The Tabernacle Choir Blog

How Vocal Cord Paralysis Played a Role in David Archuleta's Unique Voice

David Archuleta was born in Miami, Florida, in 1990. Most people came to know him during his memorable run on American Idol. He finished as the runner-up but went on to achieve massive success in the pop music world.

Before his success on American Idol, Archuleta won the child division of a Utah talent competition at age 10. Two years later he became the Junior Vocal Champion on the television show Star Search.

Shortly after the Star Search competition, a virus left one of Archuleta’s vocal cords paralyzed. He chose to decline a risky surgery, and with a combination of vocal rest and training, he emerged with his unique sound.

Archuleta released his first album in November 2008 after signing a deal with Jive Records. The lead single “Crush” hit the charts at #2 and has sold over two million downloads. To date, he has released a total of six solo albums. In addition, he has toured the world, opened for pop star Demi Lovato, and appeared on the television shows iCarlyand Hannah Montana.

In 2010, Archuleta was the guest of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in their annual Christmas concert. An album and DVD of the performance, Glad Christmas Tidings, were released the following year. In the video above, watch David Archuleta and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform songs from the Christmas concert in a special Music & the Spoken Word broadcast.

Archuleta is currently serving as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile.