David Archuleta Singing “Imagine” (Video)
February 27, 2008 by Kath Skerry
It’s the performance everyone is talking about. In case you missed it, check out David Archuleta‘s performance of “Imagine” during last night’s AMERICAN IDOL.
It seems that “Imagine” is an old favorite of David’s. Here’s David Archuleta belting the same tune on a local TV show in Utah a few years back.
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Filed under American Idol, American Idol Recap
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I’m not an idol watcher or a fan of the show.
I understand that he needs to show off vocal range and everything, but he ruined that song. Imagine is a wonderful song for its simplicity musically and the complexity in the meaning of the lyrics.
I did see it live and I was blown away by it, really blown away. I love the song as sung by Lennon, who doesn’t, but I also really enjoyed the vocal phrasing David gave it. He is an amazing talent, IMO. Course a year ago I said the same thing about Melinda and she didn’t get the top dog prize. But mark my words, David A is going places.
Ryan, I love you, you know I do but you’re always such a negative Nellie 🙂 ha ha ha!! I kid, I kid.
Well in defense of the arrangement and performance, I don’t think David’s version took any of the passion away from the original song. It wasn’t like her turned it into a rock ballad or anything. “Imagine” is one of my very favorite songs of all time and I wasn’t offended in the least by David’s interpretation.
That being said, to each their own and if you didn’t like it then that’s your right.
Ryan, You could not be more wrong… He was not at all trying to show off his vocal range on this performance. He didn’t look like he was even trying throughout the whole song? I can honestly say that I think this was one of the most intelligent renditions of Image I have ever heard in my life. Not just Imagine, but this “interpretation” of a song is one of the most intelligent I have ever heard of any song being performed differently. It was controlled, felt, subtle and powerful… Give him his trophy now…
The message of the song itself is not as powerful with those vocal embellishments, in my opinion, but he really showed that he had a beautiful voice. I was skeptical about him because children with beautiful voices don’t always have talent after the voice change, but he still has something there. It’s not the same huge voice he had, but it’s still very nice. 🙂
I actually didn’t like his performance. I think he played off the emotions that the song provokes and was really pretty mediocre in the singing department. If you forget how amazing the song is (which is pretty frickin amazing) and actually listen to his singing, its not quite what everyone is saying it is.
Overall, I’m not really impressed. I always look at whose CD I would buy to figure out who I like. In that department, I think he’s not at all marketable. I’d buy one of the rocker guys CDs first. 🙂 Just my opinion though.
Hey check out this blog, they have the mp3 of David Archuleta’s cover of John Lennon, It’s a great mp3 music blog, you can get the song here: http://popmusickingdom.blogspot.com/2008/02/mp3-video-david-archuleta-imagine.html
Davids rendition of Imagine should be released worldwide right this moment. The world needs those words repeated over and over and the tenderness of Davids voice and his youthful sincerity are truly a breath of fresh air.
I normally defer and say to each their own but Sara, I have to strenuously (but politely) disagree on his vocal ability. I’ve studied voice for years and this kid has one. Listen again without watching and maybe you’ll reconsider. You may be right about his marketability but when the .99 single of this comes up on iTunes, I bet more than .99 that it will be downloaded in the millions (me being one of them.)
So I can admit that the kid does have a great voice, but I agree with Ryan in that I did not like that arrangement at all. I actually liked his performance better just now than i did watching it last night, i think last night being annoyed at his version made me miss his great vocal.
The kid is better than excellent and listening to him sing is a reward for those of us who enjoy hearing talented singers.
[…] contracts. It isn’t the first time he cranked out the Beatles tune. Before his voice changed he sang for a local Utah news show. Accompanied only by a guy strumming a guitar, he reminded me of the male version of a little […]
I like David’s voice and his performance last night as well, but I also wonder if he’s “marketable.” I know that this is just the beginning of the competition, so that can be developed as he goes along in this show, too. But I have to say that overall I’m not that impressed with the guys so far. I hope one of the ladies will give a big performance tonight.
Also, even if David doesn’t win the whole thing, we’ve seen time and time again that you don’t necessarily have to be the American Idol to become a successful performer – look at Chris Daughtry. He had a big album last year and is touring with Bon Jovi now! I’d say he’s a lot more successful than some of the Idol winners.
He did wonderful & he’s a squash. I don’t see him being the next Idol but he’s adorable & did an AMAZING job.
David did a cover of a cover song. This acoustic version is Eva Cassidy’s cover of Imagine. I thought I’d throw that out there.
You people are crazy. All anyone could talk about today was this performance… to say he’s not marketable is the stupidest thing I ever heard. With his beautiful voice, innocence and likability, I guarantee he will sell as many records as, say, Carrie Underwood.
Let’s be careful we don’t negatively attack the opinions of other attackers. It’s fine to disagree but please do so respectively.
PEOPLE GIVE THE GUY A CHANCE HES YOUNG AND HES NICE. MOST OF THE PEOPLE ON THIS SEASON CAN NOT SING THAT WELL. SO I SAY TIME WILL TELL ON ALL OF THEM AND REMBER ITS NOT YOU ON STAGE.
I JUST LOVE HIM SO GOOD FOR HIM “DAVID ATLANTA LOVES YOU” KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!
David has the “it” factor. Regarding his marketability, Disney would have a field day with him and you can see the gears in Simon’s head working to sign David to his label even if he doesn’t win AI. After reading some of the opinions here, I can tell that David’s wholesome demeanor rubs some people the wrong way. I can only say this about him…I have worked with some of the music industry’s biggest and most successful names for nearly 2 decades, few have moved me as much as David’s singing has.
David’s version/arrangement was than John Lennon’s original.
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=Eva+Cassidy%2C+Imagine&fr=yfp-t-501&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8
Wow. It IS Eva Cassidy’s version. When the guitar started on David’s version, I immediately thought of Eva’s style and her songs..
Wow. Good or not, David needs to give credit to Eva.
I loved David’s song. I am from Utah so I am excited that we have someone representing our state. Carmen Rasmussen was from Utah too during the Ruben Studdard/Clay Aiken season and I voted for her almost until the end but still wanted Clay Aiken to win but this year to me it is David or Brooke White for me. After all of the Brittney Spears/ Lindsay Lohan/Mary Kate and Ashley crap that has gone on we need some wholesome good role models for our children. I used to love those young stars but I have impressionable young preteen daughters and I would much rather have them idol such a cute and innocent person as David is. I just love those dimples and his humility that he has. He is definitely not in this for the popularity, you can totally tell he is in it because he loves to sing.
It is remarkable to say this kid “isn’t marketable” after he is already one of the hottest talents on a show that manufactures gold record artists. It’s petty human nature I guess to want to tear down someone who is succeeding.
Wow! Wow! Wow! He is by far what America needs in this kind of competition. This country is going through some tough times and someone like David shows up to bring freshness, hope and a so much needed message of unity and togetherness. Hearing his voice and looking at him gives me a positive attitute towards life and helps me believe that anything is possible in America. I am not an expert on voice, I just know that when he sings I am moved and when I look at him I am reminded that we still have it in America. It s not just his cute face, there is something about him that just gives you a feel-good feeling. This is the kind of idol American kids need to look up to, not Paris or Britney Spears. Let’s bring David to the top!
It is such a joy to watch American Idol and listen to David Archuleta sing. He has a purity and innosence rarely seen today. There is something special about this young man that touches my soul. I look forward to seeing him sing again just for the way I am moved by his voice and personallity.
people, for what ever reason !!! this kid has touched the harts of so many, included my self. i for one, hopes he win,s. it takes a lot for me to tear up, and this kid made me cry. thats saying a lot for his singing !!! you go david.
Those who say that David Archuleta is not “marketable” are mistaken – check out YouTube. I’ve seen comparisons between David and Melinda of last season; so I searched for her performances and some have been up for a year now yet her videos have just a tiny fraction of the amount of views as David’s. One of his videos is already at 1.7 million views! Crazy. I for one am ready to buy his CD when it is released. I’ve also seen people comment on why David hasn’t been discovered yet seeing as how he’s been performing (albeit it mostly small-time talent shows and what not) for so long. He was good at age 12, but would you buy a CD that was being sold by a 12 year old? I wouldn’t. He’s more mature now and is able to connect with a much much wider audience. As far as his rendition (or Eva Cassidy’s, I see this bugs a lot of people) I like it a lot. I thought David actually poured himself into the words. John Lennon is before my time so I don’t have the same attachment to the original version.. Just my $0.02. It was interesting to read everyone’s thoughts.
Give the kid his crown. i can understand how pissed of Simon would be at the Go Go boy singing like a girl. As compared to David archuletta’s perfomance, Go Go boy shouldnt be allowed on TV. He should “go go” get a real job.
Give the kid his crown. i can understand how pissed of Simon would be at the Go Go boy singing like a girl. As compared to David archuletta’s perfomance, Go Go boy shouldnt be allowed on TV. He should “go go” get a real job. The Kid has Mad skills bra. bow down
David has completely refreshed this song – it’s suddenly new and exciting – David’s version needs to be released as a single Immediately.
David completely refreshed this song – it is suddenly new and exciting – David’s version needs to be released as a single Immediately.
david a. is my favorite on the show and i hope he wins! he did a great job on this song….and his others but i think out of all the songs i have heard from him this was my favorite. whether he wins or he doesnt he still needs a recording contract.
Here is what is so amazing about David — he delivers songs in such a way that the listener hears them the way the original songwriter intended them. The message gets across without the singer getting in the way. He is gifted.
I THINK THEY ARE JUST JEALOUS OF DAVID. I THOUGHT IT WAS A BEAUITFUL RENDITION. IF JOHN LENNON WERE ALIVE, IM PRETTY SURE HE WOULD AGREE. THIS KID HAS GREAT VOCALS AND IS GOING PLACES. I THOUGHT IT WAS VERY AMZING. I LOVED IT.
Thank God for DVR!! I have it set on the beginning of his performance of Imagine and watch it over and over again. I am not too much of an AI fan anymore, and Im not at all too impressed with the other contestants, or any of his other performances for that matter. But, that performance was moving! Its not just the song or his voice, but for me the way that message was portrayed. He may not even have meant for it to come out that strongly, but it did and I appreciate it. Apparently, Im not the only one.
It is difficult to comprehend the basis of someone’s opinion that this young man has little or no talent. Not only does he possess a rare and obvious gift, but perhaps more importantly, his performances, including this cover of ‘Imagine’ demonstrate that an integral part of his talent lies in his ability and desire to actually say something to his audience with his music. This is not a self-indulgent singer, rather he seems to be truly interested in communicating with those that will take the time to listen.
I have watched several of his video performances, which span a number of years. It is very obvious that Archuleta has matured markedly over time and continues to hone his craft.
As for those that believe that he has somehow “ruined” or otherwise demeaned this song, I have this to say. One of the truly beautiful things about this song, in my opinion, is that its truest meaning and message extends beyond any one person, including Lennon himself who I am quite sure would readily and earnestly invite other interpretations if for no other reason than to broaden its capacity as a vehicle for peace in this troubled world. Lennon believed in the message of his lyrics. So obviously, does young Archuleta.
It is difficult to comprehend the basis of someone’s opinion that this young man has little or no talent. Not only does he possess a rare and obvious gift, but perhaps more importantly, his performances, including this cover of ‘Imagine’ demonstrate that an integral part of his talent lies in his ability and desire to actually say something to his audience with his music. This is not a self-indulgent singer, rather he seems to be truly interested in communicating with those that will take the time to listen.
I have watched several of his video performances, which span a number of years. It is very obvious that Archuleta has matured markedly over time and continues to hone his craft.
As for those that believe that he has somehow “ruined” or otherwise demeaned this song, I have this to say. One of the truly beautiful things about this song, in my opinion, is that its truest meaning and message extends beyond any one person, including Lennon himself who I am quite sure would readily and earnestly invite other interpretations if for no other reason than to broaden its capacity as a vehicle for peace in this troubled world. Lennon believed in the message of his lyrics. So obviously, does young Archuleta.
Sing on young David
It is difficult to comprehend the basis of someone’s opinion that this young man has little or no talent. Not only does he possess a rare and obvious gift, but perhaps more importantly, his performances, including this cover of ‘Imagine’ demonstrate that an integral part of his talent lies in his ability and desire to actually say something to his audience with his music. This is not a self-indulgent singer, rather he seems to be truly interested in communicating with those that will take the time to listen.
I have watched several of his video performances, which span a number of years. It is very obvious that Archuleta has matured markedly over time and continues to hone his craft.
As for those that believe that he has somehow “ruined” or otherwise demeaned this song, I have this to say. One of the truly beautiful things about this song, in my opinion, is that its truest meaning and message extends beyond any one person, including Lennon himself who I am quite sure would readily and earnestly invite other interpretations if for no other reason than to broaden its capacity as a vehicle for peace in this troubled world. Lennon believed in the message of his lyrics. So obviously, does young Archuleta.
Sing on David
John, beautifully said and spot-on in accuracy.
David has an awsome voice and is just the character example America needs for a pop idol. Although, I could see David crossing over to do a Spanish, Gospel, or even a Classical Album, Maybe he, Josh Gorban, and another Tenor could be the next 3 Tenors. As for Imagine being the Eva Cassidy version: I only heard one part in the song where she went up on “brotherhood of man” that sounded simular, Other phrasing and runs totally different. (this was the first I have heard or heard of Eva Cassidy) David’s version was much much better. Keep it going David all the way!
John, I really like what you had to say about young Archuleta’s talent. I was wondering why he moved me as much as he did, and I realize now that it is definitely because he does indeed feel his music and carry a message with that music. This of course is the key for any musical performer to capture his audience. To do so at such a young age, only proves that he truly has something to offer. As he seasons with even more life experiences and more performing experience, he can only get even better. I am interested to hear the type of music he will focus on and can only “imagine” that it will be wonderful no matter what the genre. Thank you, David, for the escape from everyday life, when I hear you sing!
I love david so much and he is way HOT!!!
He is so going to win!!!
He did NOT “ruin” this song!!! What is the matter with some of you people who are saying he did and that he is not marketable!? You obviously do not know what you are talking about and have absolutely no comprehension of real talent! He did a fabulous rendition of this song, and, as good as David Cook is, I think Archuleta is better! It is not fair he is now getting penalized by the Idol powers-to-be because of his asinine dad.
dear david,
you have great talent on american idol. i was hoping you would win american idol. when does the american idol tour start? i would like to meet you in person.
love
alexandria flowers
Hey Ryan,
I think your passion for music has died or probably never existed. He did anything but ruin the song. Maybe if you sung it you would’ve ruin it.HA!
archuleta you are so hot !!!!! i love your song imagine you have a sexy voice i was mad when i found out that you lost american idal cook cant sing but you can and you got the damm looks for it to!!!!!!!!
Nobody noticed he got one of the words wrong in the song, he says: “Sharing for the world” and that is wrong it’s : Sharing all the world!
He’s not that great!
I love you so much I love the way you sing!!!!!!!!!
I think that you need to come to Naukati and sing here LOL for me!!!
David, i love you and so does my friend Asia. LOL
we love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you are so sexy!!!!!!!!!!
People get real.The hairs on my neck stood up when David sang Imagine.David stole my heart with that performance.My family calls me a cougar now.Joke.David made lennon look like an amateur in the singing department hands down.He moved that song like no other.Simon himself was left in awe.
wow..david..he’s a superstar now…he’s more than 1# runner-up..but the real winner and the greatest singer in AI history
David Archuleta You Have a Great Voice So Keep on Singing!
wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! its really great . David you really have a good voice.
I just really really like the song “LET ME GO”. I`m really looking forward to your new album.