Yes, it feels a bit strange to be a middle-aged male advertising executive who has suddenly gone all fangirl for a young singer. But I try never to question what feeds my soul, and David Archuleta is a feast.
An ex of mine insisted we watch American Idol and so, for the first few seasons, I watched, I enjoyed, I grew bored, I fell asleep. I was rather a prolific performer myself as a kid, I had a real voice, one that inspired encouragement from professionals, so I was always both sympathetic and critical. There were occasional good performances, a real standout here and there, but I always found the whole exercise remarkably forgettable. The one part of the show I would continue to watch, even after the exit of the ex, were the preliminary auditions. Although I’ve never been one to be amused by humor based on ridicule or practical jokes, when you’ve chosen to put yourself out there, well, that’s a different story. Those episodes are hysterically funny.
Then in the midst of all the snarky hilarity a glowing choirboy with the voice of a burgeoning soul man appears. I had been a director following my brief performing career, I’ve always rather prided myself on having an eye for real talent, and I was just about thunderstruck by the first audition. But it was David’s performance of Heaven that sealed the deal. I knew then and there that my Tuesday nights were booked for the foreseeable future.
Shop Around was great, clearly the kid had versatility, but it was after Imagine that I found myself scouring the web for reviews and commentary, and perhaps others who had suddenly found themselves with an almost involuntary and seemingly inexhaustible devotion to this remarkable new talent. I found them. Lots of them.
They were an incredibly diverse bunch, comprising all ages, backgrounds, interests, and orientations, not at all limited to the presumptive “tween girl” set identified by a typically lazy and shallow media. Oddly enough, they all seemed to have one thing in common: Very few of them were either regular American Idol watchers or normally inclined toward fanaticism. The early blog postings were full of perfectly reasonable and functional people wondering what it was about this kid that had them shirking adult responsibilities to obsess over the last performance or the next song choice.
For my own part, I found that David’s artistry inspired my inclination toward writing, and as part of the community at Rickey.org, I shared my views and found a warm and grateful reception for my efforts. Here on notingDavid, I’ve compiled some of my previous commentary, and set up a venue through which I can occasionally, or obsessively, write about a tremendous young man who has only just begun what has the potential to be a truly luminous and influential career.
My personal thanks to Rickey and the delightful community at Rickey.org, and most especially to David, who reminds us through his work, his integrity, and his disposition, that a treacherous and cynical world can dissipate in an instant with the expression of love.
35 Responses so far
Josie
April 22nd, 2008
1 10:53 am
Finally rascal! The place we can all come to read your sweet music to our ears about the Love Nugget….thank you.
Joner
April 22nd, 2008
2 12:19 pm
I gotta tell ya Rascal, you write as well as our Love Nugget sings and that my friend is one HUGE compliment. Nobody says it better that you! Group hug!
waverider
April 22nd, 2008
3 1:43 pm
RASCAL, CONGRATULATIONS AND I WILL DO MY BEST TO SPREAD THE NEWS ABOUT THIS SITE.
KEEP THE FAITH DUDE!
Me2
April 23rd, 2008
4 8:18 am
It’s interesting to hear about how you started your obsession. It quite mirrors my own experience. I’ve watched AI since season 3 and have never visited the AI forum/any forum related to AI – in fact I’ve never been a fan of anyone even as a teen. I find myself strangely obsessed with David A. And in a life that is already full of kids, activities, travel, volunteer work and some freelancing, I push other commitments aside, to be gloriously immersed in his journey…
timbot
April 23rd, 2008
5 11:46 pm
Rascal,
Thanks for making our journey with David that much brighter through your wise and thoughful writings. Like I always say:
“My Mama told me there would be decades like this!” And you my dear Rascal, are doing your part to make this a decade to remember!
Cheers!
Janey
April 24th, 2008
6 1:57 am
Rascal, Unbelievable! Like you, David had me at “Heaven.” And I’ve been captivated ever since. I was worried at first, not understanding what’s come over me. but reading your words has put some perspective on this obsession I have with this young man. And like Brett, (family friend of DA’s) I too have a life altering illness and David has eased my pain and brought joy to my heart. We are witnessing something truly spectacular. Lucky us! I pray he stays true to himself. And David, close your eyes all you want. I’m no ALW but I think it’s OK to get lost in a song.
webnil
April 24th, 2008
7 2:27 am
Thank you for this site. I can certainly relate to what you said. Like you, I am not really an AI follower. The truth is, this is only the season wherein I really watch every week from the day David’s audition was shown. At first it was just like I’ve been hypnotized by this young man and I can’t really figure out why. I know that he has the voice and the face but there is something in him that really inspired me to follow this show every single week. As each week passed I come to realized that his charisma does not only lie in his voice or his looks but his whole being. Although until now I still feel that I’m still discovering different facets of this great kid, I have one thing for sure, David is destined for greatness. Yes, there will be bumps along the way but he’s genuine regard not only to others but to himself as well will eventually keep him on the right path to success. Again thank you for this site– a site wherein we can just marvel on the incredible talent that is DAVID ARCHULETA!!!
Kait
April 24th, 2008
8 10:42 am
Rascal,
I’m reading you out of order, but thanks for a few really big chuckle s and quite a few head nods. As usual, I thank you for your eloquence in ’speaking my thoughts.’
tawnilady
April 25th, 2008
9 10:40 pm
hey all & to rascal – over at rickey.org someone noted this http://daydreamingboy.com/support.htm
it’s a really organized group using their site to advise how to get votes for Jason. We really do not see anything like that on Fanblast or anywhere else for DA.
If anyone wants to help or has any ideas, please email me at tawnilady@yahoo.com.
JesseQ
April 26th, 2008
10 4:03 am
Rascal you are such a wordsmith! Funny, wity, prophetic, with the right dash of “sass”! Like you,and obviously many of your readers, David too had me at “hello..Ah “Heaven.” Ever since: I can’t get enough, can’t wait for the next, and can’t ‘Imagine’ my daily life without hearing his voice. I just get “all tingly” thinking about it. Keep telling our fanstories with such insightful wisdom: and btw nice use of the word “shirking”; also you are soo not middle age! You know where to find me, and you know who I’ll probably listening to.
RIKA
April 26th, 2008
11 1:13 pm
Thank you Rascal for bringing the passion of David in our heart and soul through your gifted writing. You gave freedom and intimacy in our heart. I love reading all your write up, just how I loved my David Archuleta – The American Idol 2008! More power and God Bless you. You rock the world just like our little giant.
RIKA
April 26th, 2008
12 1:23 pm
I need to add Rascal, I also relate to what you said. This is the only season where I give all my support because of David Archuleta. I always look forward watching AI every Tues and Wed, no one in the world can bother me when the tv is on. First, time I voted close to a hundreds.As I watch every week gives me excitement, joy, and release my passion and love for David. I am only focused on him, that people surrounds me branded me “CRAZY AND NO LIFE”, I don’t give a damn for they are missing the best moment in time, being with David. What a charisma that rock my heart and soul. I live with David 24/7 PERIOD! Thanks again Rascal for your passion on David, the only one to be reckoned with excellence in artistry.
gracie
April 26th, 2008
13 1:30 pm
Rascal, you have described my experience exactly. This year my husband got watching the American Idol auditions. (He said he’d heard they were funny.) He has a Tuesday night commitment, so it became my job to tape AI for him on Tuesday. We would watch it together later that night and I usually fell asleep before it was over. Then came ‘the night’ for me. I was helping my daughter with her her Spanish homework and AI was taping in the background. Nothing impressive had happened that I was aware of and David A. was the last to perform. Having grown up loving the song ‘Imagine’, he caught my attention instantly, but I don’t really know how to describe the experience. I remember the thought, “A star is born” running through my mind over and over and I told my daughter to stop doing homework and listen. It was like I was actually hearing that song for the first time, but it was more than that. I could feel it in my bones. I love music, but have never been touched by it in such a physical way as I was that night. I was actually nervous for the sweet kid the next week because how do you repeat a performance like that…but he continues to amaze me. My husband is as in awe of David Archuleta as I am. (Our two teenage daughters love him too!) :- )
Tats
April 26th, 2008
14 4:36 pm
So I fell in love with the kid when I saw him at the Junior Star Search and then I then I was floored when he turned up for the AI auditions. Never been the same since . Then there’s you, who said just about what I could not (in a million years), articulate. For that, I am very grateful.
ml
April 26th, 2008
15 9:44 pm
Rascal
I’m so proud of you.
Hugs
ml
April 26th, 2008
16 9:45 pm
BTW : Can I spread the news about your site .. U know that’s waht I do best lol
CzKing
April 27th, 2008
17 11:25 am
Today I found everything I have thought and felt about David comprehensively expressed on your website. Thank you. Reading what I too have experienced was both cathartic and calming.
I am not a Reality Show fan and I never watched Idol until this season when I was directed to listen to “Imagine.” I even vote now which is a first for me and somewhat embarrassing given my aversion to Reality shows. I buy David’s music; in the past, I have only bought music of the true greats. Your insights and eloquence was absolutely dead on.
art
April 29th, 2008
18 7:40 pm
thanks so much for the blog, rascal. i too am a middle aged guy (ex-designer/art director), currently trying to do what i intended from the start–i’m a painter.
i didn’t see david until imagine and have been listening/watching ever since.
you know, i guess i decided, or my gut decided, that it’s OK to be sweet and good, and david is all of that on top of his being talented. the world needs more sweet and good at this point and he seems to have the voice to get that across.
thanks again for your site. a very nice read.
panamom
May 2nd, 2008
19 5:56 pm
Dear Rascal and other bloggers: We are an AI family, we’ve been watching the show since 2003, but never had I felt the need to read about the idols, or listen to their music, that is until David A. came along.
I am not in the States, cannot vote, and the programs are 1 week behind. Other years I would patiently wait to watch the show a week after, but not this year. I have to go to youtube, have to find out how he did, have to watch the interviews, have to listen to his songs, so much I feel embarrassed, but now I know I am not alone. His voice has really captivated me, and I am not a teen, but a mother of 5. I feel so much better after having ready your comments.
I have to add: FINALLY I FIND A WEBSITE where I can read professional comments about his voice. Thank you Rascal, and keep it up.
MsDenise
May 19th, 2008
20 12:29 pm
Rascal I am so very grateful to have found your site.
Thank you so much for sharing your words with us,
as others have said before me, you articulate exactly what I can not about David.
Thank you again.
DAFan
June 1st, 2008
21 1:43 pm
Rascal,
I feel finally that I am not alone! I am a working mom with a teenage son. I was not an AI fan but I was so drawn to David Archuleta – the purity of his voice, his wholesomeness. Every day I look for updates on him. I hope that wherever David’s future takes him that he keeps that purity of his soul. I wanted to go to see the AI tour but I’m a little embarrassed to be a middle age woman sitting in a sea of ‘tween screaming girls. Thanks for your website!
mb
June 3rd, 2008
22 10:47 am
Rascal- I just stumbled onto this site and it’s amazing! It’s great to see a site dedicated to the artristy of DA. He is a real artist. There are many great singers out there but very few have the rare gift of being able to express true emotion through their singing. This really touches people and it has really touched me. This is a great site and I can’t wait to follow the career of such a talented, genuine person. Your writing is so thoughtful and I can really relate to you perspective. Thanks!
JenA
July 12th, 2008
23 10:24 pm
Good evening, I have been posting on Rickey.org since right after the AI finale. Several posters had mentioned your excellent writing and finally I noticed a link to your blog on Fan Blast!
I am a married mom in my 40’s and have found my world turned upside down by a charming young man of fine character and vocal prowess. As a 17 year old I loved singing, loved performing and studied privately. I headed to Indiana U planning on auditioning for the music school. Around the age of 19 I had a huge self confidence crisis and walked away from my dream.
Thanks to that precious young man I consider myself duly reminded of what a joy it is to sing and all that I love so much about music. So, at my “advanced age” I will be breaking out the sheet music and taking a private lesson! After 24 years!!!
How is it possible that someone who you’ve never met who you heard on a tv show could profoundly impact your life and inspire you to be the best you can be? I ask?
Tuscarora
July 21st, 2008
24 1:05 am
This seems like an appropriate spot to introduce myself to the commumity of David’s admirers. As a “middle-aged” man, it seems a bit unsettling to realize I have a serious case of O.D.D. Before this season I never watched American Idol and it was not until an associate at work kept mentioning “my little David Archuleta” that I would finally sit down with my wife and view the top nine show where David sang “Smokey Mountain Memories.” Talk about having the floor ripped out from under your feet, I was spellbound by the young man! I spent serious time that night visiting the idol site and catching up on past performances. I must admit how touched I was not simply by his talent but by his spirit and soul! That young man touched a place in me reducing me to tears!
What David does can not be adequately described as singing as it goes well beyond that. What he does pierces the listener’s soul, he reaches deep into who we are and touches the very nature of our being; there his exquisite innocense and purity washes away the negative and we are lifted to the plain where God intended for us to live. David is magical!
Am I seriously addicted? Deceidly so! How could I claim otherwise since I am up so late every night for the past three months keeping tabs on him? Thank you David for all that you are and for sharing yourself with the world!
davidfanLIZ
July 28th, 2008
25 1:50 am
I have been under the spell of David since May, but just recently discovered this site. It is comforting to find an adult discussion of the passion that I feel for David and his music. I grew up in Utah. I had never tuned in to AI before, but when I heard that a Utah boy was on, I was curious enough to listen and I ended up traveling on my own to the shows in San Jose and Sacramento because none of my friends or family even watch AI. David indeed feeds my soul. Thanks to all of you for making me realize that I am not alone.
silverfoxe
August 6th, 2008
26 7:44 pm
Whew! Am I glad I found this website..I was beginning to think I had lost my mind. I just could not understand or explain my obsession with this 17 year old kid. It was beginning to scare me…the need to hear his voice, to see any and all things “DAVID”. During the AI show, I would get really upset if David was criticized in any way. I was embarrassed at the passion, not romantic passion but I can’t even describe the feelings I
silverfoxe
August 6th, 2008
27 7:56 pm
sorry…I hit the wrong key….got carried away . Anyway, the feelings I have for David is a culmination of all the feelings I have read on this website..So I’m not the only one. That is a great relief, however I did think after a bit, my obsession would subside…..but no, it’s gotten even crazier. I want everyone to love David, I want everyone to hear David. I think David must be an Elevated Human Being…how else to explain the affect he has had on us mere mortals. Thanks so much for letting me know I am not crazy!
refnaf
August 7th, 2008
28 8:41 pm
i am so grateful for this site. Like so so many others I thought I was crazy to be so touched by this young artist. Icould not explain it, understand it or share it. I believe it is David’s spirit that shines through everything he does. I am an addict in that I must hear his voice everyday. I am now accepting it and loving it!! Thanks again Rascal for this place. You are filling such a need for so many of us. I don’t post that often but I read every word!!
archangel48
August 11th, 2008
29 12:48 am
“that a treacherous and cynical world can dissipate in an instant with the expression of love”. ……seems like you wrote that so long ago, Rascal. Here’s to hoping that the “world” was totally forgotten as David’s voice filled you with “love” at the concert!!!
Alexei_archfanholland
September 5th, 2008
30 6:19 pm
Thank you so much for this blog! The way you describe your “David experiences” is really unique and personal and opens up new perspectives to me. You take everything to such a deep level.
I wonder if you could write more about your time as a performer sometime, because sometimes we get little bits of information, but they only make me curious about the whole story… For instance, a question which keeps bothering me is why you had to stop performing and why you didn’t continue in music. But of course you might find that too personal for this blog…
mari.lopez05
September 10th, 2008
31 3:13 pm
I just now got around to joining your blog, but I had visited it a couple of times. I’ve never been an obsessive person, much less someone obsessive about celebrities or anything close. But I find myself very enthusiastic, to put it gently, about David Archuleta. I’m proud to say that the very first concert I ever attended in my life was the American Idols opening night in Glendale, AZ (even though I’m from Michigan). I’m actually the one who took the picture of David singing with his eyes closed and his arms raised that you posted here! I love that picture, and thanks for making it known to all the rest of the fans.
nevertoold
September 10th, 2008
32 6:17 pm
I too finally got around to joining your blog. I also visit often for any news on David. I love reading everyone’s comments. I have always been an AI fan, but this year I too have been put under David’s spell. I liked his earlier auditions but I was a Michael Johns fan still am of course. But as the competition started to wind down and it got closer to the finale I could not wait to hear David. His version of Imagine did and still brings me too tear. The fact that he sang sappy love ballads as some say is the reason I love him so. I know that if I am having a bad day just look at my screensaver and I smile or go to youtube for something funny or just one of his beautiful songs. it cheers me up. I read that his dad was talking about his spirit and that is exactly what I have tried to explain to my kids. He has this magical presence and I beleive as his dad does that it is because of his faith. God has blessed the world with a wonderful gift…
np1107
September 17th, 2008
33 6:37 pm
Me three! Just got a login now, though I have visited many times. I LOVE this site. Just as David had me at “Oh…” (Heaven audition), you, Rascal, had me at your “Oh, Wow” blog (May), and your reference to David’s Buddha nature. It was clear that you “get” David. You get him on the level that I’d always felt and thought, but could never put into words — or could even understand completely. Even to this day, months after the show, months after my concert and M&G, I am STILL ODD-ing — still adoring at the latest news/pics/videos, still talking about him incessantly to my husband/friends/dogs, and STILL captivated at how he sings the same song 50 different ways.
Thank you, Rascal and the other bloggers for creating such a wonderful haven for all David fans.
bankergin1
September 27th, 2008
34 10:14 pm
That was a great story thank you. This was my first year watching AL. I just never got into it before. But this yearI said let me see what this is all about. The very first time I saw David I new there was some thing about him. At that time I didn’t know what. But then the very first show, there it was he just grabs you and takes you into his heart ans soul. And thank God there was no way out. From the very begining I know what it was. David was given a special gift. God made David his angel. I have had so many tears for David and I can’t help myself. So thats it I have to stop now. But Thank you again.
tawna21
November 23rd, 2008
35 7:02 pm
I just found this site!! Thank goodness for a lazy Sunday afternoon. I too have a dislike for reality shows. My daughter has watched AI for years, but I could never get into it. I was convinced to watch it this year when I found out that David was on. I’m from Utah and was aware of him when he did Star Search. Now, I’m soooo hooked on David and his career. I have a partner in my passion with my 13 yr, old granddaughter (even my 4 yr old granddaughter sings along).
Thanks, Rascal, for your beautiful words about a very beautiful, kind and inspirational young man in today’s world of the not so beautiful, kind and inspirational. He’s definitely a one in a billion!