TVSquad

American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has come out in confirmation that finalist David Archuleta's dad has been effectively banned from participating in David's rehearsals, though he stops short of saying Jeff Archuleta's been banned altogether from the backstage area. In an interesting choice of words, Lythgoe said, "He has been asked not to participate in the choice of music with David or be in the room when David is working out his routines that he wants to sing. He's fine to be in the studio -- nothing wrong with that. We just want David to be able to be free like everybody else to get on and do what they want to do." I find the use of "free like everybody else" very interesting.

Later Lythgoe said they were concerned about giving everyone an equal opportunity and taking away "some of the pressure" that David was under. It's certainly an interesting comment in that you wonder if Idol should even take on that role of reducing parental pressure. He did stop short of declaring Jeff Archuleta a "stage dad," instead saying only that a stage mom or dad is only "someone who's protective."

Need more American Idol? Get an inside look at Season 7's contestants and think back to these scathing (and hilarious) Simon Cowell quotes. Also: Don't forget to choose your favorite Idol!

Throughout the season there have been varying reports about Jeff's uber-involvement in his son's song selections and preparations for not only this show but Star Search and pretty much anything else he's ever been involved in. And through it all, David has stayed quiet, focusing instead on the task at hand. But now, in speaking with US Magazine, David Archuleta denied reports that his dad has been some kind of overbearing monster. He said, "I think I, of all people, would know what's going on, and he's been great. He's given me a lot of good advice and helped me from making any dumb decisions. He understands more than anyone what I want in music, and I've felt really blessed to have someone like that."

The latest word now has Jeff Archuleta "shooting daggers" at Lythgoe during last night's performances, particularly when the executive producer was seen clapping after a David Cook performance. Reports also have him chummy with David Archuleta croney Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, but having "no interaction at all" with Simon Cowell, who's been the most openly critical of his son. Of course, all of this is fairly normal behavior for someone who's been slighted personally and cares about his son, so that may be more ado about nothing.