[Article] "It's all about those emotional and heartfelt songs."

Trích dẫn :: avid Archuleta on life after 'American Idol'; he performs Monday at The Intersection in Grand Rapids
by Lorilee Craker | The Grand Rapids Press

When David Archuleta was in Grand Rapids last year, he was riding high at the crest of the "American Idols" live tour. But this year's visit has the teen sensation riding even higher, headlining his own concert Monday at The Intersection.

"I love doing my own shows. Everyone who comes out to the show actually paid to come watch you perform, which is a strange thought if you really think about it -- haha," Archuleta said in an interview from a tour stop. "The crowd feels a lot more intimate, and I feel like I'm at a more personal level at my own shows. There's just a great vibe that I feel from the audience, and it only makes me want to put on a better show."

Monday's date is one of few solo shows this summer for "Idol"'s season-seven runner-up, who is touring with teen queen Demi Lovato. Archuleta's Intersection show essentially makes up for cancellation of a Lovato tour stop on the same date in Van Andel Arena. Promoters blamed the cancellation on a scheduling conflict. The tour plays DTE Energy Music Center in Clarkston on Tuesday.

Archuleta, 18, finished second on Fox's hugely popular reality singing competition. He released his self-titled debut album in November; the disc has sold more than 900,000 copies worldwide. "Crush," his first single, has been a big reason why.

"I was shocked, honestly (by the overwhelming response to the album); I didn't think I'd ever have a song that would be that successful or even a song that people would really like all that much," he said with a laugh. "I think the song had a message that everyone could relate to. Everyone goes through, or has gone through, those emotions of wondering if what they're feeling for someone is real or not, and if it is, could it turn out to be more than just a crush?"

Throngs of teenage girls have developed their own infatuations with "Archie," ever since the then-17-year-old took the "Idol" stage by storm in 2008 with his boy-next-door charm and powerful vocals. He lost in the finale to edgier, rockier David Cook.

The two are friends, great fans of one another, and have even performed together overseas in co-headlining shows in The Philippines. And unlike some other former "Idol" success stories, the Murray, Utah native speaks positively about his experience on the show.

"I keep hearing about (judge Paula Abdul's departure from 'Idol'), and I'm not exactly sure what's going on," he said. "I do think Paula was great to have on the show and always made an effort to understand where we were coming from. She wanted us to know she was there for us."

In the wake of "Crush," Archuleta is working on a follow-up pop album and a Christmas record, too.

"I'm really excited about the Christmas album, because it will show a side of music that I connected to on the show, but not so much with the pop music. It's all about those emotional and heartfelt songs."

The son of a Honduran mother and a Spanish/Northern European/Iroquois father, Archuleta approaches charity work with the same kind of zeal he gives to his music.

"Organizations like Invisible Children, Rising Star Outreach and ones involved with cancer and MS, have all been things we've been a part of," he said. "I have so much to thank (fans) for, because people can make big differences when they come together and help out in even the smallest ways."

Just days before his Grand Rapids appearance, Archuleta won Teen Choice Awards for breakout artist, love song (for "Crush") and music tour (with Lovato). Typically humble, the rising star still couldn't help but be thrilled by the recognition.

"I think the breakout artist (award) was the most surprising and exciting for me," Archuleta said. "Because it feels like I've been able to keep myself moving forward and continuing after 'American Idol'."

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