David Archuleta Bio Favorites

Bio from official website:
(1990-2004)

“Where did you get that voice“? From Jenny Jones to Naomi Judd, Ben Stein, Boyz II Men, Leann Rimes, Hillary Duff and Ahmet Zappa, it seems everyone who hears David wonders the same thing - How can a young kid living in Utah learn to sing like that?? He has been called “The Soul man from Utah,” the “Soul Midget King,” “Mini Motown Monster” and a singing prodigy, and this is just the beginning.

From Wayne Newton in the 50s and 60s, Michael Jackson and Donny Osmond in the 70s, Tevin Campbell in the 90s and Billy Gillman in 2000, only a handful of young male entertainers have been able to achieve National recognition. Now to add to this elite list of pre-teen young male singers is David Archuleta, whose natural “soulful” voice has captivated America through his performances on Jenny Jones and most recently as the junior singer grand prize winner of Star Search 2.

David Archuleta was born in Miami, Florida on December 28th 1990 and spent the first six years of his life in various cities in Florida. In February of 1997, David and his family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where he lives with his parents, his brother and 3 sisters and 2 cats. He comes from a musical family where his mother sings both Spanish and English pop music, and his dad is a jazz trumpet player. David began singing at the age of 6 when he memorized several songs from the Les Miserables 10th anniversary concert, complete with English and Cockney accents. He also enjoyed singing songs from the movie Evita and songs he learned while at the amusement park Lagoon in Utah like Natalie Cole’s “Pink Cadillac“. Although David enjoyed singing, he still didn’t feel comfortable singing in front of people. He just couldn’t believe people would really want to hear his voice.

When he was 10 he participated in the Utah Talent Competition and although VERY reluctant to go perform in public, and feeling extremely nervous, he went onstage and sang “I Will Always Love You” and received a standing ovation, winning the kid division and realizing that people really did like to hear his voice. Several months passed and a new show started on TV, American Idol. David loved to watch and rewatch the performances and learned dozens of songs from the show including the song, “And I am Telling You, I’m Not Going” which has become one of his favorite songs to perform.

Towards the end of the American Idol first season, a friend of the family called about a show Jenny Jones was doing to feature talented kids across America and thought David should audition for the show. A show producer called and listened to an a capella recording of David singing “And I Am Telling You“, and was so impressed, she asked him to rush a video and CD to them. A few days later, David and his dad were on a plane to Chicago to be on the show. While there he met AJ Gil from American Idol and formed a friendship with him, and a week later while in LA, met with AJ who then introduced David to the rest of the American Idol finalists including Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini, Tamyra Gray, Christina Christian, Nikki McKibbin, RJ Helton, Jim Verraros, Ryan Starr, and Ejay Day, and asked him to perform for them. They were absolutely amazed with his singing, and within a few days David was being introduced to many TV and Record label producers and executives.

The last several months have included performing 3 times on Star Search, being seen on CBS’ The Early Show and has been the beginning of an exciting journey for David and his family. He is now in negotiations to record some new material and will be releasing a new CD soon.

Age: 17
Birthday: December 28, 1990
Birthplace: Miami, Floria
Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
Nickname: Porkchop
Parents Names: Dad, Jeff Archuleta (Arch Consulting Group) and Mom, Lupe (Singer, Dancer)
Siblings: 1 brother and 3 sisters named Claudia, Daniel(14), Jazzy, and Amber. David’s was born 2^nd
Pets: 2 Cats (Cloudy & Midnight)

Origin: Honduran American (Mom is Honduran)
Religion: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - LDS - Morman
Hair: Dark Brown
Eyes: Hazel
Height 5′6 1/2″
Started Singing: age Six
School: home-schooled, Murray High School attended there for both his sophmore and junior year
Hobbies: Singing, Piano, Song Writing, Guitar Hero, Broadway musicals
Audition City: San Diego
Audition number: 11394
Fan Groups: “The Arch Angels” and another one called “The Archies”
Vocal Coach: Dean Kaelin, for the better part of six years
Why American Idol: Love music and its power, can change people feelings, Music as a creer
Past AI Contestant: Elliot Yammin
After Idol: finish school
Favorite judge: “Randy – cool, Paula – nice, Simon – … interesting.”
Favorite Quote: “You’ll never be lonely if you learn to befriend yourself.”
Musical Influences: Micheal Jackson, John Mayer, Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, Bryan Adams. Hispanic, Gospil, Jazz, Soul
Previous TV Apperance Won Junior Singer Final on Star Search 2003-2004 season(he competed against Alexandrea Lushington in episode 38). He Won the Grand Prize of $100,000 at age 12. Also has apperared on local Salt Lake City Television shows. Videos below
vocal paralysis: When David started on “Star Search“, he
started showing symptoms of bronchitis, which would later lead to his
vocal paralysis when he reached the age of 13 & 14. One of his vocal
chords was paralyzed & underdeveloped. The doctors said he could have surgery,
but it was very risky. David didn’t want to take the risk because he wanted to
sing. He was supposed to record a CD after “Star Search” because of
his big success there, but wasn’t able to due to his vocal paralysis

Favorites (at 12/13)
Foods: Pizza and lettuce
Colors: Purple and Yellow
Subjects at School: Geography, Science, and Social Studies; Least Favorite, Math
Computer Games: Neopets, Zoo Tycoon, RollerCoaster Tycoon
Nintendo/Gamecube: Super Smash Bros., Mario Party 4, and Gauntlet
TV Shows: Lizzie McGuire, STAR SEARCH, Sister Sister
Movies: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Actors: Robin Williams, Jim Carrey
Actresses: No favorite
Animated Characters: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Donald Duck
Bands: Destiny’s Child
Singers: Natalie Cole, Céline Dion, Michael Jackson
Songs: And I’m Telling You, Who’s Loving You, Complicated
CDs: Avril Lavigne, Let Go
Sports Teams: Utah Jazz
Breakfast Foods: Cereal, French toast, pancakes
Fruits: Orange, banana, apple
Snack Foods: Orange, banana, apple
Candy Bars: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Drinks: Water, orange juice, Sprite