Archuleta's Dad Banished from "Idol"

Posted May 10th 2008 9:50AM by TMZ Staff

TMZ has learned David Archuleta's dad, Jeff, has been officially banned from "American Idol."

Here's how it went down. "Idol" sources tell TMZ Jeff has been a complete pain in the ass, interfering with the entire production. He has badgered producers, the band, vocal coaches and even other contestants. The final straw came this week, when Jeff wanted to change the lyrics to David's first song, "Stand By Me." Jeff insisted on adding a verse from Sean Kingston's hit, "Beautiful Girls." Producers sent him an e-mail telling him the lyrics could not be changed. They were beyond pissed when David sang the song with Kingston's lyrics during the live show.

We're told by changing the lyrics, it created problems with the song's publisher and cost "A.I." a lot of money.

Jeff was ordered to sit with "A.I." lawyers on Wednesday, who told him he was "banned from being in the rooms where David was learning or rehearsing his songs." It's "Idol's" position, since David is 17, he does not need a guardian -- just a teacher. Jeff will be allowed to sit in the audience during the live show but he's 86'd from anything backstage.

Sources say the other contestants were fed up with Jeff and didn't want him near them. Now they have their wish.

All in all, sources say Jeff is the stage dad from hell. BTW, he was banned on the set when David did "Star Search" a few years back.

Filed under: TV, Music, American Idol

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(Page 1 of 26) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

1. Sweet! Dad has to tend to his 27 wives!

Posted at 9:00PM on May 9th 2008 by Laughing all day

2. Better late than never I guess.

Posted at 9:01PM on May 9th 2008 by Popsmart

3. make the dad pay and kick the son off the show

Posted at 9:01PM on May 9th 2008 by idol should kickdavid off the show

4. Wacko parent trying to live his dream through his kid...sad. Can he not find his own happiness?

Posted at 9:01PM on May 9th 2008 by Kelli

5. the son acts all sickly sweet,

i don't buy it .

i seems vey fake to me .

kick them both off .

Posted at 9:03PM on May 9th 2008 by throw david out too

6. it has already been proven that -- His dad was not banned from star search

TMZ--you are too smart for you own good, you promote david all day with live feeds to get his fans, here and then you post this!!

you are a rumored filled site, and since I used to publish my own magazine, I am well aware of how you can twist what a "source" says to fit the feeling of your story. Anyone with a brain can see that David is well adjusted and the apple doesnt fall far from the tree-- I think your reporting is hogwash!

Posted at 9:06PM on May 9th 2008 by molly

7. What a major JACKASS. I am so tired of that kid saying every week "I've never done this song in public, I've never heard this song, I've never sang this before, blah, blah, blah" when it was proven he had in fact sang one of the earlier songs before. His dad is going to ruin this for him because no one is going want dad as part of the "package deal."

Posted at 9:06PM on May 9th 2008 by Some people...

8. Gaspy is finally free for a bit. Daddy can't pull those strings as much now little Pinnochio.

Posted at 9:07PM on May 9th 2008 by Sienna

9. I am going to laugh my a$$ off when Archtard wins Idols. LOL!

Posted at 9:09PM on May 9th 2008 by Sue

10. Gosh - don't these showbiz parents have real jobs?

Posted at 9:09PM on May 9th 2008 by Morgana

11. Oh, shut up TMZ. This is complete bullcrap. Jeff was never banned from the set during Star Search, and contestants have been asked about Jeff in interviews and they said there was NOTHING fishy about him. It's funny that you say he's banned from rehearsals but not from watching the actual performances... 'cause how can we actually KNOW if he's banned from rehearsals? Give it up--you're pathetic.

Posted at 9:11PM on May 9th 2008 by Samara

12. Thank God for David that by the time he puts out his first album he'll probably be 18 and can kick daddy to the curb if he isn't too frightened by him. Considering Naomi Judd said he was a horror and banned from the Star Search set and she was a judge I would say that was a pretty reliable authority. David stands up there week after week doing the same kind of song and looks like a zombie most of the time, not like he's enjoying himself. Very sad to see.

Posted at 9:13PM on May 9th 2008 by susan

13. Hahahahahha! He is now the poster boy for Votefortheworst.com.

Posted at 9:14PM on May 9th 2008 by Tyler

14. shut up tmz. gaaahhh. I know your "job" is to give "news" of the "stars" but really you needa stop bashing so much. Take a tip from Perez Hilton and try to post some good on your website for once. Or at least stop posting stories that are full of BS.

Posted at 9:15PM on May 9th 2008 by Blehhh

15. If it is true...I feel for the kid. There must be nothing worse than a "stage parent" If it continues, he will most likely split from his dad in the future.

Posted at 9:18PM on May 9th 2008 by Chaz

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