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Happy Birthday, David Archuleta!

Posted 12/28/10 9:30 am EST by in Music


If you have any celebration left in you after Christmas and Hayley Williams' birthday, you should raise a glass (of sparkling cider, of course) to David Archuleta. The former "American Idol" runner-up turns 20 years old today, and he has no shortage of things to celebrate. Born in Florida but raised in a suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah (he moved there when he was six years old), Archuleta got interested in singing early on and ended up performing in public for the first time at age 10 (he sang "I Will Always Love You" at a talent competition).

From there, he slowly set about establishing a career for himself, competing on "Star Search" when he was 12 years old. He parlayed those appearances into a handful of other television appearances, but obviously got the biggest boost of his career when he was finally old enough to audition for "American Idol."

Archuleta dazzled the judges during an "Idol" audition in San Diego in 2007 with a rendition of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change" (the song famously inspired Randy Jackson to join in on backing vocals). He scored a ticket to Hollywood to compete as a semi-finalist on the show's seventh season. That run also featured notable "Idol" contestants like David Cook (who eventually defeated Archuleta on the show's final episode), Carly Smithson (now the lead singer of Evanescence offshoot band We Are the Fallen), Brooke White and Jason Castro. Despite all those heavy hitters, Archuleta managed to wow the judges (and the viewing audience) time and again, and his renditions of John Lennon's "Imagine," Robbie Williams' "Angels" and Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" are the stuff of "Idol" legend.

Since then, Archuleta has dropped three albums (two originals plus a Christmas album). One of his defining moments remains "A Little Too Not Over You," from his self-titled 2008 album.

What would you get David Archuleta for his 20th birthday? Let us know in the comments!

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The Best 'American Idol' Performances Of All Time Poll (Fan-Nominated Edition)

Posted 4/22/10 4:50 pm EST by in Music


On Tuesday (April 20), "American Idol" contestant Crystal Bowersox tore into a tearful version of "People Get Ready" as part of "Inspirational Week." In many ways, it was one of the best performances ever in the history of the show, as she not only performed it well (though there were a few missed notes), but it also showed raw emotion and poise in the face of stories that she has been trying to bail on the show. Her natural charisma survived the tears, and she came out looking like the inevitable champion.

In a poll taken yesterday, MTV News nominated a dozen performances as the greatest of all time. In the end, Bowersox took home the gold. However, there was a great deal of debate over the songs we nominated (apparently nobody remembers Trenyce — which is a shame, really). That is why we are presenting a second poll, made up entirely of nominees that came from superfans across the Internet. Sometimes we got the right performer but the wrong song (there are a lot of David Cook devotees, but they seem to prefer "Always Be My Baby" over "Billie Jean"), and sometimes there were just important moments we missed entirely — especially David Archuleta's take on John Lennon's "Imagine" and any number of Adam Lambert performances (though we decided to focus on "Mad World" despite the demands from several people that Lambert could fill the entire top 10).

So vote on your new favorite below. Since she won the first poll, we left Bowersox in to compete. Can she fend off the will of the fans? Vote below and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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The Top 10 'American Idol' Twitterers

Posted 2/18/10 7:40 pm EST by in Music


Internet addicts, rejoice! The season nine "American Idol" contestants will be allowed to tweet (and update Facebook and MySpace pages) for the first time in the show's history! So far the top 24 has remained mum, but while we wait for the newbies to peep their first tweets, I thought it'd be fun to highlight my top 10 favorite "Idol" Twitter-heads from seasons past.

#HereWeGo

10. Kelly Clarkson
The original "Idol" only picked up Twitter somewhat recently, but she took to it like a champ. (Sort of.) Kelly has always made her fans feel like close personal friends and her Twitter page is no different. And when she decides to speak her mind, you'll want to be one of the first people to hear it.

9. Frenchie Davis
Long before Chris Golightly, we had the original DQ diva, Frenchie Davis. Lucky for us, Frenchie's sass levels are still through the roof, and the woman knows her way around a Twitter trend. As Frenchie would say, "Werq!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

8. Paula Abdul
Do you watch "Idol" and miss Paula's New Age-y words of wisdom? There's a very easy way to fix that problem — click the follow button.

Read More...

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Spotted: Jordin Sparks And David Archuleta Warm Up Miami

Posted 2/5/10 11:05 am EST by in Music


Every day a multitude of stars wanders through the halls of MTV News to talk about their latest projects and goof around with our intrepid correspondents. But sometimes we catch stars elsewhere, and that's why we put together Spotted!, a daily compendium of stars in the wild.

This Sunday (February 7) marks one of the biggest days in the sports world, as the entire football-watching universe will turn their eyes to Miami to watch the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints go toe-to-toe in Super Bowl XLIV (that's 44 for those of you who aren't down with Latin). As anybody can recognize, it isn't just a simple football game. Rather, the Super Bowl has been turned into a week-long event full of musical events and celebrity parties. Jordin Sparks hosted one such event at the Eden Roc Renaissance Hotel in Miami on Wednesday (February 3). Her live performance was part of "The Jordin Sparks Experience," which is a series of events tied to her charity work, much of which is tied in with the NFL (Sparks' father Phillippi Sparks played nine seasons of pro football, mostly with the New York Giants). At Wednesday night's show, Sparks was joined on stage by fellow former "American Idol" contestant David Archuleta, and the pair teamed up on a version of Sparks' "No Air."

They're not the only stars in Miami gearing up for the biggest game of the year, as both Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minillo were scene at the Eden Roc. Click here for these photos as well as the entire "Spotted!" archive, which features over 300 candid shots of stars like Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, the Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, Shakira, Rihanna, Mariah Carey and Miley Cyrus!

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David Archuleta Sings For Haiti, Superfans Raise Big Bucks

Posted 1/26/10 5:10 pm EST by in Music


Last Friday's "Hope for Haiti Now" telethon was a smashing success. Not only did it raise a stupendous amount of money for earthquake survivors in Haiti, but it also spread the word that the generosity needs to continue through the coming months. The fans of "American Idol" alum David Archuleta took that message to heart and spent their weekend raising even more money for Haiti in the form of a "virtual cupcake drive," partially in my honor. Seriously!

Here's the story: MTV News correspondent Sway chatted with several of the participants of the telethon Friday night, including Archuleta (or as I call him, Archupuppy or Archadorable — depending on my mood). Sway noticed that David was humming to himself before their interview began, so when it came time to roll tape, he asked the "Idol" star if he wanted to share a song with the world.

This should come as no surprise to Archie's fans, but David happily obliged and treated MTV News to an impromptu (and heart-stoppingly gorgeous) rendition of Kurt Bestor's "Prayer of the Children."

I casually tweeted that we had witnessed a spur-of-the-moment mini-concert from Archuleta, and within seconds my Twitter was inundated with pleas from David diehards desperate to see the video footage that I had just bragged about. What started as half-joking bribes of cupcakes snowballed into a virtual cupcake drive. To donate to the Haiti relief effor, send a TwitPic of a cupcake to @jambajim! (You can see this ingenious idea develop by checking out the timeline on Peace Love Cupcakes.)

By Tuesday afternoon, a generous group of fans had raised $3,850 in mine and David Archuleta's names! As David would say, "Oh my gosh, Ashley!!"

So to @janey79, @karenkid, @momJulee, @BeckyFOD, @snowangelzz, all the David Archuleta fan sites and blogs who helped spread the word (as well as the dozens of fans who donated money), I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my "Idol"-addicted heart. Your dedication and ingenuity is an inspiration to us all. They don't call you guys "Arch Angels" for nothing.

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David Archuleta Fans Deliver Birthday Flowers And Cupcakes To MTV News

Posted 11/13/09 5:06 pm EST by in Behind The Scenes, Music


This morning, I casually Tweeted that I'd be celebrating my birthday tonight. My actual birthday isn't until November 22 — the day Adam Lambert will be stealing the show at the American Music Awards — so I was a tad confused when the mailroom called me to say I had to sign for some flowers.

"Uh, you have the wrong number," I said.

"Are you the Jim Cantiello who sits on the 29th floor?" the mail room dude asked.

I slowly said, "Yes."

"Well, then come downstairs and pick up your flowers." Click.

During the elevator ride down to the lobby, I scanned through my mental Rolodex of people who would send me flowers two weeks before my birthday. "Hmm, Shakira seemed to really enjoy our interview together on Tuesday. Maybe she wanted to say thanks?" "I gave a cab driver a 40 percent tip the other day." "Perhaps my grandparents are losing it and forgot my date of birth?"

It turns out a group of David Archuleta fans had banded together and wanted to wish me a happy early birthday by sending me flowers and a giant balloon! The card read, "You made us happy with your support of our 'homey' @davidarchie!"

Wow! I knew the Christmas carol segment I did was popular with his fan base, but I never imagined it would inspire such thoughtfulness! They even quoted the "Archmas" joke, writing in the card, "Last part of your Archmas gift includes an early HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!"

How sweet is that? Although the "last part" reference confused me. Would there be more on its way?

As I was writing this very blog I got another phone call. "You have a delivery from a bakery downstairs."

Bwah?!

The same four fans had also sent me cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery! (Brooke White would be so jealous right now.) This time the card was a poem! "Another part of your Archmas treat. Thanks again, we'd love a Tweet!"

Another part? Is there going to be more? My head's going to explode!

So to @momJulee, @sofansmom, @ClaudiaNRR and @janey79: Thank you for the nicest early birthday gift ever. (My co-workers who helped me devour the delicious cupcakes also send you kisses.) I will definitely sing "Touch My Hand" at my karaoke party later tonight in your honor.

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Spotted: David Archuleta Satisfies His Hunger

Posted 11/12/09 2:10 pm EST by in Music


Every day a multitude of stars wanders through the halls of MTV News to talk about their latest projects and goof around with our intrepid correspondents. But sometimes we catch stars elsewhere, and that's why we put together Spotted!, a daily compendium of stars in the wild.

Former "American Idol" contestant David Archuleta didn't win the season he competed (that honor went to erstwhile Our Lady Peace fan David Cook), but in many ways it's worked out better for Archie. He has never had to deal with the pressure or scrutiny of being the winner, but there is still plenty of enthusiasm surrounding everything he works on (including his recently-released Christmas album). Plus, he's not hounded by photographers all that often. Really, it's the best kind of fame. Still, it was nice to see him show up in the paparazzi viewfinders yesterday, as Archuleta was spotted leaving high-end Los Angeles eatery Il Pastaio with singer and songwriter Kina Grannis.

He wasn't the only star who rolled in public yesterday, as Leona Lewis paid a visit to Radio One in London and Robin Thicke dropped in on a radio station in Miami. Click here for these photos plus the entire "Spotted!" archive, which features over 350 candid shots of stars like Britney Spears, Shakira, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Lady Gaga, the Jonas Brothers, Adam Lambert, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Jay-Z and 50 Cent!

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Adam Lambert's Album Cover Reminds Us Of The Most Insane 'American Idol' Covers

Posted 10/27/09 7:09 pm EST by in Music


Adam Lambert revealed his album cover for "For Your Entertainment" and it’s as spectacularly over-the-top and jaw-dropping as his memorable “American Idol” performances. The dude is a walking water-cooler conversation. And by golly, he’s done it again.

In the Tweet that linked to the cover, Lambert wrote, “Glam is back!!!” Judging from this album art, however, I don’t know that I’d say it’s back so much as hanging out at the mall Glamour Shots kiosk. (Will this eye-catching retro look help sell albums? We'll find out when it lands in stores November 23.)

The thing is, “American Idol” has a long history of eyebrow raising album covers. Read More...

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David Archuleta Says Allison Iraheta Has 'Spunk'

Posted 10/27/09 5:09 pm EST by in Music


The David Archuleta outtake chronicles continue!

One of the fun things I learned about the "American Idol" star during our Christmas carol extravaganza is that he is ceaselessly curious. When he wasn't stopping to look at every single bulletin board or framed poster hanging on MTV's walls, he would turn the tables and casually interview me. "Know any good New York City restaurants? What music are you listening to these days? What kind of bird do you have?" (Long story.)

But this line of questioning was my favorite from the day, if only because it sparked us having a brief chat about recent "Idol" rocker, Allison Iraheta.

If you remember, Simon Cowell went out of his way to knock Allison's personality during her "Idol" journey. Despite the fiery-haired rocker delivering some of the best vocals of the season — and displaying more authenticity than any other teenage "Idol" contestant — the cranky Brit would go on and on about how he didn't think she was appearing particularly likable. This insane, illogical and frustratingly recurring talking point led to several angry fist pumps from my living room couch.

Clearly, David Archuleta is on Team Allison with me. His face lit up when he talked about how much "personality and spunk" she has. And when I brought up how adorable it was when she jumped out of her "bottom three" chair to give him a hug when he showed up during an episode, Archuleta smiled and — dare I say it? — blushed.

Cue the "Awwwwwws!"

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David Archuleta's Christmas Sweaters Took Some Convincing

Posted 10/26/09 2:16 pm EST by in Behind The Scenes, Music


Last week, David Archuleta and I serenaded MTV staffers with Christmas carols in celebration of his new holiday album Christmas from the Heart. Needless to say, Archuleta's fans were happier than Ryan Seacrest at a tanning salon. Aside from the expected flailing we received from the Archie-Angels, we got a lot of questions about the Christmas sweaters he and I donned during the shoot. Where did they come from? Is he going to wear that on his upcoming Christmas tour? Did you have to twist his arm to play dress up?

So, by popular demand, here's the sweater song. (Cue Weezer.)

As I mentioned in my recent blog, the "American Idol" runner-up was a sweetheart, but convincing him to wear that silly Christmas sweater involved a little bit of begging.

At the end of our sit-down interview — where we discussed both the Christmas record and his upcoming "more personal" pop album — it was time to get our yule on. Although David knew we were going caroling for the shoot, I'm not so sure he knew it involved props and a specific wardrobe. His defeated "Christmas ... sweaters ..." says it all. (Note the desperation in my voice mere nanoseconds after he sounded less-than-enthused.)

Being the gracious young man that he is, though, it didn't take too much cajoling to convince David to play along. He even added a scarf for flair! By the end of the shoot, Archuleta was so comfortable in the itchy old sweater that he almost left the building still wearing it, along with our microphone. Whoops! (Fun semi-related "Idol" journalist trivia: After a recent interview, Kris Allen left Z-100 wearing Entertainment Weekly's microphone, forcing EW.com's Michael Slezak to race out of the building and chase down Kris' car. Now that I think of it, I'm 99 percent sure Slezak did that on purpose to score an extra couple of seconds with the "Idol" winner. Sneaky!)

It pains me to admit it, but the red and green snowflake sweaters are all mine. Read More...

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