Interviews, Interviews, Interviews

Ever the half-glass-full optimist, a chat with the lovable dimpled Archie is nothing if not an uplifting experience, and this time was no different. Read on to hear more of his thoughts on Season 10.

THR: When is the last time you and your family sat down to watch “Idol” together?

Archuleta: We never do that, but what’s interesting with this season is my family was excited to see it, too. When I was on the show, they got overwhelmed by the whole “American Idol” experience, but they’re still fans. It’s almost like that fresh start brought this new, fresh excitement back.

THR: What did you think of Jennifer Lopez?

Archuleta: It was really fun to watch her. She’s someone I’ve grown up respecting by watching the “Selena” movie and my mom enjoyed listening to her music. I just loved seeing a Latina on there representing.

THR: A lot of people were commenting that she was being too easy on the contestants, what did you think?

Archuleta: [As a judge], you understand the nerves that people feel, so you can’t help but feel empathy for them. They’re performers, and I think ladies naturally have that nurturing side to them. As you saw with Paula, she was always nice, but she got a little more tough as she went along, realizing, you get over feeling bad for them and start giving them real critiques. I think she did a really great job for her first time. It’s not easy to tell people to their face and be honest if you crush their dreams.

THR: What did you think of Steven Tyler?

Archuleta: A lot of people didn’t realize what a character he is. He really made it funny and entertaining to watch. I thought he was going to be more reserved or quiet. I thought he was going to be more self-conscious than he was, and I’m happy he wasn’t. I guess he’s used to being in front of people and having to deal with attention. It really was refreshing that the judges were able to be themselves.

THR: Do you feel like this is more the real Randy Jackson?

Archuleta: I think he feels responsibility being the only original judge on the show and guiding the other two judges, because they are new to this. I think there’s a lot that goes into being a judge — physically being there and emotionally, too. The other two judges are getting the hang of that and Randy is the one leading them. He’s in charge now because he’s the one who’s been there longest and understands how things go. I think he’s more tough, because Simon’s not there to be the brutally honest one and do the dirty work, but Randy’s always been pretty honest about things.

THR: If you could relive your audition, would you prefer to be judged by Jennifer Lopez or Steven Tyler?

Archuleta: I don’t know. I think it was pretty cool to have Paula and Simon there. It would have been really awesome to have Steven and Jennifer Lopez, too, though and interesting to see what they thought and what kind of advice they would have given after each performance.

THR: Is Simon missed?

Archuleta: It’s hard to say he’s missed, because I know he’s going to be on another show. I’m going to get my share of Simon, but I feel like he needed to be gone in order to get that new, fresh excitement. To let people feel like they’re watching something for the first time. It they kept Simon there, it would feel like it was getting old.

THR: There have been a lot of talented 16- and 15-year-olds during the auditions so far,

Archuleta: It’s great that they’ve incorporated a lot of younger people, because in the earlier seasons, they discouraged younger kids from auditioning because they didn’t feel like they were ready. It’s cool that people can start following their dreams at a young age. You don’t have to wait until you’re 30 for things to happen, you can be young and motivated and be willing to work hard, and I think it’s great that they show that. Especially now, with “Glee” it’s allowed a lot of kids to love music and performing at a young age. All ages watched “American Idol,” but I think it was nice to be able to show kids, “Hey, you can be here, too.”

THR: Do you feel like “Idol” needed to make changes?

Archuleta: For me, they were very welcome changes. I liked the way they did it, and I think it was necessary to at least change it a little. Because even if they kept it the old format and same judges, sometimes things can get old if you keep something for too long. I think it was able to grab people’s attention again.

THR: What are these auditioners going through now that their TV moment has been seen by millions. What was your experience?

Archuleta: All of a sudden, these people started texting me out of nowhere. People somehow had my number and were calling and texting. It really bugged me.

THR: Why?

Archuleta: Because I didn’t want people to know. I didn’t want to disappoint them if I didn’t go further. I’ve always liked keeping things to myself, so it was just weird that one of my biggest secrets — auditioning for “American Idol” — was now out there, I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I was really excited I was just wondering what the future was going to be like, what’s going to happen, and how hard is it going to be? Am I going to be able to handle it all, what’s going to happen next? I think part of that stress is good because it keeps you focused.

It has been almost three years since David Archuleta was voted first runner up on Season 7 of “American Idol,” but it’s a part of his life he will never forget.

Today, Archuleta, 20, has transferred his success on the popular TV talent show into a professional solo singing career. His most recent album, The Other Side of Down, was released by Jive Records in October 2010.

Currently, Archuleta, who is of Honduran decent from his mother’s side, is helping promote the new season of “American Idol” (Season 10), which premiered last week with 26 million viewers tuning in.

During an interview with me, Archuleta talked about the type of changes he anticipates now that longtime judge Simon Cowell is no longer on the show and why he has always embraced his Latinos roots as a performer.

“American Idol” airs every Wednesday and Thursday on Fox at 7 p.m.

How do you think the tone of “American Idol” will change now that Simon Cowell is no longer a judge?

I think having a rock legend like Steven Tyler and a Latina like Jennifer Lopez is going to bring a different audience to the show. I think the chemistry these new judges are going to have is going to have a more professional vibe. They’re going to work more together instead of arguing. I think they’re really going to work to help these performers.

When you were on the show during Season 7, what was it like to perform on stage each and every week?

It was sometimes very overwhelming. At the same time, it was amazing because music can say so much. Having the opportunity to share that with so many people was really neat. I don’t even know what a million people looks like, so to think about that many people watching me sing, I couldn’t believe it. It was a huge blessing.

What do you think about these new rule changes for Season 10? Now contestants can audition for the show online instead of in front of the judges.

I think they’ll be able to get a lot more people because there are those that aren’t able to afford going to auditions in different cities. Sometimes their schedules don’t work for them if they have jobs. I had to quit my job to go for my audition. I think it’ll allow the show to find a whole new group of talented singers.

You’ve been singing your entire life, so I’m just wondering, did you wake up one day freaking out when you’re voice started changing?

(Laughs) I think my voice has gotten a little lower, which is a good thing. But I just naturally have a high voice. I used to sing probably an octave higher when I was 13 than I do now. I think part of the way I sound is because of the paralyzed vocal cord thing I went through, but it’s part of the reason that I sing the way I sing. It’s been a blessing in disguise. But I never really noticed a big change to my voice. (Laughs) I think I’m still waiting for it to get a bit lower.

You sang at the Tejano Music Awards last year and also for the Somos El Mundo Haiti relief benefit. When did your Latino background become something you embraced as a performer?

I think it’s something that I’ve always felt close to. I’ve always felt close to my mom’s side of the family and that culture. I love how the Latino culture is family orientated. Everyone has big hearts and is very emotional. Plus, I grew up with that music (Archuleta’s mother is a salsa singer and dancer from Honduras). I’ve always kept that in my mind since I was little. The first language my mom would speak and sing to us was Spanish. I wish I was more fluent than I am, but I always take pride in my roots.

Will you be participating in the new season of “American Idol” in some capacity?

Remember David Archuleta, the baby-faced first runner-up of ‘American Idol 7′? He’s coming to Chennai. What follows the announcement are shrieks of delight and a volley of queries —“When is he here? Where is he performing? Where to buy tickets?…”

Well, the singer will be here this weekend, but not for a concert. “I’ll be visiting Rising Star Outreach to meet children with leprosy, and their parents,” says David, in a phone interview. Rising Star Outreach (located in Kancheepuram district) works in close association with Marriott Home, which educates these children.

Marriott Home is an initiative by the Marriott group, and the event is part of Courtyard by Marriott’s fifth anniversary celebrations.

David has been associated with Rising Star Outreach for over a year now. “I was introduced to the organisation by my dentist, a good family friend of ours. He showed me the website. I didn’t even know that leprosy still existed,” he says. What shocked him most was that those with leprosy are still ostracised by society.

This is David’s first visit to India, and the singer says he is quite excited about it. But, his goal is to be able to give back something to the people he will be meeting. “I think I’ll get to sing for them. That will be a neat experience, as music is really special to me,” he says.

In the city to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Courtyard by Marriott in Chennai, the 20-year-old gets talking about American Idol’s makeover and what he plans to do in India.

From dentist to Chennai: At an appointment with my dentist, he showed me the pamphlets of Rising Star Outreach in Kancheepuram and I was shocked to learn that leprosy still exists. And these people are cast out of society, so I decided to get involved.

American Idol, minus Simon Cowell: I don’t think Simon’s absence will affect the show too much as I think the show needed a fresh new start. As for the new judges, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, Tyler is so funny and seeing someone like Lopez is just amazing. The age bar has been lowered (contestants who are 15 can now audition). I saw a lot of young people who were dedicated and that’s what matters at the end of the day. Whoever has the heart will have no problem in the process.

Surprise show, fan clubs: I would love to (perform) this season but the producers do not give too much notice, so I don’t know for sure. Talking about fans, I was once walking down the street when this girl saw me and suddenly let out a scream. The only problem was she would not let go of my hand and I tried really hard to get away (laughs).

Inspiration: Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Kelly Clarkson.

No plans for Hollywood: My family keeps me in check as they have taught me to treasure the simpler things in life.