance on tour. My only thought is that he's moving around the stage more... I think the stillness creates more intimacy and you can focus more on their singing. Michael Johns & Carly have the same problem."
I've seen too many of this kind on the Net many times before who plays the psychology bit of pretending to be a Cook fan after which the fan proceeds to bash Cook. I hope you are not one of them and if you are, you certainly have no respect for Cook. Cook was the most interactive with his fans. Didn't Cook stop in the middle of the HELLO song to emotionally connect with the audience and the audience responded heartily?? As a loyal fan, you didn't feel anything for that? Didn't Cook have a long break in his MY HERO performance in order to emotionally connect with the audience and the audience responded with screams. And as a loyal fan, you didn't feel any joy for that either. Weren't some of the audience in the front reaching for his hand while singing TOML? Didn't he connect with the audience before singing IDWTMAT? And didn't the audience respond when he clapped his hands during IDWTMAT? If you are looking for the ROCK songs of Cook, Michael & Carly to put you to tears, that will never happen.
Might as well switch fanbase if you want songs that emotionally make you cry. If you don't want to switch, it is okay to have more than one idol. I have multiple idols. Anyone would rather have fans who appreciate them rather than those who pretend to be fans or be a former fan and proceed to publicly humiliate the performer. Don't disappoint yourself anymore and be a true fan of a performer that triggers your emotion.
So for the next time, you will proudly write, I am a fan of so and so and I enjoyed his/her performance. Then you leave the other performers that you don't like or can't connect with alone.
How would you like it if a person says the following:
"I am a David Archuleta fan and I voted for him only during the show. But his performance during the Las Vegas night disappointed me because it was boring and the people around me were talking a lot over his singing and some were using that time as a bathroom break so there were too many people walking around. They weren't even listening. There was no emotional connection to me. Maybe, he should move around more like David Cook." Not very nice is it? And very insulting. Think about it.
topidoljudge, is that you Simon? Why so overly sensitive to the comments here? No one is bashing David Cook. You just have a reviewer and fans, like myself, who feel that Archuleta is a uniquely gifted artist.
I like Cook too and never compare them (it's like apples and oranges) as vocally there just is no comparison.
Lighten up and let Joe and the rest of us have our opinion. During the competition we have had to endure a lot of media negativity, downplaying and outright insulting of DA, as well as Simon's and the producers' manipulation in favor of DC (talk about inappropriate statements - did you see Simon's interview on Ellen the day before the finale? THIS was biased and insulting). There were many more pro-DC writers and media heads hyping DC and making ridiculous comments about DA than the reverse...so my hat's off to Joe Brown for not being a sheep and standing by and expressing his sincere opinion.
Both David's will do well. I'm a rocker at heart and really like DC, but Archuleta....man, he's just totally in a class by himself and I look forward to watching and listening as a once-in-a-lifetime artist blossoms.