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Artvoice Top 40 correspondent Brad Deck talks with American Idol runner-up David Archuleta, who comes to town tonight:

Mere moments after just barely losing the American Idol crown last summer, musician David Archuleta saw his wildest dream become reality nonetheless.

“I was in my dressing room after the show ended, and they came in and told me how they were excited to work with me, and just like that I had to get started,” Archuleta told Artvoice. “I was thinking that I’d be sitting on it for a while, looking for what opportunities would come around, and who would be the right people to work with. But it was like, ‘Whoa.’”

David Archuleta plays Club Infinity tonight.

And just like “Whoa,” David Archuleta has sung his way into the hearts of millions of teenage girls who have helped to make his debut album a certified gold success, and who are sure to turn out in droves to Club Infinity when Archuleta’s first solo tour stops there tonight.

Archuleta’s career could have easily gone the way of many American Idol runners-up since the reality competition juggernaut debuted in 2002—the career legitimacies of Justin Guarini and Blake Lewis never caught on, while even one-time middle-aged mom magnet Clay Aiken has turned second-rate Broadway has-been—but it would appear that by way of good old-fashioned talent, Archuleta the musician is here to stay.

Said staying-power has been undeniably established by both the success and critical reception of Archuleta’s debut effort (the New York Times said he “has a lovely, foggy R&B voice out of scale with his small body”) and his debut single, “Crush,” has sold more copies than any other Idol contestant’s debut single to date. While such a record might inflate the ego of a less-grounded individual, the 18-year-old still seems generally confused as to why he’s received the stardom that accompanies teen idolhood.

“A year ago, I didn’t think I would ever be the kind of person to have any fans, let alone people who dedicate websites to me. It’s unbelievable, but that’s something that happened with ‘American Idol.’ I definitely won’t be the last person [thrust into the spotlight], but that doesn’t make it any less surreal.” When asked about the perils of Googling his name, Archuleta shyly replied, “It’s weird.”

What’s weirder about the career path of a post-reality television star is that David Archuleta’s first time out of the gate and onto a national tour circuit, meant playing before crowds in the largest arenas in the country. This time, however, he’ll be visiting smaller venues in the cities that embraced him so fondly while touring with the “Idol” cast.

“The smaller venues is really how I pictured it would be. I wasn’t really expecting to be playing arenas my first time out. But I’m looking forward to it. It’s not as crazy,” he said, looking forward to venues that are “more focused on the music.” That’s not to say that his arena gigs don’t hold fond memories: Archuleta was one of the headliners at the Kiss 98.5 Kiss-mas Bash in December, an event that resonated strongly with the singer.

“I did a jingle ball, or jingle bash or whatever in Buffalo, and that was way fun. That was one of my favorites, in terms of the holiday shows. The crowd was so big, and so energetic.” While he certainly cannot be expected to remember the name of every Christmas compilation show he played last year—there were many, common for new artists looking to gain individual exposure—it’s no surprise that a stop at the house of some of the most expressive sports fans in the country would hold a special place in his heart.

But, like any fledgling musical artist fresh off the heels of one of the year’s biggest traveling shows, it’s back to the drawing board for Archuleta. While he eagerly anticipates returning to the studio to work on some new material, he is focusing now on the hectic schedule he keeps at present, even without the benefit of studio time. He’s even had to put high school on hold, as well as any semblance of an average teenager’s social life along with it.

“High school for me is online right now, and I’ve already missed my chance at prom. I got to go to a school dance last month, but even that was scheduled by my management. There’s no personal time with me.”

With time, however, perhaps Archuleta, like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood before him, will break free of the seemingly tyrannical rule of the American Idol machine and establish himself as an honest-to-goodness musician. Until then, it’s all about connecting with his fans on the road (as well as on the screen: he’s set to make an upcoming guest appearance on Hannah Montana, the ultimate in tween exposure.) Maybe the next time he’s in Buffalo, he will once again grace the stage of the HSBC Arena, but Archuleta’s not holding his breath.

“I’m just looking forward to spending time with my fans,” he said. “I don’t care how big the stage is.”

For someone who finds the trappings of international fame so “weird,” David Archuleta seems to look (and sound) pretty natural in the spotlight.

David Archuleta will be joined by Leslie Roy at Club infinity at 7 pm on March 3.