David Archuleta - RootsTech 2015

I have been traveling since I attended RootsTech 2015 and just returned a couple of days ago and wasn't able to post my thoughts on David's performance until now.  Late, but never forgotten!


                                                        

RootsTech  2015 was an incredible success, and we know that it was the individual experiences and stories that made it so, as well as many inspiring speakers and performances such as David Archuleta and Studio C at the closing finale.  It was a striking finale to this year’s conference.

Life is about challenges, struggles, inspiration and beauty, and the beauty of David Archuleta’s voice touches us in a place that’s as personal as the place from which his voice was issued.  The ecstasy of surrender he inspires and the response he can arouse once we’ve recovered our senses is astounding.  His vocals keep getting more precise and more powerful.  Without heart, there is not art and David has both.  When he sings he lifts the spirit of his audience, he makes lyrics come alive.

A great singer is somebody who makes you believe what they’re saying, and you always believe David. His new song/video in Spanish “Nunca Pense” filmed in Costa Rica themed Family History to inspire Latino Youth’s to become more involved.

David also did a cover “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake a comedy Lip Sync “Jump” by Van Halen, “Don’t Run Away” and the ever popular “Glorious”. 

Prior to the night’s closing finale a signing was schedule to meet David Archuleta and Studio C and the crowd of fans were lining up three hours before the schedule time.  Many fans were turned away as time was running out as the finale was schedule around 5:15 PM.

Meeting David Archuleta is like spun sugar, you taste it and then it’s gone and you wonder when you’ll experience it again.  Excitement filled the Foyer as David sat and signed autographs and the closer you got to him in line a feeling of awe consumed you. 

A relaxed and confident young man performed that evening and his talent, spirit, and love of faith commanded the stage and won the hearts of all who attended.

David Archuleta's Anniversary of Crush Video

    Happy Sixth Anniversary!                                                                                                 

 

 

 

The lyrics to Crush explore the old question of true love and whether it is reciprocated, questioning if his feelings are real or not.

 

The song managed to "crush" the competition upon release. It rose to the top of the American charts and received positive reviews from the music press. Crush is an age appropriate mid-tempo pop song showcasing his vocal styling with lovely harmonies and great falsetto effects.

 The lyrics are sweet and innocent and concentrate on the common teen emotions which suit him perfectly to keep his young spirit evident. Crush mixes R&B beats with pop lyrics and sounds hip and contemporary

 His voice captures the same doubt and hope your heart has when it beats each time you think of someone that takes your breath away.  This song is very catchy and has enough speed and variety for both young and old.

 Crush’s initial sales were strong enough to push the song to a #2 debut on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on iTunes and #16 on Amazon.com after one week release.

 VIDEO

 Crush video was released on September 16, 2008, on iTunes and was directed by Declan Whitebloom.  

 The video innocently portrays David on an outing with friends trying to get the attention of a girl on whom he apparently has a crush.  Several teens are together swimming at a lake, the guys get out, and David stays behind to help her out of the water. The teens are also shown in the cabin playing games and David is shown playing the guitar.  Other scenes show them by a campfire and at the end, David goes out on the deck of the cabin and the girl follows him, showing that she shares his feelings.

 Crush never gets old and you can get star struck listening to David’s fantastic voice and fall head over-heels in love.  He takes you back to those bygone days of school girl crushes while you unconsciously hum along to the music and lyrics.

 With lines like “Why do I keep running from the truth, all I ever think about is you, You got me hypnotized, so mesmerized” it’s hard not to feel for David as he cries, “I know this crush ain’t goin’ away,” and neither has ours!

 

David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part Two: Imagine

By Pamela Pike and Rosanne Simunovic

 In February 2008, David Archuleta took a risk and chose to sing a beautiful, yet haunting melody by John Lennon “Imagine”.  It is possibly one of the most beautiful works of art ever written.  Words can’t describe the emotion connected with this song.

One of Lennon’s most memorable songs, and in these trying times, his lyrics is just as poignant now as they were in 1971.

David actually picked another song before Imagine but knew he needed to do Imagine.  Idol wasn’t happy that he made the change and also wanted him to sing the first verse.  But David won them over. “There are more important things about the song than the first verse, “he said.  “I leave it to what matters, what matters in life and what matters in music.  That song captures those things perfectly, and it captured what I wanted to do with music.  It captured why I felt like I needed to be there and what I needed to say.”  

It is the greatness of David Archuleta Interpretation, sensitivity and maturity beyond his years that renewed closeness to Imagine and its meaning given by the man who wrote it.  Lennon was born to write it and David was born to sing it.  It was a breathtakingly heartfelt performance of Imagine, one that felt you were hearing for the first time. David never fails to reach the height of artistic excellence.

Upon returning to the American Idol stage on April 7, 2010  Season 9 results show, David gave another inspiring performance of Imagine.  Seated at a piano he provided a pure and natural performance with elegance and grace.

Rosanne's Recollections

Although Imagine was not my favorite John Lennon song, there were many aspects of this song that did capture my attention over the years. I think these important elements escalated after hearing David's musical and artistic delivery of this song during American Idol Season 7.

I loved how David expressively punctuated key words within his phrase line. He was and still is the consummate story-teller, always fully immersed in the emotional core of the song and communicating the lyrics to his listeners in a meaningful and genuine way.

We all know that David's technical skills are impeccable. That is a given! Yet, without the emotion to enhance and energize the technical aspects of this or any song, his music would sound figuratively flat, devoid of passion.

David is smart and diligent enough to know that, although technique can ground and direct your voice, without soul and nuance one's voice cannot capture a listener in a meaningful way.

This is what David brings to all his performances and, in particular, every performance of this John Lennon song.

David performed "Imagine" twice during American Idol Season 7: during the Top 20 Semi-Final show and the Top 2 Performance Final Show.

Here is part of my summation from the Top 2 show:

"You ended your Top 2 showcase with a reprise of Imagine and, once again, you performed this number with perceptive artistry. It was just so beautiful and the words poured from your mouth through your expressive vocals and genuine charisma.

I loved the acoustic ambience of the musical background, as it allowed us to truly hear the beauty of your voice and your heartfelt delivery of the words. What a gentle and inspiring way to end the entire Top 2 showcase. Gorgeous!"

Then, two years later, he was invited back to Season 9 as a special guest and asked to perform his signature number. Here are some of my comments.

Seated quietly at the piano, he performed another inspiring version of John Lennon’s “Imagine”, once again reminding all of us that he is a force to be reckoned with. The sophistication and poise he brings to this performance is pretty amazing. How he is able to pack so much into one song and yet make it sound flawless and effortless is beyond me. He is truly a rare and precious gem in the musical world.

I think all will agree that we fell in love with David when we first heard his rendition of "Imagine". I don't think I have ever heard anyone sing a more beautiful interpretation of this song. It was a very special moment for me as a listener and as a teacher for I finally realized that American Idol found the consummate performer in David Archuleta. He set the bar very high for singers who chose to follow in his footsteps.

The David Archuleta Music Scholarship

TGIFF

Thank Goodness It's $5 Friday!!!

It’s time once again for The David Archuleta Music Scholarship

"Thank Goodness It's $5 Friday" campaign.

Join us, won’t you? as "A LITTLE from a lot makes a BIG difference"

...this is how we can ALL make a difference, as this is a great opportunity for fans to

"pay it forward" to David.

Thank you!

DAVID FANS UNITE

Please check out our website!

www.thedavidarchuletamusicscholarship.org

@DAScholarship on twitter

The David Archuleta Music Scholarship

Times are tough and money is limited, but if we could look deep down in our hearts and pockets maybe we can find that little extra for these kids. This is such a great gift in David's name. Please help if you can.
.
Lets see if we can make a Dream come true!


http://www.thedavidarchuletamusicscholarship.org/

BECAUSE OF DAVID

David Archuleta has been a catalyst ... spreading goodness to others ....planting seeds of kindness....by living his life in truth. David "walks the talk". For about 4 years now, we have been watching this loveable young man change lives...just by being who he is.

 David's strong character, faith and values, have endeared him to people around the world. His special fans feel very blessed to have been able to feel his warm spirit, as he brings so much happiness and joy to others. David is a role model for all. Trying to be ...."More Like David"...is something fans can really relate to.

Because of David ... his fans have grown....working very hard at living their lives more fully and less selfishly. They have supported his many charities, and have used his inspiration to create projects that reach out to others as they have seen David consistently and lovingly do. He has shared his time and talent ...giving so unselfishly to so many people and charities. So many of his fans are now using his example ...to pay forward his goodness.

One of the many projects created as a way to say: Thank You David...is: "The David Archuleta Music Scholarship".

This year, before David leaves on his mission, fans would like to pay special tribute to David...

Dear David...

We would like you to not only read these words...but feel the special message behind them for you. Your fans are being very honest when they say: You have made us take a look at our lives...and realize that by reaching out....giving to others; we are really giving to ourselves. Your inspiring example is helping us to become better versions of ourselves. Our lives have been improved by watching how you live your life, always thinking of how you can make someone else's day better.

"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it." ------Edith Wharton

David....you have left a" handprint on our hearts" now. Please be assured that while you are away on your mission, we will still be busily using your inspiration to enhance our lives by helping others. We will truly miss you, but when you return... we will be able to "swap stories" about how all our lives have been changed ...and enriched by giving to and caring for others. :)

We can't thank you enough... for who you are... and all you have helped us to become.

With Much Love and Respect Always----While we "Wait".

God Bless you and keep you safe, happy and healthy.

http://www.thedavidarchuletamusicscholarship.org/

-----From All of Your.... FANS "FOREVER".... Around the World.

Today we are kicking off our third campaign of The David Archuleta Music Scholarship. This is one way fans can honor David, by paying forward his goodness to music students at Murray High...the high school that David attended in Murray, Utah. Our hope is that all fans will unite....putting our hearts together to show David how much we love and appreciate all he has done for us!!

 During the past 2 years, David's fans have donated over $9000 to TDAMS!! This has been an amazing outpouring of support...given in David's name. It is our hope that many more fans will be able to help this year.

 We have set an initial goal of trying to get 300 fans to donate to TDAMS. We will be focusing on the number of fans who are donating. Giving a little ...from a lot... does make a difference! Every dollar counts!

 David has such amazing fans that are always looking for ways to "give back" to him to show him our love and appreciation for all he has done, and continues to do for his fans.

 Maybe this is just one of the ways that fans can show their admiration and respect for David before he leaves on his mission soon.

 Fans...please join us in spreading the word...and watch for Donor updates! Let’s put our hearts together in this special way to Honor David by Gifting Students. :)

 http://www.thedavidarchuletamusicscholarship.org/

"Don't cry because it is over. Smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss

Life is full of hellos and goodbyes.

One of the saddest things in life is to have to say goodbye to someone who you care about.  When it’s time to say goodbye, it tears apart the fabric of our souls. There is no one way to say goodbye.  There are, however, some ways that are better than others.

Songwriters around the world have captured many of these feelings in song. Music has a special ability to soothe. There are few feelings that do not find relief in music.

There is no way to completely take away the pain you might feel, but there are some things you can do to make saying goodbye a little easier.

When you have those dear to you leaving it’s a great idea to make them a play list of goodbye songs just to tell them how much you’ll miss them.

So before David Archuleta leaves on his mission, I wanted to give him a proper goodbye with a song, actually several. My choices may not be yours or his but these songs say what comes from my heart and perhaps some of yours.

Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration.  The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.

Thank you David for the Time of Our Lives. You have given us so much and are one of life’s sweetest creations.  

These songs are for you.

                    On My Way – Phil Collins

                           

                    Goodbye to You – Michelle Branch

                               

                    It’s Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday – Boyz II Men
                  

                           

                I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack

                       

  

            I Will Remember You – Sarah McLachlan

                                 

                        

                        In My Life – Beatles

                         

               Farewell to You My Friend – Lyrics by Raymond Lauchengco

                       

Pictures of David at SLC Utah Concert 12/20/11

These are a few of my favorite shots of David on stage at SLC!

David Archuleta - Christmas Tour Explodes at Majestic Theater

It was July 1964 and “A Hard Day’s Night”, starring the Beatles just opened at the Majestic Theater in Ventura, California.  The film was a mockumentary describing a couple of days in the lives of the group.

 My sister was eleven and I was fifteen and we lived just a few blocks from the theater.  Being avid fans, I must admit, we went every day for a week.  We never tired watching the Beatles and loved their music. 

As time passed I grew up and moved away and never returned to the Majestic after that fabulous week of Beatlemania watching.  In 1984 the Majestic showed their final movie, “Silkwood” then renovated and turned the old theater into a concert venue. 

Ironically, forty seven years later I find myself returning to see an artist of great talent who sings with heart and soul and covers some of their best songs ever written.  It’s only appropriate that David Archuleta should bring me back to the Majestic Theater during the holidays.  As David says many times, Christmas is the season for friends, family, love, and of course music.

David holds close to his heart the meaning of Christmas and feels the music is used for expressing the feelings and thoughts that help bring people together.

This is the time of year when artists go on tour to share their versions of Christmas classics and some originals that they hope will someday be classics as well.

The minute he walked on stage, the crowd went wild. Starting off the show with “Sleigh Ride”, it was obvious David was going to put on an awesome show.  Once the show got started, there was nothing to do but sit back, listen and enjoy. Listening to his voice makes it clear why millions fell in love with him, but it seems that his voice has only gotten better with time. Something in his timbre and expressive richness behind it wakes up your musical senses.

The crowd at the Majestic appeared to have had the wind knocked out of them by the intensity of Archuleta’s delivery.  Anyone who has experienced David’s concerts knows that there will be moments that take your breath away.  It a moving experience to see this amazing young man perform with such great passion.

The first half of his set included many classic Christmas Carols and some of his pop songs. But as David exploded on stage with “The Other Side of Down” I realized we have an artist in our mist with talent greater than we could have ever imagined. He is a lightning bolt of energy, passion, and has a rare skill to magnetize his audience.  A special moment for me was his rendition of “Climb Every Mountain”.  This was simply a masterful presentation of musicianship on all levels.

He set the night on fire and proved he can sing, dance, engage and inspire all before intermission. 

Upon returning back to the stage after intermission, David had changed into a black jacket and scarf although very handsome my favorite was his vest, black tie and white shirt.  He reminded me of a British rock star of the sixties. 

David shared some traditions on his mother’s side of the family by singing a Spanish/English holiday tune Fa La La La La he co-wrote, and performed with Sunny Hilden. He played maracas and danced some Bachata which was one of the many highlights of the evening. 

Christmas comes once a year and this show made it worth the wait.

Through Our Eyes with Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/through-our-eyes-pamela-pike/1032605760?ean=9781461060406


Great Holiday Gift! Color Pictures! Now available with Barnes & Noble Books

David Archuleta Pictures from Disson Skating Event

A few more of my favorite pictures of David - Pandora's Holiday Moments on Ice

David Archuleta and Holiday Moments on Ice

Much excitement drove me to Phoenix, Arizona to see Disson’s Skating event at the Grand Canyon University Arena on November 12, 2011.

Pandora’s Holiday Moments on Ice showed off the exceptional talents of some of the world’s best figure skaters including Olympic and world figure skating champions.  The quality of skating was excellent and the show was very entertaining. There was a great wealth of talent in the skaters and the choreography.

The music from Manheim Steamroller was perfect for the skaters with performances flowing seamlessly from one to another.  The mixture of beautiful, funny and awe inspiring numbers kept you on the edge of your seat.  The vocals from David Archuleta; well there is something very romantic about a singer with an instrument pouring out his powerful clear passion, sensitivity and eloquence while skaters are gliding and strapping on the blades and taking a spin on a sheet of ice.  There is beauty in gliding along a thin piece of steel over frozen water and admiring their fluidity of movement. 

David Archuleta’s charismatic personality along with his love to entertain makes him genuine.  What truly separate this prince to the thrown from all others are the live shows. For it’s on the stage that David shines the brightest.

He stepped on stage and the magic began.  His voice playing off the skaters making more of the moment and so it happened, the miracle of inspiration was born.  He thrilled the audience and captivated their hearts.

David Performed Patapan, To Be With You, What Child Is This, Silent Night with Chip Davis and a new song by Manheim Steamroller, Above The Northern Lights.  The crowd roared every time he stepped on stage. 

It was a family show that reminiscences of times gone by, appropriate for all ages and genders and the Holiday Season.  Brian Boitano, Michael Weiss, Steven Cousins, Naomi Lange and Peter Tchernyshev, Rachel Flatt, Kimmie Meissner, Yuka Sato, Douglas Razzano, Ekaterina Gordeeva, put on a great show worthy of their talent.

Don’t miss this beautiful Holiday moment when it is aired on November 27^th on NBC and again on December 3^rd 2011.

David Archuleta - Disson Skating Pictures

A few more pictures and then a story to follow soon:

David Archuleta - More Pictures from Disson Skating

MORE PICTURES

Disson Skating - Pandora's Unforgettable Moments on Ice

A few rehearsal pictures while I gather my thoughts.  Just arrived back in Los Angeles from

Disson's Skating Holiday Show with David Archuleta and Manheim Steamroller and many talented Olympic skaters.  It was a beautiful show and will share some lovely picures of from Dress Rehearsal and the final performances.  Enjoy!