Looking back at all David Archuleta's performances - extraordinary, perfect pitched, average, so-so, predictable and sometimes 'boring' - I still stand by what I have said the first time I saw him on TV, that he will be the next American Idol.
I have nothing against this 17-year old American Idol Season 7 Runner-up, in fact, among others, i have dreamt of a David-David finale - ever since Mariah Carey week. I am rooting for him ever since; his humility and genuineness made me admire this young kid, and his vocal prowess really amaze me. The season has ended and he did not took the title. Even though I am a huge fan of him, it didn't take me too long to get over his loss. And now, as a "non-David biased" fan, I am gonna write what I think has kept Archie so close but yet 12 million votes away from the crown:
1. He maybe too young and lacks experience. Well, Jordin did win last year, but the difference between them is that she is able to act more mature than she is than him. Compared to his opponent who has experiences hardships in life (well, DA did suffer vocal paralysis), people might have sympathize more on older David and would be glad to hear his "bartender-turned-American Idol" life.
2. He lacks versatility on other songs. Well, the judges really bug me on this one. On one same night, they would 'scold' one contestant for not making a new arrangement on the song, and then 'scold' another one for making new arrangement. It's the same thing that happens on little David. People think his style is so repetitive every week and would wish for him to change it, then when he tries to switch the judges (and some viewers too) would be disappointed. One thing is certain - he can't sing fast songs, and maybe rock. He does well on ballads but fails on other genre.
3. He does not have a very diverse fan base. Sure, he gets the votes of the young ones and their grandmas, but the other David appeals to women of all ages (especially middle-aged). Plus, he is favored by the men too with his kind of music.
4. He forgets lyrics. From his audition to his Stevie Wonder song, to the Results Night of the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame Week, Archie keeps on committing the same sin. He even said the wrong lines of the song "Seasons of Love" on Idol Gives Back. And, I would never ever forget the "You are a class your own".
5. He sometimes lack stage presence. He is, no doubt about it, the season's best singer - but not the best performer. Performing live does not only require pure vocals, but also the ability to own the stage and make the audience feel your energy and presence infront of them. I cannot say that he isn't able to do that. But I must admit that sometimes, he would perform and it would just be alright for you to just hear his voice without seeing how he does his thing.
6. He does not really stand out on group performances. With the quality of his voice, he is so mellow that sometimes isn't fit for the upbeat group performances on the show. Well, he may get more screams than any of the contestants, but it seems like the 'energy' is going down when it is already his turn (well, try the Cook to Archuleta transition). He did stood up on their One Sweet Day performance, but that was only one of those few moments people will remember that he was actually on the group opening numbers.
7. Little David's singles sells lower than Bigger Davids on iTunes. Well, American Idol is indeed strategic - why not let the songs of the contestants be available on sale at iTunes so that we may know whose record will sell more in the future?
After all those justifications I've made, I still love DA with all my heart. He is a sweet kid and he will be successful in the future. Coming in second place isn't bad enough. He will make albums too and have a taste of success. I wish him all the best! He will always be my most favorite American Idol contestant. :)
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