Naomi Judd Calls David Archuleta’s Dad ‘The Worst Stage Dad’

April 17, 2008

Is David Archuleta’s dad a pushy stage parent?

After recent Internet reports suggested that the American Idol contestant’s father is a stage dad, Jeff Archuleta is facing new accusations from one of music’s most famous moms, Naomi Judd.

The country star, who appeared as a judge on Star Search when David was a contestant several years ago, criticized his dad on the Today show Thursday.

“I want to give a shout out to [David's] dad. Leave him alone,” she said during an interview. “His dad is like the worst stage dad.”

But not everyone agrees. Singer Diane Gordan, a friend and mentor to David, responded to Judd’s remarks, telling PEOPLE that Jeff Archuleta isn’t the bad guy that is being portrayed.

“There’s no way I would feel comfortable being around this man if I felt he was a bad person to his kid,” Gordon said. “Jeff is a very loving and supporting dad. It’s easy when you hear one person say something about someone, taking it and blowing it out of proportion, and then it just spirals out into a whole different story and keeps escalating.” –Jennifer Wren

Kevin Winter/Getty; Rick Diamond/WireImage

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Shelly April 18th, 2008

Come on now, how many of us parents are overprotective of our children and want the best for them….We aren’t back stage or at home with the Archuleta’s so we shouldn’t be quick to judge David’s dad as a bad guy. And keep in mind that David, although 17, is still a kid and I doubt he wants to see a bunch of bad publicity about his dad, I know I wouldn’t. There are MUCH worse fathers out there doing very bad things to their children so I think maybe it’s time to just give this a rest and enjoy the show and all of the successes that it will bring.

Shelly April 18th, 2008

Come on now, how many of us are overprotective parents that want to see only the best for our children? We aren’t behind the scenes at AI or at the Archuleta house so I don’t think we should judge…There are many fathers out there that are doing much worse things to their children, if they are even around! David, although 17, is still a child and I’m sure he doesn’t want to see everyone talking bad about his dad, even if he is a bit controlling about the song choices, etc…I think we should just sit back and enjoy the show and all of the successes that will come out of it!

Julie Ewell April 18th, 2008

Who is Naomi Judd to judge someone when she does not even know them. She’s making a comment on what the media says? How stupid is that???? The media doesn’t want to publish anything unless it’s negative. I know the family and David does what David wants when he sings. I’ve know his father to ask him if he is sure about something and David makes the decision. Don’t believe everything you read Naomi! You would think as long as you’ve been in the public eye, you would know better. SHAME ON YOU!!!

claudia April 20th, 2008

First..I don’t care about Naomi j.
But I love David Archuleta. Just looking at him..he is sensitive, gentle, modest and humble. This is the result of his parents education. I have just respect for David parents.
And now,, I don’t understand why the media does not concentrate and coment the real contestants.
David A dad, David C brother, Brooke sister…seems to be the contestants in this show.
Please, stop the joke. I care about family but I vote for the person. So..I love David A and his voice..IS MAGIC. For 17 this guy is AMAZING. Can we comment about his incredible voice..Please!