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David Archuleta Dropped by Record Label

By Christine Fenno Posted Feb 19th 2011 10:16AM

'American Idol' season 7 runner-up David Archuleta is facing a major setback in his once-promising post-'AI' career.

The 20-year-old's bad news went public yesterday, according to the Los Angeles Times: Jive Records says they've dropped the singer from the label after three years, with a company spokesperson confirming, "David was released from our roster."

Archuleta was just 16 when he lost 'Idol' (bested by David Cook), but he won countless fans who adored his sweet smile and formidable vocal skill. Still, the record business is all about numbers: Archuleta's 2008 self-titled debut, featuring the hit single 'Crush,' was certified platinum and sold almost a million copies worldwide. Yet that may get chalked up to beginner's luck, as his sophomore studio album has struggled to rack up 60,000 in sales since its release a few months ago.

In October 2010, Archuleta spent time with PopEater to promote 'The Other Side of Down,' his followup to his debut album. From inside Jive studios, he reflected on his fast-track to fame: "I didn't know how far I was going to get [on 'American Idol']....I didn't even think I was going to get past the first round, so after the first couple of auditions, I was like 'Wow, things are actually happening. There might be something that could come from this.'"

The young crooner, while upbeat about his new album, also told PopEater at the time that he'd enjoy going to college someday. Think that will be his next move? No reaction yet from Archuleta's camp about the sudden about-face from his once supportive label, or what's next for the singer.

Earlier this week, just a day before the world learned he was parting ways with Jive, Archleta tweeted a cryptic message about moving forward with his career: "Decisions. They are scary things before knowing what could happen after you make them, but I'm excited for what the future holds."

Tags: American Idol, David Archuleta

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Saturday 19 February

By bigD

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That is an AWSOME idea! He'd fit in perfectly and he can really sing and show off his voice on that show. Let's start something here. Someone get Ryan Murphy on the phone...

Saturday 19 February

By RB

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I dont think so.

Saturday 19 February

By Wendy

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@RB - Why not? He'd be perfect. He looks the right age, he can sing, he could play straight or gay, he's got both looks. I think he's adorable.

Saturday 19 February

By frank

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Or about this analogy, is it possible that Jive Records had enough of Archie's father trying to dictate to all how his son's carreer should go. Ya think? Could be...

Saturday 19 February

By Ed

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Hey Azzhole how ya doin!!

Saturday 19 February

By LEG

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David is a TRUE talent and doesn't need special effects to improve is voice, etc., like many recording artists do. All he needs now is a top-of-the-line manager/publicist who can reach REAL label execs who are interested in someone who can sing and has a lot of time to perfect his talent.

Leon Jackson, who won UK's "X Factor," is another incredible vocalist who is also having a difficult time securing a record deal. I keep searching his name to see if a new CD is being released, but so far to no avail. His previous CD was absolutely incredible and demonstrated his flawless vocal range.

Saturday 19 February

By jr

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Proof againthat american idol is just a sham.The sad part is that there are still suckers out there who believe in it.Hey folks there are no cinderellas out there,the only way to make it in any job is hard work. This show has always been a joke,that it's been kept on while fox has cancelled some very good shows is testament to what tripe people will watch.

Sunday 20 February

By Marsha

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He would have been more popular had he of taken the Disney route. After American Idol I bet he could have landed a job on some Disney show like all the others who sing. I'm sure that mostly teeny-boopers and mid-teens were his fanbase anyway.

Now if he wants to be hot, he really does need to look into changing his style or image. It worked for Pink (just referencing how she started out as an R&B singer with a different look, I don't mean anything more or anything less). Perhaps something like this would work for him as well, but they mustn't go overboard otherwise it would look too cheesy &/or unbelievable.

Sunday 20 February

By Archiefan

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Jive NEVER supported David properly.
it's THEIR fault his album didnt sell enough...
it was 10x better than his first album

Sunday 20 February

By Jodeen

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Interesting. This is exactly what RCA did to Clay Aiken. They promoted the first album, because that is where the immediacy of Idol's popularity pays off. Then they withdraw all support, including not allowing radio to be played, so they can remove you from the label and use their "promotion budget" for the next Idols. Rather like a ponzie scheme. Think about it. Talent has little to do with it, they just needed Archie's promo budget for promoting Adam's new DVD. Actually, likely very good business. I think everyone is getting wise to RCA as they have changed their label for Idol grads. Hard to say if it will be different..

Wednesday 23 February

By rg

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Set the record straight Pop Eater. Jive offered and David said NO. Watch his latest vlog. It is the least you can do!

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