Loads of Interviews!

This one’s from ExploreLI.com!

David Archuleta brings holiday show to Westbury

For David Archuleta, the holidays have always been happy ones.

The “American Idol” runner-up says that’s what makes his current tour, which combines the pop songs from his debut with the holiday songs from his “Christmas from the Heart” album, so much fun.

“I don’t think there’s ever a time in the year that I sing more than during the holidays,” says Archuleta, calling from a tour stop in Waukegan, Ill. “And I’ve sung more during the holidays this year than ever before.”

What is it about holiday songs that appeals to you?

It’s just what they’re about. They’re very close to me and what I believe. Everyone seems to enjoy them, and they put people in such a good mood. It’s just kind of magic what’s inside those songs, and I definitely feel it.

Was it hard getting into the holiday spirit in the summer, when you recorded the album?

That’s the time of year when no one is thinking about the holidays. But once you get in your head that, “OK, I remember Christmastime and what these songs are about,” it was fun.

Are you already working on your next pop album?

I am. I’ve already been working on writing and stuff. After the holidays, I’ll be kicking into the next gear on recording. . . . It’s kind of nice that we’re not as rushed as the last two albums. It’s nice to be able to just focus on that. I want to show my personality. I’m a quirky, little, geeky kind of kid. That’s who I am, and I want to show that. I’m not perfect, and I’m kind of weird, but hey, that’s me.

David Archuleta: 7 p.m. Sunday, Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury, 516-334-0800, livenation.com. Cost: $39-$49.

From the Pocono Record:

David Archuleta is living his dream.

Singing since he was a small child, he never imagined so many great opportunities would present themselves. After placing second in “American Idol” season seven, the opportunities have been non-stop. And not only did he finish as runner up, but he was also one of the youngest contestants of the season.

“I’ve always wanted to do this, but never thought I’d get these opportunities,” Archuleta said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s so much fun. It was a lot more than I was expecting before ‘American Idol.’”

“Idol” wasn’t the first competition for Archuleta. He won singing competitions as a child, and was the junior vocal champion of “Star Search” at age 12. But “Idol” is when he became a household name.

With the recent announcement that Paula Abdul has left the hit show as a judge, and Ellen DeGeneres taking her spot, one might wonder how Archuleta feels about the change.

“It was great having Paula there. She can relate because she’s a performer, and she’s so nice,” Archuleta said. “It will be fun to have Ellen there. She’s so funny and nice.”

Music hasn’t been the only thing keeping Archuleta busy. Cameo appearances on “Hannah Montana” and “iCarly” gave him the chance to try his hand at something new: acting.

“I never thought I would do any acting, but the opportunity came up. I was so nervous, even though I was playing myself,” he said. “It was really fun working with kids that are doing the same things as me.”

Life has been pretty busy for the rising star, but that isn’t stopping him from pushing forward in his career. Archuleta recently released a Christmas album, “Christmas from the Heart,” and began his Christmas tour on Nov. 24 in Utah. The tour ends Dec. 20 in New York. He hits the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg tonight.

The album includes classic Christmas songs, “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” as well as a new song called “Melodies of Christmas.”

With the New Year right around the corner, what’s in Archuleta’s sights for 2010?

“I’ll continue working on the next pop album in the new year. I had to take a break for the Christmas tour,” he said. “I’ll be writing and doing more pop music in 2010.”

The Utah resident doesn’t get too much downtime, but when he does, he enjoys life.

“I love to listen to music and spending time with family and friends,” he said. “And I love to eat. Thai food is my favorite.”

And from Metro International:

In preparing a story to wrap up the decade, most of the people we interviewed expressed surprise that the aughties were even ending.

“It’s weird to think of the past 10 years in the 2000s,” says David Archuleta, the 2008 runner-up of “American Idol.” “I think, ‘Oh, that’s the ’90s, but that was longer than 10 years ago!”

When pressed to come up with an entity that defines the decade, Archuleta immediately suggests Beyonce before realizing that the show that gave him his own taste of fame was also pretty important in shaping the past 10 years.

“Oh, yeah,” he laughs with an almost “duh” tone. “So much has come out of ‘American Idol’ — Kelly Clarkson and Daughtry and Carrie Underwood. It has given a different perspective of music to people.”

And finally, David’s post-concert interview after his Mashantucket, CT performance! This was aired on Billboard Live’s website.  Thanks to jtmlm1234 for uploading the clip!  Also, the CT concert will be up on the site for a week, so if you missed it, you can still watch!

Kate (drummer in the band KSM) mentioned David in her blog!

5. Last night, I watched the David Archuleta show as it streamed live online from Connecticut. It was way tight. I pretended like I was actually there, and me and my friend texted to each other the whole time and sang along by ourselves. I can’t wait until David comes out with more songs!! I’m such a fan! Is that bad? SHOUT OUT TO TLTH. Yes.

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