That smile … and that shag rug of glorious hair… says it all, doesn’t it?
(Salsa alert at 1:27 🙂 … thanks Shelley for the ninja vids!!!)
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F. R. E. E. E. D. O. M. in Midland Texas
It all started with the decision to NOT listen to any YouTube videos from post mission concerts – save for BYU Homecoming Surprise Crush/Glorious and The Prayer (I couldn’t resist). This was even before I knew we were going to Midland Texas. It wasn’t easy, but I’m glad I did it. The impact of this concert on me would not have been the same. Numb was a revelation, the Tarzan Medley more fun, Everybody Hurts more intense…
Also, when they announced at the beginning of the concert that there were to be no photographs/videos to be taken – David wanted everyone to just enjoy the concert – I made a conscious decision to be as ‘in the moment’ as I could – and did it ever make an impact on the way I was able to totally engage with him on each song and between song chatter.
I wanted to hear David’s voice post – mission LIVE. I have to say that he delivered in Midland Texas. David is figuring out how to do things HIS way and as a result there is only one word for what transpired and that is: F.R.E.E.E.E.D.O.M.
F. Free Movement – you could see the music running through his body in a truly fluid motion – note he should do more Spanish songs
R. Rich lower register
E. Evolving – as he becomes more and more confident with how he wants to entertain, through his own music, the covers he chooses and between song chatter – very little of the awkward banter, rather focused and directional in his delivery, but still David in his choice of wording and angst when trying to convey his meaning
E. Expressive – with e-v-e-r-y song he gave 150%, so wanting to get his messages across. This more strongly came through for me at this concert than any other I have been fortunate enough to have been able to attend
E. Energetic, but without sacrificing his vocals – his voice soared
E. Engaged audience – I (and many others) stood for many of his songs – sorry to the people behind me, lol
D. Decidedly more comfortable on stage – probably because he is more comfortable within himself
O. :
M. Moving that he shared so much, so freely and with unconscious humor – He was describing the interviews he had with some teen magazines (post Idol) and how they asked him what hair color he preferred in a girl. David responded that hair color didn’t matter, but it what was inside a person that counted. The interviewers would say to him ‘oh, that’s sweet, but our readers want to know what color hair you prefer’ David then smacked that palm of his hand against his forehead and introduced his love song My Kind of Perfect.
After the concert, as hubby and I were driving back to our hotel he said to me “THAT was special”
Yup, it was special indeed – Thank you David!
— Awestruck
p.s.
I will never forget the collective groan “NOOOOOO” from the crowd when David told us he said to his manager that he wasn’t sure if he wanted to continue to do music. He was on fire and I really hope he felt the love from the crowd.
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p.p.s.
Pride, courtesy of the Shellster:
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Everybody Hurts audio
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Somewhere Only We Know
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Don’t Give Up (becoming like possibly my fave)
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He has a voice of an angel. @DavidArchie pic.twitter.com/8q1ELGyXGE
— Zinarelia DeLeon (@ReliaLion) November 15, 2015
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
Awestruck!!! OMG! Great review. Hope to see you and Mr Awestruck at a concert soon. 😀
would love to see again too!
Eeeeeeep ((((awestruck)))) so glad you were able to experience the Archuleta live!! The feeling of excitement before he sings is so incredible!
Wonderful recap…. Freeeedom indeed! It makes me so happy to see David doing his thing!
Hope 2016 brings us together for a concert!
Awestruck! Glad you could go, glad it was fresh to you. I wish I could be that strong. If I decided to withhold watching videos, I would be back at it in 2 days. 🙂
p.s. That bottom snippet is killing me. I hope he decides to chance a concert nearby.
Kizzi – I loved your recap the other day. I’ve just been off with the commenting lately. I’ve always loved your writing.
Taterzen – You just crack me up, you and Deb are soulsisters in writing. 🙂
Betsy! So good to see your name and thoughts!! I took a hiatus from commenting too. David’s music and showmanship is definitely at a new trajectory. 😀
Awestruck, what a wonderful recap! Thanks so much for sharing and so glad that you were able to make the trip to Midland! Just love how you defined David’s Freeedom. Spot on and love this….yes……”you could see the music running through his body in a truly fluid motion – note he should do more Spanish songs” From what videos I have seen, so agree!
Really glad you got to experience the ‘new’ David in his element, What a concert it must have been to be a part of. 🙂
love it…. Jealous…. love it….. jealous….. and so on.
{{{{{♥river!!!♥}}}} so great to “see” you!
Awestruck, SOOOOO glad you got to go!!! Loved hearing every detail, thank you for sharing!!!! It sounds like such a special venue and a special show, for David too, like I put in the caption, that smile right after the show (up top), says it all!!!
River!!!!! OMG!!! I miss you. Hopefully a concert soon in NE or somewhere we can meet up and catch up.
Awestruck, I loved your recap, especially your theme of FREEDOM. What a great way to explain what David is all about these days! I was not at Midland (colossal yearning) but the “evolving” you mentioned is quite visible, even a significant increase in confidence since his warmup starter concert in Idaho Falls.
I also loved your phrase “unconscious humor.” David is a natural, good timing and all. He had no fear in his repartee with audience members who loved his comebacks. We can never say enough about David’s vocal prowess, but it turns out he is quite a clever lad too.
P.S. to Betsy. You put me in highly esteemed company, but thank you. 🙂
Gosh guys we need a easternish concert reunion!!! ASAP!!!
Gotta happen
Awww Awstruck you and Mr. Awstruck went to Midland!!! How awesome is that?!! You just reminded me of that practice of withholding watching any vids before attending a show! Eeep I never did that because I have no will power haha! I hope to see you both at a future show again!!
Thanks everyone, I appreciate your comments.