"Idol" Contestant a Giant Phony?

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

Reader Comments

(Page 5 of 18)Previous 15 Comments | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

61. People doubt their talent all the time. All real artists understand that.
Naturally since there are no real artists at TMZ this idea would have escaped you.

Posted at 5:22PM on Feb 14th 2008 by gerry

62. Bring back Josaiah? Are you kidding. THAT kid was a pretnetious little twerp. You're living in your car, kid? YOUR choice. Get a freaking job.

Posted at 5:28PM on Feb 14th 2008 by anonymousie

63. I think he is a cute little guy. And I hope he goes far in the competition.

Posted at 5:33PM on Feb 14th 2008 by to make matters worse

64. Hey Evan Knudsen....you were 3rd and 6th........not first. F**K OFF!!!

Posted at 5:34PM on Feb 14th 2008 by posters who write FIRST or 1st suck!!

65. This isn't news. It's been out for a while that most of the top 24 have had some sort of success (even if it's TEEEEEEENY) already.

Hell, Britney Spears' ex-boyfriend (who just so happened to open for her a lot of years ago), Is one of the top 24.

Posted at 5:37PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Gina

66. doesn't bother me as much as the Irish chick who's had millions spent on her album which flopped - no mention of THAT by the judges and the fact she changed her last name to throw people off is kinda shady. (think she sucks btw).

Posted at 5:38PM on Feb 14th 2008 by durbs

67. Josiah did seem to have some definite mental instability issues. He should be on meds. Theres a reason hes living in his car. Poor kid..i hope he gets the help he needs and tries again next year.

I suspect thats why he didnt make it through. He seems too volatile.

Posted at 5:38PM on Feb 14th 2008 by idoliac

68. I wanted Josiah to make it...I liked the fact that he had the guts to get the band out on the last audition, even if it backfired...if u saw the show, he was freaking out, crying, and all that because he didn't feel comfortable w/the song...he had also gotten the song late in the night and by the time he 'got' the band to practice it was 3am...a lot of people were rooting for Josiah, because he was the underdog in the competition...

Posted at 5:38PM on Feb 14th 2008 by monique

69. He's not the only one with proffessional background or a record deal. Kristy Lee Cook had a record deal, so did Carly Smithson. In fact Carly (WAS Carly Hennessy BEFORE) had a 1 million dollar record put out that totally floped. Youtube her former name and you can see the music video. That Australian dude also had a record deal with a band, but he left and stole some songs with him. Kady Malloy also had an album out, but without a label. Only on some online site. FOR MORE INFO ON OTHER IDOL CONTESTANTS WITH PASTS SEE: http://votefortheworst.com/americanidol7contestants

Posted at 5:39PM on Feb 14th 2008 by MORE

70. Josiah was awesome, despite his fake accent while singing. He was great, except his Stand By Me was not good dawg.

Posted at 5:39PM on Feb 14th 2008 by J L

71. I liked this boy, very talented. Josiah's being let go was very disappointing to me, however..

Posted at 5:41PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Joan

72. AHHH WHO CARES, i LOVE american idol but man these kids are not stars OR ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE THEM STARS BEFORE THEY should be stars, makes ya wonder

Posted at 5:41PM on Feb 14th 2008 by deb

73. Ugh, who cares? This ISN'T EVEN NEWS. Tons of people on IDOL have musical backrounds. Read the AI rules before you go "breaking news" that isn't even news. This stuff is so boring! if you don't have anything newsworthy don't make up LAME stories.

Posted at 5:48PM on Feb 14th 2008 by sq

74. I think Ai has lost its touch - all of the contestants are very polished/experienced. It's not the diamond in the rough finding. They have the fake teeth and hair and years of singing experience under their belt! w/e.

Posted at 5:50PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Tal

75. He's a cute guy. If he were 18 I'd tap that.

Posted at 5:51PM on Feb 14th 2008 by Bacardi

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