MANILA, Philippines?Some show biz analysts predict that the 2008 ?American Idol? singing search could end up as a race to the finish line between two Davids: David Cook and David Archuleta. Trouble is, they note that young Archuleta?s bid to clinch the title may be compromised by his own dad, who?s reportedly turning out to be a ?stage parent? in the negative and manipulative sense of the term.

Talk has it that Mr. Archuleta has become so fixated on making his teenage son win that he?s been pushing him too hard and berating him too harshly whenever he?s fallen short of the mark.

As a result, David recently forgot his lyrics and made some bad song choices, which have affected his showing in the tilt. If there?s any truth to these reports, his father would do well to ease up on his son, and let his talent speak or sing for itself. If the reports are baseless, the blame artists should look for other villains to point their fingers at, and apologize to Mr. Archuleta, pronto.

Fact is, however, ?stage parents? have been both the boon and bane of the entertainment industry from the very start. When they?re good, starlets and stars? parents assure their talented children?s success in the extremely competitive field of entertainment. When they push their kids too hard, however, they generate a lot of unhappiness, tension and resentment?all negative emotions that often frustrate talented newcomers? bid for stardom.

The issue of excessive manipulation and control is exacerbated by some stage parents? insistence that their kids become stars so that they can compensate for their own failed dreams of stardom. This is definitely to be discouraged, because it uses vulnerable children as pawns to achieve their parents? frustrated ambitions.

Breadwinners

Other stage parents force their kids to become their families? breadwinners, arguing that show biz stardom is more financially rewarding than the parents? own ?ordinary? jobs could ever be.
Again, this has a deleterious effect on the young breadwinners, because they?re forced to work hard when they should be enjoying the delightful and formative experiences of childhood.

It?s no wonder, therefore, that some young stars end up as psychological basket cases. A number of them end up hating their parents and even taking them to court for their inept handling of their kids? finances. A few former child stars have even legally ?divorced? their parents, thus sundering their families beyond all possible restitution!