Season 7's runner-up, David Archuleta, celebrated his birthday on December 28th. In the year and a half since the 2008 finale, David has released two albums and took part in five tours!

Just six months after David's run on American Idol, he released his self-titled debut album, which peaked at No. 2 on three different Billboard charts and was certified Gold. The album included his hit single "Crush" and his second single "A Little Too Not Over You" which David co-wrote. This October, David released a holiday CD entitled Christmas from the Heart. The album includes 12 Christmas songs covered by David and one original song, "Melodies of Christmas," that he co-wrote.

The summer following the Season 7 competition, David headed out on tour with the rest of the Top 10 for the American Idols LIVE! 2008 tour. Six months later, he spent one month traveling the country on his solo tour. This summer (and part of fall), David joined Demi Lovato on a nationwide tour. And up until last week, David was performing shows across the nation on his "Christmas from the Heart" tour.

These accomplishments, paired with David's strong fan base, have earned the star a number of awards. In 2008, David won two Teen Choice Awards – one for Most Fanatic Fans and one for Best Smile. The following year, David won three Teen Choice Awards – one for Breakout Artist, another for Music: Love Song (for "Crush"), and a final award for Music Tour (for his tour with Demi Lovato). He also won the Music Rising Star ALMA Award in 2009. Hitting it big on the charts, David has collected four No. 1 hits on the Billboard charts and landed on Billboard's Decade End and Year End lists which were released two weeks ago.

With a new book on the horizon, Chords of Strength, and an album scheduled for a 2010 release, there are no signs of slowing down from this Idol alumnus.

Happy Birthday, David!

David Archuleta has grown up in front of our very eyes. View photos of David performing at the Season 7 finale at Nokia Theater.

Other birthdays this week:
David Cook
Anoop Desai
Jordin Sparks
Ryan Seacrest
Chris Daughtry