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David Archuleta turned judge Thusday morning and raved over the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
“It’s really cool,” last season’s runner-up told me. “It’s amazing how they replicated the stage. It brings back memories when you’re up there onstage.”
Good memories? “They’re good and some interesting ones like — whoa! — it was just a really overwhelming experience,” Archuleta said.
The American Idol Experience lets park guests audition and perform for a studio audience.
As for the show, Archuleta said the public and the press can put too much emphasis on winning. He placed second last season to victor David Cook.
“I wasn’t really upset about it,” Archuleta said of being runner-up. “I think people think that, ‘Oh, because it’s a competition, it’s so important to them to win’ — when it really isn’t. Our goal isn’t to beat the other person and win the competition. We’re just there to do what we love to do.”
The finale, he added, “worked out great the way it did.”
In the days after the results people would if Archuleta wasn’t bummed. He said he’d reply that the outcome was fine.
“Look at all the opportunities that have opened up,” Archuleta said. “We’re all doing our own little projects.”
Of last year’s “Idol” field, he said, “We’re all really happy and excited.”
He said he has been surprised by the success of his record “Crush.” He said he had fun making his acting debut on “iCarly.”
“We’re doing a Hannah Montana next,” Archuleta said. “We’ll be taping it pretty soon.” 
And, yes, he has met Miley Cyrus. His verdict? “Cool.”
