David mentioned in blogs!

David has been mentioned in blog posts from his drummer Ben Antelis and skater Kurt Browning.

Ben:

TOURING WITH AN AMERICAN IDOL

How did you get the gig touring with David Archuleta?
It all started in New York actually. I was playing with my band at the Living Room, a great New York venue, and someone who was at the show asked me to play in his band with him. I did, and when I told him I was moving to LA, he put me in contact with his friend, an active guitar player in the music scene. One day I received a call from this friend, asking if I knew any good guitar players who would be able to audition for a new artist in town, so I sent my good friend and LA Music Academy alum Jonathan Linden, and he landed the gig. Jonno introduced me to the drummer on the gig, Randy Cooke, who became a mentor and close friend. Randy then recommended me to his friend Mike K who is the Musical Director and guitar player for David. Soon after I had moved back to NY, I got a call from Mike asking if I could come down to the U.S. Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in 3 hours for a rehearsal for the event that coming Saturday and the rest was history.

Kurt:

David Archuleta, Dave Koz, Gloria Gaynor, Dorothy Hamill, and Scott Hamilton then took the stage to wave to the audience as each was introduced (poor Dave Koz got a noticeably quieter cheer than David Archuleta and Gloria Gaynor when Mike Burg first mentioned the musical talent at the top of the show, but the crowd was more generous for his on-camera introduction). Dorothy Hamill then came out to introduce Paul Wylie skating to David Archuleta performing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” I will admit, I’ve never watched American Idol so while I knew who David Archuleta is by name, I’ve never really heard him sing before. I was pretty impressed – he’s got a beautiful voice and tone which filled the arena with warmth. And it was just an utter treat to see Paul Wylie skate again. He hasn’t lost his beautiful lines, stretched out spread eagles, fast scratch spin, or double axel at all. Plus, he just skates with such joy and serenity, sweeping his way around the arena with real warmth towards the audience. The number was just really heartwarming all around. Also, evidently three generations of Wylies were in the audience, which is really cool.

Both David’s were given the opportunity to perform a song without a skater on the ice, and David Archuleta’s song was next. Scott talked about how he was now a bona fide star with web sites, fan clubs, bestselling albums, and a 20th birthday coming up really soon. David sang “Falling Stars”, which was absolutely gorgeous and heartfelt. His voice just filled the arena, and he can definitely emote while singing. Unfortunately, right at the end, his voice cracked badly, leaving me wondering what they were going to do about it.(*note he sang it a second time we were told and it was flawless* )

The rest of the skaters also played around with each other, and Joannie and Sarah went to help Dave Koz out on the ice. Dave Koz and David Archuleta both took to the ice in bright blue boots. David Archuleta was noticeably more comfortable on the ice, even trying a little 360 degree turn at one point, and skating unassisted around waving at the audience with the other skaters.