I'm not accusing Archuleta of not being genuine in his response to the judges. I really think he just didn't know what to say and felt very uncomfortable up there last night. However, I think this contest requires (demands?) that you take a fast track on the road to maturity if you indeed are intent on winning it all. Someone soon should take him aside and explain that to him in a friendly manner. It's OK in the beginning to do the whole "aw, shucks, me?" bit, but that is going to get very annoying to most of the teenage and adult voters out there as we get farther into it. I'm not saying that's good or bad...just a fact from having watched a couple of seasons in their entirety and noticing the trends.

I think people really love and respond well to someone who sports a quiet confidence. Not too cocky/arrogant, not to sappy/naive, right down the middle. Frankly, I think that's what took Taylor Hicks all the way in a season with a lot of very talented performers. Being confident and content to be yourself, as the judges often remind the kids.