Inside the Stage Dad Controversy: David A., Producer Speak Out

• May 14, 2008 01:51 AM ET
• by The Idol Chatters

How much of a stage dad is Jeff Archuleta, really? This past week, it was widely reported that David Archuleta's dad was formally barred from the backstage of Idol, and particularly in conjunction with his overbearing approach to helping David with song selection.

In response to the rumors, however, David's denying outright that his dad's well-known meddling is troublesome. He told TV Guide: "I've heard some weird things that people have been saying, and it's kind of a bummer. I think I, of all people, would know what's going on, and he's been great." Not only that, but the young Archuleta insists he's embracing his dad's advice. "He's given me a lot of good advice," David said, "and helped me from making any dumb decisions. He understands more than anyone what I want in music, and I've felt really blessed to have someone like that."

American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe, meanwhile, confirmed the barring of Jeff Archuleta from inner contest workings, but softened the tone of it all. In an interview with EW, Lythgoe explained that daddy Archuleta "has been asked not to participate in the choice of music with David or be in the room when David is working out his routines that he wants to sing. He's fine to be in the studio - nothing wrong with that. We just want David to be able to be free like everybody else to get on and do what they want to do."

Despite the gentler semantics, however, Lythgoe also offered a hint of how producers perceived Jeff Archuleta's involvement, implying that it's been a big burden for the 17-year-old Idol hopeful. Describing the reasoning, he said, "It's like anybody appearing in front of their mom and dad. Let's just open up the pressure cooker, release the pressure."

Regardless of whether David felt the pressure or not, he's publicly standing by his dad, insisting that it's his dad he's worried about here, not himself. "I don't really care what people say," David said, "but I know it's affected [my dad] and stressed him out." And as for that rumor that Jeff withheld water during a recording session? "That's kind of stupid," he scoffed. "I'm 17! I think I'd be able to stand up for myself if he were to take my water away."

So who's got the accurate version of the story? Did producers step in the nick of time? Is David protecting his dad by denying any meddling - or do we have it all wrong? If you want more on the Archuleta controversy, check out this week's TV Guide Magazine. - Anna Dimond

Related:
" Cheers & Jeers: Archuleta Must Go!
" Report: David A.'s Dad Is Banned from Backstage
" Idol Power Rankings: Your Take
" Will David Archuleta's Dad Bring Him Down?
" Did David A.'s Stage Dad Cause Him to Stumble?
" WATCH VIDEO: Young David Archuleta on Star Search