David Archuleta’s Father Banned from AMERICAN IDOL

Every week there’s a new rumor floating around about the alleged nightmare behavior of Jeff Archuleta, the father of AMERICAN IDOL contestant, David Archuleta.  There’s been talk of the senior Archuleta screaming at his son in front of the entire crew, his dismissive attitude towards the producers and even making things difficult for other IDOL contestants.  But as we get down to the final weeks of the competition, that might all be over.  According to TMZ.com and the Associated Press, Jeff Archuleta has been banned from the production of IDOL which included being present during his son’s rehearsals.  Mr. Archuleta can remain in the audience during the show but he is no longer allowed backstage.

The tipping point came on Tuesday night when during David’s performance of “Stand by Me” he inserted lyrics from the remake of the song made popular last year by Sean Kingston. The producers informed David during the week that he was not allowed to change the song.  But sources say Jeff Archuleta forced his son to sing the song the way he suggested, subsequently costing AMERICAN IDOL some big issues with Kingston’s people and a lot of money to boot.

The producers were rightfully upset and have banned Jeff Archuleta from being in the room while David was learning and rehearsing his songs for the remainder of the show’s run.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of Jeff Archuleta’s bad behavior.  A few years back, when David was just 12 years old and competiting Junior Singers Competition on STAR SEARCH,  Jeff Archuleta was also singled out for his bad behavior.  STAR SEARCH judge Naomi Judd called Archuleta the “worst stage dad” and commented that he had to be sectioned off in a security box during the show.  The elder Archuleta was reprimanded and restrained for harassing other contestants…in the Junior Division. What a prize.

Maybe Papa Archuleta’s banning will make things a bit easier for his son.  Despite never having been in the bottom two and constantly receiving praise from the judges and his legions of fans, little Archuleta seems so on edge that the only time he seems to relax and breathe is when he’s singing.  He’s young.  He’s only 17.  If these rumors are true then it seems that David’s felt the pressure for far too long.  Maybe Jeff Archuleta should find himself a job and stop waiting for his kind to strike it big to support him.