On Tuesday, December 9th, pop singer-songwriter David Archuleta brought his “My Only Wish” show to Joe’s Pub in New York City, where he played for an intimate group of fans.
His show was a blend of songs from his newest holiday EP along with multiple traditional holiday tunes.
An “American Idol” Season 7 runner-up winner, Archuleta kicked off his set promptly with the upbeat “Sleigh Ride,” which ironically enough, was the same song that he performed at the 6ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Parade (in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).
It was followed by a soulful rendition of the holiday ballad “The First Noel” and the classic “White Christmas,” which instantly put listeners in the holiday spirit.
Speaking of the standards, Archuleta sang “The Christmas Song,” the church anthem “Ave Maria,” as well as “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “Holly Jolly Christmas.”
It was neat to hear his new duet with Jordin Sparks, “Wish at the Top of My Life,” at Joe’s Pub, which has the potential to become a holiday standard someday in its own right.
Archuleta did Amy Grant’s “My Grown-Up Christmas List” justice, and the same holds true with his distinct cover of Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe,” which he made his own.
The highlight song of the evening was his rousing version of NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,” where everybody was singing the joyful lyrics verbatim back to him.
It certainly captured the essence and true spirit of the show, and it was sheer bliss.
“Winter in the Air” was a melancholically beautiful ballad, where he evoked raw emotions, and he segued into the Michael Bublé-esque “What a Wonderful Way to End a Crazy Year.”
Archuleta closed his set with the powerhouse ballad “O Holy Night,” where he displayed his dynamic vocal range, as well as “Christmas Every Day,” where he left his listeners wanting to hear more.
The Verdict
Overall, David Archuleta performed a heartwarming and nostalgic holiday show at Joe’s Pub in Manhattan. He appeared comfortable on stage, and he had the Big Apple audience with him every step of the way.
As a result, there were a lot of smiles on people’s faces, and a feeling of euphoria.
It is evident that Archuleta’s rich, rumbling voice is as powerful as ever. The control he maintained over his velvet vocals throughout the show was impeccable.
His new holiday EP “My Only Wish” is available on digital service providers, by clicking here.
To learn more about David Archuleta, follow him on Instagram and his official homepage.
