David Archuleta Moves Judges On 'American Idol'

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American Idol,John Lennon,Reality TV,TV,Music,Simon Cowell

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David Archuleta wows on 'Idol' with 'Imagine' on Feb. 26
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FIRST PUBLISHED: February 26, 2008 9:57 PM EST
LAST UPDATED: February 27, 2008 1:42 AM EST

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

The “American Idol” judges found themselves floored on Tuesday night after a stirring performance by 17-year-old David Archuleta.

One of the youngest contestants in the competition, Archuleta put in a moving performance at the conclusion of the second week of “American Idol” competition, with his rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine.”

“Dog,” judge Randy Jackson began, “that’s one of the best vocals I’ve ever heard on the show. You’re singing with maturity way beyond your years… That was brilliant.”

Paula Abdul went one step further with her praise for the blue-eyed teen.

“That was one of the most moving performances I’ve ever heard,” Abdul said. “You’re destined for superstardom.”

And even Brit Simon Cowell appeared impressed by the young man’s performance.

“[It was] very, very risky to do a John Lennon song, particularly that one, but it worked,” Simon said. “Right now, you’re the one to beat.”

Archuleta’s performance may have received the best comments from the judges, but several other of the men who sang on Tuesday night, were praised.

Chikezie, who last week was berated by Simon for his orange suit, came out on top.

“You looked better, you sounded better,” Simon said of Chikezie’s rendition of Donny Hathaway's “I Believe.”

David Hernandez, from Glendale, Arizona, also received praise after singing “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”

“That’s the [David] we fell in love with. Dope! Dope! Dope!” Randy enthused.

Not fairing as well with the judges were dreadlocked Jason Castro and Jason Yeager.

Castro sang “I Just Want To Be Your Everything,” much to Simon’s dismay.

“I thought the song was horrible because you were too schmaltzy,” Simon said of Castro’s performance. “It didn’t suit your voice.”

As for Yeager’s take on the Doobie Brothers’ “Long Train Running,” Randy rated it poorly.

“It wasn’t a singer’s kind of song … and it was very pitchy and karaoke. For me, I didn’t get it,” he said.

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