"Idol" Contestant a Giant Phony?

Posted Feb 14th 2008 5:11PM by TMZ Staff

Last night, 16-year-old "Idol" contestant David Archuleta said he "doubted" his talent. We're calling his bluff!

This kid's been a pro for years. TMZ tracked down one of his earlier (and chubbier) performances from the"Jenny Jones" show. Jennifer Hudson eat your heart out -- the kid killed it with a version of "And I Am Telling You ..."

"Jones" wasn't his only pre-"Idol" TV appearance and he may have even had a record deal! For the record, FOX tells us that contestants cannot currently have a management or recording contract.

Watch TMZ TV tonight for everything else we uncovered. Check local listings.

Filed under: American Idol

Comments [264]

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(Page 1 of 18) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

1. Jail this kid! Cheater!

Posted at 4:05PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Roger C.

2. WHO ???

Posted at 4:05PM on Feb 14th 2008 by fish monger

3. FIRST

Posted at 4:06PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Evan Knudsen

4. OK

Posted at 4:06PM on Feb 14th 2008 by FlyonTheWallTZM@aol.com

5. 1st

Posted at 4:06PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Roger C.

6. FIRST

Posted at 4:06PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Evan Knudsen

7. If this is true, doesn't that break idol rules? If he already had a contract?

Posted at 4:07PM on Feb 14th 2008 by MommaB

8. Did he already have a contract? Playing the undiscovered kid who just sings to his pets...shame shame of course who but TMZ would unearth some mummified jenny jones show?

Posted at 4:08PM on Feb 14th 2008 by imjustsayin

9. JENNY JONES, THAT EXPLAINS EVERYTHING.......!!!!!

Posted at 4:09PM on Feb 14th 2008 by fish monger

10. And your point is???????????????????????

Posted at 4:09PM on Feb 14th 2008 by PJ

11. .

Dump this brat and bring back Josiah as an alternate / wild card...

Posted at 4:10PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Kate

12. Who cares? If he had a contract at one point, it didn't pan out now did it? The Irish chick put out a record on a major label. As Simon put it when asked about all the "ringers" if they had not failed at their earlier efforts and made it they wouldn't be on idol now would they?

Posted at 4:10PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Lillz

13. Oh my god! Say it ain't so! American Idol isn't real???

Posted at 4:12PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Jennifer

14. Yet, TMZ doesn't post on here that several years ago he lost the use of one of his vocal chords and has struggled to get back to where he is now. The kid has come over a lot and his previous experience should have nothing to do with where he is right now.

Posted at 4:13PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Dan R.

15. If you need dirt to be dug up on someone - TZM is the people to call. LMAO

Posted at 4:14PM on Feb 14th 2008 by FlyoneTheWallTZM@aol.com

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