David Archuleta

Guide Note

David Archuleta is a finalist on American Idol Season 7. He will compete against David Cook for the title of American Idol during the show's season finale on May 21, 2008.

Archuleta received his Golden Ticket to Hollywood after his rendition of the Bryan Adams song "Heaven." Some of his standout performances on the show were "Waiting on the World to Change," "Sweet Caroline," "America" and "Imagine." Archuleta, along with David Cook, are considered front runners in this year's competition. Neither one, as of May 13, 2008, had been in the bottom three.

Fast Facts

1. Full Name: David James Archuleta
2. Born: December 28, 1990
3. Birthplace: Miami, Florida
4. Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
5. Auditioned in San Diego
6. Suffered from partial vocal chord paralysis as a child
7. Followers are known as "Arch Angels"
8. Parents: James Jeffrey Archuleta and Lupe Marie Archuleta
9. Father plays jazz trumpet, mother is a singer
10. Four siblings: Amber, Daniel and Jazzy and Claudia
11. Member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Archuleta began singing at the age of six when he was inspired by a tenth anniversary video of Les Miserables. He began performing as an entertainer at the age of 10 when he participated in the Utah Talent Competition. When he was 12-years-old he won the grand prize on the talent show Star Search. He beat fellow Idol contestant Alex Lushington.

Archuleta is a student at Murray High School in Murray, Utah. He cites Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin and Bryan Adams as some of his musical influences.