When we first saw David Archuleta in January 2008, we heard his story of vocal paralysis and then saw him sail through his audition with a soulful version of John Mayer's "Waiting on The World to Change."

Within weeks he had staked a claim as the one to beat in Season 7, especially after his performance of John Lennon's "Imagine," a true "moment" if there every was one on "Idol."

Although he came up short in the final night of voting, the 17-year-old (now 18) from Salt Lake City, has been on a roll ever since. His eponymous debut album -- released in November -- has now sold almost 700,000 copies and spawned the addictive radio hit, "Crush."

And now Archuleta is a virtual touring machine: after "Jingle Ball" shows in December and a February-March solo tour in which almost every night was a sell-out, he's about to embark on a U.K. tour, to be followed up with a 50-some city tour this summer with Demi Lovato.

Archuleta had to postpone his arrival in the U.K. and cancel two shows there in order to perform live on Idol tonight. Although it hasn't been confirmed, all signs point to him performing "Touch My Hand" tonight, a song likely to be the third single released from the album.

Here's a clip of the video for "Touch My Hand," mashed-up a little to incorporate an AOL sessions version of the song instead of the version on the album. It's good stuff!

After the jump, take a trip down memory lane with a compilation video celebrating Archuleta's Idol journey.