Moving up!

Like all David Archuleta song choices, my story with him is one of inspiration. As a certified Archie since his American Idol performance of Shop Around, I was determined to have a one-on-one with him during his first Manila concert tour with David Cook. I texted and tweeted my thumbs away to get an exclusive for what could be my first pop star interview. I didn’t want anything less and not even a press con would do. Like any snobbish fan at that time, I thought “Why would I want to share him with reporters who were David Cook followers?” 

I ended up with the press con and needless to say, I wasn’t satisfied. And out of desperation that my first entertainer interview wasn’t the only David of American Idol, I started interviewing his band members and even his dad, Jeff. They were instrumental in uplifting me and I got a piece of Archie, but essentially, I was still crushed. 

Fast forward to my disillusioned today, the experience has left knowing better than to pursue one-on-ones with the one his fans call, “Arch-angel.” So, it was heaven sent that I got this interview as I was only told a day before about it. The Creator truly gives to those who wait and makes miracles happen unexpectedly. And the call to meet Archie was only the beginning. Meeting him was certainly my inspiration to write this piece. As the song by Journey goes, “Don’t stop believing!”

An Open Book

Archie’s autobiography is available at all Powerbooks and National Book Stores.

As I waited for David to arrive in Powerbooks, I heard that he was running late because he went to church first before dropping by for the book signing. It was a testament to how important the big kahuna is to this angel. While waiting, I picked up Archie’s autobiography Chords of Strength. Skimming through the pages to find out what a fan didn’t already know, I found it poignant that David points out that he was pushed to write the book because of a Wikipedia entry on him. After all, why let others assume who you are?

So he started writing and treated it like his morning jog. The autobiography literally presents David’s life like an open book. No moment or thought of this teen star’s life is left out in his journey to music. It even traces the musical roots of both his father and mother’s side.  There is much about this singer’s influences, favorite things and of course, his faith. All wrapped up in Archie’s own voice as it is very conversational and you can almost hear him narrating his own story in its pages.

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All the kids in Powerbooks want to know, Why did you name your goldfish Conditioner?

Conditioner cos I have two goldfish at home. One was Shampoo (and) the other was Conditioner. My friends actually named them and it stuck.

Are you following the other music competitions, like The Voice?

I was following a bit of it. It was hard to keep up with it but I really loved watching it.

Who were you rooting for? Would you survive?

I don’t know.

It is pretty brutal

Yes, it is. I thought it was really cool, the concept. I liked that. I really believe that music shouldn’t be about the way you look. When you don’t see what the person looks like, you really feel what they are singing.

Who is your favorite judge on The Voice?

I thought Cee Lo Green was hilarious. He is funny.

What do you think about The X-Factor?

I’m really excited. Just can’t wait. Really excited.

What about the Glee competition, The Sing Off?

Oh, I think I had a friend of that. His name is Jeremy Lister. He was on one of the shows. I think that it’s really cool to watch. I watch it with my family sometimes.

What do you think about the Broadway show, Book of Mormon? How do you keep your faith alive in the entertainment business?

It is not something so hard. It’s why the way I am. I talk a lot about my beliefs in my book, actually. It was like, the first time I was able to really talk about what I believe (and) how it affected me and affected my music. It is a big part of what I do.

The publishing company gave me the opportunity to write a book. I (didn’t) when this opportunity (would) come. I thought it was interesting. At first, I (didn’t) know since I was a teenager. How much (could) I say? What am going I talk about?

At same time, (it was) a chance to talk to teenagers, to share what I learned with them, especially because (kids) are in (their) teenage years, (they’re) growing up a lot, confused about a lot of things, (about) what (they) should do. (It was a) great opportunity to reach out.

Now that you are 20, have you become more mature already?

I believe every day you learn something new. Every year you keep growing. Even since writing this book, I’ve already grown a lot. Sometimes I feel I have grown up quickly and sometimes I feel like I am behind. I have matured a lot but I’m still a little kid. 

Have you read other pop stars’ biographies? What are the books that like you read?

I love Paulo Coelho books. My favorite book is The Alchemist. It has inspired me a lot and influenced the way I look at things. I read a bunch of his other books. As writer, he  makes people look at themselves differently and look at life in a different way. I highly recommend his books.

What’s the title of your next chapter?

My next chapter will always be moving forward. I guess that is it.