After months of stories about his allegedly heavy hand in directing his son's budding music career, "American Idol" finalist David Archuleta's father, Jeff Archuleta, has been banned from show rehearsals and from being backstage, according to The Associated Press.

Jeff Archuleta — who recently told Us Magazine that he is not the domineering stage dad people seem to think he is — was told last week by "Idol" producers that he can no longer join David, 17, as he prepares for the show. An unnamed source told the AP that Archuleta's intense backstage involvement with his son's song choices and arrangements had become a source of concern for the series.

The final straw appeared to be a lyric change Archuleta reportedly insisted on during Tuesday's performance show. Despite being warned against it, David's father is said to have insisted on changing some of the lyrics to Ben E. King's "Stand by Me," in order to slip in a verse from Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls," a move that cost the production additional song-clearance costs.

A spokesperson for "Idol" had no comment to questions about the ban at press time. After news of the ban broke, USA Today asked whether the ban could endanger David's position as the show's presumptive front-runner.

"Of all the major teenage contestants Idol has ever had, David appears to be the most heavily programmed and least spontaneous," said Charlie Toft, a writer for Film.com and a member of USA Today's "Idol" coach panel. "[H]is stereotypically showy way of singing suggests he and his father have been aiming at this goal for a long time."

Toft speculated that the move by "Idol" producers might be a warning shot to Jeff Archuleta that if his son wins the contest, David's career will be in the hands of music-business professionals. Rona Elliot, another panelist and former VH1 staffer, added that "sooner or later, David Archuleta will get the big picture and be royally ticked off at his father, and how his father's behavior not only alienated 'Idol' 's staff, but threatened his potential success."

In an interview with UsMagazine.com several weeks ago, Archuleta denied being a stage dad and said he acts as a "music consultant" to his son.

As some of you know, I am originally from St. Pete., FL. Home of the Devil Rays (baseball fans-ya'll can stop laughing right NOW! We're only 10 years old!!!) Apparently, Syesha is from Sarasota which isn't too far away over the Skyway bridge and you are there.) So when she goes "home" this week, she'll be in my old stomping grounds. But it seems she stopped by our Tropicana Field to sing some song about lights and stars and brave people....



m.

Group song..."Reelin' In The Years" blah Poor Jason...he just doesn't look comfortable unless he has an instrument in his hands.

The Davids were safe...I was shocked! (not, come on, get real! )

In the beginning, I REALLY thought we'd be seeing Michael Johns at the end....oh well...what do I know...this season has been so hard to predict...

Anyone remember Amanda?

Here we go....were down to Jason and Syesha....the tension is mounting...

......and who's going home?????......

JASON....bye bye! He'll find his niche.....He said it best..his inexperience was coming through..."Next week it was going to be three songs, I don't know what I would have done." Gracious and taking things in stride 'til the end...I give him credit.

Peace!

m.

Syesha...coming into her own but didn't really stand out to me last night...

David "Pampers" Archuleta....good job. He's a keeper. I loved the advice he got from Ryan last night..."stand up straight for 3 seconds!"

David Cook...didn't really impress me last night...when the song choices were any song found in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and you choose Duran Duran's Hungry Like The Wolf...ya' gotta' wonder!

Jason...oh Jason....I must say, you have a thick skin (and thicker dreads!) Nerves are catching up to him...and his lack of strong talent to really handle what this show's about. He tripped up on his lyrics. BUT I WILL SAY THIS...his performance last night was the most animated he's ever been...("I Shot The Sheriff"/Bob Marley...surprised?) Absolutely....dare I say,..."DREAD"ful!

In an intimate, acoustic driven setting, I'm sure he'll do great but he just is getting swallowed up but the enormity of the venue and the experience.

His best performance (for me) will always be his first.

It will be a disaster and a shame if he isn't sent home tonite.

I wasn't thrilled with any of 'em but here...as is tradition...my pick o' the week:

"@#$%^&!@#$^%^*^#^@$@#%$^#%&^$@!!!

THERE HAS TO BE AN AGE LIMIT ON VOTING! At this rate...DREDS is going to win the whole freakin' thing! He and Archuletta are going to be in the top TWO! This is NOT a talent contest. There needs to be a disclaimer...'if you think this is a real talent contest...psych!'

Just let me know who does come out on top. I quit watchin'."

-Heather

I can't blame you Heather....I do feel your pain. It's like two years ago when I watched Taylor Hicks rise, somehow unstoppable, like a freight train! Kat didn't stand a chance. People around the WORLD were part of his Soul Patrol.

Brooke was just...ugh....where's the dignity...(I know, nerves do get the best of you! I once started crying in the middle of a very emotional solo dance but held it in check...but yes, it was hard..now you multiply it by 40 million watching....I can see how it can happen.

Jason...
it's just embarrassing. The PARENTS of all those little prepubes should be spanked for allowing them to use their little cell phones in such a reckless way! (Although had I had one and there was a talent show I would have been doing the same thing for Leif Garrett!...BUT THATS BESIDE THE POINT!!!!LOL)

Syesha...buh bye, it was nice having you. I wonder how it feels to be beat out by Jason each and every week? To know you have more talent but to be in the bottom week after week, after week! Depressing...but you come out with a new song and a smile! I like her with straight hair better.

The Davids....congrats...it'll be you...

m. I'll watch it til the end...I'll take one for the team...and because...uh, it's my blog I kinda' feel obligated!