So who really picked the song?
On Wednesday night’s episode of “American Idol”, 17-year-old David Archuleta insisted that he had chosen to sing John Farnham’s “You’re the Voice” on Tuesday night’s show himself.
Twice on the hour-long show, Archuleta questioned why judge Simon Cowell, on Tuesday’s episode, suggested the song must have been picked by someone else.
Cowell’s remark, to followers of “Idol” gossip, appeared to be a reference to Archuleta’s dad, Jeff, and recent reports that he’s more than a little tough on his talented son.
“It’s actually one of my favorite songs, so I’m kind of confused why they don’t believe I chose the song myself,” Archuleta said in a clip of him backstage after his performance on Tuesday.
Later during the live broadcast, an uncomfortable Archuleta again said he had made the song choice himself when he was asked about it by both a fan and host Ryan Seacrest.
So who really picked the song? We may never know. But Archuleta (and his dad) sailed through to the show’s next round on Wednesday, meaning we can all look forward to more speculation about his song choice next week.
Meanwhile, in the show’s main event, Chikezie was sent packing on Wednesday. No surprise there, after all three judges said his performance of “If Only For One Night” was dated and unoriginal.
Before he received the bad news, Chikezie was asked by a viewer during the question-and-answer segment if he was single. He replied: “I am currently very, very single.”
Indeed.
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88 comments so far
David Archuleta is gonna win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!
- Posted by TraciI like David but would not like to see him win on popularity alone. I think he has potential but I will not vote for him if he doesn’t start performing like a winner. I am open minded but think it is too early to crown anyone a winner. I think many idols could prove to be the winner at this point. David Cook has been a genius with his selections. Michael Johns, Carly, brooke and Castro all have potential in winning this competition. The only idols that I can’t see winning at this point are Siesha, Ramile, and especially Christy Cook. Siesha and Ramile are very talented but aren’t living up to their potential.
- Posted by Amie CordsiemonI agree with Traci that David Archuleta is going to win this competition. No one seems to want to give him a break. I believe he chose the song himself and he said that a ton of times already. While it wasn’t his best,I believe he will be back to true form on Tuesday.
- Posted by Julie A.He’s a gifted young musician and I believe he chose the song. My question is why does it matter. I wasn’t familiar with the song, but still I thought it was done very well. He’ll keep getting my votes.
- Posted by IdahoViewerYou should download You’re the Voice from iTunes - the studio version - it will blow you away!!
- Posted by josieI love David Archuleta to pieces, I mean how can’t you, he is so adorable! He has a lot of courage, leadership, and let’s not forget about TALENT! I hate how everyone is trying (but not succeeding) to make up all of these fake stupid rumor about him just to bring him down! I mean it takes a lot of bravery to go into the public eye just to show off his talent. It isn’t like any of you could really know how it feels to be in his position…and I really do mean nobody! He has a lot of talent and has everybody just forgotten why we have all made American Idol such a hit? It is because America wants to find all of the hidden talent and bring it out so WE can enjoy. So everybody stop messing up this process and just let it be! And plus he is only 17, and look at all of the potential and talent he ALREADY has! I really believe he can win this whole thing but everybody it isn’t really helping if everyone keeps doing all on hurting all of the contestants! So David please win this for all of us!
- Posted by Rachel W.I think Archuleta did pick the song hisself. Who can be that stupid????
- Posted by DanielleDavid A.’s performance of “You Are The Voice” may not have been his best, but the studio recording is fantastic!
- Posted by BJI agree BJ! David’s studio recording is hands down the best recording of this weeks contestants. Though David Cook and Syesha Mercado’s tracks aren’t to far behind.
- Posted by RFI can’t stop listening to these tracks, though David’s is getting much more play.
I love David Archuleta. Sorry.
- Posted by AmyDavid Archuleta is horrible… he has absolutely no talent. The only reason that he has stayed is because he is a teenager and appeals to what happens to be the target audience..
If he wins I will never watch American Idol again.
- Posted by ARI believe David himself picked the song. It’s a great song, and I was happy to hear him sing it. One of my favorite of his performance so far.
- Posted by KatIf David Cook doesn’t win the whole thing is an absolute joke.
- Posted by EBDavid Archuleta is the best contestant this year and he will
- Posted by Francescawin for his great talents and popularity, if he doesn’t win I will not watch AI anymore.
Sorry AR But I don’t think you will be watching American Idol after this season! Sorry, but I still think David has all the potential and talent to win…like I said before!
- Posted by Rachel W.David Archuleta’s studio version of “You’re the Voice” is oustanding. When I’m not listening to it on my new iPod (bought because of him and this season’s Idol) I hear the song in my head. I think it’d be a radio hit if it got some airtime.
- Posted by LMGlad to see the positive posts here for Archuleta. I am tired of all the negativity and speculationbeing directed at this kid. I love listening to him sing. THAT is he gets my votes. I don’t care who chose the song. Some of the other contestants are talented as well. But none has stolen my affection like Archuleta.
- Posted by RufusI absolutely love david and i think it is ridiculus that everyone is questioning his song choice! i loved the song and i thought his performance was great! he’s had better performances but this performance of You’re the Voice was still unbelievable! he has and amazing voice and i think that he is in it to win it!
- Posted by shannonWhy all the criticism of “You’re the voice”? It’s a great song. It has a great rhythmic beat and infuses joy and happiness in its choruses. It should have been a home run for DA with this but I suspect the fact that it was not well known and there were troubles with the band contributed to the problems with the overall performance. Also, in places (and especially the choruses of the live version) David’s voice weakened and was not quite strong enough to carry them. Listen to John Farnham and you’ll see what a great song it is!
- Posted by MartinI honestly think that [hands down] that David Archuleta can [and hopefully will] win this season of Idol. I love his voice, and I believe he has SO much talent and potential. I really hope to see him rise to the top. Since I heard him singing, “You’re The Voice”….. well, I’m addicted to that song. It was a good song choice for him.
- Posted by idol92To the media: leave the kid alone and just let him sing.
- Posted by np1107Of course David chose the song - I’ve said it from the beginning, even before Wed night. And we fans all know David doesn’t like to lie, so I’m sure he’s not lying about this. I personally don’t like the song - I’ve listened to every version, and it does nothing for me. But I do like David’s versions the best, and the studio version blows all the others away.
- Posted by jwipeI don’t care who picked the song. I like this song and it was strange to see people like Randy and Paula with music experience, who does not know this song.
- Posted by saraThe message of this song it’s important. And David said not once, but many times that he likes songs with messages.
I am surprised that people don’t pay more attention to the lyrics. Anyway, David has an amzing voice and he is a real talent. Does not matter if he will win (which I hope). For many of us he is simply GREAT.
Interesting how the song was released in 1986 and he was supposed to do a song from 1990 (his birth year)
- Posted by MarkI absoulutly am in love with David!!! Who cares who picked the song he is incredibul!!! David is i think the most talnted person ever on idol and he is only 17!!! OMD! WE LOVE YOU DAVID KEEP ROCKING IT!!! ( o and by the way when he said he didnt have a date 2 the prom i would totally go w/ him!) ?
- Posted by CourtneyDavid A has shown an affinity for cause-oriented songs with great messages. I appreciate his sense of mission. I doubt many of his fans cared about the anti-war message in this latest number but I loved it!
- Posted by BenDavid’s performance was so cheesy and the song is really lame. I agree with Simon, that the song was similar to something you here at a Great America performance. The only two people excited were David and John Farnham.
Has anyone noticed that David seems to act as if he’s on prescription medications. He seems very spacey and on a drug induced fog.
The winner of idol will be Brooke White.
My two cents
- Posted by robi dont care who picked the song. david is the best singer in this competition no doubt about that. why does everyone keep bringing his dad up about everything. we all have family members and not all of them are part of the brady bunch. leave david and his dad alone and focus on his wonderful talent which is undeniable.
- Posted by donnaSad to see Chikezie go. I love his versatillity. I like his rock and his blues. The softer songs remind me of Boys to Men. I would definately by his album if one is in the works.
- Posted by Kathy FarrowDo yourselves a favour and watch these clips. John Farnham “owns” this song - he is THE MOST amazing singer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99P7TTvpO 1g
- Posted by Fiona Davisor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDI-f8NI1 FE&feature=related
For anyone that thought the song that David Archuleta picked was stupid and that he is stupid, obviously has not much knowledge of music. Perhaps you can google the name and check it out, rather than critisize something you know nothing about. The song David picked is also done by Heart and an Australian singer…they were both amazing…David picked that song, because it has a special meaning (if you bothered listening to the words). That is talent. Bravo David for backing up your choice…you are very talented and a genious…some talentless people that continue to critisize are just jealous, since they have nothing to show for probably at a lot older age.
- Posted by susanTo the Media,
You people need to develop some talent, before critisizing David Archuleta’s talent. Writing non-sense on someone that you know nothing about or have any real clue of music and what is marketable in a singing career…and your talent is???? Soon you might run out of things to write about when he is more famous than your stupid writing comments. Do some research and get good at what you do, before you go pick on someone younger than you are, who obviously has more talents than you.
- Posted by MomAll I know is, David Cook is coming on strong…VERY strong. At first I thought Archuleta would run away with it, but he seems to be holding steady while Cook gets better every week.
- Posted by MarcyDavid DID NOT pick this song- end of! However, the boy is great and we all love him and hopefully his pa will butt out next week and let D get back to doing the songs that are chosen for him by the experts:-) (Imagine was awesome.) Brooke and D Cook are the ones to watch tho. This contest ain’t over til the winner sings!!!!
- Posted by Lynvildhowever, he did not follow the rules and pick a song from his birth year.
- Posted by RosePeople should not compare the both of them, because they both sing different styles.
Plus David Archuleta was great for weeks and weeks. Then ONE week he sings a song that most Americans don’t know and people are saying that David A. is losing his charm…WHAT???
David A. sang “Imagine” and last week he sang “Long and Winding Road” and Simon called it a MASTER CLASS. This week people are complaining and turning on this poor kid
First of all HE JUST TURNED 17…and he is very shy and a very sweet TALENTED kid.
People sure are FICKLE.
- Posted by Boo BooHe is not genuine. His “aw shucks” attitude makes me crazy. Why doesn’t he talk about his Star Search win? Show biz is not new to this kid. He is creepy and weird…the next Clay Aiken.
- Posted by LilianThe davey-worship is equally creepy. He could go out on the stage and make fart sounds and people would gush. Yuck.
The Blue Springs MO rocker is more talented, more edgy, more interesting.
David A. is the real deal. David C. is not. David Cook uses ‘covers’. BOO!!!!!
- Posted by Yankee GirlGo David A. You are the real deal. You don’t use ‘covers’ like David A.
- Posted by Yankee GirlDavid A. is a nice kid with a very good pop voice, but he just isn’t that interesting, and not yet that developed as a musician. This shows in his song choices at times.
David C. is a lot older and obviously used to thinking for himself. He’s used his experience well on Idol; instead of choosing the wrong song or arrangement, he finds one that suits his strengths and does it up great.
I think David A. will have a very good career in music, but he needs more seasoning and experience to make him a well rounded musician.
- Posted by ClaudiaAnd to the person who objected to Cook’s covers - David A. covered Stevie Wonder’s version of the Beatles “We Can Work it Out”. The whole show is about covers. But the point is, even when covering an arrangement, the performer should still add something to the song and make it their own.
- Posted by ClaudiaDavid did choose that song. His dad did advise him on song choice but David is a very independant young man. I am a very close friend of the familys and Jeff is a hard one on him but he also wants it. Jeff was like that with me. I sang with David when we were young and Jeff is very good with song choice. That is why they do what they do.
- Posted by AbbieTo someone named Lilian, instead of saying derogatory words to David A, a guy who is decent, loving, adorable, good looking, and very talented, why not just shut your mouth. Our parents said, if you’re not saying something good at all, don’t say it anymore. I think you are just jelous, but it’s okay to be, since David A will survive and be the winner of it all.
- Posted by CaringThat song was re-released in 1990 by David Foster adn Jeff Precetto. David Cook didn’t do the version that released on his birth year, he actually did Chris Cornell’s version that was done years later. If you’re gonna say Dave A. didn’t play by the rules, then David Crook was just as guilty.
- Posted by oystarI believe David A picked the song himself. He usually chose “risky” song. Good luck Archuleta. I want him to be at least in the top 2! He is the only one who has the whole package.
- Posted by VickySyesha’s Gladys Knight song was originally released in the late 1960’s, so her choice was based on a later cover version.
- Posted by LENCHOI admire David A. and think he is a great kid. When this all started I thought he was a shoo-in to win. But what I am finding week by week is that if it is a song that he is not familiar with, it gives him some problems. I do love to hear him sing when he is one with the song. Doesn’t get much better, but it’s not consistent.
- Posted by LENCHODavid C. has held my attention each week, which has surprised me. His biggest danger is that he seems to have the capability come off as arrogant ( or as Simon said, “smug” ) If he keeps doing what he’s doing, and keeps it reasonably humble, he is likely to win. But it is still early.
- Posted by LENCHOhe said he didn’t so leave the good singer alone
- Posted by funhe said he picked it so leave the good singer alone
- Posted by funi’d like to see david archuleta win…
he’s such a good singer and he’s also very down -to-earth. i do believe that he is going to be a very famous and very professional singer one day(he’s even showing traces of it now).
keep it up david! i’ll always support you!
p.s. to the people criticizing him, mind your own business. not liking him is not a reason for you to keep on degrading him. he has done nothing bad to you.
- Posted by cookiesWell David Cook said he did the version from Chris Cornell whereas Archuleta said he did the song by John Farnham NOT the remake from 1990.
- Posted by MarkDavid Archuleta is one of the best singers in this show.
- Posted by robertBecause of him this song is known. The song has a great message.
I love David voice. He is a real talent. For 17, this boy is great. What it’s real important: He is a real talent! Not who choose a song.
If David Archuleta says he picked the song, why shouldn’t we believe him? Or shall we also now suspect that he didn’t choose “Imagine” and the great picks he’s made?
And if he didn’t pick these either, are we willing to admit they were great picks by whomever picked them?
David’s already the idol of every American’s heart. Doesn’t matter if he wins the title that makes it official or not.
- Posted by JIm LaceyAbout covers….
Every single performance by every single contestant is a cover or near-cover of SOME recording of the tune made at some time (usually of the original).
Now and again there’s a truly fresh and unique expression of a tune. That, too, is found by whomever is doing their homework, and re-covered or near-covered.
And?
- Posted by JIm LaceyDavid Archuleta has more potential than anybody. He has the talent, too. I don’t know why Simon thought that he didn’t pick the song, I think he performed absolutely great. Keep up the good work, Archuleta;]
–you got my votess;
-<3
- Posted by Kateeveryone knows that david archuleta is going to win
- Posted by marthahe is talented and hot!
i think that david is one of a kind he hs an amazing voice and is just down right adorable i think that he will not win on just popularity because he has the voice to go all the way. HIS LOOKS ARE JUST A BONOUS
- Posted by jessicaI believe Archuleta should win based on both talent and popularity. David Cook can rock the house, true, but he’s not idol material. For one thing, he isn’t as versatile as Archuleta. I’d buy both their albums though, no matter what happens.
- Posted by Arnoldi luv david archuleta and his song choice last week…he is amazing!!!!!
- Posted by Jaynedavid archuleta is absolutely amazing!!!!! He should win!!!!! Plz VOTE 4 DAVID!!!!!
- Posted by Jaynedoesn’t matter who picked the song…it’s one of the best he’s done. and based on the popularity on itunes…obviously would sell some records. simon was off on this one…it happens…this is all so subjective.
- Posted by garySo what if David picked that song? He has amazing vocals and he is so cute too. He should get VERY far in the competition.
- Posted by Brinaim totally 100% in love with david archuleta. he is an AMAZING singer with wayy too much talent and hes SOO freaking incredibly hott. hes definitely got the whole package. FOR DAVID FANS: PLEASE CONTINUE TO VOTE NONSTOP FOR HIM!!!! the problem that happens on the show is that the better person does not always win. most people figure that people like david already is getting enough votes so they don’t bother to vote themselves. YOU CANNOT RELY ON OTHER PEOPLE TO VOTE FOR HIM. this happened in season 5 with chris daughtry. he was obviously the most talented out of the bunch, but he didn’t win. THIS CANT HAPPEN TO DAVID!!
- Posted by jenDAVID ARCHULETA<333333333
David A is just a kid. Yes, he has talent, but whether he will win, he has to work for it. He is not the “real deal”. He copied Eva Cassidy’s version of “Imagine”, note per note. It is so far his best performance. He will do well in a Disney musical or on Broadway, but to produce CD sales, that takes a different type of talent.
- Posted by SueThis guy is the best talent on the show. Who cares how he “arrived” at his song choice. It was a fabulous performance as usual. The person I would question is John Farnham. Although the words are different, listen to Donna Summer’s old hit “State Of Independence” and NOTE THE MANY SIMILARITIES to John Farnham’s “You’re The Voice”. The oddly syncopated down beat of the music is IDENTICAL and the “sing-song” of the chorus along with the “whaling” wa-oo-oh-oo-oh-oo-oh-hoho. check it out. If you’ve got an ear for music and rip off artists…you’ll be amazed. I wonder if he had permission from Donna Summer to use this…the way some artists inter-mix excerpts from popular songs of other artists. But David is much too young…he probably doesn’t listen to any vintage Donna Summer to realize his cherished artist is a rip-off man.
- Posted by leatriceI did a Wiki search for “You’re the Voice” and four people are credited with writing the song. It took four people to put this piece of dreck to paper? It has all the depth and skill of writing as Ren and Stimpy’s “Happy Happy Joy Joy,” and only a few more lyrics. How awful that this kid advanced over Chikeze, who at least has some characther that transcends elevator music.
- Posted by DavidDavid should win it all!!!!! He is a really good singer, and he is just all around awesome! AR say goodbye to American Idol, cause David Archuleta is gonna win it all!David Cooke is good too though.
- Posted by G.A.MPersonally, I think David Archuleta has a great chance of winning. He has a great voice and excellent potential. I can tell that he works hard and really enjoys singing. I know that David will definitely be successful in singing. But besides that, anyway, I hope he wins the competition and he has that potential.
- Posted by coolio coolvote 4 david
- Posted by wat up heyDavid Archuleta is the reason I watch AI this year. He is also the reason I post comments on the internet wherever I can in support of him. He has given me so much pleasure through his songs that I feel so grateful that he is on this show so I can enjoy him. He’s a rare find, very unique and an awesome young man. Best of luck to you David Archuleta.
- Posted by daisawesomeI agree with you daisawesome. He is the only reason I watch America Idol and I will always support him. But I really don’t see why people are fussing over whether or not he chose the song or not. I think it’s because they want to find something negative to say about david or anything concerning him. They have nothing else to talk about, no scandalous things on Idol, so they turn to something utterly ridiculous.
I also agree the itunes version was great. I went out and bought it and the meaning of the song was really powerful. He is an amazing singer with a beautiful voice. There shouldn’t be any distractions. Everyone should be concentrating on his performances, not all the minor details. Let’s keep supporting him!
- Posted by Cindy T.I love this kid dearly and given his personatily, I truely he chose the song himself. I didn’t know the song at all, but now I love it especially listening the studio version. its amazing!!!!
Occasionally, I still want to see him singing love songs like “Heaven” though.
Love you David.
- Posted by jenniePS: SHowing your love buying his Itunes’s You are the voice. It’s great!
Get rid of David’s dad! David is a young man now. Let him decide for himself, he should only give advices but the decision should come from David and not from him.
- Posted by celii love DJA(david james archuleta, for those of u that dont no) but everytiem i watch AI it seems like he sings the same song hes not very surpriseing on his songs nemore and there all just the same , yes hes good yes hes got talent but its just the same thing each week, sadly the more i watch AI the more i like david cook :{ hes really good and each week he steps it up and ALWAYS pulls off the song or surprises me
- Posted by felishaThere’s something about David Archuleta that I really, really like - and I always thought that he’s progressing, he’s even better all the time, going up, unlike some other contestants. I think he chose the song for himself, although I am not certain of that.
- Posted by NurkowanieWhoever you are pulling for, it may be best if they don’t win, considering the restrictions that go along with winning. Daughtry came in 4th and he has done very well.
- Posted by LENCHOConcerning David A., I am slightly baffled about his lack of composure and general awkwardness on stage and in interviews, considering that he has been performing for so long and had exposure on Star Search. He’s going to have a great career, but he’s not up to be the next Idol.
- Posted by LENCHOHELLO!! Wake up people! how any of you no talent losers could even try to make up one detail of imperfection about David is so retarded!!! (not to mention desperate because they probably have no talent anyway) Not to mention what a good person he is! i happen to go to the same church he goes to and i know that he is truly a good, devout, christian. I LOVE U DAVID!!!!!!
- Posted by Abby Sn.o and if anyone was wondering what church he goes to it is the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints !
- Posted by Abby S.ah man i love david.
david if you see this wiill you marry mee haha just kidding
- Posted by alexiaill ask when im older i think david did a great job like he always does and he is so cute i love him so much
i love david i bought alll his itunes and simon is mean 4 saying all that and david i think John Farnham is reallly cool too and i love that song
- Posted by alexiaAnybody who says this kid will not sell CDs has no clue about the music industry and what sells. He is clearly the most marketable performer on the show. He has decent talent, is young, nice looking, and appears to have a squeaky clean background. That is a perfect storm in the music business. All you have to do is read the trade papers to know every record label in LA is slobbering all over themselves to get this guy. Why? Because he is MARKETABLE. His demographics are off the charts, which makes this guy a walking bank vault. Write this down….Archuleta will have a platinum record by March, 2009.
- Posted by Terry W.okay, i DO believe that he DID choose that song. It was a very good performance. okay, now I’m confused at why people don’t think he’s genuine. he’s not doing anything to you, so back off. gosh.
- Posted by karaAnd will people stop blaming his father too much??
my GOSH
- Posted by karaI love David Archuleta to death. He basically already won the competition, who ever doent like david Archuleta is messed up, cause he is the best ever! <3
- Posted by ME!I THINK HE ROCKS!!!HE SHOWS HIS LOVE FOR MUSIC AND THE FANS THRU HIS FACIAL IMPRESSIONS & I LOVE HIS VOICE.HE’S OUR NEXT AMERCIAN IDOL!!!!!!KEEP UP THE AWESOME WORK.NOT EVERYONE HAS THE TALENT YOU HAVE.
- Posted by GinaEven though David Archuleta didn’t won on the said competition, i know he can still WORK IT OUT… he’s to0o talented to be dumped… Keep it up till the end young saga…
For David Cook… Congratulations… You did a great job for that event… Continue to impress us with your singing talent… You’re one of a heck dude…
Nice shot for both of you!!!
Good Work!!!
- Posted by Vaughnne