Considering I'm such a diehard fan, and Archie's music really isn't my type, I was compelled at the last mintue to buy Archie's album...though it wasn't for me. You see, I never really liked or watched Idol, until that is, I skipped to Fox one night when I heard Ryan Seacrest announce that this shaggy haired white guy was going to sing "Hello". Oh I had to watch this, thinking it was going to be horrendous; but instead, was completely and utterly blown away. Anyways, I started watching week in and week out and my appreciation grew for this unknown singer from Tulsa. As we all know, he went on to win the most watched Idol finale ever.

Well, to make a long story short...sort of lol... last week I was sitting outside on my backyard deck. A young girl, a bright-eyed 12 year old named Koey, who was also outside in a nearby yard, turned to me and asked, "You were listening to David Cook, weren't you?" Caught off guard, I replied, "Yes, I was. Do you like him? Do you like American Idol?" She nodded and chirped back, "Yeah, he's a nice guy, but I love Archie. I was real sad when he lost. I cried." I nodded back for it made complete sense, and told her not to worry for Archie is a great kid with a magnificent voice. He's going to have a long and successful career. After some pensive silence, I asked her if she bought his CD, remembering that it came out just days before. She folded her arms, leaning on the edge of her porch and somberly explained, "I can't. I have no money and my mom said it's a waste of money. No one will remember him after a few years." As much as I love David Cook, I have to say at the moment, I truly felt for the little girl. Those words hit me like a ton of bricks...to crush a child's sense of wonder, one of her heroes. Mere moments later, she was called inside. She waved dejectedly and told me good-bye, quickly disappearing into her house.

Then came Tuesday...Happy DCDay...TuesDave....the day we all had been so eagerly awaiting for! I rushed over to a local music store and headed straight for the dispaly racks. My eyes combed over the numerous albums until I spotted DC's. I grinned and snatched it up like...well...a 12 year old. However, amidst my jubiliation, this unbearable 5 month wait to rock, I noticed Archie's album out of the corner of my eye. Without a doubt, his image is just as seared into our consciousness as Mr. Cook's. I stopped, leering down at my CD case as I tapped the cover, before smiling and returning to the rack. I grabbed Archie's CD and headed for the register. When I returned home...where I also work...I basically spent the day reveling in all the magnificent developments on DCO:DC was #1 on Itunes and Amazon, he had numerous singles charting, and he was about to perform at the HRC.

Yes, time flew by, and before I knew it, it was 3:30. I went and eagerly waited on my front steps. I spotted Koey walking up from her bus stop. She kindly waved and I did the same. After briefly hesitating, and just before she went inside, I piped up. "Hey, I have to ask you a quick question." Ever curious, she halted and turned to me. "You see I have this problem. I'm a huge David Cook fan, but somehow, the store made a mistake and also gave me this David Archuleta album. It needs a home and I'd hate for it go to waste. Something tells me this kid has a lot of talent. No anyone who might like it?" She let go of her door, and after a few seconds of contemplation, she smiled like a kid on Christmas morning and slowly headed towards me. Still a bit shy, but oh so excited, she reached the bottom step. I handed it to her and said,"If your mom says anything, tell her I bought it for my niece. I had no idea she was also a David Cook fan. I was just going to throw it away, but I'm a big believer in recycling." She smiled again at me. "If she has any questions, tell her she can stop by and ask me." And just like that, she ran into her house, only stopping to shout thank you. I waved and smiled as she hurried inside.

I can honestly say I never fathomed buying Archie's CD. However, it made me as happy as buying DC's. Yes, i guess you can say it was like Christmas for the both of us.