Here is proof of what I’m saying from someone who’s spent a lot of time with David and has become a good friend–David Cook. This is from a radio interview in Missouri done in 2008:

Female DJ: We were big fans of yours, but after I went and watched the finale and saw him (David Archuleta) up close, there’s no way I could beat him up anymore coz he’s such a little boy.
Cook: We always joked around with him that he’s a 30 year old trapped in a 17 year old body. He’s one of the most mature kids I think I’ve ever met. He doesn’t deviate from the plan. He’s very focused and very, um, you know, goal oriented. I always felt really immature around him. (Laughter) It was an odd dichotomy.

LISTEN HERE: David Archuleta “Christmas From the Heart” goHastings.com Snippets

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkY3BNmRAkU

Those who know David know he is WAY more mature than ordinary people. His thoughtfulness, sensitivity, things he says about others, how to treat others… I have seen other idols yelling at crazy fans, saying something offensive without thinking… They all should learn how to treat others, even crazy fans from this 18 year old. It all comes from inner maturity.

I remember when Miley received an award one time, she was really surprised and almost cried saying that she thought she wouldn’t win. She was really real, not manufactured. We see that ALL THE TIME from David, genuiness, honesty, purity, goodness and humor. Just change your mindset when you see him and don’t compare him to other manufactured celebrities.

Absolutely just the opposite! We’ve come to know him so well and have spoken to him in person. David is definitely not immature – he’s shy! He is very mature in fact. He’s different in that he’s a breath of fresh air! He’s not arrogant and egotistical which is what you would expect from fame! He is so down to earth and that is what I appreciate about him!

he’s really awkward at these things. Still seems so immature.

I went away last night thinking about this statement, wondering why my reaction to the same behavior was different. He’d probably be the first to say that he was immature. (And I support him in his right to mature at his own pace — because I think in some ways this is a choice for him.) Yet I agree with other fans that in some big-picture ways, David is more mature than most 18 year olds I know.

I see David as genuine, perhaps because I compare him more to people I know. He reacts as my daughters and their male friends near his age might react. He does what I see them do.

Now, if I were to compare him to others in the industry near his age, say Jesse McCartney or Miley or Justin Bieber, I might say David did come off as awkward in comparison. Then again, to me the other young stars seem full of false bravado.

Guess it’s just a matter of perspective. The behavior of the other three stars I mentioned is off-putting to me, but obviously they have large fan bases. Hopefully, David will also keep winning fans who enjoy the character traits unique to him.

And, as his enviably hot mama might tell us, he’ll grow up soon enough.

ETA: Funny how they both seem to fall out of their stools at the end.

Still seems so immature.

I think it’s shyness, not immaturity in David’s case… JMO.

Quite an honor for Archie to be featured over several others they might have chosen.

indeed. quite an honor to get the nod by people mag over the usual pop culture suspects of the jonai, jesse mccartney, zac efron for this 35th anniversary issue… springfield is a good pairing for him in this upcoming article… both have great, youthful looks, have been/ are somewhat ”reluctant” idols, with something that sets them apart from the more manufactured ”teen” idols of yesteryear and today – real talent and singing ability. springfield has maintained a pretty decent career acting and singing, david is just getting started, and should have years to continue honing his craft, and branching out into other areas. it works for me

Quite an honor for Archie to be featured over several others they might have chosen. His name is associated with the moniker “Idol” so it works well!

He sang Jessie’s Girl in the mid 80s. If you have ears, you’ve heard it.

Hmm, I have heard that song a few times before but I’m not familiar with who sang it. I was born in ’87, maybe that’s why. And I’m not sure if it was a big hit in the Philippines either.

And I have no idea who Rick Springfield is,

He sang Jessie’s Girl in the mid 80s. If you have ears, you’ve heard it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adaYUM5wl7c

wow–Rick looks pretty good. Nice.

The photo shoot looked like it was going to yield some great pictures of both of them.

This is so great for David–to be presented as the “teen idol” of today. Great publicity. (I guess People couldn’t get a Jonas to do it?) (I love David–I just didn’t realize that he’s the David Cassidy of today.)

Mom must have been flying high for a while after that. I wonder if Rick is single. Just saying.

David is very cute and a great singer, but he’s really awkward at these things. Still seems so immature.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsDo-Z63Zb8&NR=1

Rick Springfield at the 2006 Daytime Emmys
Nice medley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_IXPZGPIe0&feature=related