David Archuleta - Season 7

[Leo]

Originally Posted by calamari

So much for everyone's earlier claim (which I'd completely agreed with) that TPTB wouldn't make a statement...

They couldn't not say anything. It's the giant elephant in the room - they can't ignore it. The statement is the kind of "safe" statement I expected. "Relieving pressure" is so vague, anyone can interpret it the way they want.

[Google]

 

[mbcrowder]

Originally Posted by TopCatDC

Also, I just saw the Entertainment Weekly interview with Nigel Lythgoe published yesterday. He says the reason Archuleta Sr. was given the hook was to "relieve pressure" on David; not because Jeff was providing unfair musical assistance, as vocal coach Dean Kaelin asserted in People last week.

I'm not going to judge who's closer to the truth, but contrary to TV Guides assertion, here is someone else with first hand knowledge going on record saying that David was under pressure from Papa.

First hand knowledge ... and a clear agenda, and reason to say whatever he has to say to protect his property and not alienate fans.

[Tickety]

Originally Posted by reberr

I loved when Simon said "it's like chihuahua trying to be a tiger" on the Chris Brown song. that just defined the whole song.

Absolutely!

I was laughing my head off watching him, because I was comparing in my head the two performing the same song side by side. Chris Brown, on one hand, with his crazy dance moves (I've seen the video hundreds of times) - and David Archuleta, on the other hand... swinging his right hand out repeatedly.

That was pure comedy!

[Blues Songstres]

I think Nigel's response was the safest he could give without outright lying. He said enough for us to draw our own conclusions and not cause further problems for AI.

[Just Sayin]

Originally Posted by DetGuy

People keep talking about how young he is and that he's "a kid", but we have had 16-17 year olds on AI before and none have seemed so emotionally stunted and awkward as David A. He can barely string together a sentence. Jordan was light years ahead in maturity compared to him. Its really off-putting to me.

I agree with this completely. This show has seen many, many 16, 17 and 18 year olds walk across its stage, and David is by far one of the most immature. To have been raised "in the business", I would have expected him to be comfortable and at ease and to know who he is and what he wants to do.

Last night, with his song selection, he just proved how lost he really is. He is a good vocalist, yes. But, there are thousands upon thousands of people out there who are excellent technical singers. He doesn't have the "IT" factor whatsoever that is needed to really excel and sell records.

David Cook is a true musician and performer. Syesha is a true performer. David A... well, his voice is trained to carry a tune, and that is about it.

[talldede]

Originally Posted by Just Sayin

David Cook is a true musician and performer. Syesha is a true performer. David A... well, his voice is trained to carry a tune, and that is about it.

I agree completely. Perfectly stated.

[armywife]

David A..just doesn't do a thing for me. He isn't worthy or more worthy of being top 3 then most of the ones previously eliminated. I don't see the fascination with him. Am I missing something?

[Just Sayin]

Originally Posted by armywife

David A..just doesn't do a thing for me. He isn't worthy or more worthy of being top 3 then most of the ones previously eliminated. I don't see the fascination with him. Am I missing something?

I think the problem is that the judges constantly cram that this is a SINGING competition down our throats when it is in fact so much more than that. But, many viewers see him as a strong singer and vote for that reason. But, just as with the previous winners, it takes much more than a fine tuned voice to success, AI winner or otherwise.

DA has a nice voice. But, he is a one-trick pony and with absolutely no entertainment value or performance skills. However, he has two things going for him... many people vote for him simply because he has a nice voice (as long as he is singing slow, sappy ballads) and he is the youngest left in the competition, so he automatically is going to pull some teen/tween votes.

I have my fingers crossed that Syesha's fans rallied and really voted for her after her performances last night (which blew Archie away), but I am not getting my hopes up. We will be up for three more craptastic ballads from Archie next week and Randy's critique being the same it has been all season: "Duuuuude, you can sing the phone book and make it sound good."

[armywife]

Originally Posted by Just Sayin

I think the problem is that the judges constantly cram that this is a SINGING competition down our throats when it is in fact so much more than that. But, many viewers see him as a strong singer and vote for that reason. But, just as with the previous winners, it takes much more than a fine tuned voice to success, AI winner or otherwise.

DA has a nice voice. But, he is a one-trick pony and with absolutely no entertainment value or performance skills. However, he has two things going for him... many people vote for him simply because he has a nice voice (as long as he is singing slow, sappy ballads) and he is the youngest left in the competition, so he automatically is going to pull some teen/tween votes.

I have my fingers crossed that Syesha's fans rallied and really voted for her after her performances last night (which blew Archie away), but I am not getting my hopes up. We will be up for three more craptastic ballads from Archie next week and Randy's critique being the same it has been all season: "Duuuuude, you can sing the phone book and make it sound good."

Fair assessment. I don't even know where he fits in regarding genre. His voice just doesn't linger for me. I agree, I think the judges are harsh on Syesha, and she really does have a beautiful voice. I have disagreed on the past couple of weeks with their critique. I would hope that Syesha pulls through tonight. Out of the three left, she deserves to be top 2 IMO

[Arielflies]

My problem with according David A his due as a singer began back at the auditions. During the interview he sounded hoarse and on the edge of losing his voice, which he attributed to throat problems encountered during a singing gig in South America. His speaking voice still sounds strained and with the overbreathing during his singing, I wonder if he will even be able to speak, much less sing within two years. This has been the main reason I don't wish to see him as the AI. I don't know that he is physically capable of carrying a heavy and exhausting singing schedule; hence, his dad taking on that portion. Not that being over bearing as a presence in the arena is acceptable, and certainly not considering the mental health of his son, but maybe in David's circumstance, a strong presence is essential to get him out on stage. Outside of vocalizing (or concentrating on making sound come out of his throat) he doesn't appear to have the stamina to deal with all the pressure of coaching/learning sessions and arrangement sessions and rehearsals and publicity for the show. I feel for the kid, I really do...but, he is not ready for life right now, much less the stress and strain of true idolatry.