Bio

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BIOGRAPHY OF A FUTURE LEGEND

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FanBlast originally published this information on March 16, 2008 at 12:25 AM and updated on December 10, 2008.

Here’s a spotlight quote from a fan:

“David Archuleta has a gift you rarely see, especially around his age. His voice transcends age, gender, race, religion, etc… I can go on, but I won’t. That’s the power that David has. I’m 33 and grew up during the birth of hip-hop and grunge: for him to draw me in like this, well, that’s what an American Idol is all about.”

This is David Archuleta’s most extensive, expansive and fastest-growing bio available anywhere!

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At 3,186 words, you are looking at the most comprehensive bio and second most popular feature of FanBlast!

:: Biography, Interview and FAQs ::

Please note: Some portions of this SuperBio was originally written while American Idol Season 7 was still in progress.

For a new fan or a first time visitor to FanBlast, this is the perfect place to start to get to know David! FanBlast is a loyal community to thousands of dedicated fans of David Archuleta who visits at least once a day, every day!

For our resident fans, members of the Arch Angels, the Archies, O.D.D. Society, FanBlasters, etc.: Check in everyday source materials and use this as your trivia resource for EVERYTHING DAVID!

Put your friends, office collegues or mom to the test! A true fan of David Archuleta can answer these correctly without even breakin’ a sweat!

HERE WE GO! DAVID ARCHULETA:

is a Honduran American with dark brown hair and hazel eyes who was born on December 28, 1990 in Miami, Florida, USA. Critics and fans alike call him a singing prodigy due to his early development and talent in singing. He has a growing fan base due to his numerous appearances on television talent shows like American Idol and Star Search. David sings pop, R&B and soul music.

• Placed second behind David Cook on American Idol Season 7.
• It was officially announced on June 5, 2008, that David signed on with 19/JIVE Records.
• David stands at 5′7″ tall.
• David can play the piano and has written a few songs.
• His dad’s name is Jeff, and he was born and raised in Utah. Jeff is of Basque descent. His mom’s name is Lupe and she immigrated from Honduras from her hometown of San Pedro Sula, Cortes.
• During preparations before the Idol competition began, the Archuleta family had settled on Dad staying with David in Los Angeles while Mom stayed home in Utah to tend to the remaining four children.
• His dad is a jazz trumpet player and his mom (both age 42) sings pop music in both English and Spanish.
• The five siblings consist of 3 girls and 2 boys with David being the second oldest. Listed in order from eldest to youngest: Claudia (19), David (17), Daniel (14), Jazzy (11), and Amber (9).
• David owns a pretty healthy-sized goldfish named Conditioner and his dog’s name is Teddy.
• David is left handed.
• He love citrus colors: Orange, yellow and green.
• David received an honor declaration and certificate from The Utah State Legislature and House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. David was unable to attend, but his mom was present to accept the award for him.
• He worked as a sound tech over the summer vacation last year at Murray Park Amphitheatre.
• David earned over $100,000.00 for his appearances on IDOLS LIVE 08! (This is an estimate according to USA Today.)
• He had a 4.0 grade point average during his sophomore year at Murray High School in Murray, Utah.
• His high school locker number was 607.
• Murray High School’s colors are orange and black.
• Murray High School’s principal is Scott Bushnell.
• Since competing on American Idol, David’s GPA dropped a fraction of a point when he received a B at the end of the third term.
• David promises to finish high school and attend college even if he is crowned the American Idol.
• David is being homeschooled during his senior year. No word yet if he will be able to take part in the 2009 Murray HS graduation festivities.
• His lucky charm is a rubber band that his friends gave him, which reminds him that they always have his back.
• To battle nerves, David says a prayer before a performance and tries to shake it off.
• David and his family are active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah.
• His favorite American Idol moment was when Tamyra Gray sang “And I Am Telling You”.
• David says his toughest obstacle in life was believing that he could really be successful in a singing career.
• He likes all of the judges on American Idol because of their personalities and their different opinions.
• David once competed against Alexandrea Lushington, another contestant in season 7 of American Idol, on the show Star Search.
• David is great friends with Alexandrea, and when she got voted off of American Idol, it brought him to tears.
• If he couldn’t sing, he would like to be able to play the guitar and become a better songwriter.
• He wants to sing at one of the Olympics when he gets older.
• He once performed for surviving 9/11 New York City firefighters. He sang “I Will Always Love You”.
• He says his friends would be surprised that he owns Kirk Franklin albums.
• Even if given a chance for a re-do, he stated he would not change a single thing about himself.
• Although he was born in Miami, Florida, David and his family moved around in Florida for most of his early life, and moved to the Salt Lake City, Utah suburbs in February 1997, where he currently resides.
• The thing he loves most about Utah is the people there.
• On the finals of the second season of Star Search, David scored a perfect 20 points from all three judges.
• The actual date David won Star Search was March 19, 2003.
• By winning the Junior Singers competition on Star Search, David won $100,000.00.
• As soon as the Archuleta family returned to Utah, 10% ($10,000.00) was donated to their church.
• He has taken formal singing training since he was 12 years old, but only every now and then from his vocal coach, Dean Kaelin.
• His musical influences are Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin and Bryan Adams.
• He auditioned for American Idol in San Diego, California.
• David has a fan group called The Arch Angels and another one called The Archies.

Background and Song List in his appearance on Star Search:

When David began singing on Star Search, he was showing symptoms of bronchitis, which would later lead to his partial vocal paralysis when he reached the age of 13. The doctors told him one of his vocal cords was paralyzed and underdeveloped and he could have surgery to correct it, but it was also very risky. He didn’t take that option, choosing instead to undergo extensive voice therapy, because he wanted to sing.

He was actually supposed to record a CD after Star Search because of his big success there, but wasn’t able to due to his vocal paralysis.

Preliminary Round: “Who’s Lovin’ You” by The Temptations

Semifinals: “Fallin’” by Alicia Keys

Finals: “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye

Battle of the Champions: “I Surrender” by Celine Dion

David once performed on The Jenny Jones Show. He sang “And I Am Telling You” by Jennifer Holliday.

At the age of 10, he participated in the Utah Talent Competition (his first competition) and he sang “I Will Always Love You”, his first song ever sung onstage. He received a standing ovation.

At the age of six, he memorized a number of songs from the Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert with the corresponding English and Cockney accents.

More FAQs and Favorites:

• Subjects in School: Science and Social Studies
• Least favorite subject: Mathematics
• Computer Games: Neopets*, Zoo Tycoon and Roller Coaster Tycoon (*this was 5 years ago)
• TV Shows: Lizzie McGuire, Star Search and Sister, Sister
• Movies: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
• Actors: Robin Williams and Jim Carrey
• Animated Characters: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Donald Duck
• Band: Destiny’s Child
• Singers: Natalie Cole, Celine Dion and Michael Jackson
• Songs: “And I’m Telling You”, “Who’s Loving You” and “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne
• Album: Let Go by Avril Lavigne
• Sports Team: Utah Jazz
• Breakfast Foods: Cereal, French toast and pancakes
• Fruits: Orange, banana and apple
• Candy Bar: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• Beverages: Water, Orange Juice and Sprite
• Sport: Rollerblading
• Quote: You’ll never be lonely if you learn to befriend yourself.
• Male Pop Stars: Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bryan Adams and Kirk Franklin.
• Female Pop Stars: Natasha Bedingfield, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey.
• American Idol Contestant: Elliott Yamin and Tamara Gray
• Performer: Michael Jackson
• Food: Thai Food
• David’s American Idol audition number is 11394.
• David sang “And I Am Telling You” for contestants in Season 1 of American Idol. One of those contestants happened to be Kelly Clarkson.

List of Songs Sung by David on American Idol:

First Audition: “Waiting On the World” to Change by John Mayer

Hollywood Week Day 1: “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley

Hollywood Week Day 4: “Heaven” by Bryan Adams

Nationwide Voting began with the Top 24:

February 19, 2008 (Top 12 Guys) – “Shop Around” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles (6th of 12)

February 26, 2008 (Top 10 Guys) – “Imagine” by John Lennon (10th of 10)

March 4, 2008 (Top 8 Guys) – “Another Day in Paradise” by Phil Collins (2nd of 8 )

March 11, 2008 (Top 6 Guys) – “We Can Work it Out” by The Beatles (12th of 12)

March 18, 2008 (Top 11)- “Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles (3rd of 11)

March 25, 2008 – “You’re the Voice” by David Foster with Jeff Pescetto (8th of 10)

April 1, 2008 – “Smoky Mountain Memories” by Dolly Parton (3rd of 9)

April 8, 2008 – “Angels” by Robbie Williams (7th of 8 )

April 15, 2008 – “When You Believe” by Mariah Carey/Whitney Houston (1st of 7)

April 22, 2008 – “Think Of Me” by Andrew Lloyd Webber (4th of 6)

April 29, 2008 – “Sweet Caroline” and “America” (9th) by Neil Diamond (4th of 5)

May 6, 2008 – “Stand by Me” and “Love Me Tender” (4th of 4)

May 13, 2008 – “And So It Goes”, “With You”, and “Longer” (1st of 3)

May 20th (Finale) – “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”, “In This Moment”, “Imagine” (performed 2nd)

David’s Interview Quotes:

• When asked what he would change about himself: I wouldn’t change anything. Even the minor things or problems are what influence who I am. It’s fun to see the support that you get from your school and all your family and friends and stuff. It’s really neat to see, you know. If they didn’t know – you can’t tell them – so they’re all like, freaked out when they found out I auditioned, ’cause I didn’t even tell them, and they’re all just like, “Why didn’t you tell us?”, you know; they’re all mad at me. That’s okay, ’cause I think they won’t mind since they especially saw me on the show, when they were always like, “You should be on that show.”
• About preparing for a performance: Before singing, I usually just kinda warmup, you know; just do a couple a vocal exercises, and say a prayer too. That’s really helpful.
• On family: I’m half-Honduran, and got to go to Honduras a few years ago with my family and see my mom’s side of the family. I also sang at Carnaval there (a parade like Mardi Gras). It’s also where my most embarrassing moment was.
• About American Idol: I definitely feel like there are things that can happen this year. And the show just opened so many doors for me and even if it’s not winning American Idol – you know, that’s what I’m hoping for – but even more, just hoping that I will be able to make a career. The greatest thing that could come out of this is to launch my singing career. You know, being able to sing and become successful has always been my dream. This is such a big opportunity for us, you know. American Idol has made tons of dreams come true and to be able to have this opportunity finally is just awesome. We’re all just hoping that something will come out of this for our music and performing careers and to have this chance now, it’s really cool.
• About friends visiting Utah: I’ve had friends from California and stuff, and when they come to Utah, they’re like, “It’s so freaky there. Everyone’s so nice and they’ll say hi to you, even though they don’t know who you are.” And it’s like, “Yeah, people there are friendly.” It’s really cool.
• To would-be Idol contestants: The best thing you can do to set yourself apart is just be yourself. If you’re fake, you know, people find out who you are later and it’s like, “Well, that’s not who we thought you were.” Being yourself is where you feel most comfortable and people get – you know, they feel that connection the best. That’s the best way to go. You always have to be yourself.
• On song choices: It’s always fun to take risks too with song choices and stuff, I usually try to pick a song that suits me. I’ll think it through my head, it’s like, “Ok, well, does this song fit me?” Or sometimes I’ll want to take a risk with the song, you know. It’s a little different but I wanna show what I can do with it and if I really like the song and it doesn’t match me, I’ll still maybe wanna try to make it my own and give it a shot.
• On singing songs: If you don’t connect with a song, then I don’t see the point in singing it. But it at least has to be a fun song to sing. And if it’s fun to get into it, then it’s a lot of fun to sing.
• On himself: I like to smile a lot, like to hang out with my friends and just like to do the normal things teenagers do. I am normal, believe it or not. …Well, I guess I have to second-guess that! I guess I am pretty weird, but I am a teenager. I like to do the normal, everyday things.
• About whether it’s intimdating being on American Idol: I haven’t really thought about the other singers. I’ve been more like, “OK, what am I going to be doing?” ’cause you have to think about how you’re going to present yourself and show your stuff and who you are. And if you really worry about the other people, it takes away from who you are, you know, showing your stuff and being yourself.
• On his talent: You know, I’ve always doubted myself about my talent. I always thought everyone was kinda tone-deaf, and they’re just trying to be nice to me ’cause I’m little.
• His most embarrassing moment: I was to sing at this charity event dinner thing and I lost my voice that night and in the middle of the song I just – I was struggling so bad and I just completely lost it and my mom came up and ran up and just grabbed the mike from me and finished the song for me and I was just like, “I want to die.” I was so glad my mom was there; if she wasn’t there I would have probably just ran away ’cause that was just, I just felt horrible about that.
• On his grandma’s fish soup: The grossest thing I’ve ever eaten was this one fish soup my grandma made and I thought it was just disgusting. I couldn’t keep it down first of all and it was just nasty and I don’t remember anything good about it. It might have been healthy, but it’s not worth that.
• On his summr job: The only job I ever had was over the summer when I was at Techiat Park Amphitheatre. That was a lot of fun just ’cause you got to control the sounds. I got to work with some of my good friends, which was a lot of fun.
• On family: My family has helped me with my dream by just always being there all the time, supporting me all the way and just being good sports about it. And I really appreciate that.
• About music: Something that surprises a lot of people is usually the music I listen to just because it’s so diverse and it would be like Hispanic music from my mom. I grew up listening to Hispanic music on my mom’s side and then my dad listened to jazz music and so I grew up with that and I just love gospel music. Mostly I listen to pop, and like, pop-rock, and soulful music ’cause it’s just one of my favorites as well.
• When asked which former American Idol contestant he’d compare himself to: I’m not really sure which American Idol contestant I would be compared to. I really liked how Elliott Yamin had a more soulful vibe to him and I can remember him singing “I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin DeGraw. And he just gave a lot of soul into that; I just thought that was really cool. And that’s the kind of stuff I’d like to do: Pop music with a little soul into it, kinda like John Mayer. He’s awesome.
• On Michael Jackson: One of my favorite performers is Michael Jackson just because he’s like the king of performing. He’s amazing to watch and he has amazing songs. He’s awesome.
• When asked why he should be the next American Idol: I wanna be the next American Idol because I’ve just been loving music for so long. Music’s pretty much my life and just the power that’s in music – it can do so much. Like, it can change how I feel and just how everyone I’m singing to feels, and how everyone just appreciates the music and stuff. And being able to do that as a career is just a dream of mine and American Idol is the best opportunity for that to happen.
• What he’ll do after American Idol: If I don’t become the next American Idol, I’m going to keep on singing ’cause you know, that’s why I’m here: I love to do it. And I still want to finish school ’cause that’s pretty dang important, especially if this music stuff doesn’t work out.
• On making the Top 24: When I found out that I made it to the Top 24, it was just one of the best feelings I had ever had. It was like I was hired or something. It was just awesome because I just always wanted to be able to make it this far in the competition and now that I finally am able to. It’s just an awesome feeling.
• When asked what other talents he has: I’ve taken a little piano and have written a few songs.
• When asked when he started to sing: Around the age of seven, and really started performing in front of people at 10.

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