For weeks, American Idol contestant, David Archuleta’s father, Jeff Archuleta has publicly denied that he is a “stage father,” though his controlling and interfering behavior has shown otherwise. Now American Idol has banned him from backstage.

Jeff Archuleta was told this week by producers that he can no longer join his 17-year-old son David as he prepares for the show, the person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The person wasn’t authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The show’s action was first reported Friday by the online Web site TMZ.

David Archuleta of Murray, Utah, is one of three contestants left as the top-rated Fox show heads toward the May 20-21 finale. The fresh-faced teenager with the big voice has consistently been deemed a front-runner by the judges and been a consistent fan favorite.

Jeff Archuleta’s intense backstage involvement had become a source of concern for the series, the person connected with “American Idol” said — but it was a lyric change on Tuesday’s show that pushed producers to act.

Despite a warning, Jeff Archuleta insisted on altering “Stand by Me,” one of two songs his son sang on the show Tuesday. By adding a verse from Sean Kingston’s “Beautiful Girls,” the father incurred additional costs for “American Idol,” the person said.

Fox declined comment. Attempts to reach Jeff Archuleta for comment were unsuccessful. A phone number listed under his name in Murray, Utah, was no longer in service, and Fox did not immediately respond to a request Friday evening for help in contacting the family.

Source: AP Source: David Archuleta’s dad loses ‘Idol’ backstage pass

See also:

• TMZ: Archuleta’s Dad Banished from “Idol”
• People: David Archuleta’s Father Banned from Idol Backstage

David Archuleta in Salt Lake City, Utah May 9, 2008 where he sang the national anthem at Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz basketball game.

David Archuleta is a consistent audience favorite and stands a strong chance of winning “American Idol.” Here is the song, “Stand By Me” that cost American Idol money and Jeff Archuleta his backstage privileges.

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