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 5 of 26)Previous 15 Comments | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

61. He's damb lucky American Idol will allow it this far. In Reality, during competitions if you vary from the material given it is an automatic disqualification. At the Very least, he and his father should foot the residual bills that need to be paid out to the Sean Kinston for using his material and broadcasting it worldwide. If he intends to make it in the entertainment industry, then he will have to learn to pay for what you take. Especially without the artists consent.

Posted at 11:01PM on May 9th 2008 by Erica

62. So Archuleta had a great night Tuesday, he aced the "Rock and Roll" night.

The 2006 Cook interview came out on Monday at the music for life website before the Tuesday performance and Cook had an off night. Pathetic attempt at plugging Cook for the win. Is this a payback?

And, unfortunately, the negative-loving lemmings follow along with TMZ.

I've seen TMZ bloggers on other entertainment website concertedly attacking Archuleta. What's up ppl? Some type of insider game as to who gets Cook vs. Archuleta and who gets the most cash at the end of the day?

Posted at 11:04PM on May 9th 2008 by Amy Jeremiah

63. TMZ has a bunch of dumb ass writers... they couldn't possibly write for anyone other than TMZ

Posted at 11:06PM on May 9th 2008 by eindoodle

64. Imagine what David's life must be like when he goes back to the Hotel with Pops every night-The kid seems really talented, and he also seems to be pushed really hard,and slightly terrified. I do hope that when he turns 18 he can get an agent and others around him that will allow him to develop his talent in a positive way.

Posted at 11:12PM on May 9th 2008 by ByeByeJeff

65. Ok so his dad got in trouble, but he is 17 so shouldn't he get into trouble also. I am sure he knows ther rules and knows he wasn't supose to change the lyrics. Come on does any one really want him to win this thing ?

Posted at 11:12PM on May 9th 2008 by wickedmom

66. for all you tmz bashers, if you don't like what tmz writes stop getting on their website. You're a lowlife as much as anyone else who read this stuff(me included). Stop thinking you're more righteous or just than tmz. As for archie's dad, he must be losing points to becoming his own god for not acting like a mormon. oh no. ! what to do.

Posted at 11:13PM on May 9th 2008 by no_mos

67. More importantly, what happened to \\\"American Idol\\\" simply being a competition for totally unknown or undiscovered artists? What fueled the fantasy for the audience was the concept that anyone — the waitress down the street who had a nice voice — could suddenly become a superstar. It was one thing when Carly Smithson (nee Hennessey) was revealed to have released an album five years ago. But for Cook to have one out now, I think, disqualifies him as a true competitor.

Posted at 11:16PM on May 9th 2008 by MEKO

68. It's starting to get hard for American Idol to find "undiscovered talent" when they have all these singing competitions and everyone and their mom is on it. Eventually, everyone is going to be on TV.

Posted at 11:20PM on May 9th 2008 by Jacqueline

69. Wow. Don't the producers realize that by adding that line and speaking to all the "beautiful girls", and directly appealing to his fans they will sell hundreds of thousand of dollars on the ipod download as well as insure that hundreds of thousands more albums are sold to the HUGE tween market.

Pretty short sighted and narrow minded of the producers. That one line was MONEY!!!

Posted at 11:21PM on May 9th 2008 by paul

70. This is a bunch of lies. You choose TODAY of all days to break this? You ONLY feature David Archuleta on your live feeds, not the other contestants.. and then you release this bogus story.

TMZ has officially lost ALL credibility.

hellllllo national enquirer!

Posted at 11:29PM on May 9th 2008 by Suzanne

71. Julio:

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=2051422&page=1%22

Posted at 11:33PM on May 9th 2008 by Sheesh

72. ugh. poor david cook having to live with that guy and wonder if there's something extra in his cereal every morning.

Posted at 11:36PM on May 9th 2008 by sunny

73. david archuleta doesn't deserve to be on this show. i'm sick of his "i am going to vomit" expressions on his face when the judges are giving him feedback. sick of his "i am going to pass out" expressions when he's talking to ryan. sick of him thinking he's better than everyone else .. and actually changing song lyrics??

he sounds like he's a young wayne newton and should be singing in some lounge in las vegas or on a senior's cruise. he has no personality ... and every song he sings sounds like the last song he sang ... and now to hear about this .. .it's pathetic. he should be accountable for changing lyrics ~ especially when he was told NOT TO by the producers and he should be booted from the show.

UGH .... what a waste ... carly smithson or michael johns should still be there .. not this whiney little baby boy.

Posted at 11:52PM on May 9th 2008 by raven

74. I believe this story. Last week EW attended the Neil Diamond dress rehearsal and reported that David's daddy was a royal pain in the arse. He complained about the arrangement, the lyrics, told the producers where they should edit his son for the review clip at the end of the show. Dude is a nightmare. Feel sorry for the kid. He's too young to navigate this on his own, so what else is he gonna do but listen to Daddy Dearest?

Posted at 11:54PM on May 9th 2008 by LindaLou

75. Maybe David needs to sing...."Under my Thumb" by the Rolling Stones....since Daddy has him there!!!! He's too darn fake for me....I actually don't like American Idol anymore.....hopefully they'll end this crap soon!

Posted at 11:57PM on May 9th 2008 by z1nonly

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