Happy birthday, David Archuleta!
As of Sunday, David Archuleta is a man. Legal to vote and to drink in Argentina, Estonia, Hong Kong, Moldova and Sweden -- but not in the U.S. Legal to appear on television shows without having to do hours of tutor-supervised studies. And now legally of age to marry in all 50 of the United States.
Needless to say, his 17th year was momentous for Archuleta, rocketing out of nowhere to become the instant leader of the greatest movement "American Idol" has every known; a million selling single; an album that should turn gold momentarily. Lately Archuleta has been making Christmas appearances just about everywhere on Earth.
So let us wish a very happy birthday to this shining light of Season 7, of whom in all my reporting in and around the Idoldome, in conversations with his comrades, the people who make the show and the fans who have had the chance to meet him, I have never heard anyone say that he has ever for one second been anything but the nicest lad on Earth. Not a single diva story in a year of "Idol." That is an accomplishment.
The final stanza of Rudyard Kipling's poem "If" is a bit of a hackneyed sentiment, but nonetheless seems to hit the nail on the head regarding the coming of age of young Archuleta. So we post it here with our best birthday wishes:
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings -- nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And -- which is more -- you'll be a Man, my son!
-- Richard Rushfield
Photo: Fox
Thanks so much for this. David is truly the nicest young man I have ever met. And I have had the privilege of meeting him. I hope that Davids birthday is the best. And may 2009 bring more success to this remarkable young man.
Posted by: Geri M | December 28, 2008 at 06:26 AM
Happy Birthday David!!!
feliz cumpleanos!!!!
The best now and always!!!
Posted by: David Mexican Aunt | December 28, 2008 at 06:26 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID ARCHULETA
HE IS THE BEST
I'M SO PROUD OF DAVID ARCHULETA
HE IS THE BEST SINGER IN THE WORLD
THE MOST BEATIFULL PERSON OF THE WORLD
DAVID ARCHULETA AND HIS MUSIC INSPIRE MANY PEOPPLE IN THE WORLD
ARCHANGEL4EVER<<<<<<<<<<3
Posted by: ingrid | December 28, 2008 at 06:26 AM
Aw, HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY DAVID!
You've changed so many lives, including mine.
Your inspirational voice and humble personality continue to wow us.
Don't ever change, David!
We love you David!!!
Posted by: karisa | December 28, 2008 at 06:26 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVID!! WISHING YOU NOTHING BUT PEACE, LOVE, HAPPINESS, JOY AND A LOT OF MUSIC!!
Posted by: John | December 28, 2008 at 06:26 AM
Thanks for the super article! I love the Kipling poem. Happy Birthdayto David Archuleta, a stellar human being. I hope he has a wonderful day and a great year!
Posted by: Violet | December 28, 2008 at 06:26 AM
Love this..David Archuleta is not only an incredible singer and a wonderful young man...he is a role model to be emulated. He quietly stands up for his beliefs and never pushes them on anyone. I am thankful to American Idol for bringing him into our lives, and thankful to his parents for making the many sacrifices they have made to allow David to share his musical soul with all of us. But most of all, thanks, David, for a fantastic year ...can't wait to see what the future holds for you...Happy Birthday!
Posted by: sanders | December 28, 2008 at 06:26 AM
Happy Birthday David James Archuleta! Congrats on the platinum single and gold album, all accomplished before turning 18! No one is more deserving than this beautiful young man.
Thanks for the article, well written and well said!
Posted by: Capri | December 28, 2008 at 06:27 AM
Happy Birthday david! :)
Posted by: Ariel | December 28, 2008 at 06:27 AM
Happy Birthday David! Wishing you lots of fun, joy and good times on your special day.
Posted by: DAFan81 | December 28, 2008 at 06:27 AM
Happy Birthday, David! I wish you all the best in life. You truly deserve it. I'll be supporting you throughout your career and life. Take care, and peace.
A special thanks to the LA Times for the article.
Posted by: Raul | December 28, 2008 at 06:27 AM
NICE!!!! Happy BDAY DAVID!
Posted by: Laurie (piscesthruandthru) | December 28, 2008 at 06:28 AM
HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY DAVID!!!
Thank you for all the amazing moments in music you have given me this year. I've cried, laughed, cheered and followed you through so many moments and my heart is with you as you go forward this year. May the world come to know the person you are and value all that is good and gifted in you. You really were born to do just what you are doing. May you inspire us for many more years to come!!!
Posted by: Karen | December 28, 2008 at 06:47 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!!!!!!
Posted by: Karah | December 28, 2008 at 07:01 AM
Thank you for a great article, Mr. Rushfield!
This Kansas-based fan (who has had the privilege of meeting David and can attest that, yes, he is that nice and, yes, the Kipling poem fits) sends wishes that David has a beautiful birthday and a brilliant 2009! Thanks, David, for working so hard so that your fans can enjoy the results of your effort.
Posted by: Kait | December 28, 2008 at 07:02 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for inspiring me sooooo much! You have an amazing voice and you are an amazing person
Posted by: Sophie(-: | December 28, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Happy Birthday, David! We love you and will ALWAYS have your back.
Posted by: DAFan2008 | December 28, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Thank you so much for this article celebrating David's birthday. He is 18 now and we have watched him grow up back from when he was 16 when he decided to audition on Idol to now as he turns 18. I feel like I have watched him grow from that shy sweet boy to a seasoned performer. Of course he is still that sweet person he always was....just not as shy. He had to grow up fast and handled it with humility as always. David is blessed with the most unique and beautiful voice I have ever heard. And he was blessed with a single that is well on it's way to double platinum and a cd that went gold last week...now he has another video and a new single out that is more mature and amazing. If you don't know David Archuleta as the musician or the person please check him out. The poem that was posted was the perfect poem to use here. Happy Birthday David Archuleta. You are not at a bad place. One of the judges put it this way.......You are talented, good looking, and likable......that sums it up for me as Paula would say.
Posted by: Nancy | December 28, 2008 at 07:13 AM
Birthday wishes from SINGAPORE!!! Hope to see u in Asia soon,, David... we love you love you love you out here :)
Posted by: Sana | December 28, 2008 at 07:19 AM
Happy Birthday DAVID ARCHULETA! You are just an amazing young artist. I love your CD, videos and everything about you. We are blessed to listen to your beautiful voice and wish you nothing but the best. You are truly an incredible young man and a real role model for all of us.
Posted by: samantha | December 28, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Thank you for the wonderful article for David's 18th Birthday....I just love and adore him...as an artist and person...
Posted by: Andrea C. (pittsburgh) | December 28, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Thank you for the nicely written article. Happy Birthday David and we love you!
Posted by: Ellie Leung | December 28, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Happy Birthday David!
Have lots of fun today with your family and friends!
Blog tomorrow and tell us all about it.
We will always stand by you and support you no matter what you decide to do.
We love you David!
Peace, love, and happiness today and always! tc
Posted by: Carly | December 28, 2008 at 09:09 AM
I love this post! HAPPPY 18th BIRTHDAY DAVID!!! NEW YORK LOVES YOU!! =]
Posted by: Lulu | December 28, 2008 at 09:09 AM
I think I will subscribe to the LA TImes. Great words, and David's fans around the world appreciate your comments.
Posted by: Emily | December 28, 2008 at 09:09 AM