"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

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(Page 4 of 18)Previous 15 Comments | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

46. This kid absolutely did not cheat.

Posted at 4:56PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Roger Clemens

47. Jennie Jones? When was the last time she was relevant?

Posted at 4:58PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Ben Dover

48. Ya..i wanted to see the Josiah kid make it. I was pretty shocked when after all that air time he was booted.

He looked like he was gonna kill himself. Can we have an update on Josiah..somebody!?

This guy seems way too phony..rehearsed..etc Kids who have performing all their life lack a certain raw emotion...

Posted at 5:01PM on Feb 14th 2008 by idolfan

49. Fourty-eighth wo ho!!

Does it really make a difference, what somone does before they get a chance on AI!!
He isnt the first one with prior experiance...LET IT GO PEOPLE.

Posted at 5:01PM on Feb 14th 2008 by So friggn what

50. Robbie Carrico
Boyz N Girlz United
http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/stars/robbie-carrico/

Posted at 5:02PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Rick James Jr.

51. Hey I like this kid. He's really cute and talented. Who cares if he was on Jenny Jones? TMZ you should leave him alone.

Posted at 5:03PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Beest

52. The kid sucks. He's not singing he's yelling and if he ever did have a voice, he'll wreck it completely singing that way. Trust me.

Posted at 5:04PM on Feb 14th 2008 by DeeBee

53. ARGH!
put a gag in his mouth..........my ears have signed off

Posted at 5:05PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Rosalee

54. Uhm, guys....this isn't anything new at all. The guys over at Vote for the Worst have had this information for a long time now. IN fact, they've had several interesting details for several of the contestants. A good half of them are pretty much producer plants. See: http://votefortheworst.com/americanidol7contestants

Posted at 5:06PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Beth

55. Syesha mercado or whatever her name is has been on tv before

and another one has had a record out...

this is not surprising. TMZ, how research all the contestants, not just one.

Posted at 5:07PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Suzy

56. HE HAS THE SKILLS THEN HE SHOULD BE ON THERE. I AM SURE ALL THE OTHERS HAVE TRIED BEFORE IDOL WAS AVAILABLE. TMZ IS SEARCHING GO GET SOMETHING ELSE.

Posted at 5:07PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Jeffrey

57. Watching David perform is like watching little childrens beauty pageants. Sure, they look good..and sound good...but its all too staged. Theres no reality in it. Wheres the reality tv?

Josiah would've been perfect for this..he was entertaining to watch! And he wasnt a stage monkey.

Posted at 5:13PM on Feb 14th 2008 by nomorepros

58. I wonder if that hurt him as bad as it hurt me.

Posted at 5:16PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Get Him Some Help Quick

59. WHO GIVES A F**K!!! AMERICAN IDOL SUCKS ANYWAYS, WHAT OTHER SHOW IS THERE WHEN THE LOSERS ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN THE WINNERS.

Posted at 5:18PM on Feb 14th 2008 by MIAs Finest

60. Bring back Josiah....

Posted at 5:18PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Talent hound

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