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Picture courtesy our friends at Archuleta Fanscene

Sometimes sacrifices need to be made in order to pursue the things that mean the most to us. Making these sacrifices requires a lot of hard work, love, dedication, faith and courage.

One-half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it. ~Sidney Howard~

David Archuleta has made many sacrifices in order to pursue his musical career. Music is what he truly loves. It is what he wants to do. David is so driven by it, that he has had to sacrifice many special things in his life in order to make room for his music. Things such as High school prom and graduation, time spent hanging out with friends and most importantly, seeing his family on a regular basis. These are all very important moments in any ones life. But David Archuleta has had to leave some of it behind, so he can perform.

David has had to miss many holidays with his family. He has been away for special events like Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. He has had to miss family get-togethers with his large extended family, because he was on tour and couldn’t get home. Yet as hard as it all may be, David knows he has to be okay with these sacrifices because he is doing something that he loves so much, something that he wants so much. He is also aware that he is sharing his gift of music with others and he believes that he has been called by God to do it. David seems to understand that he has been given this special gift and he wants to use it wisely. In the liner notes of his debut self titled album, David writes; “There have been good times and hard times, but I think it’s all given to you to take you where you need to go in life. I have been so blessed to have been given this experience, and there is no doubt in my mind that the credit goes to God. So I’d like to thank Him first for trusting me with what He has given me, and for His many blessings. I hope to continue using the gift He has given me the way He wants me to, and I know that way will benefit you and those around you as well.”

He then goes on to say; “Next, I’d like to thank my family for being so supportive and incredibly understanding.” David realizes the sacrifices that those closest to him have had to make as well, so he can pursue his music career. His family has had to be separated for long periods of time. While his father Jeff was with him through American Idol and on the road for concerts dates, his mother Lupe was with the other kids, holding down the fort back home in Utah. She was busy getting David’s brother and sisters through their daily comings and goings, as they adjusted to life without their Dad and David around. Again, sacrifices made that are all very hard on a family I am sure, but done out of love nonetheless, love for their son/brother so he could create the music he is so passionate about.

Since David left American Idol, he has been on the road more than he has been home. He travels from city to city all across the United States, on a tour bus. He has flown for many hours to other countries, staying in different hotels night after night and living out of a suitcase. As he tries to recover from the jet lag, he does interview after interview, meet and greets, and then he goes on to perform an incredible show, singing at times for almost an hour. Days off from performing may be spent doing some promoting or recording. He is a very busy young man with a lot on his plate. But he always seems so positive and upbeat about it. I have heard him say many times in interviews, that it is all worth it because he is doing what he truly enjoys. He is willing to sacrifice the comforts of home and family to travel and sing. He is willing to give certain things up, so he can do what is so important to him as he reaches reach out and shares his talent with others.

Unfortunately, it does seem that with the price of fame also comes the loss of some personal freedoms. David is no longer able to walk around freely among the general population without being recognized at times, which I am sure can make it hard for him to enjoy a ‘normal’ day with his family or peers. Even attending church services can be difficult for him. Now when he goes out in public, many people know who he is and they want to get close to him. He can’t go out as easily as before, so he makes concessions. What was once so simple, now must be carefully planned. But when David is greeted by his fans, he is always patient, polite and very cordial.

As I’ve pointed out, many special events have been spent away from those that mean the most to David, due to obligations that need to be met and engagements that can’t be missed. But again, David seems to understand what he has to do, and he does it so graciously. I have never read or heard about David complaining because of the sacrifices he has made. On the contrary, he seems delighted to be singing and making music. And while he is making his music, he is capturing hearts and touching souls all along the way. It is as though he is on a mission. But I believe David knows that the sacrifices he is making are important, they must be made. And I am sure it must be very gratifying for him to see how much his music touches others.

Yes the sacrifices have been made, but the rewards have been great. David has been able to help a lot of people through his music. He has healed some hearts and he has spread a lot of joy. He has become a role model for so many, and he sets such a wonderful example for not only today’s youth, but any one that has had the pleasure of experiencing him and his talents. David has also been able to support many causes and charities with his new found fame. He has done a tremendous amount of good, helping people all over the world. Something he might not have been able to do as easily, had he not pursued his musical career and made so many sacrifices.

I believe that David understands what he must give up, but in doing so he is gaining so much more. While he is doing what he loves, he is giving so much back. Whether it is to those who admire him and love his music, or those who are less fortunate. David’s sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. As a fan of David’s, I think I speak for many when I say; Thank you David, for making these sacrifices so you can make your music and share it with us. You have made a wonderful difference in so many lives. We admire you and appreciate you so much, and we love your music. You have not made these sacrifices in vain. You have our support and we are so grateful to you!

(source)

Or rather, his company and friends in Utah did. Jeff Archuleta is the owner of Arch Consulting Group, a VAR in Salt Lake City, and the much-maligned father of David Archuleta. Friends of the Archuletas contacted by ChannelWeb said that the father and son have been surprised by stories on TMZ.com calling Jeff an evil stage dad and accusing him of yelling at David until he cried during one week’s rehearsals. A source close to the family said that Jeff is “very involved in David’s life and a very caring father … Why would he be yelling and screaming at David Archuleta when he has been doing so well? It doesn’t make sense.”

The source further added that Jeff has turned the day-to-day operations of his company over to staff while Archie will be competing in America Idol. The big question, has David Archuleta’s fame resulted in any residuals for Arch Consulting Group? “We have had some phone calls about it, but it hasn’t really changed the business,” one employee said. “Mostly customers already know what’s going on and call to wish David well.”

Is David Archuleta the most talented performer on American idol? That’s up for debate but certainly the young star seems to be the early favorite to win the competition as the show now enters the phase where the top ten perform for the opportunity become the next American idol. Will another teen win the title like last season when Jordin Sparks took the title at seventeen?

Archuleta is certainly not the most seasoned performer. David Cook has a much better edge and likely will eventually sell more records and Brooke White has carved out a pretty nice genre for her talents as well. Even Michael Johns and Carly Smithson seem to have a better stage presence but as the voting on idol goes, it sure seems like this is David Archuleta’s competition to lose.

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David Archuleta’s brother Daniel spoke to FOX 13’s Arikka Von after David’s Tuesday night performance of “The Long and Winding Road.”

Watch the video here.