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.

“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]

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]

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]

:: 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.”

“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

:: 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 :)”