Jeff Archuleta Speaks Out on Relationship with Son
While millions of girls scream in delight over David Archuleta every week on American Idol, his father has come under fire for screaming of a different kind.
Celebrity gossip site TMZ.com, for example, has reported that Jeff Archuleta - a 47-year-old small business owner in Salt Lake City - has "screamed at his son and has even withheld water during rehearsals, even bringing his son to tears."
Is Jeff truly this hard on his talented offspring? Us Weekly recently spoke with him to find out...
How would you characterize your involvement with David's career?
Because I'm also a musician, I'm probably a little bit more involved. I kind of look at it like, 'I'm David's music consultant,' someone he can bounce ideas off, who can help him because I do have a lot of experience.
How do you collaborate with David?
When we have a chance to sit down and talk - which is usually at night or in the morning - we'll discuss the songs and the choices he has. He'll ask me what I think, and I'll ask him what he feels good about, and we'll arrive at a consensus. Sometimes he'll call his mom up and get her in-put. We have a family team that tries to help David feel good about his song choices.
When did you realize he had this talent and how did you encourage him?
I first realized he had talent when he was 4 or 5, and his mom taught him to play "Little Drummer Boy" and a church song on the piano. He played very well, but he was very shy and didn't really sing much. When we moved from Florida to Utah when he was 6, we didn't have a piano. I gave him a video to listen to one day just to keep him and his little brother busy while my wife and I were unpacking.
He listened to this video of [Les Misérables] literally the entire day. When I came back, David had memorized several of the songs, complete with the Cockney accent. He was just belting out these songs, in tune, and I thought, 'Wow, he's really got a good ear.'
Over the next couple of years, he got quite into musicals, like Into the Woods and Evita. He'd watch the videos and sing the songs, and I could tell he definitely had talent. When he was 10 and learning Celine Dion and some Whitney Houston songs, I started hearing that he was going after the runs and the licks that usually [only] the divas can do.
But he still didn't want to sing much, so we just had to wait until he wanted to. Then when he did, we just tried to find opportunities for him. We never were the type of parents who had him be in every talent show. He was in one talent competition when he was 10, and the next one he was in was Star Search.
He did very well. He had just turned 12 and ended up winning his particular division, Junior Singer. Obviously, he realized then that people like to hear him sing, and it gave him more confidence. The best thing was the feedback from people â" that's been David's motivation. He thought, 'Wow, if I can make people feel good through my singing, then I feel good singing.' That's what he thrives on.
On the March 25 episode, viewers saw a glimpse of a girl. Ryan Seacrest said David was taking her to prom. True?
That wasn't accurate at all â" that was just something Ryan said. Someone must have said something just because there was a friend of his [there] who happened to be a girl. It wasn't a girlfriend; she's more like his sister.
April 30th, 2008 12:21 PM
It is funny that US Magazine has removed this artice... it is even funnier that in the interview it was talked about how David Archuleta is gay and involved in a gay relationship with Phillip Daggett. Good thing I seen the article and also good thing that even though it is removed you can see Jeff Archuleta's response to the question about David being involved with Phillip Daggett. He said that he does not understand how his son being gay has anything to do with the talent that he has. To quote Jeff Archuleta he has said "Honestly does him being gay take away anything from his great voice or his personality?" and if you follow this link you can see this for yourself, but when you go to click on the link to see the story, all of a sudden it will not let you see it... what the hell kind of coverup is this? SHAME ON YOU FOX AND SHAME ON AMERICAN IDOL!!! PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW!!!
SO LET IT BE KNOWN THAT THE RUMORS ARE DEFINITELY 100% TRUE, AND I APPOLOGIZE FOR EVER DOUBTING THEM BEFORE, BUT THE RUMORS ARE TRUE, DAVID ARCHULETA IS GAY... HIS DAD JEFF KNOWS ABOUT IT, AND IT IS TRUE THAT DAVID AND PHILLIP ARE A COUPLE.
IT WILL NOT BE LONG UNTIL SOMEONE IS NOT SCARED TO PUT THIS STORY OUT THERE... (COUGH COUGH) TMZ!!!!
ANYWAYS, TAKE A LOOK AT THIS LINK AND A QUOTE BY JEFF ARCHULETA, AND THEN TRY TO CLICK ON THE LINK TO SEE THE STORY, AND WATCH WHAT HAPPENS... BUT MY LINK WILL WORK AND TAKE YOU RIGHT TO WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!!!
Honestly does him being gay take away anything from his great voice or his personality?
SO WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THIS AND WHO IS GOING TO HAVE THE BALLS TO TELL PEOPLE THE STORY AND NOT BE AFRAID OF FOX OR IDOL, OR DADDY ARCHULETA?!!!!!
May 2nd, 2008 3:54 AM
David is gay and it is funny that they took the article off of the us weekly website where his dad talks about it. why are they covering this one up? check this out... http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/gallery/david-archuleta/
May 26th, 2008 5:29 AM
There is no such part about Archuleta being gay. I have read the entire interview (Archie fans have it posted on their sites) and the last bit is just about David going to the prom and how the family would react if David won -- not that exciting. And Phillip Daggett is a notorious liar. Just Google him and you will see.
David Archuleta is extremely conservative because of his religious beliefs. This explains why he sang the verse from "Imagine" on Idol as opposed to the earlier verses; why he chose shorts over briefs in the Guitar Hero commercial (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvNqrbhQhkY); and why he is not overly flirtatious with the girls -- besides, has any of the top guys been on Idol?
LDS are very conservative in the comportment of men and women with each other -- even on the wedding day, the Mormon bride has to be completely covered up! No spaghetti or strapless dresses, but 3/4 to full-length sleeves.
Archuleta comes from an area that is very sheltered, religious and happy, which can have a home-schooled complex effect. And his friends from CA even are freaked out when they visit him in Utah because everyone smiles at them and says hi there, even though they don't know them.
In an interview with Extra, Michael Johns says that he cannot wait to get David on the road for their tour, and the interviewer says that everyone wants to corrupt David. David laughed and said that won't happen and doesn't want that to happen. He's a good guy! Too good.
Plus, the fact that the previous comments offer no proof of the "missing" bit of the article is just proof enough of my comment.
June 6th, 2008 6:22 PM
Well, "The Hollywood Gossip" seems to attract troubled and demented human beings. "Star Mag" (who can't spell or use proper grammar) joins the host of losers who have been claiming nonsense about David A. and a Phillip Daggett character. But they never have any proof, other than mysterious "missing" or "removed" articles and pictures, LOL!
David A. is such a great kid. These losers should let him be.
Of course, David A. will have the last laugh as he gets great recording contracts and is surrounded by adoring fans -- while the people spouting lies about him are stuck in their bitter, ugly lives.
June 10th, 2008 9:22 AM
It is such a shame that you people have nothing better to do than talk about this child. Remember David is a child and making up rumors and lies to sale magazines and make money is shameful. 1st this boy is a gift from God, he has something magical and I hope that he can stay true to himself and be the person he wants to be along with being a star. Grow up people and leave David and his family alone.
June 23rd, 2008 10:20 PM
Stop attacking at people! It is not fair to David or Phillip. You people are cruel and heartless. Whether they are together or not, or even if this is all a complete lie, I doubt very much because of the nature of this rumor that either David or Phillip would have wanted this kind of attention brought on his. You say that Phillip would make this up, and say to google him, that is fine, I see plenty, but nothing saying that he has ever made anything up, especially something like this.
All of you need to cut out the bullcrap about this, from what I can see you have already been keeping this going for months now. Let it end already.
July 1st, 2008 7:39 PM
Excuse me. Just because someone is Christian doesn't mean that they aren't gay. I'm a firm believer in Christ, and I am attracted to the same sex. I understand that the Bible says many things about homosexuality, but if you really look deep into the Bible with a loving perspective, there is nothing bashing homosexuality. If David is gay, he is gay. There's no stopping it. It's not his choice at all. That's what makes him "him". Let him live his life and be happy.
July 17th, 2008 6:28 PM
okay phillip daggett? first of all, google him. he lies all the time. he sued taco bell and has done alls orts of dumb stuff just for attention. and how could david aeven met him - phillip daggett lives in massachusetts and david is in utah. plus, david is mormon and phillip daggett is in his 30s anyway. if he is gay, i really doubt he's involved with this phillip guy. he obviously isn't really too involved with anyone, according to this first question: (click the link, read the first question) http://www.seventeen.com/dating/17-questions/david-archuleta-17q-0608 whatever. i love david whether he's gay stright or bi and i know theres literally thousands of people to back me up.(but being a teen girl i hope he's straight lol hes so so cute!!) he's wicked talented, has a great personality, is a total sweetheart, and he'll have an awesome career.
July 28th, 2008 7:17 PM
Well if Phillip was lying about the taco incident and the Toyota incident then he could have been in big trouble for making it up..But he was never in trouble and If he lied all the time about stupidness then do you think his friends could even trust him..I think not. If you remember he was the bartender who saved the people in the Puzzles bar when that homophobic teenager whent wild on them and started hitting them with hatchet and then pulled out a gun and shot like 3 people and almost shot Phillip. A lot of people that night felt that Phillip was a hero because he got all the other people out of the bar and the people who got out were not harmed,but unfortunately while trying to fight the teenager and get the hatchet out of his hands they did,but unfortunately the kid pulled out a gun and shot 3 people just because of who they loved. It's sad really..but luckily the 3 people were still alive. Maybe you should think outside the box..and think about this why would he make up something like that about him and David if HE supported David throughout the whole season this year. Can you answer that?? If he wanted to make David look bad then he would have never supported him while he was on the show,he probably would be supporting someone else perhaps and trying to make up bs to ruin David's chances of winning, BUT he wanted David to win.
August 2nd, 2008 1:35 AM
..ahmmmmmmmm..just answer my question,is david archuleta a gay or not?!!..
August 5th, 2008 7:59 PM
Well TELL ME THIS how did Phillip daggett KNOW David's song choices b4 he sang them! I seen the song You're the voice was on Phillip's profile b4 David sang it it was like on his profile 4 days b4 David sang it and I'm not lying I would never lie because I Checked the list of songs Phillip had on his little mp3 player of an animated guy with a stereo where you could listen to the songs, the songs were from there and the song was there, can u explain that!? Even the songs including the original versions of Stand By me,Then a day or 2 before the finale Phillip had himself singing Apologize even b4 David sang it on the finale on tv CAN U EXPLAIN THAT TOO. I love David and his voice and I'll support him 100%, but I really think these rumors are true about him and Phillip I'm sorry, but this is my opinion and I'm not trying to make them look bad. A lot of people have seen things and theres like a long list of different comments from those different people like Lisa R etc. Even Phillip confirmed the rumors were true, but not a lot of people will believe him because of his credibility and the lacking of it because of the past stuff that has happened with him,but I believe him and even with that I think Phillip wouldn't lie about something like this because He's been 100% supporting of David while he was on the show and wanted him to win,If he didn't like David then he would be spreading these rumors,but Why would a person supporting some1 on American Idol and wanted them to Win go around spreading harsh rumors bout them? I also think these rumors are true because of what he put on his you tube it stated as quoted "Please do not contact me about David Archuleta because You will not get a response from me,no offense but it is not something that I care to talk about with complete strangers". I think that quote is trying to hint that the rumors are true,but he's not gonna open his mouth about it to people Which I find a good thing to do because David is a wonderful person and If this got out into the tabloids then they would both feel humiliated. But like David sang on the show stand by me, WE FANS NEED TO STAND BY HIS SIDE NO MATTER WHAT..Even if he is still or was with Phillip it does not matter, he has the right to love who he wants to love. His singing ability is amazing and I love to hear him sing He is humble,caring and an outstanding individual. Phillip is also a good,kind hearted person as well so please do not bash him.
Thanks for listening Much love to THE ARCH ANGELS AND MUCH LOVE TO OUR VERY OWN DAVID "ARCHIE" ARCHULETA!!
August 5th, 2008 8:04 PM
Another thing What i meant was If he wasn't supporting of David then He or ANYONE ELSE could have spreaded rumors like this,but I've looked into it as well..I think the rumors are true
August 14th, 2008 7:45 PM
Look, if Daggett was dating Archie, he would be considered a ped and a future sex offender.
I sincerely doubt his father or mother would let him date a grown 28 year old. Even if David wanted too, it just ain't gonna happen.
August 18th, 2008 3:56 AM
I don't care whether or not the rumors are true, even though I have heard about this all over the place, but what I do care about is that people are on this site and other websites bashing people that they don't even know.
I have seen that many people simply say to google phillip daggett and you will see that he is a liar, well I did google him and I went further into finding out things about him too and it seems to me that he is an easy target for people to try to defame. As someone has mentioned above daggett has done so many good things which are documented as well. He saved three people in a car crash in 2004, he saved the lives of a dozen or so people in an attack on a gay bar in 2006, and he also saved the life of a choking infant child in 2008.
As for the speculation about daggett suing everybody, search a little further for specific details about the things you think he sued. He did not sue taco bell and in media reports the day after the incident of taco bell daggett was documented saying that he is not suing them and that he just wanted to know what was in the taco and how it got there and the only reason that he talked to the media and the police about it is because he was looking out for the safety of others, just as he was on the many times that he has been in the news for saving people's lives in the past. As far as tbe toyota incident, he filed a complaint against toyota with the massachusetts commission against discrimination after he had been mistreated and harassed by his coworkers who had found out that he had worked in the gay bar which was attacked where daggett had saved many peoples lives. You will also see the he filed the complaint while he was still working for toyota, which means that again, he was not out to sue anybody, he was looking for the harassment to stop. Its not like he was fired and went running and screaming that its because he's gay, no, instead he did not get anywhere by going to management and ownership of toyota and took it to the next level, I say good for him and support that decision for him to do that.
It is so easy for the media to make someone who is well known for doing good look bad. They love juicy stories like that to make someone out to look like they are not perfect. But yet it was the same media that called daggett a hero on three different occassions as well. They just love stories that sell. If he did any harm by suing people falsely he would be charged for it and be in jail. The police seem to have turned the tables on daggett after he went to them for their help with the taco bell incident and tried making it look like he made up the story, wel if that is so then they would have charged him with at a minimum filing a false police report, which they did not even do that much, because he did nothing wrong. Well again the same police and media who tried making daggett look bad for this taco bell thing were the same people daggett went to for help when he feared his safety after the attack on the bar. If you people researched further you will see that the very police station who daggett complained to the city about for not offering him protection as the key witness to a murder case when the attacker was on the lose is the very police station retaliating on daggett in this taco bell case. they offered him no protection when he feared his safety and he complained to the mayor and the media about it, making the police look bad, and yet now you have the police trying to make daggett look bad as if he did this to his own taco, well why would he go to the police if he did this?
I would stick with the facts that are supported. Daggett was never charged with anything saying that he is a liar or a fraud, it is all talk and is not supported by any evience. what is supported by penty of evidence is the facts of at least three different incidents where phillip daggett was called a hero for saving the lives of others.
As for these rumors about him and david archuletta, I dont care if they are true or not, but I think that if he is makin it clear that it is not something that he wants to talk about that he could not have possibly been the one to start the rumors. Someone who starts a rumor like this is going to want attention, and they are going to want to talk about it, but yet daggett is not looking for attention with this and has clearly asked for people not to even ask him about it. This is not a person who would start this. Again I have looked into this and have found that there just may be truth to these rumors about the two of them, but that is none of our business what they do in their personal lives. They are both old enough to know better and to make whatever decisions they want to make in their lives without being critisized by the public, which is what everyone seems to be doing here. Even though I have found and know enough to believe the affair has took place or is still taking place, it is their own business and instead of putting them down for it, support them for both of their accomplishments and successes. both of them, archuleta and daggett, are great people who have talent, and have touched the lives of many people and that is what they should be judged for. Just dont go around saying things about people that you personally dont know the truth about unless you look into it enough to see the truth, but then if you knew the truth you would not care to slander either of these great guys.
God Bless,
Miley
August 19th, 2008 4:02 PM
Thank you for your input Miley, I love David, he is a wonderful person who has a great talent. I'm waiting for the cd to come out i have to wait two months cause it's coming out in November, I wish it was sooner.
August 19th, 2008 8:41 PM
Miley, you are absolutely right. I think they are both nice people and should be recognized for the good they do, not for what people THINK about the supposed nesgative things about others. It is really easy to ruin someone's character, especially online. Just look at what everyone here is doing right now. Yes, many people will be curious about their relationship and geesh, it has been being talked about for months now, but in the end it is their choice and their business what they do.
August 19th, 2008 10:49 PM
Here is an interesting story about the two of them in the news.
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=entertainment&sc=celebrities&sc3=&id=76362
what do people have to say about that?
August 25th, 2008 2:33 AM
the real story is a over zealous man (daggett) trying to get his claim to fame--anyone can search google or yahoo and find many many false claims from daggett
phillip has sued taco bell, toyota, been arrested, and so on--
this is your answer-- Daggett is desperate for attention
David on the other had is a shy innocent teen-- reaching for his dream-- how sad that dagget is trying to ride his coat tails, I have seen davids personal diary and it DOES NOT MENTION daggat anywhere--period
This is a classic slander case!!! and anyone with any heart would stop the rumor now--find something else in your life to focus on
August 25th, 2008 10:49 PM
To Maddie, well sorry if u think Daggett is such a horrible person which he's not..HE HAS SAVED PEOPLE"S LIVES,so really he isn't all. By the way Daggett was never arrested for anything. He helped when there was a car crash,the puzzles lounge incident where some homophobic guy went and lounged a hatchet at the customers and he helped everyone get out of the bar and also helped the injured. The other one was when he saved the life of a chocking baby. There is no evidance that the rumor came from Daggets mouth and a person who spreads a rumor is looking for attention, but Dagget's not looking for attention because he is pushing away people who keep messaging asking him if it's true. This is not something that he would like to talk about as like he mentioned on the additional info on his youtube.