Fans have been tweeting David Archuleta words of encouragement this evening at a dizzying pace.
So I guess it’s true. The guy who was the runner-up in season seven of Idol, who appeared to be the judges’ favorite throughout that season, is no longer a member of the Jive record label, having been released or dropped.
I figured that if I waited until this evening to address the issue in a blog, one of David’s hometown papers in the Salt Lake area would surely have gotten to the bottom of the matter.
They haven’t. So we’re left to draw deductions from a couple of tweets from his former management team and the unnamed source who told Hollywood Reporter on Friday that “David was released from our roster.”
It caps a strange couple of months for the former Idol finalist, who has one of the most devoted fan bases you’ll ever find.
On one hand, David’s been featured at a number of high-profile events, appearing on NBC’s Skate for Heart in mid-January, starring on FOX’s New Years Eve Live, and performing in front of thousands at the Children’s Medical Center Holiday Parade in Dallas in early December.
And when Billboard asked folks to vote for their favorite album of 2010, those loyal David Archie fans made his “The Other Side of Down” number one. That’s right, number one. In front of Eminem’s “Recovery,” Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now,” Taylor Swift’s “Speak Now” and all the rest.
Ah, but online votes are not CD sales, and if the numbers I’m reading everywhere are correct, “The Other Side” has sold a paltry 63,000 copies. And I kept checking David’s website for news of a tour to support the album. It never materialized.
In contrast, his debut album was certified gold in a matter of months; and the Christmas album David released in the fall of 2009 was well received, selling nearly 250,000 copies according to one source I saw.
To my ears, “The Other Side of Down” is David’s best album yet. But it was also released to a fickle public enraptured by new pop sensations like Justin Bieber and Kei$ha. And it was released in the highly competitive period right before the holiday shopping season, when lots of artists are rushing new music to fans.
True to form, David seems to be taking the latest development in stride. And remaining upbeat.
I’ve interviewed the guy twice about upcoming concerts in this area. He always comes across as humble and gracious.
And he might not have a record contract with Jive, but he still has that voice. More than one of this year’s Idol contestants cited his performance of “Imagine” as their favorite Idol moment ever.
Since Friday, David has sent out tweets thanking fans for their support, to let them know that “I am excited for the opportunities ahead” and that “things are going where I feel they should.”
I’m sure we’ll find out where that is in a matter of time. Give that voice, I have no doubt we’ll be hearing more from David.
Editor’s Note: For a look back at David’s September performance at the Pullo Center in York, go here.
For a look back at his Idol performances, click on the 9 Years of Idol link above, the click on his name under Season 7.
American Idol Billboard David Archuleta Jive New Year's Eve Live season seven Skate for Heart The Other Side of Down
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47 Comments
Thank you for this fair/balanced blog. We haven’t heard the last of David Archuleta..no doubt in my mind because that VOICE is unstoppable as is his tremendous SPIRIT! Shine on, David!!! <3
David will be back…have no fear. A talent and heart like David’s cannot be denied. He is one class act, and has only just begun!
Thanks for the great write-up Mark. Yes, we will be hearing more from David Archuleta, and hopefully he will be working with a label that promotes his music. It’s amazing to me that so many people are just now learning that he put out a 2nd pop album — proof that Jive failed big-time in that regard. I actually think David made up his mind quite some time ago to leave Jive once his contractual obligations were fulfilled. It just wasn’t a good fit, and with the departure of Barry Weiss and Jeff Fenster from the label I don’t think there was anyone left there he felt comfortable working with him and who actually cared about developing him as a recording artist.
Aw, Mark. Thanks so much for this post. I was waiting for one from you..Yep, it’s been a rough few days for David and his fans. And it’s hard to understand why TOSOD didn’t sell. We know that upon its release, the CEO of JIVE was resigning, & David’s A&R Rep had announced his resignation, too. Also, David didn’t have management at the time. Between it all, the CD had no promotion or a push from JIVE for radioplay. I honestly think it got lost in the shuffle..And maybe David & JIVE didn’t see eye-to-eye on who he should be, or what he should sing. Regardless, he is very loved & incredibly talented. You’re absolutely right. We haven’t heard the last from him. No way.
A beautiful, well-researched article that actually adds value to the 140 character “news” that we so often get. Thank you for being a true journalist.
“That voice” has me a forever-fan.
Great write up, thank you! Yes, we def. haven’t heard the last from David Archuleta — 67,000 in sales is impressive, imo, for an album that received zero promotion from its label. Which is a shame because it’s such a great CD, soulful pop at its best — especially the title track, “Stomping the Roses,” “Elevator” and the heart-breakingly personal “My Kind of Perfect”. It’s no surprise Archie dumped Jive — he’ll no doubt find another team who’ll be a better match for his talent and work ethic.
Thank you for this respectful article. Most articles I’ve seen have been inaccurate and even mean. I agree with everything you said here 🙂 I’ve been a fan since Idol, and this entire journey has been amazing.
We’ve stuck by David through the good and the bad, and will continue to support him until the very end. And it’s definitely not the end yet. I look forward to what the future holds for David, and for the fans 🙂
Thank you so much for such a well written actual “article”.
We love David Archuleta, his music, his character, and that unique one in a million voice.
Thank you for your article! David Archuleta is the best LIVE performer I’ve seen. His voice is timeless! And his new CD, The Other Side of Down is the best album I’ve bought in years or maybe ever!
Actually it wasn’t just some of the contestants that said Imagine was their favorite, Jennifer Lopez said that same thing in an interview after she was named one of the new judges. Also, David sang with Utah’s Mormon Tabernacle Choir for I think 4 nights this past Christmas….Sell out crowd every night they said. He is amazing and to tell the truth how he even sold 65,000 albums without any radio play and no promotion from Jive is beyond me. I thought Jive wanted to make money…they had a goldmine in David if they had gotten him radio play etc. Look at Crush…it sold 2 million because they got it radio play. I am so discussed with Jive I don’t know what to do, but as far as I know he may have been the one that wanted released. He couldn’t be any worse off with no promotion…NOTHING
Thank you Mr. Franklin for this post and for appreciating David’s talent. David has a BRIGHT future ahead of him; not doubt about that. He’s one of a kind; he’s amazingly talented and a remarkable human being. True success is on his way.
Thanks for your great write-up. I absolutely agree, we haven’t heard the last from David. Loved David’s tweets, he seems to be very optimistic, just like he should be. Who knows just what is in the works for him. With his incredible talent, there is know way he is going away. Have high hopes for David, have been a fan from day one and always will be.
Thank you for your positive article.
“It caps a strange couple of months for the former Idol finalist, who has one of the most devoted fan bases you’ll ever find.”
David’s fans are ready,willing and able to support him through thick and thin.
Thru thick and thin? Archuleta is a great talent and great person to boot. He has hundreds of thousands of followers on twitter. I don’t see that most of his fans stepped up and supported his latest effort, The Other Side of Down. Instead of making him #1 on all these polls the fans should have been supporting him in sales.
Thank you Mark! I’m one of the loyal fans who loved TOSOD and is excited for what he does next. 🙂
Thanks for the article! You missed one big performance this past year – David was also the guest performer this year for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert series – such an honor. He also performed in Orla Fallon’s Celtic Christmas on PBS and Fox New Years Eve. His album was released at a bad time – his A&R and another manager were leaving Jive around the same time, and David was between management himself, and his album and singles didn’t get proper promotion, not even on his own web sites which were run by the record company. It’s great album. I sure hope David keeps singing. There is no voice I would rather listen to.
Everyone seems to assume David was dropped but I’m not that sure. Please find out if David was released or dropped. Maybe you can ask his ex-manager. She seems to have some loose lips lol.
Selling a pop album is not the same today as it was even 2 1/2 years ago when “David Archuleta”, the debut CD came out. I agree that TOSOD is a solid CD, with very solid reviews, but David has told his fans he is excited for the future and I, for one, believe him. And David will tell his fans what that future is when he is ready. We are a passionate bunch, but we know how to wait for something worth waiting for 😉
Thanks Mr. Franklin for a balanced article. Please continue to write about David…we’d love to hear more from you! And he is definitely worth writing about!
“To my ears, “The Other Side of Down” is David’s best album yet” is music to my ears. David’s music needs to be heard by way more people. The Other Side of Down reflects who he is as an artist and person of integrity and beautiful heart.
Not everyone will be a David Archuleta fan…but if they’re honest, they can’t deny his incredible talent and one of a kind voice. I am a fan and I am EXCITED about what his future holds. I expect he will sign with a label who will allow him to BE David and hopefully not try to mold him into something he is not. I agree that TOSOD was his best pop album. I love a number of it’s songs and listen to them daily.
Thank you for such a positive take on this change in David’s career. We all have a lot to look forward to.
At first I was sad and angry hearing about David’s release from Jive. After some careful consideration, I think it’s for the best. David is such a talented and versatile singer but yet he never seemed to be appreciated or supported properly by Jive. I hope he ends up where he is happy, where he can be creative and true to himself as an artist. If that means less sales and publicity overall then so be it. I think a true artist (like David) is more concerned about feeding his soul than padding his bank account.
Great article by the way- one of the few non-negative pieces about the split from Jive.
I’m sure the split was mutual, David and jive just weren’t compatible. He has a devoted fan base & mega talented, I’m sure he will be signed by a label more suitable for him (if it’s not done already).
Thanks for the fair assessment of the situation and not jump to conclusion based on rumors. I appreciate your professionalism which is rare nowadays.
Thanks for that great article, David is really one of a kind. I would really like to know, how many cds were sold outside of the USA, i find it hard to believe that 67,000 cds included ones sold outside the USA. He was so popular in Asia, their radio stations played his music all the time, why there and not here? We requested his music all the time it did no good.Could you answer this
and find out the total sale of cds? I don’t trust Jive Thanks Nora
I so appreciated your article and favorable write up of David. He is without a doubt a remarkable human being and brilliant artist. I for one will continue to support him and when he has more concerts I will be there. If you have never experienced a live concert by him you are missing something very special!
Go DAvid….. everythings will WORK OUT JUST FINE…WE your fans will going to support you……. we’ll be here for you!!!! WE LOVE YOU….
Thanks you so much for posting this. I think someone great will pick David up if they already haven’t. He does have the best male voice in the world. He has a large fan base.
Yes we have- no record label, or management co.wants him- he has no swagga- and without that he has little,or no star-power in this day and age…
Haha, if it makes u feel better to bash a hard working harmless sweet young man than you must not be a very happy person. Hope your life gets better, good luck.
It’s sad when people seem to think that you have to be or act like something your not to sell albums ie Beiber who acts like a “Punk” little kid or probably swagga as you might call it,but then again look who is managing him Usher who also happens to be a womanizer.So to me being true to yourself is what really matters in this world and David has something that no artist can take away from him and that’s his golden voice and a fan base that doesn’t threaten violence everytime something doesn’t go their way.
Jane,
I am sorry that you could come up with that immature thing to say. I can tell you are young. Do you know even Kelly Clarkson has had problems with her labels and always tried to fight for the kind of music she wants instead of what labels want her to do? Everyone knows his talent and being released from Jive could be a blessing in disguise. Because Jive is infamous for not spending much money to promote artists. He fought hard for the kind of music in the last album, at age 19, and will find a way to keep creating music without flashing his underwear, simulating sex on stage, kissing girls for prize or losing dignity for sleazy fame.
David Archuleta is amazing! He is such a talented singer/songwriter/author. His fans are loyal and we are excited to see what happens next. We are here to support David forever!
I can’t wait to see and “hear” what he comes up with next!!
I’m an admittedly over invested fan who felt terribly hurt for David when the news came out. Now I feel extremely happy for him. I think he could find a major label easily, but I bet he wants to find an indie label so he can just do his thing without the pressures of having to conform to mainstream.
Thank you for the respectful article. I have no doubt that the future holds a multitude of opportunities for David to share his gift of music and inspiration with us. And we will be here to support David 100%. Let’s not forget his incredible performances with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in December, which will be relased on DVD this fall. There is always more to look forward to with David, and we have patience, as he pursues his love of music and message.
David Archuleta has an undeniable talent and work ethic… he will find a way and move on!
David will be signed by another label. He is very talented. Jive is having all kinds of problems. He was smart to get away from them.
Nice professional report. Thanks for your patience. Most articles published over the weekend were a knee jerk reaction to a tweet from a manager that was dropped by David. David was released most likely because he has fulfilled his three year contract and is looking forward to new opportunities. We are anxious for him to let us know his plans when he is ready.
He is one of the most talented singers out there and puts on a fantastic LIVE performances which we fans know only too well.
The DVD and CD will be released this late summer/early fall of his performances with the Morman Tabernacle Choir done Dec,2010.
I am a UK fan and love David Archuleta. He will come out on top, we are so fortunate to have an artist who cares so passionately about his music, to the point where he refuses to allow the powers that be to mould him for a quick buck, but who wants to remain true and real to himself and to his fan base. David is going to have a long, successful career in the music business and he already has the respect of much of the industry. So happy to be on this journey with David and his multitude of fans … he is like the Pied Piper of Music .. sing David and we will follow 🙂
I want to congratulate David for the past 3 very productive and profitable teenage years and looking forward to bigger and better things for him as a young adult!
Thank you for the article.
I did appreciate that article. Kinda think you the author are a David Archuleta Fan.
Sadly there are articles that bash not just David A. But articles and twitter comments from us who are Archie Fans, that are down right mean. My hope is that if @DavidArchie fans read this post, that we not be poor disciples of the way David acts. Let act like him and not contribute to the mayhem.
We know that David will be around for years. We as his almost 600,000 twitter fans and 1.3 plus or minus facebook fans will find him and carry him on our backs if we have to.
ROCK ON DAVID ARCHULETA.
hi everyone, Lets all show David how much we support him by buying a copy of his cdThe Other Side Of Down, or downloading it on ITunes or Amazon, I purchased one at Targets on Saturday, we can do this for David after all he does for others. Please do it for David
Thanks Nora
David is the best singer for me!! He’s amazing I still waiting for new songs, more videos, more concerts, but especially the spanish album… latinos love David =) So I still supporting my lovely Archie♥
Nice article! Thanks for the complimentary remarks about a wonderful, young artist!
Whether David was dropped, released, or just didn’t resign, I’m glad he’s finally done with that label! He’s on his way now to work on the kind of music that he probably always hoped to do. It’s only the beginning, folks!
i’m sick of all the headlines saying jive dumped david archuleta. i firmly believe david broke off relations with jive. i certainly wouldn’t blame him if that were the case. they’ve done nothing to support his new album. if they had, he would’ve sold many more albums. this album is very well done and has some awesome songs on it. david will do just fine. i’m proud that he stays true to himself and he will continue to be successful. david has only just begun and i’m a true fan that will stay loyal to him as he travels on his journey. rock on david.
I believe David is doing exactly as he wants to do. He has talked about decision making and how hard making them are sometimes. He then decides to work on that personal goal and makes well-thought, concise decisions to part ways and forge ahead. I couldn’t be more excited about the future musical journey in Archuleta-Land!
Thanks for a great article. I appreciate your professionalism.