David lets loose on "Let It Be."
When David Archuleta walked on stage to join Brooke White, Benton Paul and Michael Johns as a surprise guest on “Let It Be,” he totally stole the show (without intending to, of course). His free-styling in that performance just blew me away, as did his comfort level. David was absolutely in charge and on point … in an impromptu performance! But he killed it! His soulfulness on this song beat the socks off the other, more seasoned, performers.
When he came in with, “Whispers words of wisdom, let it be” at 1:18 … chills, serious chills! Every oohh, whoa and awww was so soulful, gut-wrenching and convincing. Followed by that trademark sweet giggly smile … reverting back to adorkable, fun-loving David in a nano-second. So how is this for a New Year’s wish? For David to cover this song on his next tour… mmm, let it be.
— Refnaf
***********************************
Lean on Me
David sang “Lean on Me” with his friend Ashlee (of “omigosh” fame) in three shows: Sioux Falls (below), Milwaukee and Grand Rapids. The Milwaukee performance is where David really lets it rip vocally (don’t get me wrong, he’s a considerate duet partner throughout, but it’s as though he just can’t help himself and just lets it fly!), but that first duet in Sioux Falls tugged at my heart for a number of reasons.
This was the first time we’d seen David duet with anyone outside A.I., but there was no fanfare, no big announcement. Just two friends hanging out … in front of a few thousand people.
David and Ashlee were so relaxed and laid back, and having so much fun, it felt more like a town fair sing-along than a concert. Ashlee charmed everyone with her explanation of her church dress outfit, “Don’t judge me!”; the way she spontaneously started everyone clapping, which cracked David up; and the way she giggled with glee as he belted out his big finish. To watch the friendship and camaraderie between them … a couple of good buds making music … didn’t it make you wish you’d been part of their campfire singing circle back in Murray?
— TOfan
*****************************************
Duet as Mirth Therapy
The last night of David’s 2009 Christmas from the Heart tour in Westbury, N.Y., was a show fraught with end-of-tour surprises and shenanigans, and from it came a slew of impossibly priceless moments captured by fan video cameras. But the one that tops MY list, I must admit, is the David and Ray “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” surprise duet. (And nobody was more surprised than David himself.)
David leaves me speechless time and again, and this is no exception. There are so many stellar moments to watch (nevermind hear) and what impresses me TO PIECES is that while he was DEFINITELY caught off guard, he is also so well seasoned by now that he not only FIELDED every curve ball Ray could muster and handled it all like the PRO and the ABSOLUTE PRINCE of a HUMAN BEING he is (like buttah..), but clearly he enjoyed the NUTTERBUTTERS outta the whole dang thing.
And, all the while, he treated us to a combination of both unbearably endearing spontaneous moments of genuine surprise and good humor AND hilarious ad libs… but ALSO to a sampling of the … I wouldn’t call it snarkier… (or would I?)… side of David. From the “You know a lot about olden days, right?” to the Ray-upstages-David-upstages-Ray physical comedy routine. PUH-RICELESS! OH, and there are a good number of other worthy-of-excruciatingly-close-scrutiny moments in this JEWEL of a performance. (Mercifully, I don’t have time just now to publish the research on this…lol.) Just witnessing the level of happiness and genuine COMFORT in his own skin, alone, thrills me more than I will ever be able to express.
Without reservation… and WITH urgency…I MOZ DEF recommend watching this performance regularly and year-round because it’ll certainly cure what ails ya. It’s just one more in a long line of Archu_gifts that keeps on giving.
— Beebee
********************************
"Tell me how you gon' be without meyyyyy?"
No Air … none
This is how dedicated I am to the ArchuCause. In trying to decide which No Air to include here (short-sleeve or long), I forced myself to watch both … over … and over… and over again. That’s how much I care, folks. And after much difficult deliberation, I went with the daytime version … but then relented and included both to let you decide for yourself (cruel, I know). Now. David is his stellar self in both, of course. But Jordin’s voice (maybe in trying to keep up with The Archulator) seemed to grow tired by nightfall.
David blogged about feeling he was “a loser” not worthy to sing this with Jordin. Has he been sniffing the glue on his fan-mail envelopes? Unlike any (any) of her previous collaborators, his voice soared on every note, every run, and he communicated with Jordin throughout — eyes, gestures and voice. And he only jumped in when he had something to add … not competing against her but collaborating with her … like two dancers each spinning across the floor before coming together in a supercharged vocal pas de deux.
— TOfan
You decide!
Exhibit Aiy-aiy-aiy
Exhibit Whoah
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
Weekend homework, I can’t wait!
excellent research! excellent articles!!!
loliiiing at this in particular….
“Has he been sniffing the glue on his fan-mail envelopes?”
haha!!!
Great post ladies! I like the tag-team approach.
Duets and David are a match, no matter who he sings with. He brings his vocal gymnastics to the stage and never disappoints.
Abrra
Refnaf… “free-styling” … ain’t it the cha-ruth! Free-wheelin’ free styling. And it slays me every dang time.
Bwahahaha! TOfan…”I forced myself to watch both … over … and over… and over again. That’s how much I care, folks.” Oh, the sacrifice. lol. I STILL haven’t properly processed “No Air”. *Tilt!*Tilt!*Tilt!* (“none.” lol) (“Exhibit Whoah” lololol)
I adore the Dashlee “Lean On Me” performances. (Refnaf—more of that free-wheelin’ freestyling again, and all wrapped up in the David & Ashlee comfy zone…guh! Such a treat!) It’s the Milwaukee “Lean On Me” that I really latched onto back when they first hit YT.
Abrra! Let me commend you for all your hard work on your Archu_BoomBoom Rooms (a bona fide Service to Humanity…*knights Abrra*) … and now on the Theme Thursdays concept, too! Jez one more way to OD on ODD! (Is it wrong to knight someone for building archu_crack houses? Naaah…:p ) I don’t really do the chat room thang bcz it makes me dizzy and claustrophobic, but I hafta say… just the THOUGHT of theme thursdays and all the possibilities kinda makes me pass out… lol (in a good way of course :p)
Thank you thank you thank you! Thank you for the article, for the “homework” for the links, for the stellar analysis!
You get the feeling when David duets, that he’s so sensitive to his duet partner and truly complements every time.
Lovely!
Although I’m going to admit to visiting that HYAMLC quite often for a day-brightener, I hadn’t seen many of the others in a while. Love all of them. Thank you!
Refnaf, I somehow missed Let it Be the first time round (what on EARTH could have been more important?!). You’re so right, he steals the show before he even starts singing! lol I love his laugh when he realizes two of them are singing different verses at the same time, but then SNAP right back into some “free-stylin” magic!
{{{Beebee}}} you captured every highlight beautifully! I still can’t get over how he handled the back-and-forth of those hijinks like a Wimbledon pro but then every time he had to sing, he was still as brilliant as ever??? (archu_crackhouses, bahahahaha)
Abrra, yes I think a knighthood (ladyhood?) is def. in order for you, MIssy!
Hey, DaisyMary & KathyH! *waves*
*Waves back.*
Does anyone else find it tough to stop speculating about that “Valentine movie recommendation for me AND David” tweet from LadyV this week? She got my David/Ashlee/or who else? curiosity going again. LOL.
beebee
Thanks for the kind words. All credit for the idea of Theme night goes to Bebereader.
If chat makes you dizzy, go full screen and just enjoy the Davidness!
Abrra
Oh my heck, great write up as usual and l loved going back and watching the previous duets. You made my day ~thanks 😀
Just settling for an evening of duets 🙂
I watch this video for a few sporadic D moments including the arm movements at .11-.12 and the
6 sec of bliss at 2:54-3:00.
(Hope this isn’t a duel post. If so, forgive me)
Good morning…The ole Canadian pride was everywhere last night including in the pride Bryan Adams and Nelly Furtado. KD Lang has a voice that fills any venue and is so dynamic. The presentations by the four nations was wonderful.
I am waiting for the Canadian poem performed by Shane Koyczan to appear on youtube as it was another favorite performance.
Cheers to all and enjoy the days ahead…
SB
How could I have missed mentioning Sarah McLachlan who was gorgeous and sang…One Dream…
David just might tweet about the ceremonies because he was planning on watching and he does admire all of the singers from last night…
SB
Well, I must say that I am spending a LOT more time on my homework than I ever did when I was younger lol.
Let It Be – oh yes Refnaf, his “Whisper words of wisdom, let it be” … just highlights David’s brilliance. Other singers sing the words and follow the melody, but David encompasses his inner musical genius and adds something special. A great New Year’s wish.
I don’t think I have ever heard the Millwaukee Lean on Me TOfan. What is it that comes out of his mouth that makes me lean into the computer screen straining for more? “Just two friends hanging out … in front of a few thousand people.” The confidence of a long standing friendship shows…
Now Beebee – “but clearly he enjoyed the NUTTERBUTTERS outta the whole dang thing.” LOLOL I enjoyed your witty write-up. Can’t tell you how many times I have watched this and EVERY time it makes me laugh out loud. This is surely a sign of things to come in terms of ‘more of David’s personality’ in his stage presence. His humor, please more!
NO AIR – still trying to catch my breath. David commented in the aiNOW interview? that he fed off of Jordan’s energy on stage. Me thinks it went both ways. Two singers, passionate about their music and it showed big time. “like two dancers each spinning across the floor before coming together in a supercharged vocal pas de deux.” Great description TOfan! PS do I have to decide?
SB,
You’re so right, was just bursting with pride during those Opening Ceremonies. I’m not a flag waver (except at David concerts, LOL) but found the whole thing very moving, esp. the music & “slam poet” Shane Koyczan’s spoken word performance… “We’re an experiment going right for a change” *sniff*
I have to say I was surprised how much I liked that song Bryan Adams & Nelly Furtado sang … anyone know who wrote it? Bryan?
I looked for k.d.’s incredible performance on youTube but the Olympic “rights” folks have removed it. Here’s an equally stirring rendition I remember seeing on the Juno Awards. Chills, baby, chills!
I am trying to catch up after a few crazy days in “real life”, but I just had to say how absolutely beautiful last night’s opening ceremony was – made me so anxious to visit Canada ASAP. AND I already have friends there:).
Hey all my Northern David friends…fabulous job on the opening ceremonies LOVE the Olympic games. great read, JMO but David would/will make anyone look and sound good!!!! 🙂
TOfan…I have this from the cbc…K.D. Lang is one of the most popular Canadian singers. K.D. Lang’s performance of Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah was heartfelt after the tragic death of Luger Nodar Kumaritashvili.
The audience was enthralled by KD Lang’s performance. It lifted the spirits of the crowd which have gathered at Vancouver, Canada for the Winter Olympics 2010.
Commente were…’She sang like and angel and while others were fabulous, she was over the top. There were many in tears’
I hope that David saw them all sing…they were so very good.
SB
Just want to mention how absolutely beautiful the Vancouver area looks during the Olympic coverage. My husband and I are now discussing a visit.
Happy Valentines Day!
Thanks, SB! I hope David caught all that great music too … I really liked the song Bryan Adams wrote & performed with Nelly, “Bang the Drum” … can’t get “so the whole world can hear, so the whole world can hear” out of my head! lol
emme, me too, I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never been to Western Canada … yet!
David fans are some fast (as they say in N.S.) … Here’s a YouTube of David’s Happy Valentine’s message (thanks to daii08)… sampling Natasha Bedingfield’s song:
Download the mp3 (thanks to starrynites!) here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?a5izmrnn3ty
Acc. to the lovely Pastel, Nikki Yanofsky’s “Believe” (Olympic Song) and k.d. lang’s Olympic “Hallelujah” are both avail. on iTunes (currently charting at #1 and #2, respectively on Cdn. iTunes). Woot!
Happy Valentine’s Day, all!
Happy Valentines Day SAz. Vancouver Olympics are AweSomAge!
And speaking of duets, fantastic walk down memory lane AND Celine Dion returns to Las Vegas in 2011 and I picture David as a guest duet-er (is that a word, naaaahh but sounds good, eh?) *fingers crossed*
Hugs, Love & Kisses to All
Go Vancouver Olympics. Canada FTW!!!
The best version of kd lang singing Hallelujah:
Love the duet blog here and all the great comments. Just wanted to say I hope that everyone had a lovely Valentines day. Davids message made my day, straight from the heart. As a Vancouverite, the city is abuzz with an incredible energy here! I am really glad that David is enjoying watching the games and got to see the lovely opening ceremonies. Have to say it made me feel proud to a part of the Canadian experience right now and it is so great to have visitors from all over the world enjoy the experience too. With the tragic loss of an athlete the sadness is felt but the spirit remains strong and partly in his honor.
KD Lang, wow…….she was stellar, such a moving performance. Thanks for the videos here. Just amazing. I wonder how David and KD Lang would sound together. David makes any duet sound quite spectacular!
♥ ♥ ♥ Happy Day after Valentine’s Day SAz ♥ ♥ ♥
Wonderful continuation of the David-ets. Great perspectives and new angles to consider.
Watched KD Lang’s Olympic Opening song on Comcast, On Demand. They have the opening ceremonies and daily events for viewing in their Sports & Fitness section….very cool to be able to catch up. Simply gorgeous opening ceremony! GO Canada.
Been taking a bit of an “on-line” break, but here I am!!!
Beebee, love love love, the “Duet as Mirth Therapy” This David and Ray duet, makes me grin till my cheeks hurt. When He comes up from behind Ray and “competes” with him, gosh hilarious!
TOfan, “David blogged about feeling he was “a loser” not worthy to sing this with Jordin.” Sometimes I really think he doesn’t get it, how good he really is, which at times makes me sad:(
He is worthy of singing with ANYONE and will do just fine! IMO
Us snowagelz are revelling in a little Canadian pride… Beautiful opening ceremonies, Our first gold on our own soil, and terrific Canadian talent. Thanks for the linc Marlie! KD Lang was amazing!!
This morning we also got a tweet from the man himself….
•@snowangelzz Happy Family Day then over there!
Yay TOfan!!!
Have a great family Day peeps. We are taking the gang out bowling!! hahha
Thanks for those videos of K.D. Lang singing Hallelujah – just WOW!
Congrats on the GOLD!!!!
While I watch the Winter Olympic games, I can’t help but think of you all David fans north of the border! How proud you must be!
“Duet as Mirth Therapy” never fails to make me laugh even after a gazillion viewing.
Happy Family Day all!
(((vermeer)))
Howdy y’all! Congrats to my Canadian SnowAngelz on the awesome winter Olympic event this year and the gold medal! Love this duel of the duets post. HYAMLC, whether with Ray, (hilarious) his mom (adorable) or alone, (sweet mother of Santa Rosa how does one take a sentimental Judy Garland Christmas song and turn it into a sexy who’s your daddy now performance I do not know but that song will never be the same for me again.)
The No Air duets with Jordan are both so amazing but I have to disagree with you TOfan and go with the night version. I’ve read other comments on Jordin’s voice being tired but I absolutely adore that raspy Bonnie Raitt sound she brought to it in that show. Some may see it as flawed; I see it as a happy accident and think she should cultivate it more if she can do it safely without hurting her voice. And in the evening performance, when she taps him on the shoulder and they both belt out, “aaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!” at 2:35…oh man, that is extraordinarily exquisite ear candy. Have to keep hitting rewind for that.
And I have to give points for the outfit David wore at night. 😛 So gold medal for the evening event and a silver for day. It’s all win!
(((awestruck))) I look at my little Inukshuk on my desk and I smile ❤
peppertara, how exciting to be in Vancouver!!! Will you be able to go to any events or concerts? Beyond the sports stuff, lol, it feels as though we’re getting to host one really great, big party! Love it! 😆
kizzi, Happy Day after Valentine’s! lol <333
{{{vermeer}}} Happy Family Day to you, too!
marlie7, thanks for that k.d. lang vid … spec-tac-ular!!! Speaking of duets, her CD with Tony Bennett is one of my all-time favourites.
awestruck, I read that too about "feeding off each other's energy" and it really shows … in both versions! 🙂
Angelica, great points! You've really given me food for thought about the night-time version of No Air. In the interest of accurate evaluation and scientific testing, I think I have no other choice but to go back and rewatch … both. 😆
Hey guys! I have to come by here more often! I haven’t read above (tax returns await me) but what a joy to relive those duets.
Thank you so much for the trip down memory lane!
Tofan said:
peppertara, how exciting to be in Vancouver!!! Will you be able to go to any events or concerts? Beyond the sports stuff, lol, it feels as though we’re getting to host one really great, big party! Love it! 😆
TOfan, I don’t have tickets to any events, thanks for asking. I am getting around the city though and taking in some of the “Olympic sights and sounds” and happenings and it really is like Canada is hosting a big party and everyone (save the protesters) are thoroughly enjoying themselves. Have to say that there is a real dynamic kind of energy about and everywhere you go you see people in their Canada garb and it does put a smile on my face! You just can’t help but become a little part of the joy here right now, haha.
How nice that you received a Tweet from David, those tweets are special! Someone once called him a “Tweetheart” lol.
pappertara – I know the feeling. When the olympics were here in Calgary in 1988 I did the same thing and felt the pride!
Some tweets from Emanuel Kiriakow:
“@davidarchie in the booth… where he belongs when he is not on stage”
and Claude Kelly:
“In the stu with w/@davidarchie & @EmanuelKiriakou. He’s about to kill these songs I co wrote w/ David Hodges. #yay?
I just need to (((hug))) everyone here…
awww, {{{hugs}}} back, Ref!
Thanks for those tweets, Awestruck, am so thrilled that the team that brought us Crush & My Hands is back together again with one extra-special supercalifragilistically stupendous addition to the songwriting mix! 😆
And where have I been? I somehow missed this gem from back in the archives:
(((refnaf)))
archudrought is getting tough for me!
TOfan I had seen ‘Could Not Ask For More’ but was a long time ago – so thanks for that. Lookes like he’s at a wedding reception – maybe it was something I read…
TOfan…. You missed something that David did!!!????
lol, I remember seeing that clip and wondering how peeps could walk around in the background!!
He sounds very nasally, or is it just bad vid quality?
Awestruck, I hear ya on the archudrought. Have we ever not known for this long when his next “gig” would be? I don’t think so….