September 23, 2009 
First of all, I would like to thank my adorable 3.75 year-old granddaughter and 34-year-old daughter for giving me a lovely cold virus.
Their generosity is truly remarkable in that it has forced me to stay away from the computer and this website over the past couple of days. But, we are a close and loving family and thus explains my recent bout with the “sniffles”.
Despite my absence, I have received numerous emails about David Archuleta’s outstanding and inspiring performance of ” Contigo En La Distancia” (With You While You Are Away) at the 2009 ALMA Awards.
Let me just say that, if you have not seen or heard David’s Spanish number, you are in for a very memorable musical treat. David’s artistry continues to enfold and soars to remarkable heights during the performance of this song.
Oftentimes, the refinement of his technical skills astounds me – he never veers from the proper technical approach in his singing style. Yet, at the same time, his voice sounds fluid, relaxed, liberated and soulful.
His Spanish pronunciation is exquisite and meaningful. He feels every word, every nuance and, thus, is the key to David Archuleta’s musical gifts. He is a vocal narrator of the highest order and makes absolutely certain that his musical heart and passion reaches the center of our soul.
And, did you notice the depth of his lower range at the beginning of the main section of the song, as he sang the words “No hay bella melodia”? The rich timbre of his baritone voice has definitely increased in volume – just gorgeous. This will continue to grow and flourish with each passing year.
In closing, the strong visual and aural presentation of this song was extraordinary. Enjoy the video included with this article and, as always, I invite your comments.
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I couldn’t agree more. David Archuleta was just great. What a beautiful performance. He is so talented.
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Can’t get enough of his stunning performance. I noticed right away his lower register baritone voice and LOVED IT!
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I have to agree about his lower register – it impressed me the most. It added such a richness to the performance. I thought it was very defining performance for David. A lovely gift to the Latino community. A lovely gift to us. Thank you for the review.
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thank you for the review. Saw hi on Tv that night and it was thrilling and meaningful. Check out some of the reviews on David Chronicles and Souldavid.
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yay! thanks for the review. 🙂
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Wow, that was just too good! David really outdone himself this time. Thanks for the review.
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Thanks so much for taking the time to review!!
Really hope you feel better soon!!
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David is out-of-this-world brilliant..
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This performance still has me captivated. I need to hear it. I hear it now when I’m not listening. So gorgeous.
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Thank you so much for writing about David. I never tire of your insight into the technical and artistic intricacies of singing. And you take care, hugs!
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Thank you for an AWESOME review. David’s performance at the ALMAS was BEAUTIFUL!! I’ve been waiting for this day to arrive for a very long time – David singing a Spanish love ballad “Bolero”!! I knew he was going to kill me and that he did.
He left us all speechless, breathless and with our jaws on the floor. He was simply EXQUISITE!!
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I loved his performance!!! I love everything he sings!!!! Thanks for the review.
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Parfait! Merveilleux! Incroyable! David is the One! Bravo!
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Thanks again for a great review of David’s performance.
He does keep getting better as time goes by and he is surely captivating audiences all over the world and gaining more and more fans with his amazing talent!
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thanks MCL! I couldn’t imagine a performance as spectacular as this one going by without your thoughtful remarks. Somehow the experience wasn’t complete without you :)))
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I too was waiting for your review on his performance!
I am still in awe when listening to it and yes it gets stuck in your head! LOL
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Hi and thank you – we have been waiting to hear from you on this amazing performance! I loved every word you said!
Would you answer a two-part question for me? How rare is it, at age 18, to have such proper technique? Would you say that, based upon what we have seen thus far from David, that he is vocally as brilliant as, or will be, the male ‘greats’ such as Nat King Cole, Jonny Mathis, etc?
Thanks!
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Thanks for the review ~ I was hoping we’d hear something from you. David has has a history of getting very nervous at these types of events ~ the visible “gulp” just before he starts is evident ~ but once he started ~ the confidence leaped in far quicker than we’re accustomed to ~ he really knocked this one out of the park ~ so proud of him ~ the recognition of his accomplishments were rewarded with a stellar performance ~ he took my breath away.
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Thank you MCL for making the time to review David’s performance. Stunning, sublime… words escape me. I really appreciate your insight.
Hope baby arrives safely and hope you are feeling better soon.
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Good morning all and thanks for (1) your wonderful comments and (2) for supporting a talent as incredible and singular as David Archuleta. He deserves global recognition and all of this and more will increase with time and continuous fan support.
Just a quick answer to FG who stated
It is very rare indeed to hear an 18-year-old MALE singer who possesses such a strong technical hold on his vocal delivery. Yet, it is even more rare to hear someone so young who sings with such depth and maturity. David is truly special and his talent, as I have said so often, is extraordinary. He is a vocal prodigy.
I feel that David will, over the course of time, be remembered as “one of the greatest pop singers” of the 21st century.
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thank you so much for your reply!!! and for your strong support of David!
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Oh, if you will indulge me – who is, in your opinion, the best male singer of all time, or maybe top 3 if it is too hard to narrow it down…. Thanks! 🙂
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David’s performance was powerful beautiful and out of this world. His Christmas Album will be magnificent! Thanks for your review. Spot on!
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MCL! Thanks again! I’m so happy to hear your take on this performance. I’m sorry you haven’t been feeling well so I appreciate you taking the time even more!
I can’t get this performance out of my head, but like that of “Imagine.” He’s such an artist and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to see him that way as well.
Get better MCL!
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Always wonderful to read your appraisal and description of David’s performances, thank you! Will include some of your post over at http://www.snowangelz.wordpress.com if that’s okay!
Hope you’re feeling better!
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Thank you so much for your beautiful review of David’s performance. It is nice to hear someone so respected as yourself, give us a more technical representation of why we love his voice so much! This particular performance really shows how much David’s voice is maturing, and yet, he continues to deliver with such depth and maturity that I am beside myself with awe. I absolutely cannot imagine that he will continue to improve! I mean, how? 🙂
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Thanks for your great review of David’s ALMA Awards performance MCL. It was well worth the wait! Hope you’re feeling better!
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Hey MasterClass Lady, sorry about your cold. Hope you get well soon. Like many others, I’ve been waiting for your review of this defining performance. I just knew you would mention David’s lovely baritone. He is a genius! And I agree that he will be remembered as “one of the greatest pop singers” of the 21st century. I’m so glad I lived long enough to hear him. Thank you so much for your excellent and informative critique.
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FG wrote:
For me, the best male singer in the pop genre has always been Sammy Davis Jr. His voice was timeless – it never aged, always sounded energized and vibrant and his musicality was extraordinary. Like David, he was a vocal prodigy.
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Hi Becky – thanks for stopping by! I am feeling better and you know I love David to pieces. He is quite simply THE BEST.
TOfan – yes, please feel free to add my commentary over at your wonderful site. Greetings also to Minna form DaBuzzing.Org.
To everyone, my thanks and appreciation for taking the time to provide feedback.!
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sammy david jr…
huh. i’ve never thought about him being a great singer before but then again i’ve never really heard him. i’ll go look up some of his live performances.
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Brava, masterclasslady…you are so right. David Archuelta is just sooooo good. When it gets right down to it, he is in a class by himself. I could listen to him every day, all day and I sometimes do!
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Thank so much for your replies! 🙂
Please know that if there is ever a cause you need help with, or if you personally need anything we can provide, tweet us and we shall don our archie angel wings and fly to you! 🙂
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FG – What a beautiful gesture. Thank you so very much for such a generous offer. You have just proven that David has the most loving and the most caring fans. 🙂
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You are so true. And it’s so pleasing to hear from someone with such high profession.
Thank you so much for your article. I hope anyone who has a heart and who listens to ‘Contigo en la distancia’ would appreciate this.
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Here’s Brooke White and Michael Johns along with Benton Paul and a veryyyy special guest singing
LET IT BE last night at the Murray Theater in Utah.
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I hate to be the spoilsport, but I just wanted to give you a little different perspective.
I was an early fan of David Archuleta’s, but my early devotion to him has dimmed over time. It isn’t that I don’t think he has a tremendous talent, nor do I feel he falls technically short. I think he is an amazing vocalist.
What he lacks is the “IT” factor. Having “IT” is the difference between those who are stars and those who aren’t. There are plenty of people with less talent but more “IT” who have become long-term stars, while those with more talent but less ability to hold a crowd’s attention fade. That is what happened with me and David Archuleta. Do I think he suddenly lost some talent? Of course not! But I lost interest in watching him repeatedly.
To take MCL’s own example: Would I watch Sammy Davis? I would watch him sleep, that’s how interesting a person he was on stage. David sometimes puts me to sleep when he performs.
Being successful in the entertainment business isn’t just about talent . . .
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MCL for your review and for all others to enjoy… a superb vid of the above LET IT BE performance…jeanne, one question, have you been to a David concert? hav eyou seen him live?
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David’s talent never ceases to amaze. With all due respect to Brooke and Michael, this song truly comes alive when Archie hits the stage. He has mad, wicked talent and it is always such an immense honour and pleasure to watch this young man sing with such soulful passion. I can only imagine what the future holds for this very talented young man. His voice is extraordinary and his charisma – sublime.
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MCL <333
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“His voice is extraordinary and his charisma – sublime.” As usual, beautifully put, MCL. To me, David Archuleta is one of the most charismatic singers I’ve ever had the pleasure to watch/listen to.
But I’ll have to revisit Sammy D. Jr’s songs, as I’d always thought of him more as a movie personality.
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Janey, no, I haven’t seen him live, as I don’t live anywhere near where he performs. Perhaps he has a charisma onstage that just doesn’t come across on camera.
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jeanne, i’m curious, did you like the Contigo en la Distancia performance?
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I have to say, as a HUGE loyal fan, Contigo En La Distancia is one of my most favorite performances by David. And I don’t even speak Spanish!! After hearing and seeing his performance, I totally understand the appeal for opera. I know it may seem a bit silly to have this new-found appreciation or understanding toward opera fans, but one doesn’t need to understand the lyrics to TOTALLY receive the message and emotion of the song. I’m sure most opera fans don’t know Italian when they take in a show…and I certainly didn’t understand a thing David was singing at the ALMA’s. But I didn’t need to….I received the performer’s message loud and clear! David is amazing – thank you God for your gift to us. He changes lives, or at least enriches them through quality music. Can you imagine seeing him perform any of his Christmas songs? I can’t right now…it’s too much to comprehend! 🙂
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SherylNotCrow I am in complete agreement with you. David just knows how to convey the message of all he sings. I though am looking forward to the Christmas concerts. Just to see him live again will be worth it. They might have to carry me out on a stretcher but oh so worth it. lol 🙂
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Janey, I like Contigo en la Distancia a lot. I rewatched it just now to try to identify what it is that I experience when I watch him sing.
First, let me say that my personal distinterest in watching him perform does NOT mean that anyone who feels differently has bad taste. We just have different tastes. Sometimes I am boggled by the fact that someone else isn’t as wowed by a book, a movie, a singer, whatever, as I am, but I’ve come to understand that it’s just a matter of different strokes for different folks, and isn’t that a wonderful thing.
I think David has an extraordinary vocal instrument. Its purity is very compelling, and the maturity he has demonstrated in interpretation is surprising but gratifying.
I think I’m just not interested in watching him perform. I have no problem with buying his CDs; I think he’s a great recording artist. From a performing standpoint, however, I just prefer artists who work a little harder at getting my attention. That isn’t David’s style, and I’m not suggesting it should be. He’s a quiet, unassuming guy — he’s got to bring to the stage who he is, and clearly, for a lot of people, what he brings is plenty.
And perhaps at least some of my lack of interest in watching him has to do with his eyes — one-third of the time they are closed, one third of the time they are trying to close, and one-third of the time they are actually looking at something in the distance. I prefer artists who can maintain greater eye contact than David is able to do at this point.
I probably should have kept my mouth shut; I didn’t really want to rain on anyone’s parade. I don’t remember why it seemed important at the time that I comment, it just did.
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Jeanne – no reason to feel bad in having your own opinion. You expained yourself well and I respect that. If everyone felt the same way about everything, this world would be an awefully boring place.
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jeanne, I’m always interested in what others think…especially when their opinion differs from mine, hence I ask a lot of questions. It was interesting to read your thoughts…I bet David would like to know about them as well…he’s a great student and wouldn’t take offense at all :))))
i’m very glad you didn’t keep your mouth shut…this isn’t a David fansite, it’s a place to discuss vocal technique and stage performances. You did just fine.
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I’m really looking forward to MCL’s post on David’s Christmas CD release. I know a few songs have been leaked (and I had to listen, I mean, really!) but I’m most anxious to hear everyone’s opinion on this great compilation. The spirit truly soars through David, and most especially as he sings spiritual songs. 🙂
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I haven’t been able to do much on the web in the last week, so am only getting back here now. Thank you, awestruck and janey, for making it okay for me to have a different point of view. That generosity is one of the reasons that I have always had a great deal of respect for this website!
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stunning! Love this clip. If you haven’t heard his Christmas CD, GET IT! It’s out of this world beautiful. I downloaded it the day it was available and I have a hard copy coming from Amazon. I’m sure the Masterclass lady will say this…It’s fantastic!
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Hello all!
I haven’t been here in a long while, but I found out about David Archuleta’s Christmas album and came here to see what else was going on and what do I find? This exquisite video that brought tears to my eyes.
I am writing this still with tears in my eyes. I am so proud of my sweet, dearest David! To see how he has grown as an artist is a joy to behold. He is so much more comfortable performing on stage. I love the maturity I see both in his vocals and his stage presence. I don’t know spanish, but I could feel the emotion of the song.
My goodness, how David’s lower register has improved. At no point did he lose even a single vowel. This is a sign of vocal prowess that is remarkable. He was pitch perfect – yes, me and my picky ears were so happy! I just am stunned at how much he has come into his own as an artist. I listened to some of the songs from his Christmas cd on itunes. I just heard the 30 second preview, but that was more than enough! When I heard Ave Maria, that is when I was reduced to tears. It’s a song that usually makes me dissolve into tears anyway, but David’s voice was so pure, poignant and beautiful. It took my breath away.
I have to get his cd! This was a brilliant idea to show off his voice. All of my favorite Christmas songs are included. I couldn’t be more proud of David if I was his mother.
David, my little Archie – you are growing up to be an magnificent singer. That potential I heard when you were on American Idol is now blossoming and in full bloom. What a precious gift you have and use it well!
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