- Title: PHILIPPINES: American Idols rock in Manila
- Date: 17th May 2009
- Summary: VARIOUS OF COOK SINGING "HEROES"
- Embargoed: 1st June 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Philippines
- Country: Philippines
- Topics: Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVA32TY7FXDROTZOV92WW9VXMDO0
- Story Text: American Idols David Cook and David Archuleta rocked a crowd in Manila on Saturday (May 16) in their first back-to-back concert.
Around 50,000 people trooped to the concert grounds at Manila's Mall of Asia, police said. Tickets sold from 2,000 (42 U.S. dollars) to up to 12,000 pesos (252 U.S. dollars).
Cook and Archuleta topped the seventh season of American Idol as winner and first runner-up, and have each launched musical careers that span the globe.
Cook sang songs from his album, including "The World I Know,"
"Heroes," and his chart-topping cover of Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby."
The 26-year-old rock singer-songwriter shattered Billboard records with eleven songs on the top 100 and a platinum album.
Some fans even traveled by plane from provinces in the southern Philippines to watch the concert.
"It's my first time to see a concert, and I want my first time to be with them - David Cook and David Archuleta!" 17-year-old Chayna Bliss said.
Sisters Chayna Bliss and Chayna Lin Go, from Zamboanga del Sur, said they had to convince their parents to let them fly to Manila for the show.
"They're so handsome, and they both really have great voices and I really love them so much. They're friendly and kind," 21-year-old Chayna Lin said.
The 18-year-old Archuleta, whose pop vocals and boyish charm have earned him tween fans worldwide, performed hits from his self-titled album and covers like "Stand By Me" and Robbie Williams' "Angels."
Girls shrieked, sobbed and shook at the sight of the Utah native.
"I've been watching him since his Idol days, that's why I watched this concert. And it's just, I can't say anything, I'm so speechless,"
Jodie Osorio said.
Aired on local television, American Idol is widely watched in the Philippines. Most fans said they've followed the two Davids since they joined the show.
"I'm a big fan of him, and also of David Cook. And he's so great, and even his voice, just like in the competition itself," Brian Abengoza said.
Cook and Archuleta made television appearances and mall visits since they arrived in Manila on Tuesday (May 12).
ENDS. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: Audio restrictions: This clip's Audio includes copyrighted material. User is responsible for obtaining additional clearances before publishing the audio contained in this clip.