David Archuleta's performance in the American Idol Top 4 segment, which aired on May 6, 2008, was my favorite to date. On that week, David performed "Stand by Me" by Ben E King and "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley. This week's segment attracted a bit of controversy for David's father, Jeff, because of the inclusion of a verse from Sean Kingston's Beautiful Girl, causing the producers of American Idol having to pay performance royalty for the use of that song as well. It resulted in Jeff being banned from backstage for interfering in American Idol.
Stand By Me
Randy Jackson: David, check it out, baby, what I am so happy about sitting here right now, there's four of you left, at least there's one guy that hits the stage, every time he hits the stage, tries to win the hall of fame. This is a competition where all the best vocals are on the line, he brought the hot, man, vocals, Paula, I love the dude, it was hot!
Paula Abdul: We all forget that you are way beyond your years, being seventeen in this competition, it's hard, it's really hard what you guys are doing, and I really admire one thing - I mean I admire lots of things, what I really admire, a couple of weeks ago, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber said communicate with your eyes because the audience wants to feel the same joy that you are feeling on that stage, and you delivered - you really delivered on this, and you're taking everything said, good and bad, throwing out what you don't need, and you are seasoned already.
Simon Cowell: The truth is David, you could have whistled the song that it would have sounded better than the last song. You were very well placed. Very good choice of song. I thought you struggled a little bit at the end of it - a little bit - ok look, in the grand scheme of things, I am going to call that the best performance so far.
Ryan Seacrest commented that David looked like he was going to pass out every time the judges spoke. David said that he was just nervous and excited.
Love Me Tender
Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
Randy Jackson: Check it out, baby, another great performance from you, I like how you were so tender, you caressed each word, dude you are going all right now - the hot vocals for tonight right there.
Paula Abdul: That was once of my favorite performances from you, I felt it, I felt [came] your heart. It was fantastic and very beautiful.
Simon Cowell: David, you did not beat the competition tonight, you crushed the competition.
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