David Archuleta blew the roof off the Songs for Tomorrow benefit concert last night in Los Angeles, in honour of Aaron Carter.
The event was cohosted by Lance Bass and Aaron’s twin sister, Angel Conrad. Other performers included members of the Backstreet Boys, N’Sync, LFO, O-Town, and 98 Degrees, with 100% of the proceeds are being donated to On Our Sleeves: The Movement for Children’s Mental Health. What a great cause, check them out and donate if you haven’t already.
Please excuse my cheesy videos of my laptop screen but hey, cheesy is how I roll, hahaha.
Can I Be That for You (man, I love that songggg!!!!)
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A Thousand Miles (I have missed this sooooo much!!!)
This was so awesome and such a worthwhile cause! I did not expect David to sing that many songs, tbh. How incredible was he??!!! Really, please share! 🙂
Here to wish everyone reading this a safe, peaceful holiday season. I was blessed to be able to attend the Tuacahn Christmas shows this year and, as a last-minute decision, the Texas shows. I regret nothing, lol.
In every show, David mentioned how tough it was for him to move ahead with this tour but that Kari and his team suggested he use it as an opportunity to share more about his journey over the past year and a half and that’s exactly what he did. * ALL THE PRAISE HANDS!!!*
I am thrilled to report that his voice has never sounded better and I’ve never heard him express so sincerely and so frequently how much he appreciates fan support. In the Austin show, he must’ve mentioned that about 4 or 5 times. He said that when you undergo a big life transformation, you never know who’s going to stick with you and he really appreciated everyone coming. *verklempt*
I got to ask him about songwriting here in Toronto (wooohoooo!!!)… and that I’m so happy he got to write with Barbra Lica, an amazing songwriter and jazz vocalist I’ve been a huge fan of for years! He said he LOVES the song they wrote together. I might’ve passed out at that point.
DEFINITELY check out her music. Here’s a recent track that I love called The Ghost of Me.
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During the Austin show, he shared that he got to visit the public skating rink at Nathan Phillips Square and the historical Distillery District while he was here, along with some Christmas markets… “Christmas markets are big in Toronto” hahahaha
The new music is going to be upbeat and reflect this new phase of his life, where he’s learning to love his whole self… how awesome is that?!?
Also at the Austin show, a sign-language interpreter signed the songs, which was beautiful to watch.
My favourite thing about these shows was the love these crowds showed to David… so much cheering, shout-outs of affirmations and “I LOVE YOU!!” “I LOVE YOU MORE!!!”s … he said in Houston that he felt the love and was soaking it in and that made me so happy!!
The venues were super cool, the crowds diverse, and lots of great voices in Texas, especially, lol. In Austin, after singing The Prayer, David said he heard one person singing the Celine Dion harmony part & they were really good! Then later, so many people were calling out Crush (and laughing) that in the encore, he played Crush on the keyboard and let the crowd sing most of it… SO MUCH FUN!!! He said he’d never had it sung TO him before, lol.
The lovely Refnaf captured it on video (along with MLP intro & song):
David poured his heart out in the intro to MLP but these crowds were SO with him and called out messages of love, pride and encouragement. It was truly beautiful to see. I can only imagine how much healing, validation and support was felt by so many there.
The Austin & Houston crowds also surprised him by singing Happy Birthday. And when he mentioned his birthday was coming up, he said, “I’ll be *pause* another year older” … but the guy beside me yelled out, “You’ll be 13!” hahaha
The Austin and Houston venues were very cool, intimate, GA spaces and David didn’t have his audio visual screens for the Texas shows — and also no band — and I actually loved seeing David command the stage solo … it really showcased his storytelling, comic timing and, of course, THAT VOICE!
And his freedom of movement onstage is incredible! He practically cartwheeled across the stage during Magic, and every salsa move or jump got huge cheers and applause! I’m glad I got the chance to see his mom, Lupe, join him for Feliz Navidad in Tuacahn… they are so fun together and their voices blend beautifully.
In Texas, it was cool to talk to relatively new fans (one who discovered him in 2019 after casually listening to a Christmas playlist and HAD to find out who was behind that amazing voice… “now I’m obsessed” she said, lol … she & her husband ended up driving 7 hours to see the Arlington show!)… another couple beside me in Houston said that one of them was a fan but his boyfriend didn’t really know David but he clapped & cheered throughout the show. At the end, I wanted to ask what he thought but he was overcome with emotion and telling his bf how much he loved it and they were hugging and having a moment, so that answered my question, lol.
In Arlington, we chatted with someone from San Antonio who had never seen David live and he was super excited for the show. He said he loves Faith in Me but I had to break the news that it probably wouldn’t be part of the Christmas show, lol.
Another highlight was hearing David sing Como La Flor a cappella… I don’t know anyone who could sound that amazing with no accompaniment… except the crowd, of course, who were totally into it and song along!!
Sorry this is so disjointed… if I remember anything else, I’ll put it in the comments. My actual family Christmas was very low key because of family members being ill, absent, the snow storm, etc., these shows were my Christmas wish. Topped off literally running through the Denver airport to catch our connecting flight home to beat the big snow storm. An absolute Christmas miracle!!!
So a big group hug to everyone reading this!! And Happy Birthday to David!!! I’ve never felt prouder or more grateful for him… as Paula once said, what a gem. ❤ ❤ ❤
What an awesome interview! I laughed, I cried! The whole David Enchilada!!
David is such a pro! A natural rambler and someone who doesn’t talk in “sound bites” and yet he is keenly aware of the time restraints of TV and can distill his deep thoughts and experiences into the time allowed. Blown away… again!!
I loved how Jennifer let him talk & really listened to what he was saying. Also loved the audience response, great crowd!
I was hoping he’d sing Faith in Me, but it was awesome the way they showed multiple clips from the video… and I may have made actual heart hands at the screen when he talked about the song being about being free to fall in love with whoever you love. *sobs*
And he just looks so great on my teeveeeeee!!! The camera loves him… he needs to have his own show someday where he can just have on his favourite peeps, get chefs to teach him how to cook, and, of course, SINGGG!!!
Here’s the whole interview thanks to the lovely and amazing Shirley!!!
I can’t imagine anyone here hasn’t read Tuesday’s People Magazine interview with David Archuleta, but if you did miss it, you can read the whole thing HERE.
And I strongly recommend you do read the whole article. I’m on my third read, lol.
I’m just so happy for David, and so very proud of him. I mean, it was difficult to read about his struggles and what they almost cost him, but I was so moved by his powerful words.
I was also deeply moved by his courage in so openly sharing his journey. By sharing what he’s been going through since coming out last July … IN REAL TIME!!! … he’s literally saving lives… including his own. And I couldn’t be more grateful for that.
So please do read the article, or re-read it, and if you feel like sharing your thoughts in the comments, I’d love to hear them!!!
It’s hard to pick a favourite part because there’s just so much of this article I found heart-wrenching, but if I had to pick, it would be this:
“I’ve allowed myself to love myself for everything I am, to not be conditioned to shame myself — and to be not ashamed of who I am feels wonderful,” he says, “because I didn’t think it was ever okay to love myself.”
Bravo, David, bravissimo!!! I could not be happier he’s learning to love his entire authentic self… he’s always been so hard on himself, I truly never thought I’d see the day.
You go, David!!! We are all here, leaping to our feet, giving you the biggest Standing O ever!!!
p.p.s.
Bringing over some comments about the article from the end of the last comment thread:
From the lovely and amazing Kizzi:
In March 2008, I was gobsmacked by David’s artistry. 14 years later that only intensified. He is geniunely courageous, inspirational and staunchly true to himself. He’s faced such huge barriers both internal and external, and, amazingly has shared that journey with the world. His poignant emotional vulnerability pleated with his superhero-esque physical and mental strength is breathtaking to behold.
It is a true privilege and delight to have been an observer and attendant of his journey to date.
He is choosing his path and destiny. The only boundaries will be those that he chooses.
It’s “Just David” anytime and all the time.
Love, hugs and kisses to all at SAz. 😊😘❤️❤️❤️
From Another Occasional Lurker:
David’s Instagram comment section is on fire regarding his new People interview. For a shy guy David is letting go with a tsunami of personal information.
Posting these recent David Archuleta interviews here in case anyone missed them — two videos and one print piece.
So great to read and hear David talk about his journey of self-acceptance and love. We’ve all loved him from Day 1 and that’s only grown as time has gone by, so well done, David for catching up to us! 🙂
Seriously though, he talks about it being a “miracle” that he’s come around to feeling so compassionate and loving toward his whole authentic self and I, for one, could not be happier for him.
Watch & read and please share your thoughts in the comments!
Interview #1 – Pop Crave
“I had a tremendous chat with David Archuleta about his coming out journey, experience on American Idol, becoming friends with Jennette McCurdy, and his new single, ‘Faith in Me’.” — Austin Ashburn, Pop Crave
This interview isn’t for Faith in Me, but I’m including it anyway, because I can. 🙂 It’s a pre-concert interview for David’s performance tonight with the Ensign Symphony & Chorus, with clips of their rehearsals… I hear a snippet of “Any Dream Will Do” at the end! wooohooo!
This video for David Archuleta’s banger Faith in Me is Everything & More (sorry, could not resist)… actually, it’s more than EAM because I wasn’t a huge fan of that song tbh lol … but I digress 🙂 …
Back to flailing myself around the room to FIM because what David does in this video is almost literally what I’ve been doing around my house to this song, hahaha (minus the elevator, the road, the football field and the pool 🙂 )
I declare here in “print” that this is my favourite video David’s ever done. From his bureau hop/slide at the beginning right through to the twist ending, I LOVED EVERY MINUTE!!
And the song FIM is amazing, why he’s not spamming TikTok with it (like everyone else seems to do), and starting dance challenges, I have no idea. Just want everyone to hear it, you know?
Spoilers ahead for those who haven’t seen it… & a message to those who haven’t seen it: WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU??!! Are you currently trapped under something heavy??!! If so, my sympathies because you’re missing this amazing videooooo!!!!
I actually laughed out loud at spots. David peering over that fence? Hysterical! David falling into the pool?? HOWLed!!! His “peppermint twist” in the elevator?? ICONIC!!!
And this is the video where we finally see David dancing down the street in a wet T-shirt?! ay ay ay
I’ve seen comments referencing Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller, Footloose and other ’80s classics but the first one that came to mind for me was Back to the Future… it’s got hints of them all while being wholly original and perfectly David, you know?
Joseph was clearly an awesome experience for David and it shows… he’s, like, UNLEASHED here! Beautiful to see!! ❤
What about you guys?? What were your favourite parts? (Try to narrow it down to 10… if you can. 🙂 )
Here are some screen shots, just ‘cuz:
This part was in the dark & kinda hard to see but it’s one of my favourite parts… David just letting loose and head banging and hair whipping behind the couch… love it! hahahaGotta love a touchdown metaphor!!! Wooohooo!!
p.s.
Awesome interview with Glenn Rowley at Billboard. READ HERE.
OMIGOSH FAITH IN ME IS SOOOOOO GOOD!!! Can you just picture the crowd going wild at shows after the instrumental jam after “1-2-3-4!!!”??!!! Spoiler: YES!!!!!!
And the way the music drops after “I’m about to let my feelings win”… gahhhh… hit me right in the feels, as they say, hahaha.
I love it so much I even bought in from iTunes… TWICE! hahaha
It just makes me want to get in my car and put the top down… I don’t have a convertible, small detail🙂 … and race for hours on the highway with Faith in Me blasting through my speakers! Woooohooooooooo!!!!!
Okay, so David posted this TikTok following the “Teenage Dirtbag” trend. Dude, missed opportunity! Here are the pics you should’ve used to show the world your Teenage Dirtbagness.
Exhibit A:
From your debut album cover shoot. It screams “I may look sweet but I am so edgy I wear TWO T-SHIRTS! AND A STRIPED BELT!! Because I can.”
Exhibit B:
If you look up Teenage Dirtbag in the dictionary, this is the exact picture you’ll find. If the dictionary had pictures, that is.
I mean, he’s literally breaking in to someone’s apartment. For snacks, but still.
Exhibit C:
Such a dirt bag! Shoes on the bed???!!! Come ON!!!
Exhibit D:
Walking through puddles without boots is a classic dirtbag move. And no coat?? Rebel without a cause stuff, my friends.
Exhibit E:
This piano didn’t break itself. Know what I’m sayin’??
Exhibit F:
Here, Kristie Lee is trying to talk some sense into David for his teenage dirtbag antics. You know, like… like… I dunno, looking cuter than she does??
Exhibit G:
Um, kinda obvious… where there’s dirt…..
Exhibit H:
Shirt not tucked in. Tie askew. Pretending to be adorbs but actually plotting to dismantle the heteronormative patriarchy. The whole dirtbag package.
Exhibit I:
Confession: Nothing dirtbag about this one, just always loved this album cover. ❤
p.s.
ICYMI, here’s the video highlight reel for Joseph… if you haven’t seen it yet, GO! GO! GOOOOO!!!!! And let us know what you think in the comments!!!
Where do I begin? I want to tell you about a musical about dreams coming true and I feel like my dreams just did come true. I mean, getting to see the one, the only, David Archuleta in an Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece?! Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat??!! To quote one of his Idol songs, “In This Moment,” how can a window encompass perfection?
And the whole experience was just that… perfection.
Oh, except the weather, lol.
The Tuacahn amphitheatre is stunningly beautiful but it’s also completely outdoors! Which is awesome on a starry night but totally stressful when thunder starts rumbling, lightning starts flashing and the rain starts sprinkling your plastic poncho (a garment so hot I felt like stripping down to what David was wearing … or should I say not wearing! 😆 … throughout the show… more on that later 🙂 ).
Here’s my shot of the dark clouds… yikes.
The show was on hold at first… waiting to see if it was safe to continue… but the crowd was so much fun, I almost forgot I was terrified that (a) the show would be cancelled, or (b) David would be hit by lighting and get an unexpected perm.
I mean, we all did the wave a few times (why is that always so much fun? lol), then together we all sang “Don’t Stop Believin'” “YMCA,” “We Will Rock You,” and, lastly, Happy Birthday to someone’s grandma (led by a great group of theatre students in the back rows). Then miraculously the show went on!!! (After a towelling down of the stage, when the crowd started chanting, “LET’S GO, STAGE CREW!!)
Someone behind me said, “Do you think David Archuleta wants to slip and slide on his butt down those stairs?” Excellent point. However, he did tumble off the edge of the stage near the beginning, when twirling around to show everyone his new coat and the wind seemed to catch it and blow him over… thankfully people in the front helped him right back up and he didn’t miss a beat. What a pro!
Finally the big moment came and the show started. I don’t think it’s giving away any spoilers to say the roar of the crowd when David made his appearance was deafening. And not just from me. I got actual chills. It’s the first time I’ve heard his voice live since 2019 and I wasn’t prepared for how emotional that made me. Not exaggerating when I say he sounds better than ever.
I also wasn’t prepared for how hilarious he was… we all kinda know that… but he was doing it in character, both physical comedy, his facial expressions, little gestures, one-liners and interactions with the rest of the cast (who were incredibly talented).
Joseph’s “brothers” were incredible… dancing, comedy, beautiful harmonies on “Those Canaan Days.”
Then, after one hysterically funny scene, he somehow transitions to a dark, intense, powerful performance of Close Every Door that brought me to tears. It was made even more dramatic by the actual lightning bolts lighting up the sky. I’ve taken the liberty of drawing them into this professional photo to give you an idea.
And as much as I didn’t want it to be raining (and slippery on stage for everyone), watching a shirtless David covered in dew drops belting out Close Every Door from the edge of the stage while lightning flashed over his head is not something I’ll ever forget. Like, wow.
The pace of the show is also lightning fast with incredible choreography, funny set-pieces and a sweet children’s choir that joins in all the fun. The narrator (played by Katie Lamark) has an amazing voice and I loved the way she interacted with the other characters, Joseph included… a real highlight.
More highlights are seeing David’s acting chops in action … let’s just say Josh Bradley’s all grown up 🙂 … you get to see him play happy, terrified, confused, delighted, scary, bossy, hilarious… the whole David Enchilada!
I think what I loved most about it all was how the director and his team tailored the show for David’s personal journey. He starts in a leather jacket and jeans, holding a microphone as if he’s doing a concert, wearing a black tie that reminded me of his mission suit. Then, at the end, that outfit comes back (minus the tie).
All goes silent, a mist rises, and David starts to sing a cappella:
I closed my eyes, drew back the curtain To see for certain what I thought I knew Far far away, someone was weeping But the world was sleeping Any dream will do
Before he started singing, you could literally hear a pin drop, it was so silent… it was like everyone was holding their breath.
Then, as David walks up the tall stairs, each one lights up in a rainbow colour… I was an emotional mess. He stands tall at the top revealing the rainbow lining of his jacket… David himself has a rainbow lining… accckkk I’m getting emotional again just typing this, it was so beautiful.
I apologize if I’ve given away too much, I’ve tried not to, there are so many fun surprises in the show. Hearing and feeling the love of the sold out crowds for David was also thrilling. (And hearing people around me say things like, “he is so good!” and “his voice is incredible!”) The megamix number at the end gets everyone on their feet, and the whole cast gets a great ovation but for sure, the biggest cheers are for David when he comes back in his amazing dreamcoat. Here’s my capture of the ending twirl.
This dream came true for me and I’m so grateful… but I also have another dream… for everyone to see this!! Really hope this production either goes to Broadway or they record a live version and share.
Go! Go! Go! David!!! … any dream will do!!!!
Some links to check out for more pecs… I mean pics!!!!:
RT @NSYNC: You will always be our #1 Big Brother @IamCKirkpatrick and good news, you’re stuck with us for life!! We will never vote you out… 12 months ago
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 