LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

“American Idol” finalist David Archuleta has at long last admitted that being called a “stage dad” has adversely affected his proud pop, Jeff.

“I don’t really care what people say,” David said in the new issue of TV Guide. “But I know it’s affected him and stressed him out.”

Last week, Jeff Archuleta insisted that his son add a lyric from Sean Kingston’s 2007 song “Beautiful Girls” to “Stand By Me,” despite objections from “American Idol” producers. After the 17-year-old did so, “Idol” was forced to foot the bill and Jeff was reportedly banned from rehearsals. Jeff has also allegedly interfered with the production and badgered other contestants, according to several gossip Web sites.

In the TV Guide article, David also addressed rumors that his father withheld water from him during a recording session.

“That’s kind of stupid. I’m 17! I think I’d be able to stand up for myself if he were to take my water away,” David said.

David’s voice coach of ix years, Dean Kaelin, previously called the accusations against Jeff ludicrous.

“I’ve never really seen him be anything except a concerned, caring parent,” Kaelin said. “I’ve never seen him raise his voice to David or berate him.”

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