Might David Archuleta's second place finish on FOX's American Idol be the music profession's loss and the medical profession's gain?

"I'd like to keep trying to do school while I work on music," the 17-year-old singer tells reporters on Friday (May 23) morning, two days after he watched David Cook grab the American Idol crown. "That's kinda what I've been doing through this show; every day I still have to do school and even after this interview I have to go to school. I think school's really important. It was my main priority before this, because I wasn't sure if I was gonna be able to get anywhere with music, but I was still hoping for something. Even if music does turn out to go somewhere for me, you never know how long it will last and so I just want to make sure I have something to back me up on that, because I want to do music all my life, I just don't know if I'll be able to make a living off it for the rest of my life."

And what might Archuleta be planning as his potential post-music career?

"I've kind of changed my mind here and there," Archuleta says. "Lately, what I find is really interesting is the Ear-Nose-Throat doctor thing, which I know would take a lot of work and education, but it's something that really interests me, because it's something that helps people who've had the same problems as me, with the whole hearing and nose congestion and problems with your voice. It's just something I can really relate to people with, because I've had so many issues with that stuff, so it's be great to study into that more and be able to help out with all those problems and also learn about it."

Might you someday be able to make an appointment to have your orifices examined by Dr. David Archuleta? It could happen, but not any time in the near future. For now, Archuleta is doing what every eliminated American Idol contestant does, namely plotting his first album, albeit only when he's finished his homework.

"I'd love to still do the pop thing just because I'm still a teenager and on the show I was getting a little mature with my songs, even though I love to do that stuff," he says. "I still want to be able to relate to the kids my age. I like the pop music, but I still want to have meaning in my music."

After a trio of Tuesday performances that had all three judges stopping just short of handing him a winner's trophy, Archuleta's loss on Wednesday came as a surprise for many of his fans. But don't cry for the season's gracious second-place finisher.

"To the people who've been supporting me so much, I just want to thank them, first of all, because it means more than anything to know people are appreciating the hard work that we're putting into this and I just want them to know that I'm feeling great about it. The fact that Cook won, I think he deserved it so much. He just proved it week after week that that guy, he deserves to be the American Idol, from even early in the competition. He's such a great guy, too."

He continues, "My main priority wasn't to win the competition, but it was just to do my best. Because you can suck and people can vote enough for you to win and that wouldn't feel very good. But I think we both gave it all, we poured it all onto the stage on Tuesday night and we both feel really great about it. I don't think I could have done anything better or changed anything to make me feel any better about what I did. Not winning the competition won't limit me from trying to create an album and write stuff. I think this has just been such a great opportunity to open all of those doors that weren't open and available before all this happened. To make it to the Top Two, I don't think there's any reason to be disappointed about that."

Other highlights from Archuleta's exit interview:

On reports about his controversial father: "In interviews and stuff it started coming up and it was just kind of strange, because they were really weird things. I heard one thing was like he refused to give me water or something like that. That's the weirdest thing. I'm 17 and if I want water, I'm pretty sure I would just go get it anyway. And then another thing was that he made me cry during one of the recording studios or something. I can't remember really, but just weird things like that. I'm old enough to have enough control over myself. And then the next thing is he's a great guy. There really isn't anything that he's done that's bad like the things that have been spoken about him. My whole family has been such a great support and they're the ones who have kept me grounded and allowed me to be who I am today."

On his thoughts on romance: "Now it's time to really focus on making an album and writing songs and all that. I just feel like being 17, I'm not really mature enough to understand those feelings yet. I've watched so many of my friends just like, 'Oh, we broke... I can't live without them.' And it's like, 'You're 17. What are you talking about? You have so much more... You have school and what are you going to do for a living? It's not like you're going to live off that person or anything. It's not like your infatuation with them is going to support you.' I just want to make sure I don't get confused with feelings for someone so quickly... I don't know. It just bugs me, all the drama. I so don't want to deal with the drama right now."

On taking the judges' words to heart: "I always really enjoyed when they mentioned the fact that they could feel that I was connecting with the song and that they could feel it to. Like when Paula would say that or when Randy would say, 'That the bomb...' or I don't know. It didn't really make sense when he spoke sometimes. When they could tell that I really felt the song I was singing meant a lot to me, but also when they have advice to give, too, helps a lot, even the smallest of advice."

Comments

He is such a cutie, so talented, so mature and at the same time so child like. That's why we voted for him, and will buy his music.

MelG | May 23, 2008 2:32:54 PM | #

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My family and I will eagerly watch for David's first album. We so enjoyed his wonderful talent. Can't say as I'd spend money on the other David's work, he doesn't have that nice clear voice or sing songs we like to hear, but I certainly will watch for Archuleta's first album. Confess I won't watch Idol again - we're very disappointed. We tried to vote four times and were told that the phone number posted was not accepting any phone calls even an hour or two after the show. ?????

TechTalk | May 23, 2008 4:01:31 PM | #

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We still love David A. and wish the best for him. We look forward to seeing him and the others on tour, hopefully it won't bite like last year's tour. I really like Cook, and I'm happy for him. I am amazed at Archie's maturity. A good role model for my kids.

keepitreal | May 24, 2008 3:20:43 PM | #

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WAY TO GO DAVID A.! You were outstanding musically and have so much to look forward to in your life. Music can take you far and so will anything else you put your heart and mind to. You have a great outlook on life and are unstoppable. Keep reaching for all that you want out of life. It's there for the taking. I would be proud to have you as my son and wish you all the luck in your future! What a gem!

Erica P | May 24, 2008 4:09:05 PM | #

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The reason everyone loves David so much is because he's like anyother person, besides being an amazing singer. I love the way he smiles when he's shy. I also like how both the Davids treated eachother like brothers. It was so cute! They were both amazing and I really didnt care who'd win because i knew the other would get a record anyway. It would be amazing to see them do a duet. When David Archuleta sang Apologize with OneRepublic, I was so happy, because I am obsessed with both the song Apologize and David Archuleta (obsessed would be an understatement :P) because the lyrics of Apologize are so deep and meaningful and the way that David and Ryan sang it was so emotional.

Isabel | May 24, 2008 4:23:50 PM | #

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David is so impressive at such a young age. My family and friends all fell in love with him since the beginning. So sincere and talented, that unique & soaring voice is so mesmerizing . He'll be a huge star! Much thanks to this beautiful 17 yr old kid.

Winnie | May 25, 2008 7:32:16 AM | #

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I LOVE THIS KID AND CAN'T WAIT FOR HIS CD !!

HOPE YOU'LL HAVE MORE STORIES ABOUT HIM WE NEED HUMBLE AND SINCERE PEOPLE LIKE HIM !!!!

GREAT EXAMPLE FOR KIDS AND THIS WORLD IS SO DIRTY IT'S NICE TO SEE SOMEONE DIFFERENT LIKE HIM !!!

DAFAN | May 25, 2008 3:38:54 PM | #

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.....THE BEST BY FAR......

marylee1944 | May 30, 2008 11:56:23 AM | #

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david archuleta is awesome. he is so dedicated to what he is doing, and it's so nice that he is going to be a ear nose and throat doctor because thats what he needed to see when he had voice complications. anyways, he is an amazing singer and i can't wait until his cd comes out. :)

michaela | Jun 2, 2008 12:14:52 PM | #

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David Archuleta will sell more records in his lifetime than Frank Sinatra. I get a kick out of his interviews when he says that he wants to have something to fall back on if his music does not work out! He is the greatest young singer to come into the spotlight in many years. David, spend a couple hours a day on your homework and then get in there and make that CD!

greg | Jun 2, 2008 5:31:06 PM | #

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DAVID ARCHULETA WAS THE ONE THAT I FELL IN LOVE WITH AT THE HALF-WAY POINT.HE HAS THE GREAT TALENTED AND WONDERFULL VOICE.HE IS SO AWESOME,UNIQUE SINGER THAT HE,S GOING TO MAKE IT. I HOPE THAT HIM AND THE DAVID MAKE A CD TOGETHER.DAVID, I CAN,T WAIT FOR YOUR CD TO COME OUT.I HAVE A GIRLFREND WHO ALSO WANTED YOU TO WIN.AND I DID TOO.DON,T FORGET TO STUDY SCHOOL WORK TO.I LOVE YOU.

SHARRON | Jun 17, 2008 5:54:51 PM | #

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David Archuleta is my favorite singer forever. I've never fall in love any singer like this before. I also have 2 teenage children and live very far from USA. All the best!! and will always support you David.

thaifan | Jun 22, 2008 9:52:55 PM | #

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David Archuleta is a one of a kind young man. It is very rare in these days to see someone so young be so sweet and humble. I seen some of the people over the seasons of American Idol that really got into themselves. David maybe grew up some but he never lost focus. I am almost glad he wasn't the final winner because it appears he has more of an opportunity to be himself. David's parents should be very proud of the young man they raised. I know the light at the end of David's tunnel is full of success no matter what direction he is going in. God bless you David. Most of all what should be important in your life and He probably is JESUS. May all your dreams come true

Carol Henderson | Jun 24, 2008 3:09:09 PM | #

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David I just want you to know that you did an AMAZING job on idol and i am sooo excited for your first cd.I love you and you are sucha good role model for me. I have loved everything you do since the start.I hope all the best.You are a wonderful person and seem so mature and kind and noce and everything.My mom even said that i could marry you!I hope I can meet you some day.LOVE YOU!I wish you all the best!

Me | Jul 8, 2008 11:37:22 PM | #

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i totally loove david!!!

emma | Jul 25, 2008 11:00:09 AM | #

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