David Archuleta will be spending the next two years in Chile as part of a mission for his church. “Wow,” tweeted the singer, “Things are really beginning to hit me. Can’t believe I’ll be leaving soon.” Before his departure, the American Idol alum took the time to record an emotional video farewell for all his fans. Watch it below. We’ll miss you, Archie!

“I’m going to miss my family, I’m going to miss to keep in touch with them, but also… I am going to miss to be able to talk to all of you, and let you know what’s going on, sharing my thoughts and weird random things that I’m doing or thinking about,” said David to his fans. “I appreciate that you guys have still been here.”

David Cook wished all the best for his Season 7 Idol friend on Twitter. “Everyone go show @DavidArchie some love. He leaves for his 2 year long mission tomorrow. Best wishes, Archie!”

When David Archuleta announced that he was putting his music career on hold to embark on a two-year mission with his church, we thought that was the last we’d see of our little Archie for awhile. Thankfully, we get a send-off in the form of a new video for the song “Wait”, previously unheard here in the States. Hop below to watch a solemn David in his Hong Kong-set clip.

The song “Wait” comes from David’s The Other Side Of Down Asian Tour Edition, and is a slow, synth-aided, Sting-esque tune in which the singer pleads with the object of his affection, “Wait, wait, wait, don’t go!” We can’t help but feel the same sentiment for David before he begins his mission.

David Archuleta – “Wait”

David Archuleta’s The Other Side Of Down is out now on Jive. Purchase it on eMusic.

David Archuleta’s emotions overtook him last night during a Christmas concert at Salt Lake City’s Abravanel Hall while the singer made a special announcement to all his fans. “I’ve chosen to serve a full time mission,” the 2008 American Idol runner-up said, before the audience erupted into applause. He then covered his face with his hands as he tried to compose himself.

While serving his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Archuleta will put his singing career on hold for two years. Eric Hawkins, a spokesman from the church, declined to say where the singer will serve.

“It’s not because someone told me that I’m supposed to do it, not because I no longer want to do music anymore, but it’s because it’s the feeling that I feel I need to do next in my life,” Archuleta said with a shaky voice, after regaining his composure on stage. “It’s just the same feeling that I’ve always tried to follow in my life… I’ve learned to trust that feeling and I’ve learned that I need to answer when it calls.”

During his announcement, the 20-year-old indicated that his mission will begin in “the first half of next year.”

David parted ways with label Jive and the WEG management company in early 2011, following the release of his sophomore album The Other Side Of Down in fall 2010. “The President of Sony, Barry Wise, who is also over at Jive records, has left the company,” he said in a video blog posted on his official site in February. “And same with my A&R guy, Jeff Finster… he’s no longer there, too. So, a lot of people have been leaving, they’re changing as a company.”

Archuleta has been traveling North America throughout December on his My Kind Of Christmas Tour, which wraps up tomorrow night (December 21) at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, Colorado.

What do you think of David’s decision to put his music career on hold for a couple years, Archie fans? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook or Twitter!

The Other Side Of Down is available now on Jive. Purchase it at eMusic.

[Via The Huffington Post]

What is this, 2008 all over again? Today we were treated with the sweet sounds of American Idol Season 7 winner David Cook (his LP This Loud Morning finally dropped today), and now that season’s runner-up has some new tunes to check out, too. David Archuleta’s new song “Everything And More” premiered on a radio station in Singapore today, and the Jive-less wonder is going back to basics with some emotional balladeering. Listen to Archie’s latest offering below — and listen closely, since it’s pretty low quality.

David Archuleta — “Everything And More”

We have major love for the adorable singer — almost as much love as he has for Alison Sudol of A Fine Frenzy — but David, who co-wrote the song with Grammy-winning songwriter Victoria Horn, doesn’t break down any boundaries or explore any new territory with this treacly ballad. It’s about as bland and uneventful as Shania Twain’s comeback single. If he wants to garner some major buzz for a follow-up to his 2010 release The Other Side Of Down, this isn’t the song to get it with.

Then again, who knows — it’s generic and cheesy enough to be the lead single off the soundtrack to some high budget action drama. Does Warrior need a song to play over the credits?

[Via Neon Limelight]

Though most people dread their high school reunions, the American Idol reunion hosted by The Hollywood Reporter seems like it’d be a party not to miss. The entertainment mag managed to get 29 Idol alumni, split from across all ten seasons, into one room for a class photo. Season 10 faves Pia Toscano and Casey Abrams were in attendance, as was Kris Allen, the only former winner to make it to the reunion. Jump below to watch the alumni talk about their time on the show, what they’ve been doing since, and their thoughts on the new, nice judges.

Sadly, there was no Kelly or Carrie at the event, but Season 9′s “Sanjaya” Tim Urban showed up! (The actual Sanjaya was not. We’re sure he was very busy doing… seriously, why wasn’t he there?)

And if you’re wondering where LA-based Adam Lambert and David Cook were, THR explains: “The latter had non-cancellable meetings apparently. The former? We’re not sure, but needless to say, we were beyond bummed that he couldn’t join our ridiculously fun shoot.”

Check out Allison Iraheta, Blake Lewis, David Archuleta, Kimberly Caldwell, Kris Allen, Elliott Yamin and more hang out in the behind-the-scenes footage and interviews below.

Check out THR‘s Where Are They Now to find out what all these Idols have been up to since their time on the show. (One alum is a Warbler on Glee! Ah, the lucky man who gets to two-step right behind Darren Criss.)

[Via THR]

Alums old and new came out last night to attend the Season 10 finale of American Idol. On hand were Adam Lambert (who has apparently gone from experimenting with the hair on his face, to experimenting with the hair on his head) and boyfriend Sauli Koskinen, David Archuleta, “Before He Cheats” performer Carrie Underwood, Kris Allen, David Cook, Pia Toscano, James Durbin, Haley Reinhart and, of course, finalists Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. Check out all the excitement from the red carpet — including Jennifer Lopez who was clearly the most jazzed of everyone to be there (see the pics, you’ll see what we mean).

David Archuleta may not have won American Idol, but a young idol couldn’t get much more American than singing the national anthem alongside a bunch of Marines at a hockey game. (Okay, maybe if it was baseball.) And that’s just what the “Senseless” singer did at the Honda Center in Anaheim yesterday. Alas, “The Star Spangled Banner” may not be the new music Archie recently promised via his video blog, but hey — at least he knows all the words. Oh say, can you see the video of this performance? Why, yes — just head below.

Over the past week, Rihanna rocked the NBA All-Star Game halftime show, dancers mimicked Michael Jackson’s moves on the set of the “Hollywood Tonight” music video, David Archuleta spoke up about parting ways with his record label, Adele’s 21 was finally released in the States and Justin Bieber GOT A FREAKING HAIRCUT! Head below to see how our readers reacted to all this pop mumbo jumbo!

:: Over60fan was over it on Rihanna Performs At NBA All-Star Game Halftime Show With Drake And Kanye West: “Kept wondering, what must her mother think? Real artistry doesn’t require all that nasty dancing. Your young female fans are watching … and following. if you’re not part of solution, you’re part of the problem. Please clean up your act.”

:: On the flip side, getoverit‘s name says it all: “She doesn’t need to be a role model. It’s the 21st century and she is young. Get over it and watch something else if this bothers you.”

:: And Kat just flipped out over BREAKING NEWS: Justin Bieber Cuts His Hair: “NOOO!!!!….. I mean I can understand why you would want to change it up, but he has been doing stuff to his hair since New years, and since Selena Gomez……I mean, I like Selena, but for some reason he has seemed different lately…..”

:: VJ was Arch-angelic on David Archuleta Discusses Parting Ways With Jive In new Video Blog: “Thanks for posting this! What a shame..the media had to distort the truth for the sake of sensationalism, when all David did was not renew his contract when it came up. I’m so proud to be his fan right now. He absolutely did the right thing by leaving JIVE. Why stay where you’re not supported? I stayed at a job I hated for 9 years, and wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

:: Chris eeeeee-heeeeee‘d on Dancers Bust Michael Jackson’s Moves On The Set Of “Hollywood Tonight” Video: “I find it hillarious that you have stated that Monster should be the next single instead of Hollywood Tonight and that you state that the vocals on Hollwood Tonight barely sound like Michael Jackson. The general concensus amongst MJ fans is the opposite way around.”

:: LoLo, on the other hand, let out a mighty hooooooooooooooo: “agree 100% HT is not that good , maybe 1990 but not in 2011 ,and MJ’s voice is hardly recognized ,,a very bad choice but this was the fan’s wish, personally i love Monster it is very up to date and very radio freindly song…”

:: Derek_ sang plenty of praises on Adele Performs “Someone Like You” On ‘Ellen,’ ’21′ Headed For #1 Debut: “I am beyond happy for her!! She’s such an amazing talent and deserves every bit of the success she’s achieved. One of the things that makes me really happy is that a great voice and incredible music can still conquer in a world of sometimes over-produced and/or gimmicky music.”

COMMENT OF THE WEEK — Finally, Eda beamed in this week’s knee-slapper on the Bieber haircut post: “I wouldnt cry over this haircut. I would cry over my favourite aliens hair cut! i dont cry over famouse people. i only cry over aliens.”

David Archuleta has unfortunately been “released from [Jive]‘s roster”, and he’s no longer with WEG management, either. What’s a lost Idol alum to do now that he appears to be a free agent? Archie, despite circumstances, sounded as sunny as the weather in a video he posted online to explain the situation with Jive and his management. The singer also reassured his precious Arch Angels that he’ll continue to make new music — in fact, he’s been solely focused on writing all by himself. Watch David’s fan vlog below.

“The President of Sony, Barry Wise, who is also over at Jive records, has left the company. And same with my A&R guy, Jeff Finster… he’s no longer there, too. So, a lot of people have been leaving, they’re changing as a company. And I’m changing as an artist, and I’m changing the direction I’m going, too. There were offers to continue working with them, but it didn’t feel like the right thing.”

“I need to start going in a different direction,” he continued. “It felt like the right time to part ways.”

In respect to him no longer under the same management, Archie says, “I realized this is not where I need to be right now.”

David’s career may be up in the air at the moment, but getting dropped by your label certainly doesn’t mean it’s the end. As Buzzworthy points out, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga have both been dropped by their labels before kickin’ ass on the pop charts and obtaining monumental success.

Plus, we know how insanely supportive his fanbase is. We think he’ll be a-okay.

Did You Hear?

:: Britney Spears is being sued by The Bellamy Brothers for plagiarizing their 1979 hit, “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body, Would You Hold It Against Me?” In our opinion, they’re both ripping off every jerk that hits on us at a bar. [Jezebel]

:: Vulture attempts to break down Justin Bieber’s fame in 1,500 words. [Vulture]

:: Listen to Patrick Stump’s new song, “Cute Girls”, available on his Truant Wave EP. [Spin]

:: Britney isn’t the only blonde in pop – check out 49 other flaxen-haired honeys in the music biz, from Robyn to (obviously) Blondie. [Buzznet]

:: David Archuleta has had better weeks — he’s been dropped by his management and Jive Records. [MJs Big Blog]

After the jump, find out which music acts are performing on the tube today.

Music On TV:
:: Late Show with David Letterman (CBS) — Adele
:: Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) — Pitbull
:: Last Call with Carson Daly (ABC) — Screaming Females (repeat)
:: Conan (TBS) — Chromeo
:: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC) — Phantogram
:: Live with Regis and Kelly (ABC) — Good Charlotte
:: Ellen DeGeneres (ABC) — Travie McCoy

The first week of 2011 was dominated by the arrival of the original demo and cover art for Britney Spears’ upcoming single “Hold It Against Me”, racy photos of a quite-naked Adam Levine, the premiere of Avril Lavigne’s new Max Martin-produced jam “What The Hell”, snippets of tunes from David Cook’s new album and Soulja Boy’s laughable claim that he wrote Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair.” And how did our readers react to this pop downpour? Slip on your raincoat and find out below!

:: J_Brisby was like WTF on Avril Lavigne Raises “What The Hell” On New Year’s Eve: “The good news is that it’s a great song, and it will probably be a hit. The bad news is that it’s also completely forgettable, manufactured pop, designed to be disposable. It will make Avril some money, and keep her in the public eye, but it won’t make her relevant again. It also carries on the obnoxious, bratty persona that she developed in The Best Damn Thing.”

:: Steve fell down and went Crash! Bang! Boom! after hearing Roxette Return With Cheeky New Single “She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio)“: “I cannot wait for the new album! The new single sounds amazing! <3″

:: Dan called for atten-shun on Soulja Boy Brags That He Wrote Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair”: “Sounds like a has-been (never-was-been) trying desperately to hop onto something that’s popular right now to try and stay relevant. Well – it’s not working.”

:: Likewise, ZMH added, “What’s his move? a reality show on BET? That is perfect for someone this desperate for attention.”

:: Krissy was a Cookie monster on Listen To David Cook Tease Music Off His Upcoming Album: “David is so damned ugly!!! Ewwwwwwwww…… He’s not half as talented and not an 1/8 as cute as Kris Allen. Kris Allen has looks, charisma and talent. He’s the total package. Can’t wait until Cook’s CD comes out and it tanks big time. All his fans are over the age of 60. Younger fans like cute guys and Cook is hideously ugly.”

:: But like many others, Kristen still has a light on for the Season 7 Idol winner: “I can’t wait for this new album! David’s first album is fantastic and platinum-selling! I’m sure this one will be too! Oh, and btw, I’m nowhere near 60 either, and both my 16 yr. old niece and her boyfriend love his music too! What’s that old saying my grandmother used to say…… ‘if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all’. It’s more mature.”

:: Brandon Hall found Adam Levine Seems Unaware He’s Naked In Cancer Awareness Ad to be quite an eye-opener: “That womans physique in that first shot is basically alien, and the second picture , I hope those arms aren’t sprouting from any ‘crevasses’ I kid I kid but one must wonder what part of the male demographic these ads are suppose to be targeting…. That said, its got my attention.”

:: Lisa liked what she heard on David Archuleta Loses It In Unreleased Song “Senseless”: “It’s not the best song ever, but his voice on it is fabulous. He does slow jams really well, even though he doesn’t do them all that often. I’d like him to record a really awesome R&B ballad in the future. Actually a more poppy power ballad would even be great–something to show off his vocals.”

:: Adrian had to reach for an umbrella after Listen To The Demo Of Britney Spears’ New Single “Hold It Against Me”: “This just got me wetter than Hurricane Katrina”

:: Jonathan, however, called for a reality check: “You must remember, this is a VERY early DEMO of the single that is officially going to be released on Tuesday January 11th. it is not the real thing. lyrics can be added, or taken away, and the beat can also change. NO ONE knows what the final version sounds like right now except of course Britney and her team.”

:: GAGABRIT took a different tactic by suggesting a pop diva olive branch be offered: “I am a huge Gaga fan and a Britney fan. Gaga has never said anything bad about Britney for you guys to be causing rivalry between them. Gaga has even stated herself that Britney is the Queen of Pop. Why can’t both of them be on top?”

:: COMMENT OF THE WEEK — Finally, it was earlymornin who had the week’s best zinger (whether intentional or not) on Britney Spears Reveals Her “Hold It Against Me” Single Cover Art: “i think im a britney fan again! she doesnt look dead in the eyes anymore :)”

While Billboard recently posted the figures for the ten biggest-selling albums of 2010, USA Today‘s Idol Chatter blog has gone a step further and revealed Nielsen SoundScan data for how many LPs certain American Idol contestants have moved to date. Head below to see how many records Kelly Clarkson, David Archuleta and Daughtry moved, and what kind of business certain albums like Adam Lambert’s For Your Entertainment did in 2010.

Idol Chatter notes that smiling Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta has sold 764,000 units total of his self-titled debut album to date, while his 2009 holiday album Christmas From the Heart has done about 246,000. Last year’s The Other Side Of Down moved 63,000 copies as of December.

Below are more breakdowns:

Kelly Clarkson
* Thankful (2.745 million)
* Breakaway (6.160 million)
* My December (815,000)
* All I Ever Wanted (908,000)

Daughtry
* Daughtry (4.788 million)
* Leave This Town (1.225 million)
* B-Sides (12,000)

Meanwhile, Carrie Underwood sold 741,000 copies of Play On over the past 12 months, while Fantasia’s Back to Me is at 384,000 and Adam Lambert’s 2009 post-Idol debut For Your Entertainment moved 351,000.

Do you think Kelly’s upcoming album will get her back to Platinum status?

It feels like 2008 all up in here, with David Cook and David Archuleta duking it out for America’s attention. Well, okay, not really. But work with us—it’s January. Two days after Season 7 American Idol winner Cook posted a new video clip featuring songs off his upcoming album, along comes an unreleased Archie ballad called “Senseless.” It’s not the most exciting thing the 20-year-old A Fine Frenzy fan has ever turned out—who knows, maybe it’s only a demo—but you can give it a spin below.

David Archuleta - Senseless

We’ll give Archie an A for effort on this one. What do you think? Should “Senseless” have made the cut on one of his albums? Or is it better off left on the shelf?

Once, twice, eight times a waxed Lady Gaga has been honored as Billboard‘s Artist Of The Year, sliding right past last year’s top artist, Taylor Swift (now the runner-up for 2010). The music mag makes their selection based on artists’ chart performance on the Billboard 200 and their Hot 100 lists, but their readers choose their year-end picks based on their obsessive fandom alone — David Archuleta’s The Other Side Of Down took the top spot for Album of the Year in Billboard‘s reader poll. His Arch Angels sure know how to work on behalf of their Idol! [Billboard]

Los Angeles’ The Grove was filled with the screams of teenage fans yet again last night as David Archuleta took the stage for the shopping center’s annual Christmas lighting. The Other Side Of Down crooner’s set included a heartwarming duet with Glee newcomer Charice to “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”. Check out the highlights of the A Fine Frenzy fan‘s performance to get yourself in the holiday spirit.

This week, Lee DeWyze, Ke$ha and Nicole Scherzinger dropped new singles, Rihanna frolicked in her girly new video, and it was David Archuleta vs. Goliath Lavigne when we asked who delivered the best cover of John Lennon’s “Imagine”. Little did we expect a mass riot to explode in our comments section! Did your comment make the cut? Jump below for all the best sassy and trashy remarks from the past week!

:: There was a huge war of the die hards in our “Imagine” cover poll, with Avril Lavigne and David Archuleta’s legions of fans leaving Gaga, Elton John, Madonna and Christina in the dust. But commenter Karen, who plays for Team Archuleta, kept calm while stating her vote. “Avril’s version is really nice, definitely better than any except David’s. I just am loving the passion he brings to the song. You feel like David really means it and is not just singing pretty words and melody. It’s especially impressive when you remember that he’s just barely turned 17 years old here. Way to bring it, David!” Bring it he did — he won with over 50% of the vote!

:: Rita is a big Lee DeWyze fan, but wasn’t so fond of his debut single, “Sweet Serendipity.” “This is exactly what’s wrong with today’s world. Everyone tries playing it safe. While it is a cute song, it’s not LEE, it is not what LEE is all about. I am very sad, that’s exactly what I was afraid of when a major label takes a unique artist like LEE and makes him sound just like everybody else because they wanna play it safe. I hope other tracks on that album have more character. I am extremely disappointed.”

:: Mel was getting a migraine listening to Lee’s single. “It’s not what I expected. It kind of gives me a headache. LOL which probably means it’ll be a huge hit.”

:: ZMH shared her opinion of Lee’s song more succinctly: “Are we still in 2004?”

:: ZMH, however, had more positive feelings to Nicole Scherzinger’s new song, “Poison“. “This is a great song…but if nicole + several hot dancers doesn’t work out that well, what makes people think she can make it solo?”

:: Janicep was proud of Toby Keith hitting #1 on the Billboard 200. “Toby Keith worked hard as a musician to get to #1. Glad to see he beat out Kenny Chesney. If more people would listen to his music and not just label him as a rebel or a ‘country singer’, they would realize that he’s got a fabulous voice, clever lyrics, and kick ass guitar players in his band.”

:: Dani was confused by the American Music Award nominations. “How is Eminem Pop and how is Rihanna’s music Soul/ R&B.. ? I love Rihanna but her music is not R&B. Why have different categories if your going to nominate the same people in each one?” Good point!

:: Ke$ha’s new same-old, same-old single “We R Who We R” didn’t impress Lisa enough to adopt it as her pride anthem. “Oh. My. Gosh. She wrote this as an anthem to help end bullying? Yeah, that’s not what I got out of the song at all. Basically I heard ‘blah blah blah DJ blah partying blah I’m sexy blah I’m drunk blah blah lame generic dance beat blah.’” We heard something similar, Lisa. At least we did before we stuck candle wax into our ears.

:: We guess Mary isn’t dressing up as Lady Gaga for Halloween (“Lady Gaga Halloween Costume: A How-To Guide“): “That Lollapalooza photo reminds me of a Breugal painting. You know, the one depicting the painter’s vision of hell.”

:: Jesse isn’t exactly sure why he wasn’t into Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In The World)” video, but it had something to do with a homosexual appendage, or something: “Hmm it was alright…there was something that was off about it, i just cant put my gay finger on it. Either way have you guys noticed that this the first time shes really smiling and having fun. Shes always serious and sexy in all her videos.”

:: COMMENT OF THE WEEK: Reacting to Flo Rida sampling yet another song from the 80s (“Flo Rida Gets Inspired By Ferris Bueller On New Track ‘Turn Around (5, 4, 3, 2, 1)’“), John sees into the hip-hop artist’s not-so-distant future: “He’s rolling down the 80s-sample mountain so fast that he’ll be covering ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ by 2011.”

Thanks for contributing your thoughts and witticisms all week long, folks!

Bullets In The Gun, 49-year-old singer Toby Keith’s 15th studio album, knocks fellow country artist Kenny Chesney off the summit of the Billboard Top 200 this week. That said, Keith has the dubious honor of posting the lowest debut sales (71,000 copies) for a #1 album since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking LP data in 1991. Still, Bullets moved enough units to best Bruno Mars’ opening with Doo-Wops & Hooligans.

With Kenny Chesney’s Hemingway’s Whiskey bumped down to #2 on the Top 200 this week, Idolator’s favorite bowling partner Bruno Mars settles for a #3 debut after Doo-Wops & Hooligans opened with 55,000 copies.

The only other new entry in the Top 10 this week comes in the form of rapper Waka Flocka Flame’s debut LP Flockaveli, which goes in at #6 on sales of 37,000 copies.

So where did our John Lennon “Imagine” poll winner David Archuleta land with The Other Side Of Down? Hits Daily Double shows A Fine Frenzy’s new BFF entering at #15 on its building album sales chart, after having sold about 23,675 copies of his latest effort. The full Billboard Top 200 will be published tomorrow morning.

The Top 10 of Billboard’s Top 200 Albums:

1. Toby Keith, Bullets In The Gun *new*
2. Kenny Chesney, Hemingway’s Whiskey
3. Bruno Mars, Doo-Wops & Hooligans *new*
4. Eminem, Recovery
5. Zac Brown Band, You Get What You Give
6. Waka Flocka Flame, Flockaveli *new*
7. Linkin Park, A Thousand Suns
8. Katy Perry, Teenage Dream
9. Trey Songz, Passion, Pain & Pleasure
10. Selena Gomez & The Scene, A Year Without Rain

October 9, 2010 would have been John Lennon’s 70th birthday, and to commemorate the loss of the celebrated music icon, we’ve rounded up seven pop star covers of the the music legend’s universally beloved song, “Imagine”. After the jump, sample the various interpretations of Rolling Stone’s #3 song of all time performed by the likes of Madonna, Lady Gaga, the cast of Glee and David Archuleta and more—and tell us who did it best. (Besides John Lennon, of course.)

Lady Gaga — The pop star has not only played John Lennon’s own piano, but just this week she performed with the Plastic Ono Band. And last year, Gaga donned Lennon-shaped sunglasses (and changed some of the lyrics) for her performance of “Imagine” at the HRC, slightly tweaking the lyrics to include a reference to Matthew Shepard.

Glee — Last season, New Directions teamed up with a visiting deaf choir from Haverbrook School for the Deaf and the result was this touching performance of Lennon’s hit. The song is performed by Amber Riley and the cast.

David Archuleta gave an incredible performance of “Imagine” during Season 7 on American Idol, cementing his status as a frontrunner. (As you well know, David went on to place second in the competition, and he performed this song yet again during the Top 2.)

Avril Lavigne’s cover was part of the 2007 compilation album Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur for their “Make Some Noise” initiative.

Burlesque star Christina Aguilera performed “Imagine” earlier this year at the MontBlanc John Lennon Edition Global Launch.

Madonna took on “Imagine” in January of 2005 for a televised Tsunami Aid benefit.

Last but not least, Elton John in Central Park performance for nearly 400,000 people in Central Park on September 13, 1980—just months before Lennon’s untimely death.

Take the poll below and let us know how you thought these seven pop stars measured up against the man himself.  And don’t forget—there’s still time to enter to win an autographed copy of Nic Harcourt’s Music Lust. Just head to The Live Buzz and share your ten favorite Beatles songs!

Who performed the best cover of John Lennon’s “Imagine”?

Voting on this poll has closed.

Results:

David Archuleta (51%, 41,151 votes)
Avril Lavigne (42%, 33,796 votes)
Lady Gaga (3%, 2,769 votes)
Christina Aguilera (3%, 2320 votes)
Madonna (1%, 753 votes)
‘Glee’ cast (0%, 182 votes)
Elton John, (0%, 165 votes)

Total Voters: 81,137

Thanks for voting!

David Archuleta’s fans may have been disappointed that his Today Show appearance was canceled, but at least he hit up The Wendy Williams Show today to promote just-released album The Other Side Of Down. Last night Archie tweeted, “Bah, unfortunately due to schedule issues I won’t be doing the Today Show tomorrow. Sorry for the changes.” Watch the 19-year-old crooner knock out an acoustic performance of new song “Elevator” below.

Gotta love those screaming Archies after he sings! And naturally David was asked about the new American Idol judges. Then Wendy put the poor guy on the spot by asking him if he wants a girlfriend, and whether or not he’d ever date a fan.

“I’ve never been in a relationship,” the singer admitted, before joking, “I guess I wouldn’t want to be in a relationship with someone who didn’t like my music. That would be awkward.”

After the show, Williams tweeted a photo of Archie signing autographs outside the studio.

Archuleta discussed “Elevator” on Live! With Regis And Kelly yesterday, stating that the song’s concept came to him in a dream. He also mentioned in a video blog last month that the tune was written in about 30 minutes.

What do you think of David’s acoustic rendition of the song?

After meeting up with one of his idols, Alison Sudol of A Fine Frenzy, what more could David Archuleta ever really want to accomplish? Oh, right—his album The Other Side Of Down is out this week (and currently in the Top 10 on iTunes!), so he’s got a bit of promo to do there. Check Archie out on Live! With Regis And Kelly, where he discusses American Idol‘s recent additions and the possibility of being guest judge.

Given that he’s the first Idol alum to release an LP after the announcement that Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are going to be the new judges, you just know poor Archie’s going to get asked the “What do you think about that?” repeatedly while on the promotional trail.

“I think it’s kind of exciting,” Archuleta diplomatically tells host Regis Philbin. “They both are very talented. They both have worked very hard in their lives to get where they are. I love that they’re having a Latina on the judge panel.”

David performs new song “Elevator” off The Other Side Of Down (which he discusses in the interview above).

David does his new ballad “Falling Stars.”

Next up for Archie: he’ll appear on the Today Show and The Wendy Williams Show tomorrow.

[Vidoes via MJs Big Blog]