In order to have respect for others, you must first learn to respect yourself, as the saying goes. David Archuleta is someone who truly respects himself. He has very strong values and morals. He takes care of himself and he does his best to live his life in the right ways spiritually, honestly and appropriately. In turn, he is able to show respect for others. In my opinion, he does a tremendous job of it.

One recent example of the respect that David has shown another, was when he was on a tour stop in Arkansas on July 2, 2009. He did not sing “Apologize” at this show, a song that many fans love hearing him sing. Instead, he replaced it with his “One Medley.” Though we all love his “One Medley”, some wondered why he was singing that instead of “Apologize.” When questioned about it on Twitter, David’s reply was that he knew Kris Allen, the Season 8 American Idol winner, had sung it on AI. So out of respect for him, since Kris is from Arkansas and David felt he was on Kris’s turf, he sang the “One Medley” instead! When I first learned about this, honestly I was not surprised. It all made sense. David being the kind and thoughtful young man that he is, did not want to step on Kris Allen’s toes. He did not want to upstage “Arkansas’ Own Hometown Hero.” David made a conscious effort to sing a different song and he still gave the fans a wonderful performance at the same time. He is really careful to be respectful of others. I find it so refreshing in a young man of his age.

Here is the Twitter response David sent a fan, who questioned him about that song change. It shows that David is very mindful of others as well as respectful, and he tries not to offend anyone.

@likewhoaxox from DavidArchie. I didn’t because Kris Allen sang it on AI, and I’m sure the crowd knew his version well haha. So just wanted to respect him. July 2, 2009 from web, in reply to likewhoaxox.

David has a history of showing respectful behavior towards others. Last Summer when he was being interviewed by a reporter during the AI tour, David was asked about playing tricks on his fellow AI cast members. He replied that yes, they did have fun on tour playing pranks but that he would never do anything to the girls, because he said, “I am all about respecting the girls!” Wow I remember thinking to myself, he has good old fashioned values and he respects the ladies. So nice to see in this day and age, when so many young men and women today, do not show respect for each other. However, David Archuleta shows through his examples that he respects all people, both women and men alike.

During American Idols season 7, David always had the kindest things to say about all his fellow contestants. He had admiration and respect for all of them. And when it came down to the final two and he and David Cook were the only ones left, David made the nicest comments about his competition. In fact, he didn’t even view it as a competition at all. He was just so happy to be standing next to someone who he thought was so talented. How many people in this same situation would have only been concerned with winning? How many would have honestly and humbly viewed their competition is such a positive light? I can only think of one, David Archuleta!

I am also reminded of the time during American Idol Season 7, when David Archuleta was asked by host Ryan Seacrest, to pick the side that was going to be staying on in the competition. David had just been told by Ryan that he had made it through to the next round, and now he should go and stand next to the group that he thought would also be moving ahead in the competition with him. David just stood there looking rather confused, on either side of him were the other contestants. All of them were people he had come to know and respect very much. How could he make that decision and choose? David did the only thing that a young man with respect for his friends would do, he sat down right in the middle of the stage. I remember truly admiring him even more that evening. He showed so much integrity in that one moment. Here is the video recap from that episode of American Idol Season7:

I could watch this video over and over again. I am still amazed by the character of this young man and the way that he treats people. Even when he is put in a very uncomfortable situation, David still chooses to do the right thing, he does the respectful thing.

After David Cook won American Idol, the ‘Top 10′ contestants went out on the Summer AI tour. During their concert stop in Utah, David Archuleta made a point to tell his home state of Utah to “please show their love for Cook.” He was so proud to be back home and he wanted Utah to be welcoming to his friend, David Cook. More importantly, he wanted them to show Cook respect. Utah responded in kind, and was very warm and hospitable toward David Cook. I think David Archuleta had a lot to do with that. Once again, David showed that he is always polite and well mannered, traits that make a person respectful.

There is a classic rock and roll song made popular by Aretha Franklin that goes, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means to me…!” It means a lot to David Archuleta and he continues to demonstrate that through his actions. He is one young man that embodies the true meaning of the word, ‘respect’.

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