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"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.

Tags: david archuleta, DavidArchuleta

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61. 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

62. 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

63. 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

64. 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

65. Bring back Josiah....

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

66. 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

67. The kid looks like a gay little tranny

Posted at 12:49PM on Feb 15th 2008 by Yep

68. 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

69. did it ever occur to you that maybe he doubted his talent because he's went through the traumatic experience of losing the use of a vocal cord?

Posted at 7:15PM on Feb 14th 2008 by youdontsay...

70. This guy did sing when he was younger and was on Star Search. He hasn't broken any rules and he probably doubted it because of his vocal cord paralysis. Stop demonizing everyone!

Posted at 10:41AM on Feb 15th 2008 by G!

71. 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

72. 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

73. 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!!

74. 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

75. so what hes got a great voice

Posted at 1:22AM on Feb 15th 2008 by lana

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