Exclusive Interview: David Archuleta's 'Crush' tops charts

“All my friends keep saying, ‘You should try to hook up with Shawn Johnson,’” confessed “American Idol” runner-up David Archuleta with a giggle.

It was 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, and Archuleta had managed to squeeze in a quick chat between signing autographs and walking a press line in Tampa, Fla. 

Our topic of conversation –- Archuleta’s real-life crushes – was prompted by the outlandish success of his first single, “Crush.” Not only was it the top-selling digital download of the week, but “Crush” also hit No. 2 on the U.S. pop singles chart today; the best chart debut in 18 months, according to Billboard. 

So, I just had to ask: Does Archuleta have a “Crush” of his own? “I’m just afraid to mention anything now,” confessed Archuleta.  And he’s right to be afraid.  Recently, after one of Archuleta’s female friends attended his show, she received a deluge of hate mail from Archuleta’s fans. “They said, ‘You’re not good enough for him, and you’re ugly,” Archuleta said, shuddering.  “You can see why people want to keep things to themselves.”  Despite the fact that his rabid fans harassed his guest, however, Archuleta continued to defend them. “They’re just really protective,” he concluded.

It was one of Archuleta’s loyal fans, in fact, who first informed him of his chart-topping success. “She told me and I was like, ‘Are you serious?’ ” Archuleta recalled.  He never dreamed his first single would debut at No. 2.  “I was like, maybe it will get to the top 40. I just can’t believe it.”

The single came about somewhat serendipitously. “It was actually the first song that the label played for us to listen to,” Archuleta said. “They played just a rough demo of it, and I was just like, ‘wow.’ ” After singing so many mature ballads on “American Idol,” Archuleta was drawn to “Crush” for its youthful edge. Above all, Archuleta wanted to avoid coming off as too adult; or, as he put it, as “some cheesy version of Josh Groban.”

In his upcoming album, too, Archuleta is looking for a young sound. So far, he knows the album will be pop-based, and that it will hit stores in late fall. “We only have a month and a half to work on it!” he said. “We're just looking for the best songs we can find in the shortest amount of time.” Plus, since he’s still on the “American Idol” tour, Archuleta is recording the entire album in his nonexistent free time. “I used to have days off, but now when I have a day off, I have to just work on the album,” he said. Somehow, however, he isn’t stressed about his grueling schedule. “I don't feel overwhelmed or anything. I’m finally living my dream.”

Archuleta couldn’t reveal much about his music video for “Crush,” except to say that it involved –- you guessed it –- a “crush.” “I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it,” Archuleta said of the video shoot, adding, “I can’t wait to see how the end product comes out!” One of the reasons Archuleta enjoyed shooting the video so much may have been his affection for the actress playing his crush.  “She’s really funny. Like, she acted a lot like me,” Archuleta said, laughing. Note to Archie’s small-screen crush: Expect hate mail.

-- Stephanie Lysaght

Comments

[robin]

I'm so happy that he had fun at the shoot. Sounds like he thought the girl was funny and cute. That's cool. I just hope they do a good job for him on this. I still think they need to do better for him on wardrobe. Come on, put some money into the kid. Anyway, I am a huge fan of him and Crush. Go David!

[chasee]

Congratulations to David Archuleta. He is not only talented, a young role model, but an awesome human being and at 17 years old, who can ask for anything more from this incredible and amazing young man. I am 45 years old and supported and voted him from his audition time. Crush is awesome. What a great start for this incredible talent. He is accomplishing more in a short time than any of us can achieve in a lifetime. For his haters, who cares, look at yourselves in the mirror and ask why do you have so much hatred. Jealous of lack of talent on your part? I can only describe his talent as AMAZING, nothing but VOCAL PERFECTION! If you have an opportunity to still catch the AI tour, you will know what I am talking about. How many new artists can have 12,000-15,000 people at each show give him a standing ovation for his vocals and singing ability. Season 7 has been a real treat to all of us, there are so many talented people on Season 7 and wish all of them great success in their newly discovered talents.

[I <3 SHAWN JOHNSON]

I <3 SHAWN JOHNSON.
SHE IS MINE!

[Bookaholic]

I am a RABID fan of David Archuleta's, no doubt, but I would never in a million years be unkind to anyone connected to him. (I'm not into being hateful, period.) I can't believe that people who love and admire David would be so nasty to friends of his. That's SO uncool.

David is a superlative singer and musician, an incredibly endearing, wonderful, and gorgeous human being who will be a HUGE success in the music business. That being said, he deserves to have a life like everyone else. He'll definitely date in the days to come. He should! It's normal; he's normal. Hello! He'll have crushes, he'll eventually marry. We should wish him nothing but well if we're truly his fans.

We should try to be as classy as David is. Come on, let's up our game, people.

[Bookaholic]

I am a RABID fan of David Archuleta's, no doubt, but I would never in a million years be unkind to anyone connected to him. (I'm not into being hateful, period.) I can't believe that people who love and admire David would be so nasty to friends of his. That's SO uncool.

David is a superlative singer and musician, an incredibly endearing, wonderful, and gorgeous human being who will be a HUGE success in the music business. That being said, he deserves to have a life like everyone else. He'll definitely date in the days to come. He should! It's normal; he's normal. Hello! He'll have crushes, he'll eventually marry. We should wish him nothing but well if we're truly his fans.

We should try to be as classy as David is. Let's up our game, people.

[eozeoz]

wow congrats, David. I'm looking forward to seeing the video. I'm also a bit disturbed about your poor friend who got hate mail just for going with you to an event. They need to cool it.

[samrlim]

Those fan who sent hate mail to David Archuleta I won't consider them as one of David's Amazing Wonderful Loving Loyal Fans - that is just a one bad apple that need to be ignored. Whoever that fan is she need to behave for she has a different ulterior motive she should be kick out of the fan club and ban. The real fans of David are very mature and supportive of him and I know for sure he has an AMAZING WONDERFUL LOVING LOYAL FANS WHO WILL BE THERE FOR HIM THRU THICK OR THIN and I am one of them. If you are one of those fan who are misbehaving badly you have no right to control the life of David. The only good thing of David he really take care of his fans and his also very forgiving and he gives some of his time to them even though he has a very hectic schedule - when I send message to him I always tell him to take care of his fans all the time which he always does you can see that in YouTube. Tha is one of David best quality and I am proud of him and thats why he has a strong loyal fans who loves him both young and old. Maybe this one fan is just one of those bad apple. I hope he read this and she need to act like a grown up person and behave properly.

[samrlim]

IGNORE THOSE HATER I CAN GUARANTEE YOU THEY ARE ONE OF THOSE UNTALENTED INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS A LOW SELF-ESTEE. SAD, SAD, SAD,,,,,,,,

[MarkInEugene]

Wow....this kid is so excellent. I knew that American Idol blew it. As a 50 year old musician, it's clear to me that there is just no denying his talent. This is a superb, soulful singer.

Speaking strictly from a talent perspective, I think David is on his way to becoming a real Amerian Idol. This single is the first among many hits from this young artist. Bravo David!

[samrlim]

That immature fans who sent hate mail should be blocked listed and should be ignored and warned his body guard with this crazy fan so he won't go near with him.

[Lim, Cynthia]

It's difficult to decribe David James because so much has been said. He is probbly the most loved & admiredt teenager in the whole, talented, humble and OMG, so inspiring!
I thank you for the inspiration acorss the globe, I love him for his work ethics and passion in life but most of all, I love him for who he stands for.. courage, passion and humility.
May the lord continue to bless him and the world loves him!!
A fanatic and humbled fan from Asia. World peace for all!

[Nutter Butter]

Aw that's mean fans send hate mail. Even if you don't like the girl I mean, at least show respect. How would you like it being her??

I cant' wait for his album! I'm so glad he's enjoying everything, but I feel kinda bad how much work they're making him do! haha yet he still doesn't mind.

So he might have a crush on that Kat Slatery girl?? (the girl playing his crush). Well it's better than liking the blond girl in the vid. I guess haha. But still I can't help but feel a little jealous!! Archie's such a sweet guy. I wish I could live in Georgia and play his crush. I think my personality is a lot like his too haha but he'll prob. never know that.. =-( He's way too nice to just be with a 'normal' girl. I guess you could call me a protective fan haha but not in the bad way.

Anyway I love David Archuleta! woo! Thanks for the article.!

[Archierox]

Okay Shawn? She looks 12 and like she can beat him up!
And the girl who played his crush is like 15(Class of 2011) and seems full of herself.
Besides David's almost 18 and should date someone his age.

[barbie]

David Archuleta, is simply P E R F E C T I O N . He deserves respect, because he gives respect in everything he says, and everyone he associates with. He is a wonderful young man, with wonderful talent. 1 in a million.

[Wayne Johnson]

I think his friends meant a Shawn Johnson of a different gender.

[Tom]

David need to stay grounded and focused. He would do great to stay with piano, guitar, and make all his songs his own. When on the American Idol, he did show a side of his talent, that he can have fun and jack up the style of any song.

[Kristy]

wow... it's sad... those fans shouldn't have done that...
well i just can't wait for the music video!!!
and i really want to know exactly how it all started
and how he liked the girl for the first time...
i can't wait!! David is so cute!!
I love this song because it describes "Life"
and this crush thinging Has been going around for a while
and it described me so much as how i liked my crush too...
and i was trying to let him go and tried to move on but i just couldn't...
so i can't wait to see the MV!!

[Kelly]

aww poor david and his friend! its his life not ours he should like whoever he wants! You are AMAZING DAVID! love your song crush and cant wait for the rest of the album to come out! =]

[lengie]

I like his song "Crush" now it on billboard top chart I wold like to share his lyrics song as follow

David Archuleta Lyrics Song:
http://www.musiccosmo.com

David Archuleta Albums:
http://www.winglyrics.com