Apr 13 2009
David Archuleta visits Singapore
Hi All,
This article was to be published in Weekend Today but we forgot there’s no print this weekend cuz it’s a long weekend holiday – Good Friday!! So, I thought instead of it going to waste, I’ll post it up here. 
Enjoy
David Archuleta’s visit creates buzz
Singapore fans hold a special place in the heart of this American Idol star
By Suzanne Jung & Nooraza Ismail
There’s always a little more buzz and excitement to our daily grind here at Primetime Morning when it comes to interviews with celebrities.
So when word got out that American Idol star David Archuleta was making his way to Caldecott Hill for a TV interview, a steady stream of colleagues whom we wouldn’t have suspected were fans, ‘fessed up their adoration for the 18-year-old singer.
“So when is he coming? I got my camera ready and set to go. Can I also get his autograph for myself and my nieces? ” said a video editor, as she earnestly reminded us to include her in our afternoon date with David.
With celebrities, it’s never a guarantee that an impromptu photo opportunity is a sure thing, once the formal interview is over.
That’s because these stars bring with them their entourage of “minders” (read: publicist, manager, bodyguard, record promoter, sometimes parents) who sometimes take it upon themselves to decide that impromptu photo-taking sessions with the stars are a no-no as it takes too much time out of their hectic media schedule.
Well, David and his minders weren’t like that.
The minders didn’t mind the fans’ requests and neither did David. After we’d completed our interview with him, he stepped out of our studio into a crowd of fans who wanted nothing more than to meet him and pose for pictures with him, and this he agreed to graciously.
David’s graciousness aside, we found our hands full getting cameras and props all set up in our studio, before our interview with him.
Viewers seldom get to see what goes on behind the scenes of our morning show but what we can tell you is that half the fun (and hard work) of producing something for television is in the preparation.
In the one, single hour we had to set up, studio and camera crews worked quickly to get the backdrop, props, camera angles and lighting just right, but this they did and when David walked in, the cameras were ready to roll.
At eighteen, David has an air of innocence about him that adds to his cute factor. He struck us as someone who’s happy and content with where he is today.
Ask him about his fans and he beams with pleasure, often breaking out in giggles as he recalls how wild they can get.
Singapore fans, by the way, have a special place in his heart.
“What’s so funny is that during American Idol, Singapore was one of the places I got the most fan letters from. It was just crazy! It’s great!”
psss… David thinks Kris Allen stands out from the current season of American Idol. Do you have a favourite too?
22 responses so far
It’s taking one to the real life David in a few words.. liked it..bit you seemed not very well this morning!
Take care.. God Bless,
Alan
Hi! Suzanne,
Thanks for sharing the scenes behind David’s interview which I saw last Saturday morning on CNA.
His engaging smile is certainly a winner, just like yours
He must be living out his favorite quote: “You’ll never be lonely if you learn to befriend yourself.”
For those who missed the interview on PrimeTime Morning,
you can catch it here:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_BPz0TTa4U
It’s tough to pick a favorite from this season’s contestants.
I think Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert and of course, Kris Allen
should do well.
By the way, getting up in the wee hours of the morning and going hungry during the day must be tough on you. You need to rest and eat more
Take care,
Roland
http://tinyurl.com/taxliensecret
Dear Suzanne
Nothing about the American Idol.
But I just wanted to know where to get those jackets that you wear?
thanks!
Hi Suzanne!
I’m a David fan and I must congratulate you on the interview you conducted with David on CNA. It was insightful and you clearly did some homework about David and his tour. Thank you for sharing what happened behind the scenes. David is really a great person to be with and he really loves his fans.
Nice Great Blogpost! I got to meet him and he really is one of a kind. You can feel that he really is happy and appreciative of everything he has now!
loved this article about david… the honor and respect shown to him by the media and press during his trip to singapore and malaysia was amazing, and the degree to which you love and adore him as a truly gifted and bona fide artist is amazing, and heartwarming. he is truly one of the most gifted male vocalists in pop music in a generation. thanks for your outstanding show of love and support to the one we refer to as the crown prince.
awh!
:D
so cute!
Kris Allen is my favorite too.
I enjoyed your interview with David and thanks for the
peek into the preparations. I loved seeing bits of Singapore
in all the pictures, it looks lovely. David is a treasure, his
character is as good as his voice. Thanks and I liked your
jacket too.
Thanks for the article. David is divine isn’t he. What a wonderful person and he definitely has a heavenly voice. Check out David’s Zero Gravity on youtube. Fabulous song!
Thanks so much for your fantastic interview with David Archuleta and for this article. What an incredible young man. He is very talented and he is a beautiful person; David is a great role model for people of all ages. His smile can bright up the world. There won’t be another contestant as amazing and special as David on American Idol (or any other singing competition); however, I think Danny Gokey is really good. Thanks again and take care.
Thanx for the nice write-up and interview–enjoy following David and his career!! Hope he’s around for years and years!!
Hi Dr Alan John and Roland,
Thanks for your concerns. Yea, was down with a virus last week – there’s a bug going around so beware.
Strangely it’s not common cold nor flu… just makes you lose your voice…
I’m good now so back to work
Cheers,
Suz
Hi Jenny,
My suits are made by Mac at Raffles Tailor. They make suits for some of our other presenters as well.
Very good workmanship and very comfortable to wear
Hope that helps.
Suzanne
Hi Yasmin, Nala, dbs and sasha,
Thank you for your kind comments. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview and I definitely enjoyed interviewing him.
The newsroom was definitely buzzing when David came around 4pm that day for the recording. You should have seen the crowd!
Hi Holly,
I’m glad I asked the Zero Gravity question too. Isn’t it a pity the recording label missed this one for the album? Hopefully, we’ll see it soon
Suzanne
Hi Daniel, Fancy and Rainne,
yea he really looks like he’s at the top of world isn’t he?
Happiness is contagious. You look at him smile, you smile along too
For the current season, Kris and Adam stand out. I like Danny’s chirpiness though and that twinkle in his eye when he smiles. And you gotta give 16 yr old Allison thumbs up for that unique voice quality of hers.
Btw, have you heard or watched Susan Boyle?
Cheers,
Suzanne
[...] Channel News Asia: David Archuleta visits Singapore. [...]
Hi Suzanne, glad to hear that you are feeling ok now. Kinda off topic, but just want to share that I am finally making the trip to Korea next week. Hopefully, I can still see some of the spring blooms. Both me and my wife can’t wait to experience the Korean culture, shopping, and cuisine.
That is excellent news, that David Archuleta visits Singapore!
if only i had suzanne contact no
I pray you haven\’t got a relapse. I thought Davids innocent and frank opinions were awsome. Love your pictures
Hi Suzanne Jung Jie Jie, it is nice picture of David Archuleta and you.The picture looks awesome. I heard David Archuleta held his concert at Bugis recently . His concert start at 7.00p.m. I didn\’t attend David Archuleta\’s concert beacuse it is a bit late for me. I hoping I have a chance to take photo of David Archuleta. I can\’t believe David Archuleta looks so young and I simply loves his voice. I would like to hear his voice again.
I need your help. In your own opinion, do you like or don’t like flash splash page. If possible, can you elaborate more why you like or don’t like flash splash page.
Remember to drink 8 glass of water!!!
Take Care: Suzanne
Cheers: Debbie Wee
Hi Suzanne,
I love you hear you on TV every morning. I noticed that you look pregnant. If you are…my heartiest congratulations! I hope all good things to come your way!