David Archuleta

David Archuleta was a finalist on American Idol Season 7. He lost to David Cook in the finale of the FOX reality show on May 21, 2008. Archuleta launched a solo career with his self-titled debut album, which was released on November 11, 2008.

Throughout the season, Archuleta was considered a frontrunner in the competition. Week after week, he avoided ever landing in the bottom three. Cook beat Archuleta after a record number of votes were cast for the two. Host Ryan Seacrest said more than 97 million votes were cast in the contest, with Cook garnering 56% of the votes to Archuleta's 44%. 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 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 Archuleta 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.