American Idol is unique in the sense that viewers are the ones who get to decide who wins and who loses. In most countries, it’s more of a popularity contest. In the US, however, there’s this “state support” — ya know, the state from where the contestant came from supports their own =) And in the case of David Archuleta, it’s Utah! According to one columnist from Utah,

In David Archuleta, we have a Utah “American Idol” contestant who I bet money will make the final 12. He’s a whole-package crooner more vocally attractive than Utah’s season-two contestant Carmen Rasmusen ever was during her run (and whose vibrato is still ringing my ears).

But this pint-sized 17-year-old from Murray, who is now among the 24 semifinalists, has the tools and the talent. He appears to be a charming kid, self-effacing but confident, with a voice that has power and control. He’s also got the looks that will make every teen girl get teary-eyed. As his vocal coach, Dean Kaelin told me, David Archuleta goes straight for that “High School Musical” crowd.

It was Tuesday night once again — that means its American Idol’s men’s night! And this time, the 20 guys sung songs from the 70s. And guess who the top performer is?? None other than the cutie pie David Archuleta! =) Much was expected from those who had succeeded last week (Michael Johns, Jason Castro and David) and our Pinoy contestant didn’t disappoint. As Simon Cowell said after the teenager’s performance, he’s the one to beat. Though it’s still quite early (second round!), David Archuleta already has the judges raving and the girls in the audience squealing. He sung his version of John Lennon’s “Imagine” to which Paula Abdul gushed, “I want to squish you, squeeze your head off and dangle you from my rearview mirror.” LOL! David Archuleta is the youngest male still there, and younger guys tend to struggle as the competition wears on. Let’s hope he won’t be one of those guys.. After all, he already won one reality singing contest before! =)

The numbers in the title means that David Archuleta has a 6 to 1 odds to win the seventh season of the American Idol. That bet would pay out €6 for every €1 bet ($6 for every $1 bet). Not bad! =) Newsday predicts: “The 16-year-old “Star Search” winner will woo the tween vote with his non-threatening good looks and the Grandma vote with tales of his one-time vocal paralysis. David Archuleta has more game than John Stevens. How’s that for damning with faint praise?”

But the Fil-Am sensation is not the outright favorite to win among the men according to the Newsday American Idol bloggers. That honor goes to Australian Michael Johns who was flagged by Gambling911.com as a big favorite to win as well prior to the top 24 selection process. Oh well, that’s just okay! After all, it’s still very early in the season. If David Archuleta will continue his great performance, I’m sure he’ll gain more fans. Which translates to more votes and hence, a big chance to win AI! Woohoo!

Especially since the giant network for kids is going musical these days.. They must need a true-blue good-looking singer right?? After one week of American Idol’s seventh season, David Archuleta is already being forecasted as the show’s potential winner. A week ago, February 19, he earned accolades from American Idol’s three judges for his performance.Randy Jackson called it “really brilliant,” and Paula Abdul said it was “a very brave and bold song choice.” Simon Cowell, the only judge whose opinion really matters, called it the best performance “by a comfortable mile.”

It seems that David Archuleta has it made already, epecially if he keeps up the quality of his performances. But what if he really wins? Can you imagine a future of real radio hits and critical acclaim? Some people doesn’t think so. Some say David Archuleta seems a better fit for a Disney Channel sitcom or a musical movie like the uber-popular High School Musical. What do you think guys? Do leave a comment! =)

LOL! That sounds so cool! So is it safe to that MTV loves David Archuleta?? Their vote of confidence will surely come a long way in the voting process! A recent MTV writeup said, “As if we needed another reason to love little David Archuleta, during his pre-taped interview, he burst into an impromptu “Flashdance … What a Feeling” to describe how he felt when he made the top 24 … Will David respond to all interview questions with song? This should make for some very exciting Coca-Cola Real Moments!”

Hahaha! So funny! Yup, the 17-year old Fil-Am singer is really very endearing — I just hopes this translates to American Idol votes for him =) The MTV writeup further said, “David Archuleta’s commanding “Shop Around” was the night’s top performance, even though it sounded like he belched during the final long note. Then he nailed the dismount, handling the judges’ praise with grace and humility. (The kid’s golly-gee-aw-shucks reaction was so endearing, it made Melinda Doolittle look like Mary J. Blige.)”