Brad Nolan interviewed David Archuleta on “The Country Kick-Off” Wednesday June 16th.
American Idol has just completed its ninth season, with millions of people continuing to tune in to what has become a cultural phenomenon. Certain contestants have stuck in the public’s memory, and it’s impossible to forget David Archuleta, one of the most beloved contestants in the show’s history. The seventh season finale, pitting Archuleta against David Cook, garnered the highest recorded vote total in the show’s history. Although Archuleta ended the season as runner up, his renditions of John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change,” John Lennon’s “Imagine,” and Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” blew viewers and the judges away and marked him as a talent to watch.
In CHORDS OF STRENGTH (Celebra Hardcover; June 1, 2010; 978-0451230188; $22.95), David shares with readers the amazing journey he went through to prove himself, and what he learned about life and faith along the way. Filled with David’s personal favorite quotes as well as photos of David sent in by dedicated fans around the globe, David’s memoir offers an intimate and uplifting look at a young Hollywood success story.
David came by his love for music naturally. As a girl growing up in Honduras, his mother loved to perform in local shows and performances, and as an adult in Salt Lake City sang in her friend’s Mexican restaurant; David’s father was a jazz musician; together they played in a salsa band. David began singing with his parents, and when he was as young as 10, his talent and potential were glaringly obvious. He performed on the Jenny Jones Show at just 11, and at 13 gave a compelling performance on Star Search. But his journey towards his dream was derailed when David was diagnosed with a rare and sometimes incurable condition: vocal cord paralysis. High risk surgery or years of painstaking therapy were his only options.
“Sometimes it takes a miracle to reignite a person’s passion. Sometimes when you least expect it, the tables turn and that scary feeling that has taken a hold of you for so long somehow turns into hope. Call it luck, call it help from above, call it whatever you will…I definitely believe some kind of miracle was at play when my voice, for no understandable or explainable reason, started to feel better again.”
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Sixteen years old and appearing on the juggernaut that is American Idol, David charmed America with his optimistic personality, and gorgeous and soulful voice. He also touched and inspired many with his emotional and uplifting story. Like any teenager, David struggled with insecurities and often doubted his singing abilities. By working to overcome his fears and self-doubt and slowly gaining confidence, David wowed American Idol judges and viewers. And despite initially low expectations, David made it to the “Final 2.” Although in the end he lost to Cook, David walked away with a record deal and a sense of accomplishment that will last a lifetime. David recalled, “I was harder on myself than the judges ever were. I thought I’d be lucky if there was one person out there watching on TV who might be affected in some tiny way by my singing. If I could accomplish only that, I’ve done my job.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
David Archuleta is a singer and songwriter who got his first big break on American Idol in 2007. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.
