Reports are now circulating that Jeff Archuleta, father of American Idol favorite David, has been banned from any rooms where his son is learning or rehearsing his songs. Nobody official is talking about it yet, but the anonymous sources have tales to tell. TMZ's source tells them that Jeff has caused problems with producers, the band, vocal coaches, and other contestants.
The tipping point seems to have been David's version of "Stand By Me." It's said that Jeff insisted on inserting a verse from Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls" and the unauthorized change cost the show money. Now, I balk at anyone from Idol worrying over money, considering how much the show makes, and how little they pay the contestants, but I can see how a meddling stage parent could be a headache. And it does seem like a reasonable offense to help justify the bringing of the banhammer. Jeff will still be allowed to watch the live show from the audience, but will no longer be involved in any of the backstage preparations. The more interesting question is whether or not all of the bad press will have an effect on voting.
[Thanks Johari]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
5-10-2008 @ 11:23PM
Oreo said...
"Now, I balk at anyone from Idol worrying over money, considering how much the show makes, and how little they pay the contestants..."
Not only that but they added two hours in "Idol Gives Back" and most likely made more money than they gave to the poor.
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5-10-2008 @ 11:42PM
ghrtt3 said...
Huh? I don't think the real story is about costing AI money, but rather, a controlling stage parent breaking the rules and interfering where he does not belong.
5-11-2008 @ 12:40AM
Ryan said...
"The more interesting question is whether or not all of the bad press will have an effect on voting."
It doesn't have to be a negative thing. It could garner David A. some sympathy votes.
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5-11-2008 @ 12:41AM
Becky said...
David must have an awful home life. What's the song he said he sings when alone in his bedroom? I remember that, when he made that comment, I wondered how his home life was...
If Jeff is not careful, he may ruin David's chances for "stardom".
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5-11-2008 @ 1:02AM
Picviewer said...
Fast forward to 5-14 at approx 9:53pm "Lets take a look back at your journey with us David you'll be missed." Cut to Paula standing, clapping and crying. Simon looking happy and Randy looking at his watch. Yeah electronic voting is 100% fullproof.
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5-11-2008 @ 6:08AM
Ann said...
You were, of course, speaking of David "Cook"... If not, would love to see you back here about 10:01 on 5-14, lol
5-11-2008 @ 8:42AM
ric said...
I know, LOL. After last week's horrendous performance, Cook's stock is way down. David Archuleta's consistently excellent vocals has made him the one to beat, especially since last week's "crushing of the competition".
5-11-2008 @ 7:52AM
Jimmy said...
> The more interesting question is whether or not all of the bad press will have an effect on voting.
Let's hope so.
The kid can sing, but he can't speak in complete sentences.
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5-11-2008 @ 5:22PM
Jojee said...
Nail on the head! That is why I don't like him. He has never finished a sentence. Melinda Doolittle last year did the "aw shucks" and then learned from the criticism to cut it out. Same with Brooke and her speaking back to the judges.
Now if only David could show some growth! He would be my choice for the next idol.
5-11-2008 @ 8:24AM
GL said...
He added a verse from another song to "Stand By Me"?
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5-11-2008 @ 8:46AM
ric said...
It's all media hype. Any news story that the AI publicists can get into the media to raise interest and more ratings is good for business. This story is kinda juicy and it's certainly better than no story.
The kid's a pro and this will have zero impact on his ability to deliver the vocal goods for the next two weeks and breeze to the AI title.
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5-11-2008 @ 11:52AM
MarcDom7 said...
Ric, there are multiple reports (from way before this story, and not even including the alleged crap that happened on "Star Search") that Jeff Archuleta is a major pain to the producers and other contestants. Whether or not you like Archuleta (me, I think he has a great voice but a bland personality and performance style), this doesn't change certain facts.
I love "American Idol" with a passion, but I also have issues with people who get so attached to performers that they think any negative press is just "people looking for negativity" about a contestant. I, on the other hand, am willing to admit that some of my favorites still have dark pasta, diva attitudes and some attitude problems. That's sort of the way the world works.
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5-11-2008 @ 6:39PM
ric said...
Please don't misunderstand that I certainly realize Jeff Archuleta is probably a royal pain in the a**. I'm just saying that a story like this likely has a certain amount of hype to it and that the Idol producers probably would not hold anything back so that it hits the media = publicity for the show. There's no such thing as "bad publicity" as they say.
5-11-2008 @ 11:53AM
MarcDom7 said...
"Still have dark pasta..." Whoops. "Still have dark *pasts."
Wow, that's what happens when I post comments within the first hour of being awake.
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5-11-2008 @ 5:14PM
yourstarla said...
If I had one wish for the world it would be that David Archuletta would go away. I can't stand the fake shock when he is praised by the judges. The false humility and the baffled expression make me cringe. I'm not saying he's not a talented vocalist, but his personality...ick. I was very sad to see Jason Castro leave. He was a real person, talented, and what this show USED to be about. It used to be kids off the turnip truck, not these seasoned Star Search winning professionals.
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5-11-2008 @ 6:45PM
ric said...
Oops! I thought American Idol was a singing competition.
My mistake!
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5-11-2008 @ 7:44PM
MarcDom7 said...
I understand where you're coming from, Ric, but it is more than a singing competition. It's singing, personality, musicality (as in understanding what you're singing, something I don't always feel with Archuleta), bankability and overall ability to understand and somewhat control the pop cultural zeitgeist.
For instance, in a movie musical, I'd rather an okay singer who's a great actress be the lead than a great singer who's an okay actress. Music is more than just the notes.
But we are indeed on the same page.
And while Jason Castro has a sort of goofy charm, even he has admitted on numerous occasions that he couldn't keep up with the rest of the competition as far as singing and performing was concerned.
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5-12-2008 @ 5:12AM
ric said...
Subjective opinion noted.
But I do disagree with your interpretation of Archie's ability to understand his songs and I feel his interpretive abilities define his style along with a unique vocal timbre.
He has really connected with his songs many times this season, although has had a few questionable song choices.
Music is more than the notes but a starting point is hitting all of them, at least in my book, which is something the contestants do not always accomplish.
And personally, all the stage theatrics in the world can not make up for a shortfall in the vocal department.
I really dig Groban, and I don't recall ever seeing him swaying across the stage amindst a myriad of strobe lights. He justs lets the notes speak for themselves.
PS I did like Jason Castro. More focused song choices perhaps could have won it for him. Cool unique voice and relatively in tune.
5-12-2008 @ 3:49AM
Ann said...
OK, but don't you think we should give David A. a little slack for his immaturity. Give him 3-4 years and he will most likely be phenomenal just based on most of his performances on A.I. You have to give Cook kudos for his seasoned style, although I still think it is verrrry unfair for contestants such as he, Carly, Brooke, etc. to even be on the show, having already had record deals! (Sry, just MY opinion!) I think we should also give David A. a break and the utmost respect for performing following severe vocal paralysis which plagued him for 2-3 years. I think he is "marvelous" for a 17 year old, his shyness and awe is a breath of fresh air for millions!
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5-12-2008 @ 5:47AM
ric said...
Agree. A good point that David Archuleta brings something fresh to the AI world: a teen idol that's actually a teen.
We've had R&B singers (Jordan is a teen but vocally, nothing new) and country people and rockers make it to the top, but now there's a contestant that brings the youth vibe coupled with a distinctive vocal maturity.
If being unique and new gets you a win, he should be the American Idol this year as we are left with him, a standard R&B diva type and a Nickelback/ Lifehouse wannabe.