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David Archuleta talks about his experience

By Stone Martindale May 22, 2008, 22:32 GMT

David Archuleta, a finalist on American Idol, sings the National Anthem, before the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz second round playoff game at Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, 09 May 2008. EPA/GEORGE FREY

American Idol’s runner up, David Archuleta, visited the “Extra” studios and opened up about lessons learned from his Idol experience, his hopes for the future and shared his advice with the next season of Idols.

Archuleta commented on the negative reports regarding his father saying, “I haven’t been paying attention to press – good or bad…All this crazy stuff…He’s a great dad. I don’t want people to think differently…He [dad] says it’s been tough for him…He’s always been there, helping me out.”

When Archuleta sat down with “Extra’s” Terri Seymour, he expressed his appreciation for the judges’ constructive criticism.

He said, “All the judges have just been great. I’ve learned a lot from them.” And as for Simon Cowell, Archuleta declared, “He’s a pretty tough guy. You never know what he’s going to say.”

As for the biggest lesson Archuleta has learned, he responded, “Always be yourself…Just remember why I love music.”

He added, “I’m not afraid of cameras anymore.” And when asked to give advice to the next season of Idol hopefuls, Archuleta said, “Remember what they love about music and to just enjoy it…Be prepared for the work…[But] it’s so worth it.”

Archuleta tells Seymour that in addition to the American Idol tour this summer, he has other plans as well. He explained, “I just hope to continue working on music. I want to start on an album…I would love to write my own stuff.”

Tune in to “Extra” on May 22nd for more with David Archuleta, log onto here.