'American Idol' Daily: Dawn of the David Archuleta

After years lost in the darkness, on  Nov. 11, America at last wakes up to a new age.  Hope.  Change.  For so long, they have been just words  -- especially to the vast legions of tween girls who watched "American Idol" season after season wondering when it might finally be their chance to lead. 

At last that day has come.  For on this Veterans Day, America faces the morning light to find that David Archuleta, the Chosen One, foretold by "Idol" prophecies, reared from the cradle on the works of Clarkson and Aiken, has released his solo album and begun his career at last.

The reviews are coming in, and in Idolland it will be a long week while we await the first sales numbers to come trickling in.  But however things turn out for this album, as one who watched this young phenom burst upon the Idoldome, it has been incredible to  to see his legend explode -- from the "Idol" stage and on the national tour as tens of thousands made the rafters of stadiums quake with their their screams. And through it all, the boy from Murray amazingly remained seemingly untouched by the nuclear blasts of adoration.  To all appearances, from the little I had the chance to interact with him, he stayed the same nervous, unfailingly polite, pathologically modest and humble lad he was when he first arrived at the Idoldome.    

Much has been written about David's father's allegedly controlling ways backstage, and on that score I have no direct knowledge.  But I can say that, from all I have seen, he has raised a very, very nice son, who defies nature with his ability to keep his head while all around him are losing theirs.

And today he becomes his own man.  Mazel tov's are very due.

The complete Idol wrap-up after the jump.

While the Chosen One takes his first steps onto the world stage, an array of Idols have been stirring things up left and right.

Appearing as this month's Elle magazine cover girl, "Idol's" reigning queen, Carrie Underwood, adds her romantic life to the list of things she will not discuss.  She tells profiler Dan Crane:

“If I say I am or I’m not, as soon as this magazine comes out, it might be the opposite of what I tell you now. In three months, it’ll be ‘Carrie said she’s not dating anybody,’ yet last night, I was out on the town with some guy. He’s going to get mad at me. Everybody’s going to think I’m a liar. It’s just best not to go there.”

More important than the Underwood interview, Elle's pages contain perhaps the most incredible photos ever seen of "Idol" contestants as the magazine gives them makeovers with a decidedly goth tinge.  Be sure to check out Kristy Lee Cook and the Chosen One in an against-type recast of "The Wild One."

And Elle is just one front in what seems to be an all-out-invasion of the world of fashion by "Idol" alums.  On the other end of the spectrum, Season 6 champion Jordin Sparks announced today her maiden outting as a designer.   A press release from the specialty retailer Wet Seal  describes the line thusly:

The collection, appropriately named 'Sparks', will begin with an assortment of holiday dresses delivering to stores just in time for the busy Thanksgiving weekend. The collection will later include casual apparel and accessories. Each piece will reflect Jordin Sparks’ youthful and collected sense of style. The line is currently set to launch on November 19, 2008 and will come in sizes XS to XL.    

Finally, a little bit of news on the anxiously awaited solo career of the Greatest Performer in "Idol" History (TGPIH), Carly Smithson.   In a chat on the Carly's Angels website, Her Grace revealed she has signed a manager and has been spending time in the studio recording some new songs.  Unfortunately, despite rumors of an imminent release of a duet between Herself and the Duende From Down Under, Michael Johns, Carly says that those plans have been tabled for the moment while they work on their respective solo projects.

And while all this goes on ... somewhere in Hollywood ... under a shroud of secrecy, the eighth "American Idol" winner is now enduring the hardest week of her life.

-- Richard Rushfield

Photo credit: Fox

Comments

[Cheryl]

Excellent article Rich, love to see what's going on with everyone. Looking forward to supporting all of the "kids" from this year. The talent was amazing and they were even better on tour. They all have excellent careers ahead of them.

Of course our brightest star is Carly, who went home to soon. She has gotten even better as a singer and performer in the short time since Idol and she is going to take the music world by storm! Already the bit of news we've had on her projects sounds so exciting!

For everyone dying to hear what she's working on, be sure to join her official MySpace Page at http://www.myspace.com/carlysmithsononlyofficialpage so you don't miss any news about her upcoming work. She is planning on sharing some footage of her in the studio with us through MySpace soon, so make sure you add her so you can see it as soon as it comes out!

[robin]

I just listened to his album downloaded from i tunes. I love it! This kid's voice is GREAT and the songs are in turns catchy and touching. It should be a big success and it couldn't happen to a nicer person.

[rosie]

David Archuleta you are the best singer ever, your music makes me dream and it makes me so happy. Thanks for being yourself

[LM]

Great blog! David Archuleta's family did raise a very, very nice son indeed. He seems like the sweetest kid ever and I wish him nothing but the best. I hope his new album is very successful. It's rare to find such a talented young person with absolutely no ego. I really find myself being more and more impressed by David. His voice is out of this world and he seems to have a good head on his shoulders. Love all of the new tracks I have heard so far! Mazel tov!

[Deb]

What a wonderful article. Thank you! Couldn't agree more! I'm listening to the David Archuleta album now and all I can say is WOW, just WOW!

[Angelino]

Yep, that's a nice article. Season 7 was indeed awesome, so many talented vocalists. Listening to the Archie's album, this is one talented, gifted, good-looking guy, love him.

[Aimee]

Young David's album is great, good variety and catchy tunes. He sounds amazing as usual! The boy can really SING!

Thanks for the article, you have a way with words. I enjoy you writing a lot!

[Gayle]

Richard, thanks for the the article. David Archuleta is an amazing kid--vocally, and (so it seems) personally. Love his new cd and hope he gets all the success he deserves. Thanks!

[HannaB]

So you're saying the Chosen One of Season 8 will be a female? Yep, I believe the outcome of AI is fixed too. ;)

Congrats to the Davids, Jason Castro, and all the Season 7 Idols. 19E/Americn Idol has tried to stifle many of them, but in the end the truth (and the talent) will prevail. Thanks for the great article!!

[Vicki]

I love your review! "The Chosen One" - so befitting my personal American Idol of Season 7, David Archuleta. Even though I'm not a tween or a teen, I can tell you I love his mad vocals, his engaging, humble personality and believe he will be around for a long, long time. His cd is amazing, given the short amount of time he had to put it together, while also on the AI Tour this past summer. And the photo of the Prodigious One and Christy Lee Cook in Elle magazine is out of this world!

[vickie]

Thank-you for a honest and accurate review of David Archuleta. He is the voice that so many have waited for without the pretense and arrogant persona of so many young performers. Hid new CD is amazing. I know it will win over many that doubted his vocal talents. I hope he never loses his humble nature and awkward charm.

[songbird]

Fantastico! David Archuleta's self titled album serves up something delicious for every musical taste out there . What a treat this is! Chin chin!

[songbird]

A true feast for the ears! David Archuleta's self titled album is exquisitly delicious with something for every taste. Bravo and chin chin!

[sdb66]

Thank you for the article. David Archuleta is an incredibly talented young man. He is an amazing human being. I applaud David's courage and determination to reach his goals, to fulfill his dreams. He is such a great role model for people of all ages!!! David's magic and powerful essence is here to stay. I have no doubt that David Archuleta will be a successful singer/songwriter/musician; he is a music legend in the making.

[amy m]

Great article Richard-especially the part about Carly Smithson. I totally agree with your description of her as I'm a huge Carly fan. I think she is extremely talented and her new album will be amazing!!! And I do agree that she is going to take the music world by storm.

[Bright Light]

I am totally enjoying David Archuleta's new CD. He is young and his album reflects his top 40 tastes. Not only does he have all of the sterling qualities you mentioned, but he is also, to quote Brooke White, 'the hardest working teenager' in the business. David never 'phones it in' and we are the grateful recipient of all ofhis hard work and dedication! Can't wait for what is to come. We ain't seen nothin' yet!

[Monica Anderson]

David is going to be the biggest star of this century. He is the opitomy of the words good, kind humble & geniune. Musically, he's been called a prodigy. As a person, he's called an Angel. I've never met anyone else like him, there will never be another David Archuleta.

[Karen]

I'm listening to David Archuleta's CD right now as I have nearly 24/7 since it was leaked. Love it! (I had it pre-ordered on iTunes and have since got one at Target, too, so that I was able to get all the bonus tracks...but I couldn't resist when it was leaked.) I love ALL the songs! He has a fabulous voice and is so passionate and emotive when he sings. Especially on "To Be With You". Man, the emotion in his voice is like a physical blow. It's so moving, I cry every time I hear the song.

This guy is something else. Killer voice, rare musicality, and he is as endearing and gorgeous a human being as God ever made. I think we've just seen the tip of this musical iceberg. David Archuleta will be HUGE, folks. I'd bet the farm.

[Me2]

One of the wittiest articles about David Archuleta in a while. Thoroughly enjoyed this. DAFTW!

[Pinky]

Richard...You're such a RockStar! Thank you for being so supportive of Carly! She's the best!
I'm very excited for Archie's new cd as well. Just bought it yesterday and I love it, beautiful voice! Now, I can't wait for Carly's. The Street Team needs to keep plugging away! But Carly's got nothing to worry about...she's got the best fans hands down!
Much love Richard xo
-Pinky