David Archuleta Got a Record Deal

American Idol loser David Archuleta signed with the same record label that signed David Cook, Jive Records.

David’s father is in trouble again. Jeff Archuleta took it upon himself to organize a concert entitled Back Home With David Archuleta at the 12,000-seat E Center stadium in Salt Lake City, but he didn’t clear it through American Idol who still have a contract with David.

A source told the New York Post that Idol execs were concerned that the one-night-only show would damage ticket sales for the official American Idol Live summer tour, which is stopping for two dates at the E Center on July 14th and 15th. The source said:

"They were afraid people wouldn’t buy tickets for the Idol tour if they had already seen David on stage in Salt Lake City."

Jeff told the Salt Lake City Tribune:

"When all the minds met, everyone concluded this wouldn’t work out for this particular weekend, and they just want to reschedule it toward the middle or end of the tour."

Jeff reminds me a lot of Michael Lohan.

David Archuleta Father Investigated for Child Sexual Abuse

American Idol contestant David Archuleta’s father has been put in the spotlight, and when that happens people start digging for dirt, and Star Magazine found some.

According to Star, Jeff Archuleta was accused of sexually abusing two children over the course of a three month period. Police did not arrest Jeff though, because a police source said "One of the alleged victims denied any abuse had taken place and said the in-law was lying." The source added that it came out the in-law who had made the child abuse allegations "had promised Barbie dolls to the two alleged victims if they backed up the false claim."

That’s cold.

Nigel Lythgoe Speaks Out on Jeff Archuleta Ban

The American Idol producer, Nigel Lythgoe, who "banned" Jeff Archuleta from being backstage with his son David Archuleta is telling his side of the story. Nigel said:

"Banished is a terrible word, isn’t it? It sounds like we’re in some far-off kingdom. He has been asked not to participate in the choice of music with David or be in the room when David is working out his routines that he wants to sing. He’s fine to be in the studio, nothing wrong with that. We just want David to be able to be free like everybody else to get on and do what they want to do."

When asked about the lyric change Jeff made that allegedly cost Idol a lot of money in copyright fees Nigel said:

"There was a lyric change that happened that was a total misunderstanding. Just another, um, step along the way of us saying, "Okay, this is what we want to happen from now on."

Nigel also addressed concern that David was getting better guidance from his father Jeff than the rest of the contestants:

"No, no, no. It has nothing to do with fairness. We just want everyone to have an equal opportunity, and if that’s fairness, fine. But this is more of just the fact of let’s take some pressure away here, you know? It’s like anybody appearing in front of their mom and dad. Let’s just open up the pressure cooker, release the pressure, and you just get on and do what you gotta do."

Nigel also addressed rumors that Jeff was a pushy "stage dad," saying:

"What is a stage dad, or a stage mom? It’s someone who’s protective. That’s all."

David’s vocal coach, Dean Kaelin, also responded to the "stage dad" rumors defending Jeff by saying:

"David’s dad is just a caring, concerned parent that fortunately has some musical expertise, and some people fear that because of this David receives an unfair advantage."

Tonight Jeff was in the audience, and was very friendly with Randy and Paula. While some stage dads and moms in the past have pushed their kids until their success destroyed them, Jeff seems to just be trying to help David win, so he can have a chance in Hollywood. That’s something most parents would do for their kids if they had the same opportunity.

David Archuleta Dad Banned from American Idol

David Archuleta’s dad Jeff, pictured above left, was officially banned from American Idol Wednesday.

A source says Jeff changed a verse in David’s song Stand by Me to include a verse from Sean Kingston’s song Beautiful Girls. Producers sent an email to Jeff informing him the lyrics could not be changed, but David sang Stand by Me with Kingston’s lyrics included during the live show anyway.

The source says on Wednesday Jeff was forced to talk to American Idol lawyers on Wednesday who informed him that the changed lyrics cost American Idol a lot of money due to copyright issues, so he would be banned from the backstage of the show, although he could be in the audience.

Jeff was also banned from Star Search several years ago for the same behavior.

If David has any chance of winning his dad needs to keep his distance.

Simon Cowell Goes After David Archuleta Dad

After David Archuleta performed the song You’re the Voice by John Farnham. Simon Cowell said:

"I don’t think that is you at all, and I’d be amazed if you chose the song yourself."

Sources say Simon’s comments were directed at David’s father Jeff Archuleta, who was banned from the Star Search lot because he was such a nightmare. Simon said the song sounded like something someone would perform at a theme park.