David Archuleta
Photo: Sohyung Kang/ MTV News

Landing in the "American Idol" finale gets you a lot of things: a new car, instant name recognition, the opportunity to work with the industry's top producers and songwriters on your debut album. (If you're Kris Allen, you also score a hideous, pointless trophy.)

What you don't get, however, is time. Somehow in the midst of doing press for the show and going on a massive tour, you're expected to put out a high-profile album in just a few exhausting months.

Season-seven runner-up David Archuleta survived the first year of post-"Idol" craziness, and while he's pleased with how his debut self-titled 2008 album turned out, he's making sure the music on his next pop album reflects more of who he is.

"I'm hoping that at least some of the songs I've written this time around will be able to make it on to the record," Archuleta recently told MTV News. "I don't think songs have to be like these super-#1-smash-hit-sounding songs, because I think it's more important that it's like, 'Hey! This is coming out of me. This is something I connect with. This is something that I like to sing.' "

In addition to pushing himself as a songwriter, Archuleta hints that he might cover more genres on the next album. "Even if it's, like, different styles of music ... when you write, it's like, 'Yeah, even though these songs are different, they're David songs.' And you can't say anything different. You can't say, 'Oh, that's not a David song.' It's like, 'Well, yeah it is because it's my story and I wrote about it and it's coming out of me!' "

Fans worried the 19 year-old cherubic singer might pull a Kelly Clarkson and release a dark, moody collection of tunes à la My December needn't fret. "[I'll] still look for the radio-friendly music and stuff. I want the stories to be more relatable to what I wanna talk about," Archuleta said, adding, "It's, like, fun music! But you can tell that it's my story. And I like that."

David spent a fruitful week in Nashville working with Joy Williams, Matt Wertz and Mat Kearney producer Robert Marvin (who recently spilled/tweeted the beans on two song titles, "Falling Awake" and "Sooner or Later") and from what Archuleta told us, it was a liberating experience. "In other songwriting sessions I might have had, I was feeling so much pressure. 'Oh, we have to get something done, this isn't good as it should be.' But I wasn't worried about any of that while I've been writing so far."

After Nashville, Archuleta spent some time in New York City with songwriter/producer Jeymes Samuel, who has worked with KT Tunstall, Mr Hudson and, oddly enough, Gorillaz. When asked if he would ever want to collaborate with Damon Albarn's supergroup, Archie laughed, "I don't think they'd want me."

So when will fans get the chance to hear Archuleta's new, more personal material (provided it makes the cut)? "I guess it just kind of depends when stuff is finished," Archuleta shrugged, before beaming, "Which is exciting, because last year it was like, 'Everything has to be done by this time!' And [now] it's like, 'Wow! I don't know when it'll be coming out.' And that's kinda nice!"

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

• David Archuleta On His Next Album

• David Archuleta

Photo: MTV News

• David Archuleta

David Archuleta
Photo: Sohyung Kang/ MTV News

Christmas came early for David Archuleta fans. Earlier this month, the season-seven "American Idol" runner-up released Christmas From the Heart, which features 12 Christmas favorites as well as a new song Archuleta co-wrote, called "Melodies of Christmas."

The 18-year-old told MTV News that working on an original holiday tune came naturally. "It all happened so fast that I didn't really think about it!" he said. "I mean, that was the last song we worked on and recorded. And it was all pretty much a rush."

Recording at a breakneck pace that rivaled the fast turnaround of his self-titled debut last year, David still managed to sing in four different languages for the album. "I had never spoken French in my life until [singing 'Pat-A-Pan']," he said. The Latin in "Ave Maria" was more difficult to master, which is why Archuleta cited that track as the hardest to sing.

David also said "O Holy Night" was no picnic to record, either, though he delivered a pitch-perfect rendition to an MTV employee when he went caroling around the office just minutes after the interview wrapped. (He sang "O Holy Night" again when he spoke at a Women's Conference in Salt Lake City earlier this week.)

The first song he recorded for Christmas From the Heart was album opener "Joy to the World," and he concluded the sessions with the album-ending "Melodies of Christmas."

"It's kind of funny; you can hear how my voice was worn out by the end," Archuleta pointed out. "But it was fun. It was an enjoyable album to make."

And what about that early-October release date? "Well, that wasn't up to me," the rosey-cheeked singer laughed. "They usually come [out] around this time, anyway, right? Like Bob Dylan's Christmas in the Heart came out the same day, so I'm not alone!"

David Archuleta is getting ready to hit the road in support of his holiday album. The Christmas From the Heart tour kicks off in Salt Lake City on November 24.

• David Archuleta

Adam Lambert
Photo: Jason LaVeris/ FilmMagic

Kevin Griffin made a name for himself in the '90s with Better Than Ezra, but these days, when he's not busy working with the band and releasing new music, he's writing with some of the biggest names from "American Idol."

He's worked with everyone from Jason Castro to David Cook and David Archuleta, and this time around, he's written some songs for Kris Allen and Adam Lambert for their top-secret, highly anticipated debuts, both out this fall. He's hoping the songs he submitted for Lambert make the final cut.

"As a songwriter, you want to get on the projects that are high-profile but you hope are going to be successful," he said about collaborating with "Idol" alumni. "And certainly, the 'Idol' things are successful."

So what should fans expect from Lambert's upcoming debut? "Adam has that potential for that worldwide, crazy success, 'cause his taste is kind of an international kind of thing," Griffin said.

As fans of the show know already, Lambert has a flair for the theatrical and a penchant for glittery rock. Griffin said that there will probably also be some disco thrown in.

"I know that they're going for more of an international, pop-rock, goth sound," he said. "I know what they're wanting, and I think it's going to be something that you could hear in between a Fall Out Boy song and a Kylie Minogue song. You'd mash that together and put some mascara on it."

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

• Better Than Ezra
• David Archuleta
• David Cook

Demi Lovato
Photo: MTV News

"Camp Rock" star Demi Lovato will release her new album, Here We Go Again, on July 21, but until then she is hitting the road with "American Idol" alum David Archuleta. The Disney princess has been on the road since June 21, and she says that it's just one of the steps she's taking to get the word out about the album, her follow-up to last year's Don't Forget.

"I'm doing a lot of Twittering. I try and get it embedded into their heads. My fans are great. They do a really good job of keeping up with things like that," she told MTV News. "I put on a lot of shows and try and get everyone excited — as excited as I am."

When she's not onstage this summer, Lovato will be busy tweeting and preparing for the "Camp Rock 2" shoot this fall. And she'll have her laptop with her when she's out on the road. "I have to have my laptop everywhere I go with me," she said. "I write my songs on it. I live off of it."

She added that she also has her BlackBerry with her everywhere she goes, but she does need one thing that technology just can't offer her. "My pillow. I carry my pillow everywhere I go," she said. "Just a pillow. I like to take catnaps everywhere I go. I carry my pillow with me."

• Demi Lovato
• David Archuleta

Robin Thicke performs at the Stephan Weiss Studio in New York on Friday
Photo: Epiphany Media

Not long after news of Michael Jackson's death broke last Thursday, various superstars honored the late pop icon in their shows. Beyoncé paid tribute to Jackson at a tour stop at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, where she sang "I Can't Help It," before she did it at the BET Awards on Sunday night (June 28).

David Archuleta also sang a Jackson song, "You Can," during a stop in New Jersey last week during his tour with Demi Lovato. He later tweeted, "I can't get over MJ. I know everyone's talking about it but he deserves the respect. I hope people will appreciate what he's done."

On Friday night, Robin Thicke paid tribute to the late singer during a concert in New York City at the SoBe Summer Fridays party, where he sang Jackson's song "Human Nature" and also spoke at length about the influence that Jackson has had on the world.

"We all know this is not just an American icon, this is a world icon," he said. "This is someone who affected change in the whole world, not just America. So Americans might now realize in some capacity how huge this is."

Thicke, who said he's been texting with his music industry friends over pop music's great loss, added, "Some of our biggest American stars aren't worldwide like Michael Jackson was. Everybody's inspired and wondering how they're going to pay tribute and what we are all going to do. I think it just shows you what he created, which was love and dance and joy."

For complete coverage of the life, career and passing of the legendary entertainer, visit "Michael Jackson Remembered."

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• Remembering Michael Jackson

• 2009 BET Awards Show

• David Archuleta
• Robin Thicke
• Beyoncé

David Archuleta and his father Jeff Archuleta
Photo: Jordan Strauss/ WireImage

David Archuleta's dad made plenty of headlines when his son was chasing the "American Idol" crown last year, mostly for what some described as his stage-dad tendencies. Now, Jeff Archuleta is in the news again, only it has nothing to do with his son's career.

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Archuleta, 47, pleaded no contest in January to patronizing a prostitute and paid a $582 fine after a January 14 bust at the Queens of Reiki massage parlor in Midvale, Utah. Sgt. John Salazar told the paper that police had been investigating the business for several days after patients at a nearby doctor's office complained that the masseuses at the parlor were arriving at the building in skimpy outfits.

After the raid, the parlor was cited for operating without a license and Archuleta was given a citation for solicitation of prostitution. "Two of our detectives went back to that room to stop the activity," Salazar said. "Inside, they found a female masseuse and male client. At that time an interview ensued and the male client admitted to receiving sexual gratification from the masseuse." The client was Archuleta and the unnamed masseuse who allegedly gratified him was also cited.

Court records indicate that Archuleta took a no contest plea on January 30 to the class B misdemeanor of patronizing a prostitute and paid the fine, agreeing to complete a counseling class. The case will be dismissed when he appears in court on June 30 for a review as long as he does not repeat the crime.

Speaking to ABC4 News, Jeff Archuleta's lawyer, Eric Bauer, confirmed that his client had been a customer at the parlor when police raided it, but said he went there to receive legitimate therapy for his back. Bauer said his client did not participate in any sexual activity but was advised to plea no contest to avoid negative publicity for David Archuleta, who was then embarking on a tour in support of his recently released debut album.

• David Archuleta

David Archuleta
Photo: Paul Morigi/ WireImage

Seventh-season "American Idol" runner-up David Archuleta is standing behind eighth-season runner-up Adam Lambert's decision to announce that he is gay. Following the outpour of support from "Idol" judges, fellow contestants and fans, Archuleta announced his respect for Lambert and downplayed the overall significance of the revelation.

"I know it's always interesting and surprising and shocking [to people] when they say those things, but that's up to them, it's their lives," Archuleta said, according to a report from Rolling Stone. "I don't think it was a big surprise."

Archuleta was speaking in Washington, D.C., where he attended the Children Uniting Nations gala and performed a fan favorite from his "Idol" days, John Lennon's "Imagine."

Addressing Lambert's decision to stay mum on his sexuality throughout the talent competition, Archuleta said, "I don't think he was trying to be all sneaky and secret about it. I'm sure he was happy with who he was and stuff, it's not like he was ashamed."

Like many of the people MTV News has spoken with about the revelation, Archuleta was not surprised when Lambert came out of the closet. "I just kind of assumed it; I think everyone else did too," he said. "I don't think it's a bad thing or anything."

Remarking that Lambert was "really cool" when the singers met at a recent "Idol" performance, Archuleta went on to pay respect to the man's talent. "He seems really confident when he's onstage, but I don't think it comes across as cocky or anything, and when I talked to him, it seemed like he was appreciating everything that was going on, and he was really grateful for those opportunities that he had," he said.

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

• Adam Lambert's Wild "American Idol" Journey

• David Archuleta

Adam Lambert performs on Tuesday's "American Idol"
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ FOX

By now, you've probably heard that Kris Allen took home the coveted "American Idol" crown last night. You've probably already Tweeted about the news and shared your two cents via your Facebook status. Well, many celebrities did the same thing. From former "Idol" runner-up David Archuleta to Emmy Rossum, stars took to their Twitter accounts late last night and early this morning. Some were enraged (Diablo Cody), some were apathetic (Pink) and some showed love for both Adam and Kris.

Jordin Sparks told MTV News earlier this season that she just couldn't choose a favorite contestant. Well, the season-six "Idol" winner stayed consistent and when the final name was called, Sparks wrote, "Yaaaaay Kris!!! Yaaaaaaay Adam!!! Omg. Nice. Okay. Goodnight. :)"

	"American Idol" Season 8 Live Performances

"The View" co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck also had high praise for the winner and runner-up. "Congrats to both guys for sharing their gifts!" she Tweeted just after the results.

Same goes for David Archuleta. "Wow! What an amazing show! Congrats to Kris! Also to Adam for the incredible job that he did too! They [are] some awesome performers!"

As for the Adam Lambert fans, well ... their Tweets were a little lighter on the exclamation points. "Juno" writer Diablo Cody hailed herself as the "Taylor Hicks of the '08 Oscars" on her account but made a bold prediction that Lambert would take home the victory. After Kris won, Cody wrote, "F--- this sh--. Time to watch 'Real Housewives' and drown my sorrow in Barefoot Bubbly."

Perez Hilton — an adamant Adam supporter — wrote just one word right after the news broke: "Sad." Later, Perez Tweeted, "Congratulations to Adam, though. It's really a major accomplishment that he made it as far as he did!"

And you probably would've pegged singer/actress Emmy Rossum for a Kris Allen fan, but the starlet is definitely a Glambert. "Adam Lambert seriously did not win?" she wrote. "Such a let down. Kid's gonna be a massive star regardless. Go Lambert!!!"

Mario Lopez also showed support for Adam. "Adam Lambert is coming to the ['Extra'] set today! I thought my fellow San Diegan should have won. He's gonna be just fine though."

Joel Madden and Nicole Richie were spotted in the "Idol" audience taking in the action firsthand. Before the results were announced, Joel wrote, "Honestly Adam and Kris were both great. But watching Adam perform with Queen, he really held his own. I was impressed. I really get him now."

Nicole showed consideration for "Idol" fans on the West Coast and kept the results out of her Twitter updates. "I'm going to wait until tomorrow to comment on American Idol because every time I do, I get in trouble for spoiling it," she wrote. "But I will say this ... Kara Dioguardi & Holly Hunter look like long lost sisters."

And finally, Pink didn't really seem to know anything about "Idol," but she did have a comment on the contestants' rendition of her hit song "So What."

"I heard it [through] the grapevine that someone butchered my song last night on TV," Pink Tweeted. "Does that mean I've 'made it?' "

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

• 'American Idol' In 60 Seconds

• "American Idol" Season 8: Live Performances
• Backstage At The "American Idol" Finale

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Cobra Starship
Photo: MTV News

Cobra Starship are already honorary members of the "American Idol" family, having worked with judge Kara DioGuardi on a track called "Good Girls Go Bad." While the band steadfastly denies that they are loyal "Idol" fans — "Hell, no!" frontman Gabe Saporta cries — they did share some strong opinions about the show and its contestants during some downtime on the set of their upcoming music video.

"The first time I met Kara DioGuardi, I was really mad at her, 'cause I thought she replaced Paula Abdul," Saporta told MTV News. "I'm like, 'You replaced my girl! Straight up now tell me, are you really gonna love me forever?' "

We're only half-certain he's joking. "We got offered to work with Kara right as she was becoming an 'American Idol' judge," Saporta explained. "We didn't know who she was. She didn't know who we were. We got hooked up with her. I'm like, 'Who is this person?' She's like, 'Who's this annoying band?' But we got in the room, and it was like magic, and we wrote the song in 15 minutes. It's, like, the best song on our album."

The "Idol" judge isn't the only one getting some face time with Cobra. Last season's diminutive finalist David Archuleta stopped by backstage at a recent show, though at least one bandmember had no clue who he was. "[Guitarist] Ryland [Blackinton] met David Archuleta at our show three weeks ago," Saporta said. "[He] had no idea who he was. He's like, 'Hey there, little guy. How are ya?' "

"He looked like a little short-scale Fred Savage," Blackinton confessed. "He looked like a little man."

Blackinton quickly backtracked off that touchy statement about the 18-year-old. "I heard his fan club, the Arch Angels, are a pretty gnarly pack of middle-age women," Blackinton said with a smile. "So, listen: I didn't mean anything bad by calling him a little guy. It's just you can't tell because I'm sitting down — and they make me sit down for all the videos — I'm 7-3. So when I saw him, I didn't even know. I was like, 'Hey, stand up and meet me when you have a minute.' "

After Archuleta took off from the show, Blackinton said he sent a nervous text to Saporta: "Is that somebody important? Did I just mess up?"

The only one to cop to some "American Idol" love was bassist Alex Suarez. "I didn't get to meet [Archuleta]," he said. "I was really bummed out when I found out he was at our show and nobody hit me up on Twitter."

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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• David Archuleta

The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Miranda Cosgrove, More Arrive At 2009 Kids' Choice Awards

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