David Archuleta & The Gift of the MoTab

Posted on 01/10/2011 by KT


I have long wanted to research both sides of my family tree but hadn’t yet found the time.  So during my trip to Utah to this once-in-a-lifetime event, aka MoTab starring David Archuleta, I decided that I would try and jump-start my journey into the past. Little did I know that researching my family tree would bear such a bounty of joy, fun and friendship come concert time.

So “we” visited the Family History Center so that I could learn how to begin the process.  I say “we” because my two friends, omgdavid and Lorna were happy to go but let’s just say that they didn’t share the same interest.

As luck would have it, the Center had a huge TV that was showing MoTab Christmas show re-runs.  As you might guess, they were easily entertained while a nice man named Jim directed me to a computer and said, “I need a name and approximate year of birth and if you got a state that would be great!”  Before I knew it, we went from my Granny (one of the greatest women to ever live) to her grandfather in less time than it takes David Archuleta to hunker-down during “My Hands”!

David fan family tree takes root.

Next thing you know, I’d found my great-great grandparents — John (a blacksmith from Germany), his wife Emma and their children Mary, Joseph, John, Charles, Leopold* and Willie — back in 1880. When we got to their records, my time-traveler guide Jim said, “This is where it gets tricky as we have to go to the German records!”

As tempted as I was to catch the red eye to Germany with Jim, I let him know that my friends were being patient but that we had to leave to attend the MoTab Christmas show starring David Archuleta!

Jim said with an excited expression, “You got tickets!?”  At this point omgdavid and Lorna had joined me and we all said “YES!”  Jim had indicated that he had wanted to go but didn’t get tickets.  Lorna, omgdavid and I looked at each other and nodded in agreement.  You see, due to unforeseen circumstances, we ended up having one extra ticket.  We decided to find a special person to give this ticket to once we arrived in Utah.  We had two conditions: 1. That the person wasn’t attending any other MoTab concert; and 2. That they loved David’s music.  Thrilled to find someone who fulfilled both conditions, we offered Jim our extra ticket.

Jim was reluctant to go without his wife (who happened to be standing there). Her face brightened as she told us, “My sister is in line right now trying to get tickets to see David and she vowed to stand in line every night trying to get tickets. You see she just loves David and would do anything to see him sing with the Choir.”   Perfect, we thought!  Jim’s wife placed a call to her sister, Jane, and we were advised that Jane was on her way…pronto!

Of course I had never met Jane and many, many people turned the corner that were a demographic match but the minute she turned the corner I said to Jim, “Is that Jane?” and he said, “How did you know?”  Simply put, it was the look of anticipation that someone has when they know they are going to see David perform … yup, I had seen that same look on many different faces, many times before.

We were introduced to Jane and we asked if she would like our ticket and she said she would love to go!  She later admitted that she left her husband in the stand-by line and as she rushed to meet us had moments of guilt that she would take one ticket and that her husband wouldn’t get a ticket.  But she met us and held the ticket and said, “What the heck, he didn’t want to go as bad as I did … besides he only cares about my happiness and this makes me very happy!”

Turns out that Jane is a pianist for the LDS church and has loved David since Idol.  Jane stood in line with us and was a real trooper.  We finally got to our seats, which were fantastic.  We helped Jane figure out the picture function on her cell phone and she called her daughter who turned out to be quite jealous!  Without a doubt, Jane was beyond excited and a true fan girl.  She was so happy to be there and she thoroughly enjoyed each time that David was on the stage.  We actually thought we heard some squees!

As we waited for the show to begin, we took the time to meet some of our other concert neighbours.  Sitting close to us were two sisters and one of them brought her five kids to the show.  One sister played an instrument for the MoTab Orchestra but couldn’t play in the show due to doctor’s orders regarding her pregnancy.  She did say, “Oh isn’t David cute,” (translation: nice, cute, young etc. etc. etc.).  Her sister stated that her top three singers are Céline Dion, Josh Groban and Michael Bublé (in that order). She also stated that no one makes her feel music like Céline Dion.  I’ll cut to the chase: I think Utah’s entire inventory of Kleenex was used by these two sisters during David’s “Silent Night.”

There was another lady sitting by Lorna who, every time David appeared on the stage, would begin to sob. Every. Single. Time. Not teary eyed, not tears trickling down her face … gut-wrenching gale-force sobbing.

I’m going to avoid the challenge of trying to describe the show … simply because you cannot describe the indescribable.  As David has done time and time again, he was an expectation buster.  You know what that is … you have such high expectations before going to see David perform and yet each and every time those expectations are blown away.  The difference this time was that David did so on a magical stage during a magical season.  His joy was so palpable … so infectious.

When the show had ended, we stood there for a bit in amazement trying to process what we just witnessed.  We then gave our new friend Jane a big hug and told her that we couldn’t have wished for a better person to share the experience with us.  We started to walk up the steps to leave the Center.  As we got halfway up the steps, Jane met her friends.  All 10 of her friends exclaimed in unison, “You got in the show!?!?! How did you get in???”

It was obvious that they knew she was determined to get in and they were happy that she was successful.  As we approached they kept exclaiming, “How did you get in? How did you get in?”  Soon we were at their row and we hugged Jane one more time and said goodbye.  As we walked away we heard her sharing her story.  In that moment I felt like one of Santa’s Elves hopping on his sleigh after giving a gift so special to someone who was so appreciative.  Interestingly enough, the Santa is this story has an immaculate voice, beautiful golden green eyes and an aura that glows much brighter than Rudolph’s nose.

— KT

*I can’t tell you how jazzed I am to have a relative named Leopold!

Posted in Concert recap | Tagged , | 83 Comments

Dear Diary: My MoTab Miracle

Posted on 01/08/2011 by awestruck


December 21, 2011
During the day of David Archuleta’s Mormon Tabernacle Choir performance, standing in line, then entering the Conference Centre, it is curious that I feel none of the usual butterflies of anticipation to hear David sing nor the anxiety for him to do well.  I have too much on my mind for me to write more now.

Source: MoTab FB

December 28, 2010
The entire MoTab experience has only now begun to make its effects known to me.  All the memories that come and go in my mind create a wealth of happiness and joy in my heart and soul.  How is it that David can continue to so profoundly move me?

The sharing of the experience with other fans, who I consider friends – old and new – only serves to heighten the euphoria.   Yet, I experienced none of the “let down” often associated with a high.  Could it be that because I came home to a family crisis, which has now turned into a potentially long term journey, the low was averted?   I think not, however, because I feel intensely that the MoTab experience prepared me for what I was to face upon arriving home.  Only now can I actually identify the change in me that is a result of my witness to the extraordinary event that was David being a part of this year’s MoTab Christmas.

I feel an intense CALM within me.  An inner PEACE that provides me with the ability to accept what has happened, that leaves me with less of the chronic pain I normally live with, and thus allows me a greater ability to be there for my family.  Quite honestly I have no words to describe this transformation.  But, oh, I pray for its deliverance to me and thank God for giving me David’s healing presence for the second time in my life when I needed him most.

January 1, 2011
I long to identify that which I feel…. Is it the Spirit that descended upon me that weekend?  It is not tangible.  Should I even question its identity, rather just accept?  I analyze too much.

January 5, 2011
Mom and I had another great talk.  She is forgetting more now, but it allows me to repeat to her – and to myself – those feelings that are most at the surface right now.  It begets a reassurance of sorts – the kind that David has eluded to when he comments that to give daily thanks to God is to be closer to him. I feel this, in turn, allows you to remember what is most important in life.  Am I scared to feel closer to Him?  Is that why I am asking myself so many questions?  Or, am I finally “getting it” by finding reassurance in the answers that are revealed to me?

Was it all just a beautiful dream? @abanana77, Awestruck, Mr. Awestruck, Refnaf & Sunshine in Temple Square.

January 7, 2011
Now I relish in the fact that I am now more spiritually aware.  This feeling is not going away – something that I think I was very afraid was going to happen.  It will carry me through whatever is put in my path.

I will continue to reflect daily, with the help of David’s music:

  • In trying to create happiness in the current world of despair by thinking of others first.
  • On the things that really matter in this life.
  • Acknowledging that God is responsible for what I have and to be thankful for it.

My mom is still in hospital and likely to be so for a while – doctors say these things take time, if her body is willing.  Her inner strength continues to inspire me.

I am grateful for however much time my mom and I will have left together.

I am grateful to be able to listen to David’s music daily.

I am grateful to God for guiding me to this awareness.

My diary entries will not end here, nor will my continued Spiritual Journey.…

— Awestruck

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David Archuleta Tour: We need deets and we need them now. Sincerely, a friend.

Posted on 01/03/2011 by TOfan

Yes, David, you do deserve a vacation! Especially before TOOOUUUURRRR!!! (Credit: davidarchuletavn.com)

Okay, there’s no denying 2010 was a banner year for David Archuleta fans. Just skimming this amazing list from Janel on FOD, I see we had the Honduras trip, Somos el Mundo, new music at the A.I. Finale after-party and in Rexburg, Chords of Strength, The Other Side of Down album release, (did I mention new music?) … along with my personal favourite monumental event of the year… Z100 Elevator (ha, bet you thought I was gonna say MoTab… that’s in a class all its own!).

Credit: Tumblr.

One thing we fans did NOT get in 2010 was … TOUURRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, okay, we had those amazing book signing a cappella performances (one with a megaphone, for Pete’s sake) and a bunch of amazing acoustic radio promo events, and yes MoTab the Magnificent … but no “tour” as such.

No full-blown extravaganza of mosh madness to as-yet-unperformed gems like Look Around and Good Place. No ninja vids of brilliant cover songs that outdo the original in every way. No chanting DA-VID! DA-VID! DA-VID! until we are actually surprised when he jets out on stage. No cheering for an encore until our throats hurt … ahh, good times.

I’ve kind of given up hope for Canadian tour stops, but an international tour to countries that show David the love and support he deserves (and who videotape brilliantly!) would be awesome too.

"What do you mean there's no more pad thai?????"

 

TOSOD Fan Pack contest
To take our minds off this pre-tour drought, here’s a little contest for anyone who wants to enter.

Simply mention in the comments why you think your city would make a good tour stop and we’ll do a random draw for a winner!

(Or supply a caption for the picture below!) Have fun!

Supply your caption in the comments for your chance to win a TOSOD Fan Pack!

p.s. Vlooogggg!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Posted in Fan experience, Utter nonsense | Tagged , | 88 Comments

Pop vs MoTab: Can we please have it all?

Posted on 12/29/2010 by TOfan

Maybe you’ve had enough of David Archuleta MoTab recaps — especially those of you who weren’t able to be there. But I can’t help it… it’s still with me. Each glorious note crept under my skin, into the air that I breathe and now makes a home in my heart.

I didn’t expect this to happen. I didn’t expect to be there at all. Yes, I applied for tickets along with everyone else but when I heard of the huge demand, I accepted the fact mine would never get through. And when they did I was overjoyed and I knew it would be special but I was unprepared for just how special.

How, for the first time, I heard David’s voice lifted up by the power and majesty it truly deserves, by that magnificent choir and orchestra. How David appeared truly at home in every way. How non-fans (including people sitting in front of us who were relatives of a choir member) leaped to their feet for a spontaneous standing ovation after Silent Night.

I’ll never forget his face on the jumbotron looking around at all 21,000 of us as if he wanted to remember each of our faces — soaking in every moment. “I just want to steal this moment right away from time.”

The JOY of Joy to the World — I felt myself lifting off my seat with the power of it — bursting with love … love’s pure light.

I was also unprepared for the profound depth and emotion of the Cat and the Mouse Carol. I’d been told it was playful and cute and then WHAM. Such exquisite tenderness sent tears rolling down my cheeks. Hearing gave way to feeling as he took my hand and led me inside the music. I am there still.

Pop David FTW!

At one point, I remember looking around in amazement and thinking back a couple of months to the Canton, Ohio, radio event where David was equally at home captivating 210-odd people and getting us to sing along to Elevator as he was here mesmerizing 210,000 of us. Who does that?

Since MoTab, I’ve heard a couple of people comment that he should step away from pop and pursue a more Adult Contemporary/David Fosterish style of music. To that I say NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As much as I loved every moment of the MoTab concert, and the songs we heard from the Mentors Gala event, and his A.I. ballads, I also couldn’t wait to listen to TOSOD again during and after Christmas.

To me, these many facets of David’s talents are like sparkling sides of a rare gem and I for one want them all to shine bright.

How about you? What do you guys think?

p.s. Lorna just alerted me to this amazing vid (from Elizabeth5576): Los Pastores a Belen & Silent Night. Love the way David throws his whole body into singing Los Pastores… even his eyebrows dance! Happy New Year, everyone!

Posted in Concert recap | Tagged , | 103 Comments

David Archuleta & MoTab Pt. 2: My ‘First’ Noël

Posted on 12/26/2010 by abanana77

Photo: MoTab FB

MoTab was a weekend of firsts for me. First time traveling outside Canada by myself. First time to Utah. First time seeing the Rocky Mountains. First time traveling anywhere west at all. First (and second, and third, and fourth) time in the cool Detroit airport tunnel. First time meeting anyone from the Internet. First time experiencing Refnaf’s awesome driving skills (jk :P). First time seeing David sing Christmas songs live. First time meeting David Archuleta.

And I’m not going to lie — I was kinda scared about a couple of these things. But I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and if I passed it up (just because I was nervous), I’d be so disappointed with myself. Plus – if David was brave enough to perform in front of 21,000 people, of course I could get on a plane and fly to Utah. How could I even compare my nerves to his? And I knew there was no way he wouldn’t follow through, so I forced myself to suck it up and just do it. And I am soooooo glad I did.

Utah was BEAUTIFUL. The whole weekend, I never got tired of just looking at the mountains. I tried to take it all in as much as possible, so I can remember how incredibly stunning those mountains are forever. Temple Square was also soooo pretty. I have never seen Christmas lights like that — thousands of lights wrapped around every branch of every tree. And the lights on the temple and the architecture of the buildings — I don’t have words to describe the beauty of the whole place.

"Hello, how are you?" (Photos: Deseret Books)

And the concerts — if I don’t have words to adequately describe Temple Square, I definitely don’t have words to describe the concerts. When I first walked into the Conference Center, I was completely floored by the size of the building and the incredible set and organ that was on the stage. I had seen pictures, but was not prepared for the actual thing! There were so many talented people in both the orchestra and the choir. It’s amazing to have so much talent up on one stage!

It had been a long time since I had seen David live (the one time), so I’d almost forgotten what it was like. I’d forgotten how incredibly shocking it is to see him there in the flesh. Obviously I was expecting him, but every time he walked in I was struck by the thought “Oh my gosh, he is real.”

I’d almost forgotten what it’s like, how when he sings, the whole rest of the world seems to go dim and the only thing you can even think about is his singing, and how it is making you feel. You forget that there are 21,000 other people in the building because it seems he is singing right to you. And in that moment, connecting with David seems to be the most important thing in the world, and other “less important” things (like breathing) seem to get forgotten.

It’s hard to pick, but I think my favourite song he performed was “Angels from the Realms of Glory.” There’s something about the way that arrangement of the songs builds on itself that is completely breathtaking. The orchestra, David, the choir, the bell ringers, the dancers all seem to feed off each other to create this incredibly magical moment right at the end of the concert.

And even though bell ringers and dancers had walked in and there was about 500 people on stage, when David sang the last verse — “Though an Infant now we view Him, He shall fill His Father’s throne. Gather all the nations to Him; Every knee shall then bow down” — he made me stop and think about the lyrics. Usually, unless I’m consciously trying not to, I tend to skim over lyrics and don’t think too much about them. But he sang this verse with such conviction, the lyrics really stood out, and you could tell he really meant what he was singing. It was just incredible to experience.

"You're abanana??? I LOVE bananas!"

And to top off my weekend, I got to meet David! 😀 If it was weird to see David from my seat in the conference centre, it was crazy to walk up to him and actually say something to him. Although it was super rushed and I didn’t say too much, lol. We stood in line a long time and it was only at the very end where you could actually see him. And by that time, you were only about 20 seconds away from it being your turn to go up and get your CD signed. I don’t remember much between when I first saw him and when it was my turn, although I must have watched TOfan and Refnaf go up and say something to him, but I have no memory of that at all. Luckily, I do mostly remember my 5 seconds with him. We said hi to each other and then I kinda blanked for a second and said nothing. Then he asked me how I was and I said “good” (hahahahahaha). Then he gave my CD back to me, made 1 millisecond of eye contact and then moved on to the next person behind me in line.

When I told my brother how I didn’t really say anything I meant to say, he told me I “choked.” I did kinda, but I don’t even care! It was beyond amazing to be one foot away from David and to actually have him say something to you and be able to respond! Wow, I still can’t believe it happened. I don’t think I’ll ever get over it! I’ve already classified that as one of the best 5 seconds of my entire life 😀

This weekend was beyond amazing and completely exceeded my expectations! I am soooo grateful to have been able to experience it! I met some of the nicest people ever, and can never thank them enough for everything. And now that I’ve experienced all these things for the first time, I’m looking forward to hopefully getting to experience some of them for a second! (2011 tour, anyone?)

— abanana77*

*abanana77 is the Canadian university student who currently holds the world record for most times through the cool Detroit airport tunnel on one trip.

Posted in Concert recap | Tagged | 54 Comments

David Archuleta & MoTab: Surreal magnificence

Posted on 12/22/2010 by awestruck

Date:

Friday December 17, 2010

Setting:

  • LDS Conference Centre in Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • A venue that holds 21, 000 people — it is mind blowing to see.  The tiered seats facing an enormous stage – about 3-4 stories high.
  • And the organ … well I may never see anything like it again in my life.

Event:

  • David Archuleta performing as guest artist (along with Michael York) with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra.
  • As I walked inside, I must have stood in amazement with my jaw hanging open, gawking for at least 30 minutes.
  • The stage so beautifully adorned.
  • The filing in of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir took at least 5 minutes – 350-plus volunteer singers who all sounded as one, truly breathtaking.
  • The organist making the organ come to life with a sound that gave me chills during his solo performance.
  • The orchestra: harpists, flutists, bell ringers that came down the stairs between the choir sections twice to delight me with their delightfully harmonious accompaniment.
  • Michael York – sublime storyteller with a multitude of vocal nuances to take you on a journey.
  • One of the stories about the circumstances surrounding the origin of the Choir couldn’t have been better chosen to portray David’s own feelings about the power of voice in song.

Photo: MoTab FB album.

David:

  • JOYOUS, eyes aglow and a smile constantly hovering, if not evident … his body movements naturally harmonious as the music flowed through him in complete abandonment.
  • He looked AT HOME on that stage.
  • By now you know that he wore, with ease, a tux with white shirt, green vest – bow tie – handkerchief.
  • His two talking moments, delivered with calm composure, were defined by the joy he expressed at being HOME with family and friend and the honour he felt to be there, singing with the MoTab choir.
  • His voice filled the space, clearly heard above the choir – rich in tone.
  • The Cat and Mouse Carol – sung whimsically yet with meaning, a storyteller with hands and upper body movement. A surprise, but an absolutely delightful carol.
  • Los Pastores a belen – in honour of his Spanish heritage – exuberantly delivered!
  • Silent Night –sung with a beautifully defined intensity, with the choir and orchestra accompaniment supporting him – tears here.
  • Angels From The Realm of Glory – his “Glorias” sung with absolute ease and the end note … oh that end note … strong and sustained.  Powerful – Stunning.  Standing Ovation as he, the Choir master and Michael York left the stage.
  • They all returned, were given yellow roses, and a repeat of the ending bars sung again.  I am at a loss for words to describe my feelings at this point.

David Moments:

  • Just as he came onto the stage to sing at one point, he gave an endearing little wave and grin to someone in the audience – likely someone he knew – that prompted the entire audience to collectively chuckle.  Ah, so sweet.
  • Each time he exited, he would give his signature wave and smile as he walked off.  I hope he never fails to do this at any point, in any circumstance during his career.

These are my impressions, possibly out of order, knowing that I have forgotten many things.  I am still in AWE. I may never totally come down from the glorious high I experienced.  A memory forever etched into my very existence.

If you have any questions, please ask and I will answer if I can.

— Awestruck

P.S. Video by TOfan; MoTab pic from HERE.

P.P.S. Here’s the best Christmas card I can think of
— an amazing compilation of CFTH tour highlights from omygoshashley!
Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, Happy Holidays and all the best wishes of the season to one and all!


Posted in Concert recap | Tagged , | 99 Comments

To Sir David, With Love

Posted on 12/16/2010 by TOfan

Twitpic: @MoTabChoir

I’m sitting here trying to list all the things I’ve learned from David Archuleta … now why is my screen suddenly so blurry?

Not sure why thinking about this chokes me up…. Because the list is so long? Because he’s still only 19 but could out-Yoda Yoda? Because love fills my heart when I think of how grateful I am for his music, his message, the beautiful people he’s brought into my life?

But, as David always says, keep moving forward, put one foot in front of the other, so here goes.

Professor of Archieology (photo: ArchuletaPhillipines.com)

I’ve learned that winning isn’t everything. And not just winning American Idol. Don’t get me wrong, I was crushed, crushed when he didn’t win. I made those little girls in that video seem mellow the way I carried on when Ryan read out Cook’s name. And I admit I held a huge grudge against Mr. Cook for a long time after. But it was the way our David was clearly thrilled with being runner up, and the way he gave full credit to Cook for deserving to win that brought me around. Made me see the Light … On. (sorry, couldn’t resist!)

Beyond Idol, I’ve learned that winning the radio-spin game isn’t everything either. If David had believed that and listened to those early songwriting partners who kept telling him “it’s not catchy enough, not hooky enough, needs to repeat more,” we wouldn’t have the amazing TOSOD album we have today. And it is amazing.

I’ve learned to disco with the flow. When I first heard David talk — and sing — about how attitude makes all the difference and to welcome the surprising twists and turns life can bring you, I admit I thought he was being a little naive. But if I’ve picked up nothing else on this David trip, I’ve noticed that the most amazing people, experiences and joy can come along if I stop trying to control every moment and sit back and enjoy the ride.

(Credit: fallingstarsoveryourhead.tumblr.com)

I’ve learned age is just a number. David spouts the wisdom of a 102-year-old sage while he turns 88-year-old fans into squeeing teenagers. You’re as young as the music you listen to. That’s my new motto.

I’ve learned to mosh, blog, text, tweet and knock back wheatgrass shots – all thanks to David. Next, I’ll be jogging in hotel hallways.

I’ve learned “to thine own self be true” – yes, I know those are Will Shakespeare’s words – but David lives them every day in an industry where “truth” and “self” don’t always go hand-in-hand. How he has the courage to remain so true to his adorkable self, embrace his goofballness, and be so comfortable in his own skin — at 19 flippin’ years old!!! — inspires me every day.

I’ve learned to focus more on what I can give rather than what I can get. If those “today’s task” tweets of D.’s about calling grandparents, visiting neighbours and writing letters were from anyone else, I’d find them incredibly annoying. But I know David actually does those things so they make me want to try and do them too.

I’ve learned to hope again. To believe that good things do happen to good people. And that prayer and love can work miracles – can move mountains. David’s music fills me with that hope – throws open every window and lets the sun stream in.

Most of all, I’ve learned to be grateful. Not only for this music, this voice, this amazing person and all the dear David friends I’ve made, but because I’m here. Now. Every day I’m thankful for so many things. I’m flying to SLC this morning for MoTab and I keep pinching myself. I feel beyond blessed to have been given this gift. I want to treasure it carefully and honour it and find a way to give something back.

I learned that from David too.

— TOfan

p.s. How about you guys? What have you learned in the classroom of Professor David Archuleta?

Posted in Fan experience | Tagged , , | 84 Comments

Reflections on management

Posted on 12/12/2010 by awestruck

How can a window encompass perfection? (Source: thedavidarchuleta.tumblr.com)

 

The Plea

Please don’t shake your head in disgust, suck on a lemon, or throw tomatoes just from reading the title – 😀

The Insight

I know virtually nothing about the business side of the music world, but I know what I feel after observing David Archuleta’s journey from American Idol to now.

This short sentence from David’s “thank yous” in the TOSOD liner notes gave me pause and got me thinking:

“[Thank you to] Jeff Fenster for listening to my voice as it began to come out more during this project…” An odd kind of statement with no basis for reference, but I reflected that if Jeff Fenster was willing to allow this to happen — for David to “find his voice” — by giving him the time to collaborate with the variety of talented people he did, then he must have faith in the talent that David is.

Further to this, when I began to list all of the things that seemed to support this idea, I was amazed.  So much has happened to bear witness to the overall grow that David has exhibited since AI and most recently:

  • Musically (stage-presence wise at the Majestic in Dallas to his non-embarrassed acknowledgement of Orla Fallon’s statement about him being America’s greatest new singing sensation)
  • AND his growth in maturity (more confidence that has resulted from personal growth and experience as well as the continuing emergence of self-belief all driven by his positive attitude/outlook).

Would you buy a used car from this man? um, in a heartbeat (Photos: http://www.archuletaweb.com)

 

The List – Spanning both managements

  • Allowing him to try different musicians as exhibited by changing band members.
  • As I alluded to above, by giving him the time and opportunity (especially in Nashville) to co-write 10 of the 12 songs on TOSOD.
  • Keeping his name and face out there enough so he doesn’t get lost in the swarming masses of new artists and maintaining his existing fan base while developing new fans at a slow pace along the way; by getting him involved in numerous different kinds of events/promotions.
  • Ongoing charity events – the list is extensive.
  • Speaking at the Utah Women’s Conference.
  • Jingle Balls/Bashes, Tree Lightings, Parades/Radio promo.
  • Acting appearances in Hannah Montana and iCarly.
  • Ongoing Radio Interviews and TV appearances.
  • Tours: Solo / McFly /Demi Lovato / CFTH
  • ALMA Awards.
  • Alaska State Fair.
  • Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Concert.
  • Billboard Live Concert.
  • Chords of Strength
  • Philippines twice.
  • TCA presenter twice.
  • Apple Corporate Party.
  • AI Finale Pre-Party.
  • Capitol 4th.
  • Tejano Music Awards.
  • Idolator – David meets Alison Sudol of A Fine Frenzy.
  • Cambio Chat and Saturday Night On Line.
  • Orla Fallon’s PBS Christmas.
  • Big Cats by Nat Geo Wild

Also, because of the wide range of appearances/events that David has been asked to perform for, this shows me that management is not trying to peg him into one genre.

Add to all of this three albums since AI.

(Source: illkeepsearchingformkop.tumblr.com)

Management also seems to be aware of the fact that radio play is no longer going to be the most essential factor in creating “a star,” rather touring/performance/web presence… are all becoming the new benchmarks.  I would say that this is where David will shine given the fact that he is such an outstanding performer and management has certainly played to David’s strength.

Experiences in life lead us to the place we are meant to be — even if we don’t understand or agree with the path.  I concur with those who believe that David “has a plan” and he accepts the course and any changes in it that may occur along the way.

And, as I see it, David is still finding himself; so, thank you management for having the faith and the patience in supporting him to do so.

Side note

Has anyone considered the possibility that David has asked his management to take things slowly?  Knowing that to him instant fame and recognition are the exact opposite of what David strives for?  David desires to be around for a long time by making an impact.  Farfetched? Possibly, but it is still a possibility.  And, if you take the time to reflect on the above list, I truly wonder if he could have been any busier.

— Awestruck

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I wish I had a river David Archuleta could skate away on

Posted on 12/09/2010 by TOfan

Why does this video make my day?

Is it learning that, among his other superpowers, David Archuleta can also ice skate?

Is it the sight of mischievous Kurt Browning (one of my personal all-Canadian heroes) giving him a hilariously awkward backward hug … wearing Olympic mittens and a toque?

Is it just because David’s in it?

This doesn’t really warrant a whole post but it’s my way of saying “Thank you, Santa! Merry Christmas to you all!”

Photo: hazeleyd71 Video: HushCatsTX

It’s coming on Christmas
They’re cutting down trees
They’re putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on

But it don’t snow here
It stays pretty green
I’m going to make a lot of money
Then I’m going to quit this crazy scene
I wish I had a river
I could skate away on

I wish I had a river so long
I would teach my feet to fly
Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on
— Joni Mitchell

So how about you guys? What David-related “gift” are you hoping for?

P.S. Here’s a close-up version of the skating extravaganza that is David (from pandasmama)!


Posted in Fan experience | Tagged | 36 Comments

Be afraid, be very afraid

Posted on 12/06/2010 by TOfan

Who scares you most, the cat on the left or the one on the right?

David Archuleta frightens me. Don’t believe that aww shucks exterior for a minute. He is as fierce as it gets. I can barely look at the picture below … the look in those eyes? … lasers are less lethal.

And when he yells out “Go!” and orders the crowd to sing along to Elevator?

You do not DARE disobey. Lately, he’s even been scaring the guys into belting it out!

Exhibit A: David’s not only putting together an ace band but introducing them with style.

He’s the boss. No doubt about it.

Exhibit B: TOSOD and Falling Stars at the Majestic Theater in Dallas Friday night.

Saw this comment on hazeleyd71’s YouTube:

“What a great night it was.  I felt like we were seeing the NEW David – he is ready to go forth and conquer!”

Here’s the thing. I don’t think it’s new at all. I think he’s always known he could slay any dragon any time he wanted to. Boy has plans. He knows exactly what he wants and is willing to kick up one foot in front of the other in order to get it. Watch. Out. World.

Exhibit C: Yesterday’s a cappella Heaven. He fearlessly tries to noodle it out on the keyboard, then just goes for it and belts it out sans accompaniment.

Ya, sure, disarm us with that dorky exterior then just when we feel all cocky and like we know what to expect, BAM!, knock us flat and rifle through our pockets*. And we fall for it every time. Dang, he’s good.

*okay, no rifling… but he could, couldn’t he?

Posted in Fan experience | Tagged , | 71 Comments