It was 2008. Build-a-Bear was the pinnacle of my existence. My Tamagotchi was thriving. American Idol was the biggest show on TV. I was 10.

My family was cooped up around the TV eager for entertainment. We religiously watched every Tuesday and Wednesday. The audition episodes were priceless.

Enter the baby-faced Utah boy with a sweet smile and a soulful voice. Hear him sing “Waiting on the World to Change” by John Mayer. Laugh at Randy Jackson's echoing the lyrics. Sob at his story of paralyzing his vocal chords but recovering miraculously. Swoon at the innocent charm of the 16-year-old boy who rose on Star Search years and years ago.

“Awwww” & root for him the whole way through. Convince yourself that the 2nd best person always wins Idol when he’s announced as the runner-up. Play his self-titled album on repeat on road trips. Watch him on both Hannah Montana and iCarly. Fast forward 10 years and still love him more than any other celebrity ever.

Who could I be talking about?

None other than my longtime celebrity crush, David Archuleta. What a beautiful man–inside & out. Randy Jackson agrees ;)

Now, I wouldn’t say I was ~obsessed~. I never tried to get tickets to a concert. I didn’t even know what Tumblr stalking/fanfics were & refused to get an account when I learned about them (hello timesuck). I was only ever in it for the music that blessed my ears and the kind, warm-hearted role model who gave me at least some faith in humanity. I idolized him *pun intended* but I wasn’t a creeper, I promise.

I just found him so endearing. Down-to-Earth, wholesome. What other celebrities were that genuine and adorable? And even David Cook liked him, so...

But like I said: not obsessed.

The one thing I did do, however, was write a song (loosely) inspired by him–or at least the feeling of having a crush. And it’s still one of my favorite songs I’ve written to date.

The song is called “Hazel Eyes,” which happens to be my favorite eye color. (Have you noticed all the beautiful celebrities with hazel eyes, tho?) It’s about a crush that you can’t get over (*wink wink* “Crush” by David Archuleta circa 2008), but you’re trying to talk yourself out of it then end up giving up because why not just admire from afar, right?

Anyway, it’s evolved beyond the scope of a celebrity crush & I like to think I elaborated a lot to make it less tied to my particular situation. But the point is, it exists.

And I’ve kept up with David on Instagram now and again. His starring role in a Filipino mini-series. His 2-year mission in Chile. His collaborations with the Piano Guys, Nathan Pacheco, etc.

And he’s still my #1 celebrity crush. I feel at home listening to his Christmas album. I take comfort in knowing that there are still good people in this world, and that he is one of them. And the man can SANG. That’s all you really need in an American Idol, right?