David Archuleta - American Idol 7 Top 12 - Cast Party

David Archuleta at the American Idol Top 12 cast party

I am very happy because after years of struggle and heartache, American Idol is finally rewarding the little girls of America an American Idol of their own. We tried with Anthony Fedorov and Sanjaya Malakar -- but now we actually have someone who has been christened the chosen one.

My little girl sensibilities aside, there are a couple of factors helping David Archuleta right now:

1. He has the entire state of Utah voting for him. As everyone knows, Utah is the new Alabama of reality television as proven by Marie Osmond in Dancing with the Stars.
2. Tweens are the audience of the moment right now, and American Idol wants to cash in.
3. David Archuleta appeals to a broad spectrum of the American public not only little girls.
4. His fans are buying his music.

Also, the fact that David Archuleta does not come across as the jaded artist looking for his big break makes for compelling television. His reactions to everything from the judges comments to Ryan Seacrest all look genuine and a breath of fresh air after years of watching contestants pander to whatever demographic they are trying to court. David Archuleta has "being yourself" in the bag.

Finally, do not underestimate the power and dedication of a million little girls dialing and texting on a Tuesday night -- they will see this through to the very end of this competition.

David Archuleta -- Imagine
David Archuleta -- Shop Around
David Archuleta -- Another Day in Paradise

David Archuleta Preview on Rickey.org
All the David Archuleta posts on Rickey.org (for all the links to video clips and MP3)

Rickey's Bold Prediction: Winner