David Archuleta likes singing in the Trop
David Archuleta was walking peacefully, undisturbed, toward his seat in section 105, when a reporter spotted him. He was wearing a blue Rays jersey with his name across the back.
He didn't have many thoughts on the Tampa Bay Rays, saying he hasn't been keeping track of baseball.
"It's fun to be here in Florida," he said, though he added he was only staying in the area one night. He said he was trying to see his grandmother, who lives east of the area.
As the interview went on, more and more fans started gathering, taking pictures with cameras and cell phones. They were mostly female. "Are you freaking out with all this," one woman asked as she pulled him in for a picture with her. "It's a little weird..." he said.
He said he would love to sing at more postseason games. "This has been a lot of fun."
As for his thoughts on Tropicana Field, Archuleta said, "It wasn't hard to sing in, that was really nice." He said other stadiums echo more. "I love orange juice, too."
A lady called out to him, "You were so good! You were so good!"
A man walked away saying, "I like this kid."
Archuleta took pictures with fans, signed autographs, including one for a woman who works in the concession stand, and chatted with some sisters who run www.fansofdavid.com.
A publicist in red pumps finally pulled him away with the help of a tall Rays security guard.
--Stephanie Garry, Times Staff Writer
Follow Tampa Bay Rays baseball from spring training to the World Series with Marc Topkin, Joe Smith and the St. Petersburg Times sports staff. From Evan Longoria to B.J. Upton and Scott Kazmir, we're your source for Tampa Bay Rays scores and schedules.
He did a wonderful job, but if you know David that is what he always delivers. Jimbo-your opinion has been heard. But remember David is only 17 years old and he truly amazing.
Posted by: BILLIE | October 15, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Haha Let it out, Jimbo! Let it out!
Posted by: Amanda | October 13, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Absolute garbage and a waste of my time. He didn't win Idol for a reason - he has no talent. Sorry, Amanda, I know I should keep it kosher, but I REALLLLY don't like him nor his rendition the other night. I've heard better from a middle school musical.
There, I said it. I feel better now :-)
Posted by: Jimbo | October 13, 2008 at 04:37 PM
david is so amazing!! he is 17 n so talented i hope he never changed he is a cutie love him
Posted by: kelsy | October 13, 2008 at 04:14 PM
David was amazing singing God Bless America. He gave it a soulful feeling that just filled my heart. His voice is so powerful it filled the whole stadium. Talented and humble how wonderful is David Archuleta. Glad to know that the music industry has found this great young man to make music worth listening to again.
Posted by: LucyPR | October 12, 2008 at 07:35 PM
wow!!!who is this young man?he was incredible last night!he did an amazing job with gba!kudos to him!i'm pretty sure,he will be very BIG in the industry!i will be his biggest supporter from now on!
Posted by: kikay | October 12, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Another stellar performance from a young man that has been turning heads wherever he goes!!! He sings with the a voice of an angel, captivating our hearts and commanding our attention. He is such an inspiration, at a time when our country in sorely in need of something positive. God Bless America, and God Bless David Archuleta.
Posted by: Gmax4 | October 12, 2008 at 12:04 AM
WE, THE FANS OF DAVID ARE ANTICIPATING THAT THERE WILL BE MORE PERFORMANCES TO COME.HE'S THE BEST SINGER EVER.BE PROUD AMERICANS.
TORONTO LOVES ARCHIE
Posted by: AIDYLMARIE | October 11, 2008 at 11:20 PM
I watched David Archuleta live last night and than had to rewatch it over and over. He gave me chills with that song and made me feel it--Wow!
What a talented kid he is!! No wonder he has so many fans--I'm one now.
Posted by: Gail | October 11, 2008 at 10:55 PM
David did an amazing rendition of God Bless America - who knew baseball could be so engaging? I love that he is winning new fans where ever he goes. People who didn't watch AI are sitting up and taking notice of his extreme talent and ability to make every song his own. It's like you're hearing the song for the first time.
David + microphone = Perfection!
Posted by: Kalei | October 11, 2008 at 05:30 PM
David did an amazing rendition of God Bless America - who knew baseball could be so engaging? I love that he is winning new fans where ever he goes. People who didn't watch AI are sitting up and taking notice of his extreme talent and ability to make every song his own. It's like you're hearing the song for the first time.
David + microphone = Perfection!
Posted by: Kalei | October 11, 2008 at 05:30 PM
The Rays organzation, having quite the eye for talent, as seen by our AMAZING season, are to be commended for recognizing the talent of this artist and bringing him to the bay area! I am proud to be a Tampa Bay Ray Fan and a David Archuleta fan!
Posted by: Rae | October 11, 2008 at 03:47 PM
David Knocked it out of the park last night!! What an awesome talent. Can't watit for his album on 11/11/08! Go buy it!!
Posted by: Scott | October 11, 2008 at 02:53 PM
He's so real, you gotta love him. :-)
Posted by: Alyssa | October 11, 2008 at 02:37 PM
I was at the game last night and hearing David sing God Bless America live was unbelievably beautiful! He had that whole stadiums full attention and admiration.
Posted by: Kristin | October 11, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Beautiful performance. Thanks to those responsible for asking David Archuleta to sing God Bless America.
Posted by: Susan | October 11, 2008 at 01:27 PM
David Archuleta is an amazing artist - he really delivers and 'makes us understand' what he's singing. His committment to his art and it's interpretation is the biggest reason he will be a GREAT success! Keep up the great work, David. We are all here waiting to hear more.
Posted by: karen | October 11, 2008 at 12:14 PM
He was amazing tonight. Reminds of why Randy said' Were looking for the best singer and the best singer is right there. Amazing!
Posted by: Archie Fan | October 11, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Love this guy!! Everything he sings...He FEELS! We feel it, too ,David! Please keep singing..you have fans for life!(still have chills)
Posted by: mandi | October 11, 2008 at 10:35 AM
It is hard to even imagine where this kid will be in 10 years with that voice. And, you know he isn't going to be corrupted by the market like most artists are. I look forward to following his career.
Beautiful job David...beautiful.
Posted by: Cheryl | October 11, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Amazing! After hearing God Bless America from David Archuleta, i thought of changing nationality. lol
Posted by: John | October 11, 2008 at 06:03 AM
It was great! I loved it!!
Posted by: cindy | October 11, 2008 at 04:01 AM
Heh. Gotta love street team marketing spam.
Posted by: Helene | October 11, 2008 at 02:10 AM
Amazing as always - David Archuleta never dissapoints. His voice is so rich and beautiful, really a rare and prolific gift. I wish him much success and happiness - he seems like a really nice kid and his talent is truly astounding.
Posted by: LMS | October 11, 2008 at 01:40 AM
lol, I love that guy
Posted by: vanessa | October 11, 2008 at 01:14 AM
I am impressed by this young man... tackling this song with no accompaniment takes guts, and serious vocal chops - he has them in spades. Going to track this down on you tube - it's a keeper.
Posted by: Brandon | October 11, 2008 at 01:11 AM
David Archuleta sang God Bless America superbly. Singing it a capella revealed the pure, naturally soulful and golden tones that make listening to him such a rich and moving experience. This young man needs no bells, whistles or gimmicks to grab and hold your attention. In summary... simply STUNNING.
Posted by: ggdoorsfan | October 11, 2008 at 01:03 AM
OMG! Nobody but nobody gives me chills up and down my spine the way the David Archuleta does!
His voice is absolutely amazing, what a stunner, he is masterclass all the way.
Next, he'll be singing the world series, the presidential inauguration and the Olympics...watch out world...Archudomination begins now!
Luv you David!!!!!
Posted by: ShellyShular | October 11, 2008 at 12:59 AM
David sang beautifully tonight! I really do hope he can sing at more games and sing the National Anthem as well.
Posted by: LynnW | October 11, 2008 at 12:54 AM
David archuleta hit a grand slam with God bless America, love his voice.
Posted by: Lisa | October 11, 2008 at 12:52 AM
At 17, he always makes his own style of music. With the right guidance, he will grow fast musically and has a great potential to be a great artist. It is hard to find a "gem" like him these days.
Posted by: john | October 11, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Love this article! David was fantastic and amazing and I hope he does get to do many more things like this! I will be watching all of them and hope to see him sing live again very soon.
Posted by: kimk | October 11, 2008 at 12:47 AM
I've been following David's career for months now, and he is consistently spellbinding with his performances. His voice just takes me to another place time after time. It is just majestic, and I thank God every day that I am alive during David's lifetime and able to witness this incredible journey he is on. God Bless you David.
Posted by: Chickee | October 11, 2008 at 12:42 AM
It was great that such a large audience that may have never heard David sing got that opportunity. I'm sure his fan base just got bigger. I think he is incredible!! He puts his 'archustamp' on any and every song that he sings!!
Posted by: marie | October 11, 2008 at 12:39 AM
I loved that a cappella version of God Bless America sung by Mr. David Archuleta. He did not just sing the song - he made you feel it.
Posted by: Cathy | October 11, 2008 at 12:38 AM
David Archuleta is amazing! When he sings, it comforts me, always has. His rendition of "God Bless America" is breathtaking...brilliant artist, beautiful soul!!!
Posted by: Marylee | October 11, 2008 at 12:36 AM
That was just a beautiful version of God Bless America. Is there anything he can't sing?!
Posted by: Cowboys4 | October 11, 2008 at 12:34 AM
Now the rest of the world is seeing what those of us at FOD have known for a while....David Archuleta is an incredible talent! What an amazing job he did on God Bless America. I can't wait for his album coming out November 11th!!
Posted by: heartsong | October 11, 2008 at 12:33 AM
David was a great addition to the game! With all the bad news in the economy, it is nice to hear God Bless America and be touched. Get Archuleta to sing many times more!!
Posted by: linda | October 11, 2008 at 12:33 AM
David was AMAZING...just like always. Hearing him sing gives me shivers..the good kind. And he just looked archudorable with that Ray's jersey!
Posted by: Vicky (Nashville) | October 11, 2008 at 12:31 AM
Incredible kid. Very Talented. More blessings to him, he seems to look like a very nice kid. Thanks for this article.
Posted by: Kenny | October 11, 2008 at 12:31 AM
He did an awesome rendition of God Bless America. I wish him all the success he deserves. His singing is just so incredible!
Posted by: Vivi | October 11, 2008 at 12:30 AM
I love David Archuleta. He was fantastic. Every time he sings it is pitch perfect and just simply amazing.
Posted by: jessica | October 11, 2008 at 12:20 AM
He did a fabulous rendition of God Bless America. I felt every lyric. Outstanding artist.
Posted by: Bright Light | October 11, 2008 at 12:17 AM
He was awesome, great performance...
Posted by: Celeste | October 11, 2008 at 12:14 AM