Idols LIVE!

I WAS THERE! If you've read the papers, you know that we Jazz fans stayed true to our reputation of being LOUD. Several of the singers commented on Utah's beauty (mountains) and on how loud it was in the E-Center. David Archuleta could hardly get a word in because the energetic cheering went on and on. We all just couldn't believe it was really him! All that gifted talentedness wrapped up in such a cute kid singing to you in the same room is pretty energizing. He gave many thanks for all the support, and put all he had into the performance as usual. He was overwhelmingly wiping tears away on his jacket sleeve by the end of the last song.

"Stand By Me" is a classic that he does so well...

For a while during the concert, I focused on trying to snap some good shots of the stars, especially when they came closer to our side of the arena. I had taken a few of Brooke White and others but knew they were far enough away that the quality wouldn't be too awesome. I did get a smiling one of David Archuleta walking toward us.

Later I decided to just hold my camera out and start snapping while look at David Cook directly instead of through a lens so that I could feel the emotion of the moment better. I didn't realize that the camera was still in video mode, so I got a good little clip of him singing with some of the ceiling at the end (oops).

THANKS MOM!!! What a great and unforgettable birthday present!