'Idol' Banter: Archie's army strikes back

First things first: my post the other day questioning the sincerity of David Archuleta -- the Chosen One -- upset readers, more than anything else I've ever written at this newspaper. I got an avalanche of e-mail responses, most of which could be classified as "hate mail." (The general drift was that I'm a child-hating, bitter old cynic who needs either the power of prayer or a good kick in the pants.)
It's a critic's job to express strong opinions, and I was simply expressing mine. I won't apologize for that. Still, the intensity of people's responses made me realize just how strong Archuleta's charisma has proved, and how much "Idol" watchers want to believe in his graciousness and his gifts.

The passion Archie's fans have for him is extraordinary. There's clearly a hunger for the kind of innocence he projects, and wonderment at his precocious musicality. What came across to me as somewhat one-dimensional strikes many people as laudably sincere. I believe more strongly than ever that Archuleta has already won this season, and only the return of his vocal paralysis, or some other disaster on that level, could undermine his destiny.

Several readers who actually know Archuleta -- including a high school classmate -- wrote in to attest to his sweet and bashful spirit. I trust that these friends are telling the truth. One writer reminded me that musical prodigies can often be socially awkward. Perhaps what I read as shallowness in Archie is merely shyness.

As for whether he excluded the lines from "Imagine" about "no religion, too" because he is religious, I suppose we'll never really know. He has performed the song in its entirety before, including that line (in the version circulating online he did change the word "hell" to "evil" in the first verse). Still, he made a choice to exclude certain lyrics in front of the largest audience he's ever had, and though I don't object to that choice, I won't apologize for noting and discussing it.

I still think Archie borrowed, consciously or not, from Eva Cassidy's arrangement for "Imagine." Several other readers noted that Katharine McPhee also quoted Cassidy in the rendition of "Over the Rainbow" that almost won her the big prize. Cassidy is a big influence on singers, and I almost think it was worth the drubbing I took to get her name out there again.

I'll say it again -- it's no sin to borrow. I don't fault Archuleta for doing so, and it's forgivable that he didn't manage to squeeze in some kudos for Cassidy during his brief response to the judges. I do fault the "Idol" producers for trying to maintain the illusion that all of the contestants are more original, unstudied, and spontaneous than a prime-time television show would ever allow a performer to be. I find this aspect of "Idol" dulling and disingenuous.

But it's part of the "Idol" myth, the same way part of the "Heroes" myth is that people can fly, or part of the "CSI" myth is that forensic pathologists all look like supermodels. "Idol" may be reality, but it's also shared fantasy. I don't always like the way that fantasy plays out. Right now I'm clearly in the minority. But I'm willing to try to view Archie anew.

I'm still calling him Archie, though. Nicknames are fun! You can never have enough.

I liked Archie even better after he bawled tonight, when Alexandrea Lushington, my favorite of the girls, was voted off. It’s a little early in the season for celebrity protest, but maybe Elton John can cry foul again, the way he did in support of Jennifer Hudson and her fellow African-American divas during Season 3. The chocolate-skinned Lushington rocks the best urban style of any "Idol" contestant -- ever -- and her revamping of white-boy chestnuts like "Spinning Wheel" was totally in tune with the most adventurous elements of hip hop-influenced R&B. I mourn her passing, and sincerely hope we see her somewhere again.

"It's just the beginning," Paula always says to these departing contestants, but honestly, how can anyone believe her? What quickly eliminated Idol has gone on to a flourishing career? That reality obviously hit home for Alaina Whitaker, the other teen to be sent packing in this rapidly diminishing "year of the young ones" (as Randy has pegged it). In one of those rare utterly unstaged "Idol" moments, Whitaker almost refused to sing.

Ryan Seacrest called the other women to her side and she made it through "Hopelessly Devoted to You," a song she might have sung at her high school's spring musical had she not received a few weeks of fame. Her version was great -- raw, stubborn and ultimately triumphant -- and she left the show with her dignity intact. The camera cut to Danny Noriega shedding some tears for his apparent BFF. The kids are getting massacred left and right. One begins to wonder if innocence isn't a commodity "Idol" fans can only take in small, golden, Chosen doses.

--Ann Powers

Comments

[scott]

LEAVE THIS KID ALONE....WTF? can't anything just be nice without people having to chime in to tear it apart...i will vote for this kid every time over and over until the battery in my phone is dead. BACK OFF THIS NICE, TALENTED KID.

[dino]

So attacking a 17 yrs old makes you feel good? You don't make fun of people's names! Especially the last names.

[S Peterkin]

Ann Powers is to be commended for a fair handed discussion on this issue. It appears she was one of the few journalists to notice the similarity with Eva Cassidy's recording proving that she has what it takes to offer meaningful criticism.

Eva Cassidy's recordings will no doubt influence future musicians. My hope is that those singers acknowledge Eva Cassidy, and follow the example already set by Billy Ray Cyrus, Erin Bode, and countless other professionals. Eva's musical contribution in this country has all but gone unnoticed. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Ann for bringing her to the attention of this readership.

For those not familiar with Eva Cassidy, here is a link to a wonderful photo montage (pictures from Big Sur National Park California) set to her recording of "Over The Rainbow".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccCnL8hArW8

Warm regards,
Scott

[Laura]

I think even Yoko called in to vote for David after that performance!

[DavidArchuletaFan4eva]

Thanks for clearing some of the negativities up, and who really cares if David "borrowed" from another arrangement of the song! He's on a show COMPETING to become the next American Idol, he's not making any money from this (so far). This show is about who can sing and who can't...the point is he was able to pull it off and has the voice to do it...so who cares what he sings!

P.S.- GO DAVID ARCHULETA! <3

[Steven]

If you would've listened to what David had said about not having enough time in the segment and choosing to also sing the second lyric because he liked it better, then you would've understood the reason for his decision. Indeed your opinion was not accurate in the least in that it was because of his religious affiliation. Apparently you glossed over that fact or have critic's selective memory.

It's quite possible the reason he didn't mention Cassidy is because he did not use her rendition. Had he, should he had mentioned her, John Lennon, the producer and publishing company as well? That's something you just don't do with a time contrant on a show like this.

I hope that the influx of responses brings light to your negative undertones of most of the artists with whom you critique. It shouldn't be a surprise that you bash yet another artist, who not only is a talented bloke, but a sincere and genuien person with an essence of bashful and youthful glee that I believe is what makes him so likeable, aside from his obvious talents.

It seems fitting now that the "Powers" of Goliath went up against David, and oh what a victory it is now that David has won!!

[Steven]

If you would've listened to what David had said about not having enough time in the segment and choosing to also sing the second lyric because he liked it better, then you would've understood the reason for his decision. Indeed your opinion was not accurate in the least in that it was because of his religious affiliation. Apparently you glossed over that fact or have critic's selective memory.

It's quite possible the reason he didn't mention Cassidy is because he did not use her rendition. Had he, should he had mentioned her, John Lennon, the producer and publishing company as well? That's something you just don't do with a time contrant on a show like this.

I hope that the influx of responses brings light to your negative undertones of most of the artists with whom you critique. It shouldn't be a surprise that you bash yet another artist, who not only is a talented bloke, but a sincere and genuien person with an essence of bashful and youthful glee that I believe is what makes him so likeable, aside from his obvious talents.

It seems fitting now that the "Powers" of Goliath went up against David, and oh what a victory it is now that David has won!!

[LA Times Reader]

In your summation of David Arculeta's singing abilities, you seem to miss the mark by a long shot. Do they actually pay you for the adjectives you use in describing this young mans talent? If so, they're not making any money on you! Could it be that it's hard to ingest the fact that his number of votes broke Idol records, and his accolade's from not only the judges on the show, but record and music industry executives as well as Clive Davis hold him in high esteem as a "gifted artist". Not to mention his hits on youtube is almost breaking records on their site.

Regarding his rendition of the song Imagine, there is no doubt that you hear the similarities (of one note), not an entire arrangements as in the song "Imagine" sung by Eva Cassidy, Indeed David does sing the one note the same, but surely that doesn't equate to imitating another singer, nor can you claim by suggesting that is it somehow "ripping off" another singer who has sung the same song. Hundreds of artists have covered that song. Are you going to say that if there is one note that another artists sings that somehow it's infringing on someone else's arrangement, or of the way they sing it? I think not!

To that, his name is David Archuleta, not "Archie". Indeed he is a singer, not a comic book character which you so ungraciously try to re-named him.

If your trying to spark unjust controversy over David Archuleta, you'd have to come up with more than your lack of untrue negative jabs at this young talented singer and his character.

Also, anyone can see that the majority of shy kids do in fact act in such a way as you described. It's obvious you may not be aware of how 'real kids' act nor can appreciate true talent as is the case here, and that possibly could be because through your jaded viewpoint and lack luster negative and unwarranted comments, you just don't realize the nature of being on television pouring your heart out in front of millions of viewers at the young age of 17. Indeed, your words fall short of what this very talented, charming and sincere artist has showed us all from day one.

There certainly isn't any cause for insidious and outlandish comments that you have so smugly placed in that article you wrote. Apparently your editor will publish anything to get readership. There is no doubt that David Archuleta is loved by millions, and as you can tell by my reply, I don't take kindly about your unfair stabs not only about his singing abilities, but toward his character as you've claimed he's "imitating". To that, David has been singing since he was seven, which is ten years, which would make him a seasoned vocalist. And he does indeed have experience to so subtly rethink a song and arrangement, as he did so poetically that evening.

I would hope that in the future you would evaluate the very character of a person and their talents before trying to unjustifiable trying to destroy it. And, I'd hope you would also take heed to the nature of David's rise to fame that is based not only on his talents and sincerity, but on the combined sentiments of the multi-millions of fans David Archuleta has won over throughout the world since being on American Idol.

[Ray]

I'm a 16-year-old major David Archuleta fan, so anything that questions his sincerity would make me terribly upset. Do you honestly believe that David is putting up a show for the sake of impressing America? I think not. I mean, this kid comes along. He's talented, genuine, humble, and sweet, and all you can do is critcize. But you are a critic, and I suppose it's your job to overanalyze or at least analyze the possibilities (however far-fetched those possibilites may be). All I'm saying is give the kid a break. Oooh wow, for once we have a teenager in our midst who's got the looks, can sing, and isn't narcissistic...*cough cough* zac efron.

[claudia]

I realy don't care if not everybody is in love with David A.
But, I love this guy and when he sings he takes my breath away.
I hope he wins...but he will be a star, even if he will bot be the winner.
And..yes..I did not know about Eva C. Thanks to David, now I know. I discovered another amazing singer.
So..David all the way!

[sylvermagyk]

LB Grrl , you took the words right out of my mouth, right on!!!

[karen]

Why does everyone talk about him chopping out that part about religion? go on youtube and you can see him singing the full version a few years ago. They only got to do one verse so he did the third, maybe because everyone normally does the first. He is not putting on an act you can tell by his lick lipping and nervous tendencies that he is just anxious. Hes 17 and on TV in front of millions of people. Yes he has sang in front of crowds before, but he is nervous. And in the video where he sang to Kelly Clarkson and she asks him what his last name is, he clenches his hands together because he is nervous. When he sings he just really gets into it because he is really just in the song and not thinking about everything else, which is why so much emotion is felt on the other end. Not everyone in this world has evil methods, maybe he is just being himself like he says.

[jon]

I think David Archuleta is the best AI contestant ever! His version of "Imagine" was simply MAGICAL. I am convinced that John Lennon must have written that song specifically for him! Greater voices have covered that song, but none matched the sincerity, yearning, and hope for mankind that that song was meant for. I think what made it great was not just his voice, it's also his charisma, his body language and his facial expressions, especially his eyes, as he was singing it. He was able to communicate the message of the song so effectively, so earnestly, and so believably that it appeared effortless. You’re left with but one feeling: to believe. I feel like his voice alone can heal a thousand broken hearts, and his smile can simply melt away all the world's sadness. He sang with such sincerity, with his body and his soul and I couldn't stop smiling every time I see him on the screen. He’s just AWESOME! That performance had heralded to the world that he has arrived and this will be the beginning of a great career to come. I predict that people will be talking about this for years and years from now! Great going and thank you, thank you David for sharing your gift with the world.

[Jamie]

You're definitely entitled to your own opinions about his vocal talent because everyone has his/her own specific taste in music. However, I think questioning his sincerity, that his overly bashful character is a strategic maneuver to gain him votes and that his failure to mention Eva as intentional, reflects on how cynical you are as a person not to mention the very poor journalism on your part. I beg you to go watch those interviews of David as a child singer, his numerous performances at talent shows and choir events, and especially his very rare "happy birthday" clip to his family, and you can see that each and every time David is done with a song he shyly giggles, says "thank you", and then cracks his knuckles if he doesn't have a mic and runs off the stage like the little school boy that he is if he does have a mic. Do yourself a favor and if you're going to critique someone, rather than irresponsibly using judgments based upon false pretenses, at least base it on some form of honest substance. He's just a 17-year-old boy for Christ's sake. He has said that singing to him is like telling a story, he is the storyteller and he's projecting all of his emotions into the song, hoping the person who listens to understand his heart. I mean, how can you question that kind of sincerity and genuine love for music, people, and life?

[Karen]

Up front let me tell you I am a HUGE fan of David's. I am blown away by his voice, his sweet, endearing character, his cute face. Love everything about him.

My beef with you, Powie, is your callous, hateful attack on the character of this innocent kid. What were you after, ratings or do you get off on skewering young boys?

David is a talent on par with Celine Dion, in my opinion. Check him out on YouTube--his Christmas songs and old church and school performances are jaw dropping, they're so good. And, you see the same shy, embarrassed kid performing.

David is not an act. Go to MTV's internet site and watch the three video clips they have on him. Listen to his friends and voice coach describe him. Read the article in the Deseret News where a teacher describes him as "painfully shy". In another article, his pianist/music arranger said, after praising his talent to the rafters, that David is a better person than he is a singer. That's how nice a kid he is. Maybe before you set out to destroy someone, you should do some research to see whether it's merited.

In David's case it certainly is not. He's WAY talented, cuter than cute, and as sweet as you can find. For once in your barren life, Powie, you have run across a nice, decent, sweet young guy. Quit trying to rip his guts out and appreciate that decency does still exist in some corners of your sordid world.

[peter]

I think David Archuleta is the best AI contestant ever! His version of “Imagine” was simply MAGICAL. I am convinced that John Lennon must have written that song specifically for him! Greater voices have covered that song, but none matched the sincerity, yearning, and hope for mankind that that song was meant for. The hopeful idealism of a man/child was perfectly emoted by him. I think what made it great was not just his voice, it’s also his charisma, his body language and his facial expressions, especially his eyes, as he was singing it. He was able to communicate the message of the song so effectively, so earnestly, and so believably that it appeared effortless. You’re left with but one thing: to believe. I feel like his voice alone can heal a thousand broken hearts, and his smile can simply melt away all the world’s sadness. He sang with such sincerity, with his body and his soul and I couldn’t stop smiling every time I see him on the screen. He’s just AWESOME! That performance had heralded to the world that he has arrived and this will be the beginning of a great career to come. I predict that people will be talking about this for years and years from now! Great going and thank you, thank you David for sharing your gift with the world!

[Noel]

Dear Ms. Powers,

David Archuleta has many many fans, young and old. He is talented, humble and genuine.
Aren't you glad that the youth are relating and identifying with him? Is it not very reassuring for parents that their children are drawn to him rather than to singers, actors and actresses who use drugs, get in trouble with the law and are thrown in jail? I believe many parents are proud of their kids for possessing good judgement and for enjoying good clean fun. Are you a parent? If you are, I'm sure you would agree.