[Article]-Philippines

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MANILA, Philippines - American Idol Season 7 winners David Cook and David Archuleta arrived in Manila on Tuesday. Cook set foot at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 at around 1 p.m. Archuleta came at around 3 p.m. On May 16, at 8 p.m., the two Idols will hold a back-to-back concert at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, produced by local actor Jomari Yllana’s Fearless Productions. Cook was a 25-year-old bartender and long-time struggling artist who became the victor of the 7th season of American Idol. He was noticed for his original version of pop songs, most notably of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean" and Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby." Archuleta, on the other hand, was the season’s first runner-up. In 2007, he became one of the youngest finalists in the reality talent show competition. He is now an 18-year-old singer-songwriter who has also made appearances in television shows like Disney’s Hannah Montana. Both of the Idols’ albums landed within the Top 3 of the Billboard charts upon their release.

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A "Kapuso” star is admired by America Idol Season 7 runner up David Archuleta and he said that he wanted to meet her while he is here in the Philippines. He arrived here in the Philippines Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. He arrived at the airport over an hour after AI Season 7 grand winner David Cook.

According to key entertainment reporter Nelson Canlas, Archuleta admitted that he is a fan of Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez and he wanted to meet her personally.

“I’m excited to be here in Manila. I’m looking forward to the show too on Saturday. I’m sure it’s gonna be a lot of fun” Archuleta said.

Jomari Ylana, producer of the one night concert for the Davids at the SM mall Asia on Saturday, met the two international stars at the airport.

According to Jomari, Cook was going to make a statement at the airport but but due to security reasons, they had him get in the car immediately.

The two will be busy doing TV guest appearances on Thursday. They will be seen on “SIS” and “Eat Bulaga” of Kapuso network.

On Friday, they will have an interview at the primetime newscast of GMA “24 Oras.”

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MANILA, Philippines—It was “pandemonium.”

This was how an organizer described the welcome American Idol Season 7 winner David Cook and runner-up David Archuleta received at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Tuesday.

The two Davids are in Manila for a joint concert at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City on May 16.

Cook arrived at 1:15 p.m. on a Singapore Airlines flight from Los Angeles. Archuleta came in two hours later via Qatar Airways from London, where he had a concert.

“A huge crowd came to greet them. They were supposed to have an interview with the airport press, but that was hard to pull off with all the people around,” said lawyer Arlyn Mancao of Fearless Promotions, the concert producer.

The singers have a tight schedule, promoting the concert on radio and TV shows, Mancao said.

At 5 p.m. Wednesday, Archuleta will have a meet-and-greet with fans at MOA’s Main Mall Atrium. Cook will meet with regional bosses of his record label, Sony BMG.

On Thursday, Archuleta will perform on GMA 7’s magazine show “Sis” at 10 a.m. He will then guest on the noontime game show “Eat…Bulaga!”

The two will visit radio station Magic 89.9 TM, a major concert sponsor, in the afternoon. Disc jockey Mo Twister will interview Cook at 3 p.m. and Archuleta at 4 p.m.

At 7 p.m., a press conference for the two Davids will be held in the Mactan function room of the Edsa Shangri-La hotel in Mandaluyong City.

Cook will guest on “Eat…Bulaga!” on Saturday.

From GMANews.TV

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David Archuleta impressed by Kapuso singers


American Idol Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta brought the house down when he performed live on the GMA-7 morning show SIS Thursday morning.

Singers from the Kapuso Network serenaded him with their interpretation of David's own songs and American Idol hits like Crush, Long and Winding Road, And I Am Telling You, Angels, and Touch My Hand.

David narrated that he started to sing at the tender age of six. "First thing that got me into music pretty much was when I watched the 10th anniversary tour of Les Miserables. I was 6 and I couldn't stop watching it!"

The first song he learned, also from Les Miserables, was "Castle on the Cloud."

He also considers Kelly Clarkson, American Idol Season 1 winner, as the most influential person in his life. "She's one of the people I really admire and look up to," he said.

One of the most awaited finale nights in the history of the American Idol was the battle of the Davids wherein his namesake, David Cook, emerged as the winner American Idol Season 7.

Despite of his loss in the past AI season, David has become a popular singer not only in the United States but other countries as well.

A native of Utah, David was known for his pop ballads throughout the show. In August 2008, he released his first single, Crush, from his self-titled debut album. It ranked at No. 2 on its first release at the Billboard Top 100, beating Rihanna's Disturbia. As of March 2009, the self-titled album that was released in November 2008, sold over 690,000 copies across the United States.

IMPRESSED BY FILIPINOS. David revealed that he is a huge fan of Jason Mraz, along with his other favorite performers Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Natasha Bedingfield, Natalie Cole, Mariah Carey, and a lot more.

"These people have an impact on me. I love music!"

David is also fond of Philippine mangoes. "Yeah, I love mangoes. I ate two of them this morning."

After hearing Kyla's interpretation of his song, David exclaimed, "Filipinos are so good and amazingly talented!"

And after Pinoy Pop Superstar balladeer Harry Santos sang his piece, David quipped, "It's like, I feel stupid being here now. It was like, oh my gosh, why am I here?"

He described the Kapuso singers as "perfectly harmonized."

David then thanked the Pinoy fans who warmly welcomed him in his first visit in the country. "I'm like so amazed by, like how many fans are right here. Thank you guys so much! It's been great so far and I'm really excited on Saturday!"

A lot of young people look up to David but the 18-year-old said that this was not planned. "It's really cool. It's not like I was trying to be a role model. You just have to be yourself!"

"Knowing that, trying to, you know, trying to be a good person even though I'm weird and stuff. It's good to know that it helps kids and you know, to see that they are inspired to music."

GIFTS FROM SIS. During the latter part of the show, SIS hosts Carmina Villaroel, Gelli de Belen, and Janice de Belen presented their gifts to David.

When he opened one of the gift boxes, David thought it was a shirt but it turned out to be a Barong Tagalog designed by Pepsi Herrera.

Miniature Filipino symbols like a jeepney, an ice cream cart, a Juan dela Cruz figure wearing a barong Tagalog, and a tiny nipa hut and a coconut tree inside a bottle were also given to him.

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From GMANews.TV

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Archuleta as awed by fans as they are of him

MANILA, Philippines – Despite his international fame, "American Idol Season 7" runner-up David Archuleta still seems unaware of his stature.

“Why are you guys nervous? You’re making me nervous," the 18-year-old singer-songwriter asked "SIS" hosts Carmina Villaroel and Gelli and Janice De Belen, who seemed to be as overwhelmed as the more than 800 spectators in the GMA Network Studios on Thursday.

With just a smile and an "oh gosh" for every compliment that he got from the trio, Archuleta won over the whole crowd in the studio – the way he did with the American public during his "American Idol" stint.

"It’s so neat just getting to meet kids who look up to you, it’s really cool," he said.

He did, however, say that he never intended to be a "role model' for his young fans – who made his first self-titled album No. 2 in the Billboard Top 100 on its first week of release.

"It’s not like I was trying to be a role model or anything, I was just being who I was thinking that it was enough to influence people," said the international crooner.

He added that he doesn’t even consider himself an adult.

"I’m 18 but I act like I’m 14," said Archuleta.

Musical roots

According to the "Idol" runner-up, he started singing when he was six – with the first song he ever learned coming from the musical "Les Miserables."

"The first thing that got me into music was when I watched this tenth anniversary tape of 'Les Miserables' when I was six, and I couldn’t stop watching it. The first song I learned was from [it is] called 'Castle on the Cloud'," he said.

After this, he said the second most influential thing for him would probably his first encounter with Kelly Clarkson – the 29-year-old American singer-songwriter who was the very first American Idol.

"I think Kelly is way up there. Kelly is one of the people I admire and look up to," he said.

But he has more idols.

"There were so many people who have had influence and impact on me. I love music," he said.

He cited Stevie Wonder, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Michael Jackson, Natasha Bedingfield, Natalie Cole, and Mariah Carey as some of these influences.

Archuleta did, however, pick Jackson as his favorite all-time performer.

"I still think Michael Jackson is amazing, he’s had just so many great songs throughout his career that were really inspiring to me," he said.

His current favorite song, on the other hand, is “I’m Yours" by Mraz.

"I love Jason. Isn’t he great?" he asked the audience who were more than happy to answer “yes."

In awe of Filipino talent

But despite always being surrounded by world-class talents, he said he was really amazed at how well Filipinos could sing.

"I can’t believe this. I mean Filipinos are so amazingly talented, goodness, you all sing so well, that’s incredible," he said after hearing La Divas’ Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos, and Maricris Garcia deliver their version of “The Long and Winding Road" – a song that earned the "American Idol" runner-up rave reviews during his stint in the show.

“That was amazing, you guys sing so beautifully. Wow!" the American singer told the trio.

While at a loss for words, he just said that he wasn’t expecting "that."

“That was like, I wasn’t expecting that, I wasn’t expecting you’re harmonizing, I was like: Oh, so perfect, perfect harmonizing," said Archuleta.

R&B Princess Kyla, with her version of "And I Am Telling You," also managed to charm the international crooner.

"Goodness, oh my gosh, all these singers can sing better than I can," the "Idol" runner-up told the "SIS" hosts.

Sugar Pop members Pocholo Bismonte and Renzo Almario, on the other hand, showed the American celebrity the great potential of young Filipino singers.

"It’s like a different vibe," Archuleta told the two after they sang his third single "Touch My Hand."

But when it was his turn to sing, he said he just couldn’t follow local acts like that.

“I feel dumb going after all those singers. I’m just like blown away by everyone here, this show should be about everyone here," he said.

He did, however, still wowed the audience with his chart-topping single “Crush."

On more Filipino things

But the Filipino talent isn’t the only thing that he seems to have taken a liking to in the Philippines.

According to Archuleta, he loves the Filipino mangoes.

"I had two of them this morning," he said.

In addition, he was fairly intrigued by our jeepneys.

"I've seen a lot of those around, I wanna ride one," he said.

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American Idol sensations David Cook and David Archuleta meet the local press

American Idol Season 7 winner David Cook and runner-up David Archuleta faced the local press in a press conference held earlier tonight, May 14, at the Isla Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-la Hotel in Mandaluyong City. This is in connection with their much-awaited back-to-back concert, which will be held on May 16, Saturday, at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

The two Davids answered questions thrown at them by the press, including PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)—from their Idol journey, to Filipino delicacies (Cook has tried eating balut while Archuleta just loves Philippine mangoes, especially the dried ones), to sneaking into a local mall (Shangri-La) and being followed by more than a hundred people, the outpouring love that they get from Filipinos, and many others.

Even though David Cook is older than David Archuleta—Cook is 26 while Archuleta has just turned 18—the two American Idol sensations are actually very good friends. This is very evident during the presscon, where they comfortably made fun of each other. But they were also very generous in giving compliments to each other. When Cook said that Archuleta is "cooler" than him, the younger David immediately countered it by saying that between the two of them, it's very easy to tell that the older David is the "cool one."

The audio pick-up inside the venue was so bad that we hardly understand the things the two Davids were saying in our digital recorder. But we are trying our darn best to move heaven and earth to bring to you a more detailed story. Hopefully, we will be able to post that story tomorrow, May 15.


American Idol Season 7 winner David Cook and runner-up David Archuleta faced the local press in a press conference held earlier tonight, May 14, at the Isla Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-la Hotel in Mandaluyong City. This is in connection with their much-awaited back-to-back concert, which will be held on May 16, Saturday, at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

The two Davids answered questions thrown at them by the press, including PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)—from their Idol journey, to Filipino delicacies (Cook has tried eating balut while Archuleta just loves Philippine mangoes, especially the dried ones), to sneaking into a local mall (Shangri-La) and being followed by more than a hundred people, the outpouring love that they get from Filipinos, and many others.

Even though David Cook is older than David Archuleta—Cook is 26 while Archuleta has just turned 18—the two American Idol sensations are actually very good friends. This is very evident during the presscon, where they comfortably made fun of each other. But they were also very generous in giving compliments to each other. When Cook said that Archuleta is "cooler" than him, the younger David immediately countered it by saying that between the two of them, it's very easy to tell that the older David is the "cool one."

The audio pick-up inside the venue was so bad that we hardly understand the things the two Davids were saying in our digital recorder. But we are trying our darn best to move heaven and earth to bring to you a more detailed story. Hopefully, we will be able to post that story tomorrow, May 15.

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Two Davids conquer the Philippines without fear


IF Goliath were alive today, two stones will surely hit him on the head and he’d be twice dead.

Then again, no need for him to die like that nowadays because the two most famous Davids --- surnamed Cook and Archuleta --- whose impact to most people worldwide is near idolatry, are nothing but harmless and charming singers.

They are the top winners in the seventh season of “American Idol”, which is watched by billions worldwide. In this much-imitated reality TV show, Cook was the grand winner last year while Archuleta was the closest runner-up.

And they are here in the Philippines to conquer the hearts of millions of Filipino fans with a one-night-only concert at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on May 16, which is a Saturday night.

“I’d like to try your most famous delicacy. How do you call that? Balut?” said the 26-year-old Cook, when asked by a reporter from a local daily in a press con held Thursday night what Filipino food he’d like to taste, to which Archuleta agreed. Balut is loosely defined in English as aborted duck’s egg.

It is no wonder why they are somehow familiar in things related to Filipinos. Both competed with a Filipino-American AI finalist in the person of Ramielle Malubay, who was in the Philippines in December last year to guest in a two-night show topbilled by Ogie Alcasid, winners of the very first Pinoy Idol and to visit her relatives in Quezon Province. Malubay is also fond of balut.

“Whenever she’s talking on the phone, I’d hear her speak in a language we can’t understand but she always had this great big smile,” said Cook. In fact, he learned to speak a word in Filipino and remembered it well. “Sah-lah-mat (Thank you), did I get it right?” he asked the ever-patronizing members of the local entertainment press, composed of blushing gay male broadsheet and tabloid editors, columnists and writers.

“I remember dried mango. She’d bring dried mango and I love it,” said Archuleta, who was also intrigued, through Malubay, about Regine Velasquez. He mentioned in several earlier interviews that he wanted to meet Velasquez but as of press time, there was no confirmation if they did.

A lady writer, in an attempt to fish out information about the two Davids’ love life, asked what keeps on inspiring them the most. Cook mentioned how his family and friends have become important to him, now that he’s famous and getting richer. “I don’t know a single person who inspires me as a singer and a performer. I think it’s everything around me,” he added.

The 18-year-old Archuleta seconded the motion, mentioning how his family and friends shaped the musician in him. Like Cook, he has a self-titled album he’s also promoting in this tour. In an earlier local TV guesting, he cited how diverse his musical influences have become, starting from Nat King Cole, Kansas, Michael Jackson, the musical Les Miserables when he was a child up to Jason Miraz nowadays.

Archuleta has tried acting and has had cameo appearances in Nickelodeon’s “Carly” in an episode titled “Rock the Vote” as well as in “Hannah Montana”, doing a duet with Miley Cyrus.

Cook’s influences have been as diverse as classic R&B to rock. In AI, he can do mean versions of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” The Who’s “Baba O’ Reilly” to John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Prior to joining AI, he was already an accomplished singer-composer with an album titled Analog Heart. After his victory on AI, he’s been touring the US to promote his self-titled second album.

As for the song that defines each of them and the lives they lead, Cook thought of “Life on the fast lane” by the Eagles while Archuleta chose “These Words,” by Natasha Bedingfield. They didn’t mention if they are going to sing these but fans are expecting their winning songs like Elton John’s “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” for Archuleta and Regie Hamm’s “Time of My Life” for Cook.

The two arrived in Manila on Tuesday, May 12, in separate flights. They’ve been busy making the rounds of TV shows and malls to promote their first concert in the Philippines.

“We’re glad of the reception they are receiving now. At first, we thought the concert is like a secret,” said actor Jomari Yllana, who is co-owner of the firm behind the concert, Fearless Productions. To the surprise of many, Yllana personally called members of the press to invite them in the supposedly strict and intimate news conference.

The well-attended press con in a five-star hotel in Mandaluyong City was supposed to be held in a smaller function room but it was transferred to a bigger ballroom only a few hours before the said event so as to accommodate more requests for coverage.

Security wasn’t that tight because some loyal female fans who’ve followed the two Davids in their earlier mall tours were able to sneak in at the said venue. Then again, they didn’t do anything that would cause a commotion --- for one, they didn’t even line up at the buffet table --- as they behaved well and orderly, which could predict how the upcoming concert will take place.

As of press time, many are crossing their fingers if the two Davids can equal, if not surpass, the Goliath-like audience turnout --- around 100,000 --- of the Eraserheads Live! Reunion Concert in March 7 this year, which was held in a bigger venue called Open Grounds, the car-park-by-day concrete area located on the northern part of MOA, facing the Promenade Hall.

The Concert Ground is another open-air car-park-by-day venue on the southern end of MOA, right beside SMEX convention halls. It is where American rock band Journey, featuring Filipino singer Arnel Pineda, had a show held on March 14 also this year, gathering an estimated 50,000-strong crowd.

Then again, like the heroic Biblical character also named David, the production outfit is called Fearless

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No other dream for Archuleta than singing

MANILA, Philippines - Other than singing, no other dream has ever occupied American Idol Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta.

“I don’t really have any other dream," he said during an interview aired over Magic 89.9’s radio show Friday.

According to the 18-year-old singer-songwriter, he would probably even settle for a small-time career just so he would get to practice his music.

“If it weren’t an international career, it [would] probably [be] at least a domestic career," he said.

And despite his acting stints on Nickelodeon’s iCarly and Disney’s Hannah Montana, Archuleta said that he’s probably not made for acting either.

“Before until recently I thought I couldn’t act, I’d say I’m a terrible actor," he said jokingly.

He said, however, that the quick appearances were “a lot of fun."

“But for now, I’m definitely interested in mainstream music," he was quick to add.

The Idol star, on the other hand, said that he recognizes how music and acting careers tend to become short-lived.

“I don’t know how long it will last, as much as I’d love to have a career in singing all my life and make a living off of it, you don’t know what can happen, sometimes it even lasts even for a year," he said.

With that in mind, Archuleta said, it’s really important to keep one’s education “ongoing."

“It’s an important thing to have there, education always comes in handy anyway," he said.

He added that besides choir period – which he said probably doesn’t count – his favorite academic subject would be English.

“I really liked English, I’m really bad at writing papers, but everything else I just love it," he said.

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David Cook and David Archuleta overwhelmed by the support of their Filipino fans

All is set for the back-to-back concert of American Idol Season 7 winner David Cook and runner-up David Archuleta tonight, May 16, at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. And based on the reception that the two Davids are getting from the Filipino audience, during their live guestings and live performances, their concert is destined to become one of the biggest concerts this year.

Two nights before their concert, Cook and Archuleta met the press last May 14, at the Isla Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City. The two singers gladly answered all questions from the press, and the press in turn was able to take a peek into the deeper side of these American idols,, now also Filipino idols.

TWO DAVIDS. Months before they arrived in Manila, there were already talks that David Cook and David Archuleta will visit here and do a concert separately. So when Fearless Productions, the producer of the concert, announced that they will be bringing not one but two Davids in Manila to perform in one concert, all American Idol fanatics here in the Philippines rejoiced!

PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked about the factor that made them agree to do a concert here in the Philippines.

"The fact of the reason is they asked," David Cook said matter-of-factly. "I mean, as I've said a lot in my interviews, and I mean what I say, I just wanna play anywhere, everywhere... So when the question was brought up, it's like an easy guess. I mean, to travel half around the world, that's awesome."

The younger of the two, David Archuleta, pretty much agree on what his namesake said. He added, "Just you know, being able to give something back to the fans here... The Filipinos are definitely big supporters of American Idol. It's really great to be able to come here and do a show for them."

What was their first impression of the Philippines before coming here?

"There were two people who gave me a little bit of info about the Philippines before I got here—an old high school friend of mine who traveled and studied in Manila, and Ramiele Malubay from the show [American Idol]. Basically, they told me how beautiful this country is and how nice the people are... They're very nice," David said with a smile.

But the Davids have no idea how big they are here until they saw for themselves the euphoria that their presence has created among the Filipino fans.

Cook told the press about the experience he and Archuleta had when they tried to go to a mall just across from where they are staying. "There's maybe a hundred and two people following us at the mall and that doesn't happen at home. It was really very humbling," he related.

But this is nothing compared to the very warm welcome they got when they appearad on a couple of TV shows in GMA-7 and during their mall tours. It is also expected that their concert tonight will have a huge turnout.

THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL. Many American Idol fans consider the seventh edition as the best season ever, when Cook and Archuleta battled it out on the finals. In the end, however, it was the 26-year old Cook who won over the 18-year-old Archuleta.

Same time last year, they were on the finals of American Idol. This year, on the 8th season of the most popular show in the United States, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen will face-off in the finals to determine who among them will be crowned the next American Idol.

PEP asked the two Davids who they think would win and why.

"It's really tough for both of us...I got this theory that the same person that wins every year is Simon Cowell!" Cook quipped.

Archuleta, on the other hands, said: "I haven't really been able to watch all the shows... I think they're both great. I'm really impressed for both have skills in different ways of music, and I'm really interested in seeing where both of them will go... They're really talented guys."

THE PRICE OF SUCCESS. After their American Idol stint, both Cook and Archuleta have been busy touring the world to promote their respective self-titled albums. What is the hardest part of being where they are now—successful international recording artists?

Cook: "I'm very close to my family...I think I can speak for the two of us. We've all been given an amazing level of support from our family that allows us to do stuff like this, to be able to chase this stuff while we're young and have the opportunity."

Archuleta: "You know, one thing that's really difficult was being away from home, being away from my family. I love traveling and stuff, and it's always a lot of fun. But just being able to hang out with your brothers and sisters and friends, it's always fun. I feel kinda bad sometimes, like, 'Oh, I'm missing out...' You know?"

Someone asked, what is the best thing about being Davod Cook?

The older David replied, "The best thing about being David Cook right now, honestly, is the same thing that was best in me two years ago, I don't know... This is all amazing, it's great. But it's a phase, you know what I mean? I certainly want this to last for a long time, but it can easily fall apart tomorrow.

"I got great friends, great family. They really don't care. So the people I get in tow, they'll be the first people who kinda keep me in check. So I don't wanna get caught up in this that much."

What song best describes their life now or a song that they can relate to?

Cook mentioned "Living in the Fast Lane" by the Eagles, while Archuleta answered "These Words" by Natasha Bedingfield.

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American Idols on adoring Pinoys: So humbling

MANILA, Philippines—David Cook, “American Idol” Season 7 champion, didn’t realize how much Filipinos love him until he walked over to the mall across the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City where he was billeted.

Recognizing the rocker who had gotten more than 90 million text votes in last season’s “Idol” and who already sold a million records, Pinoys started following Cook inside Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

The 26-year-old native of Houston, Texas, who’s performing in a back-to-back concert with “Idol” runner-up David Archuleta Saturday night at the Mall of Asia open-air grounds in Pasay City, expressed mild shock.

“That doesn’t happen at home at all. It’s very unnerving and also humbling,” he said.

Tickets with seats—especially the front rows priced as high as P12,000—were reportedly all sold out. The venue has a capacity of more than 50,000.

A press conference held Thursday night at the Edsa Shangri-La’s Isla Ballroom attracted an unusually large crowd. The strictly by-invitation affair turned into an open house as children of journalists and others lucky enough to be there slipped past security with glee.

A sumptuous dinner was served.

It seemed like an eternity before the program started, as dozens of photographers clicked away nonstop, with Cook and Archuleta flashing disarming smiles with nary a complaint.

Radio DJ Mo Twister, acting as presscon moderator, stressed that the concert was not part of a tour, and was actually a special full-length performance featuring two different artists.

Archuleta turns 18

Asked what made them agree to come to Manila as a team despite being busy with their own respective solo shows, the two Davids replied with enthusiasm.

“I just want to play anywhere and everywhere people want us to,” Cook said. “So when they asked us, it was an easy yes. To travel halfway around the world and share the stage with a friend of mine, that’s awesome.”

Archuleta noted that “Filipinos are very supportive of ‘American Idol’ and it sure feels great to come here and do a show.”

Asked if there was anything special about turning 18, which he did recently, Archuleta deadpanned: “You can go to jail for a lot more things now.”

Upon hearing the remark, Cook laughed out loud.

Death in the family

Only a week ago, Cook was grieving the loss of his elder brother Adam, who died after years of suffering from brain cancer. It forced Cook to cancel some dates in his tour—fueling speculations that his Manila gig with Archuleta would be called off.

“I’m very close to my family,” Cook said, citing filial bond as one of the things that suffered with his newfound fame.

Archuleta, born in Miami, Florida, said he felt the same way, adding: “Travel is a lot of fun, but I miss hanging out with my brothers and sisters.”

Who will win ‘Idol’ 8?

The hectic schedule of performing separately has prevented Cook and Archuleta from watching this year’s “Idol” eliminations.

While they’re not particularly rooting for anyone, Cook said: “It’s still anybody’s game.”

Likewise, Archuleta was non-partisan. “Both are great, they have different skills,” he said, referring to Season 8 final contenders Adam Lambert and Kris Allen.

A question from the Philippine Daily Inquirer had Cook and David fumbling for an answer: If they were given a chance to write a song that could inspire people to change for the better, what kind of song would that be and why?

Cook stammered and couldn’t give a definite reply. After a few moments, he said that a number of shows he did for the US military was “inspiring enough.”

Archuleta, on the other hand, said that all songs have their own way of inspiring people.

‘Life in the fast lane’

It also took a while before Cook could answer what song best describes him at the moment. But he seemed very sure when he blurted: “Life in the Fast Lane” by the Eagles.

For his part, Archuleta—fondly called Archie by fans—was at a loss for words. He was really a kid who could not hide the overwhelming emotions brought by fame at a young age.

And while Cook said he hoped all the attention would last forever, he believes this is just a phase and that he’s fortunate to have a family by his side.

Trích dẫn :

MANILA, Philippines - American Idol Season 7 winners David Cook and
David Archuleta arrived in Manila on Tuesday. Cook set foot at the
Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 at around 1 p.m.
Archuleta came at around 3 p.m. On May 16, at 8 p.m., the two Idols
will hold a back-to-back concert at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds,
produced by local actor Jomari Yllana’s Fearless Productions. Cook was
a 25-year-old bartender and long-time struggling artist who became the
victor of the 7th season of American Idol. He was noticed for his
original version of pop songs, most notably of Michael Jackson’s
“Billie Jean" and Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby." Archuleta, on the
other hand, was the season’s first runner-up. In 2007, he became one of
the youngest finalists in the reality talent show competition. He is
now an 18-year-old singer-songwriter who has also made appearances in
television shows like Disney’s Hannah Montana. Both of the Idols’
albums landed within the Top 3 of the Billboard charts upon their
release.

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Manila, Philippines - Qúan quân Thần tượng âm nhạc Mỹ mùa 7 - David Cook và Á quân David Archuleta đến Manila vào ngày thứ 3. Cook đặt chân đến Sân bay Quốc tế Ninoy Aquino, ga 1 vào lúc 1 giờ chiều. Archuleta đến lúc 3 giờ chiều. Vào ngày 16/5, 8 giờ tối, hai Thần tượng sẽ tổ chức một buổi hoà nhạc liên tục tại Sân khấu Trung tâm mua sắm Châu Á, tổ chức bởi Hãng Fearless của diễn viên người Philippines Jomari Yllana. Cook đã là một người pha chế rượu và một nghệ sĩ có sự nghiệp khá gian nan, cho đến khi trở thành người chiến thắng ở chương trình American Idol mùa thứ 7. Anh được chú ý bởi những bản nhạc pop được hát lại theo phong cách của mình, đặc biệt là "Billie Jean" của Micheal Jackson và "Always be my baby" của Mariah Carey. Mặt khác, Archuleta là Á quân của mùa giải. Vào năm 2007, anh là một trong những thí sinh nhỏ tuổi nhất trong cuộc thi này. Bây giờ, anh là một ca-nhạc sĩ 18 tuổi và xuất hiện ở một số chương trình TV như "Hannah Montana" của Disney. Cả hai album của họ đều leo đến hạng thứ 3 của bảng xếp hạng Billboard.

Trích dẫn :

David Archuleta impressed by Kapuso singers

Trích dẫn :

American Idol Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta brought the house down when he performed live on the GMA-7 morning show SIS Thursday morning.

Singers from the Kapuso Network serenaded him with their interpretation of David's own songs and American Idol hits like Crush, Long and Winding Road, And I Am Telling You, Angels, and Touch My Hand.

David narrated that he started to sing at the tender age of six. "First thing that got me into music pretty much was when I watched the 10th anniversary tour of Les Miserables. I was 6 and I couldn't stop watching it!"

Trích dẫn :

The first song he learned, also from Les Miserables, was "Castle on the Cloud."

He also considers Kelly Clarkson, American Idol Season 1 winner, as the most influential person in his life. "She's one of the people I really admire and look up to," he said.

One of the most awaited finale nights in the history of the American Idol was the battle of the Davids wherein his namesake, David Cook, emerged as the winner American Idol Season 7.

Despite of his loss in the past AI season, David has become a popular singer not only in the United States but other countries as well.

Trích dẫn :

A native of Utah, David was known for his pop ballads throughout the show. In August 2008, he released his first single, Crush, from his self-titled debut album. It ranked at No. 2 on its first release at the Billboard Top 100, beating Rihanna's Disturbia. As of March 2009, the self-titled album that was released in November 2008, sold over 690,000 copies across the United States.

IMPRESSED BY FILIPINOS. David revealed that he is a huge fan of Jason Mraz, along with his other favorite performers Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Natasha Bedingfield, Natalie Cole, Mariah Carey, and a lot more.

"These people have an impact on me. I love music!"

David is also fond of Philippine mangoes. "Yeah, I love mangoes. I ate two of them this morning."

Trích dẫn :

After hearing Kyla's interpretation of his song, David exclaimed, "Filipinos are so good and amazingly talented!"

And after Pinoy Pop Superstar balladeer Harry Santos sang his piece, David quipped, "It's like, I feel stupid being here now. It was like, oh my gosh, why am I here?"

He described the Kapuso singers as "perfectly harmonized."

Trích dẫn :

David then thanked the Pinoy fans who warmly welcomed him in his first visit in the country. "I'm like so amazed by, like how many fans are right here. Thank you guys so much! It's been great so far and I'm really excited on Saturday!"

A lot of young people look up to David but the 18-year-old said that this was not planned. "It's really cool. It's not like I was trying to be a role model. You just have to be yourself!"

"Knowing that, trying to, you know, trying to be a good person even though I'm weird and stuff. It's good to know that it helps kids and you know, to see that they are inspired to music."

Trích dẫn :

GIFTS FROM SIS. During the latter part of the show, SIS hosts Carmina Villaroel, Gelli de Belen, and Janice de Belen presented their gifts to David.

When he opened one of the gift boxes, David thought it was a shirt but it turned out to be a Barong Tagalog designed by Pepsi Herrera.

Miniature Filipino symbols like a jeepney, an ice cream cart, a Juan dela Cruz figure wearing a barong Tagalog, and a tiny nipa hut and a coconut tree inside a bottle were also given to him.