David Archuleta facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Archuleta
Archuleta at the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards
Background information
Birth name	David James Archuleta
Born	(1990-12-28) December 28, 1990 (age 34) Miami, Florida, U.S.
Origin	Murray, Utah, U.S.
Genres	Pop
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter musician
Instruments	Vocals piano
Years active	2003–present
Labels	Jive (2008–2011) Shadow Mountain (2011) Ivory (2012) Highway (2012) E1 Music (2013) Archie Music (2017–present) Tone Tree Music (2017–2020)

David James Archuleta (born December 28, 1990) is an American singer and songwriter. When he was ten, he won the children's part of the Utah Talent Competition. This led to more TV singing shows. At twelve, he became the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search (also called "Star Search 2"). In 2008, he came in second on the seventh season of American Idol.

In August 2008, he released "Crush". This was the first song from his first album, David Archuleta. The album came out three months later. It reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart. It has sold over 750,000 copies in the United States. Worldwide, it sold over 900,000 copies.

In October 2010, he released his third album, The Other Side of Down. It included the song "Something 'Bout Love". In March 2012, he took a break for two years. He served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile. He said he would continue his music career after his mission. By February 2012, he had sold over 1.1 million albums and 3.3 million songs in the U.S.

In March 2012, he released his fourth album, "Forevermore". This album was only released in the Philippines. It was his first Original Filipino Music (OPM) album. It had covers of Filipino songs. The album quickly became gold in the Philippines.

His fifth album, Begin, came out in August 2012. A collection of songs, No Matter How Far, was released in March 2013. His sixth studio album, Postcards in the Sky, came out in October 2017. His second holiday album, Winter in the Air, was released in 2018. His eighth studio album, Therapy Sessions, was released in May 2020.

Early Life and Beginnings

David Archuleta was born on December 28, 1990, in Miami. His mother, Guadalupe Mayorga, is a salsa singer and dancer. His father, Jeff Archuleta, is a jazz musician. His mother is from Honduras. His father has Spanish, Danish, Irish, and German roots. David speaks Spanish very well. He has four brothers and sisters.

When David was six, his family moved to Sandy, Utah, near Salt Lake City. He went to Murray High School before he was on American Idol.

David started singing at age six. He was inspired by a Les Misérables video. He said, "That musical is what started all of this." He first performed in public at age 10. He sang "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton in the Utah Talent Competition. He won the Child Division.

When David was 21, he volunteered for two years. He served as a full-time missionary in Rancuagua, Chile. David also graduated from Barbizon Modeling and Acting School in Salt Lake City.

Music Career Highlights

Early TV Shows and First Songs (2003–2006)

In 2003, David Archuleta sang on several episodes of Star Search. He became the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search 2. He lost the Grand Champion title to Tiffany Evans. On one show, he competed against Alexandréa Lushington. She later became a top 20 semi-finalist on American Idol with him. David said he started paying more attention to song lyrics around age 12 or 13.

Before Star Search, David appeared on The Jenny Jones Show. He met finalists from American Idol's first season. He sang "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls without music. Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson praised him. This led to appearances on CBS's The Early Show. The year after Star Search, he found out he had partial vocal paralysis. He chose not to have risky surgery. He says he is almost fully recovered now. He limited his singing to special events, like Stadium of Fire.

David started writing and arranging music after Star Search. He has written at least three songs. His first songs in 2002 were "Dream Sky High" and "Don't Tell Me".

American Idol Journey (2007–2008)

David got his ticket to the Hollywood auditions in San Diego in July 2007. He sang John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change". Judge Randy Jackson even sang along. David was sixteen during the Hollywood auditions. He went to school while on American Idol's seventh season.

Because he was a minor, a parent or guardian had to be with him. David played the piano for some of his performances. These included "Crazy," "Another Day in Paradise," and "Angels."

During the 1970s themed week, David sang the John Lennon song "Imagine". He skipped the first verses. Some people thought it was because of his faith. However, he had sung the whole song when he was 13. He told judge Randy Jackson that the third verse was his favorite because it had "a great message."

After his performance of "We Can Work It Out", judge Simon Cowell called it "a mess." Entertainment Tonight reported that David felt pressure from his father, Jeff. Jeff Archuleta denied this claim.

An Associated Press article in May 2008 said Jeff Archuleta had David add a lyric from the Sean Kingston song "Beautiful Girls" to "Stand by Me". This made licensing costs higher. Jeff Archuleta was then not allowed backstage at American Idol rehearsals. David defended his father, calling him "a great guy."

During the Top 7 results show, David was the only one not put into a group. He was declared safe. He was asked to choose which group he thought was safe. He refused and sat on the stage floor.

In the finale, he sang "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me", "In This Moment", and "Imagine". Judge Simon Cowell said David won the night. Even David Cook, who won, thought David Archuleta would win. Cook said, "I have to concede it, the kid came out all three songs and nailed it." David Archuleta received 44 percent of the votes. During the finale, commercials showed David and David Cook acting out a scene from Risky Business. They were promoting the game Guitar Hero.

Archuleta performing during the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008

David's first songs on music charts were the three he sang in the American Idol finale. "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me", "In This Moment", and "Imagine" appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in June 2008. "Imagine" reached number 36, his first top forty hit.

David signed with Jive Records in June 2008. His first album, David Archuleta, came out in November 2008. His first song, "Crush", was released in August 2008. It debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the best chart debut in over 18 months. The song sold 166,000 downloads in its first week in the U.S. It has sold 1.92 million digital copies in the U.S.

David Archuleta and American Idol winner David Cook were second on Forbes' list of "Breakout Stars of 2008." They presented an award together at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards. David Archuleta also won the Teen Choice Award for "Most Fanatic Fans."

New Albums and Tours (2009–2011)

Archuleta signs autographs as Grand Marshal at the Krewe of Caesar Mardi Gras parade in Metairie, Louisiana, in 2009.

After his first album, David released three new songs: "Let's Talk About Love," "Save the Day," and "Zero Gravity." In February 2009, it was announced that David would tour the United Kingdom. He would support the British band McFly. The tour started in April 2009 and lasted until May. David also opened for Demi Lovato's tour, which began in June 2009.

On April 22, 2009, David returned to the American Idol stage. He performed "Touch My Hand" from his first album. On April 30, 2009, he made his first UK TV appearance on The Paul O'Grady Show. He sang "Crush" and talked about his album. In May, David and David Cook visited the Philippines. He also confirmed he was working on two new albums: a pop album and a Christmas album. In August 2009, David won three Teen Choice Awards. He won for Breakout Artist, Love Song, and Music Tour with Demi Lovato. In September, he won the Rising Male Star award at the ALMA Awards. He sang "Contigo en la Distancia."

David's first acting role was on Nickelodeon's iCarly in "iRocked the Vote." The episode aired in February 2009. He also appeared on Disney Channel's Hannah Montana in "Promma Mia". He sang a duet ("I Wanna Know You") with Miley Cyrus. The song was on the Hannah Montana 3 soundtrack.

On May 16, 2009, David Archuleta and David Cook performed in Manila, Philippines. On June 1, 2010, David released Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song, and the Power of Perseverance. This book talks about his vocal paralysis. He went on a book signing tour. The book became a bestseller.

David returned to American Idol on April 7, 2010. He sang John Lennon's "Imagine." He said he was working on his third album. David sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Stand by Me" at the A Capitol Fourth concert in Washington, D.C. on Fourth of July.

David sang live at the Tejano Music Awards on July 11, 2010. He covered Selena's songs, Como La Flor and No Me Queda Más. On June 24, 2010, Jive Records announced his new song, "Something 'Bout Love". His album The Other Side of Down was released on October 5, 2010.

On October 7, 2010, it was announced that David would be the guest star at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Christmas concert. David sang in performances from December 16–19. In September 2011, Glad Christmas Tidings, a CD and DVD of the concert, was released.

In February 2011, Jive Records announced that David Archuleta was no longer under contract with them. He also left his management. David wanted to spend time writing his own music. On July 2, 2011, David joined Brad Paisley at the Stadium of Fire. He sang the national anthem and his own songs. From July 16 to 26, 2011, David toured Asia. He performed in Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

At the end of his My Kind of Christmas Tour on December 19, 2011, David announced he would serve as a missionary for two years. He said he would return to music after his mission.

Missionary Work and New Releases (2012–2014)

In early 2012, David signed a contract with TV5. He filmed a TV mini-series in the Philippines, Nandito Ako (meaning I'm Here). It aired from February to March 2012. An Original Pilipino Music album, Forevermore, was released in the Philippines on March 26, 2012. This album has covers of classic Filipino songs.

As announced, David served a two-year mission. He entered the Provo, Utah, Missionary Training Center on March 28, 2012. On August 7, 2012, a pre-recorded album, Begin, was released in the United States. It has cover songs and a new song, "Broken." On February 12, 2013, a new song called Don't Run Away was released on iTunes. A collection album, No Matter How Far, was released on March 26, 2013. It included songs only available in Asia before. David confirmed on March 24, 2014, that his mission was done. He was back home in Utah.

David then went on a Military Tribute Tour.

Recent Music and Projects (2015–present)

Archuleta performing in 2018

David was filming a music video in Costa Rica for a new song. Photos of the "Nunca Pense" music video appeared online in September 2014. The song and video were to debut in February 2015. On September 28, he released a new song, "Glorious," for free download. The song was used in the movie Meet the Mormons. It was later on his holiday album Winter in the Air in 2018.

David performed on the American Idol fifteenth season finale in April 2016. He returned to music in 2016 with the song "Numb." The video came out in November. In 2017, he released "Up All Night" and "Invincible." His sixth album, Postcards in the Sky, was released on October 20, 2017. He toured the Philippines and the United States.

On June 15, 2018, Peter Hollens released a video with David. They sang the Scottish folk song "Loch Lomond."

On August 27, 2019, he released the song "Paralyzed."

On November 14, 2019, David released a special version of his 2018 album Winter in the Air. It had three extra songs. He released a music video for "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays." It featured Lance Bass and Chris Kirkpatrick.

David released his eighth album, Therapy Sessions, on May 20, 2020. A deluxe version came out in October. On April 30, he released "Just Breathe" as a song and video. It was dedicated to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Money from YouTube views would go to Direct Relief for COVID-19 help.

On March 26, 2021, David worked with BYU Vocal Point on the "What a Beautiful Name" video.

A song he wrote, "I Know He Lives," was released in March 2021. David said he had performed it live before but never recorded it. Four more songs were released in 2021: "Be That for You," "Losin' Sleep," "Movin'," and "Beast." In 2022, he released "Faith in Me." In 2023, he released "Up," "I'm Yours," and "Afraid to Love." Videos for the last two were directed by Brad Hammer.

David also has a children's book, My Little Prayer, released in 2021.

From July to September 2022, David starred as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This was at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts in Ivins, Utah.

In 2023, David competed on the ninth season of The Masked Singer. He was "Macaw" and finished in second place.

In 2024, David became very popular on TikTok. He sang a cover of Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" at a concert in New York City. He also covered "Please Please Please" for SiriusXM's TikTok Radio.

In 2024, David released songs "Hell Together" and "Rather Be Lonely."

Helping Others (Philanthropy)

David Archuleta works with Do Something and the Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation. He helps teenagers make a difference in disaster relief. He also joined DoSomething.org's Teens for Jeans. This group gives denim to homeless teenagers. In January 2010, a big earthquake hit Haiti. On January 22, 2010, David joined other famous people for a fundraising telethon. He answered phones to help raise money.

David partnered with ChildFund International for his My Kind of Christmas Tour. He wanted to help more people sponsor children in need worldwide. David also surprised some children in ChildFund's Philippines program. He sang Bridge Over Troubled Water and met with the children. He has also supported Invisible Children. He encouraged fans to donate to help children in Central Africa.

In January 2011, David traveled to Chennai, India. He went with Rising Star Outreach. This charity helps children from leper colonies get a good education.

David was one of many Latino singers in Somos El Mundo. This was the Spanish version of "We Are the World 25 for Haiti." The song and video came out in March 2010. Money raised helped Haiti.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, David took part in Billboard's Live At-Home sessions. He played piano versions of "OK, All Right," "Crush," and "What a Wonderful World." He also released a music video for "Just Breathe" for frontline workers. Both were fundraisers for Direct Relief.

Artistic Style

David's mother is from Honduras. Much of the music he heard as a child had a Latin influence. He watched his mom sing with her sisters. She also "was big on dancing," David said. She would "make" him dance to traditional music with his older sister. He also listened to jazz music from his father's collection. He enjoyed gospel, pop, rock, and "soulful music." David also likes Broadway musicals.

On his American Idol page, David said his musical influences were Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, and Bryan Adams. Like Elliott Yamin and John Mayer, David tries to add a soulful feel to his pop songs. In a Seventeen interview, he said he looks up to Sara Bareilles as a smart singer-songwriter.

Personal Life Details

David's family moved to Sandy, Utah, when he was six years old. He attended Murray High School.

David was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2008. This was just three days before his 18th birthday, while he was on American Idol. He received the award two years later.

Since 2015, David Archuleta has lived in Nashville, Tennessee.

Discography

Studio albums

• David Archuleta (2008)
• Christmas from the Heart (2009)
• The Other Side of Down (2010)
• Forevermore (2012)
• Begin (2012)
• Postcards in the Sky (2017)
• Winter in the Air (2018)
• Therapy Sessions (2020)

Filmography

Television

Web

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: David Archuleta para niños