Missing from the conversation about 17-year-old Utahn David Archuleta is what will happen after this season's "American Idol" competition is over. The winner receives a recording contract, which can lead to some sales due to the show's widespread popularity. But what separates winners like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood from a Taylor Hicks? Hicks, remember, won the competition in 2006, but quickly lost his recording contract due to low sales. The Salt Lake Tribune asked artists, record producers, writers, academics and publicists who have worked in the music industry to give the young Mormon singer advice, regardless of whether he wins "American Idol." All were asked: What should David Archuleta do to have a successful career in music beyond these first 15 minutes of fame?

Julianne Hough, Utah native, "Dancing With the Stars" winner and country music artist now in Nashville: "Keep your family first. Those are the people you have to rely on. Always be who you are, and don't be afraid to say 'No.' "

Nick Nanton, Los Angeles record producer and voting member of the Grammys: "I would advise David to focus on being the kind of singer he is. He strikes me as an adult contemporary singer, like a Josh Groban or Norah Jones, who could likely have some crossover success to the pop charts. If he tries to put on a show and look like something he's not, he will get thrown to the wolves."

Erykah Badu, singer, New York and Dallas: "Develop an image that is only [yours]. Pick a person within [you] that can fill a void [in the marketplace]. Once you gather a fan base, allow yourself to stretch out."

Patty Williamson, school of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts, Central Michigan University: "The biggest hurdle Archuleta seems to have at the moment is his inability to connect emotionally to the material he's singing. Critics and audiences are starting to question how much this young man wants to be doing what he's doing, and how much is an agenda being pushed by a controlling stage dad. Archuleta is really not cut out for the rock-tinged pop music that has become Kelly Clarkson's trademark, nor does he fit the musical theater track followed by Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken. I'd say Archuleta, from what he's shown us on 'Idol' thus far, falls into more of a pop-balladeer genre, perhaps similar to the type of music sung today by Josh Groban or even the equally breathy John Mayer (without the sexual overtones). I'd dare say he'd also have an exceptionally successful career in Christian pop music."

Meshell Ndegeocello, pop musician known for her hit "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp: "I'd just tell anyone to own as much of their careers as they can."

Todd Appleman, president, The Appleman (Communications) Group, Los Angeles: "Being a Mormon isn't the cross to bear that it once was. Mitt Romney got past that in politics even though he dropped out of the presidential race for other reasons. And 40 years ago, the Osmond family navigated a lucrative career as well. All David Archuleta will need to do is find his own voice and he will do fine. If [Season 2 competitor] Clay Aiken can come out as a winner and say 'I'm not going to be the next Justin Timberlake,' and still do fine, with the right management, David Archuleta's prospects are bright."

Carrol Van Stone, publicist at Visibility Bookings, West Virginia: "Critics that suggest you have to be crude and raw to stay 'on the charts' should take a look at the timeless singing stars from yesterday and today. David Archuleta is a mensch, and that will always be welcomed by audiences young and old, today and tomorrow."

Susie West, Richmond Public Relations, Seattle: "[Consider] the enormous successes of squeaky clean Disney stars Miley Cyrus (pre-Vanity Fair scandal) and the Jonas Brothers, who are well known to be Christians, purity rings and all. Their fan base would probably follow Archuleta as well."

Cherie Kerr, Kerr PR, Santa Ana, Calif.: "As a publicist, I see no reason why he can't be a pop icon given he is Mormon. Donny Osmond did it, and others with strong religious persuasions have done well, too, like Michael Jackson with the Jehovah's Witnesses. If I were representing him, I would play down anything that might be too controversial or impede his success rather than exploit it. My big concern is the stability of his incredible voice. He has had past problems, and the demands this tour will might be difficult for him. But, [as for] religion, I don't think that matters. Besides, with Jamie Lynn Spears and Lindsay Lohan, and now Miley [Cyrus] in Vanity Fair, David has an edge in coming on the pop scene as someone refreshing and clean - just what the public wants."

Lyndsey Parker, Yahoo! Music writer: "I do believe that if he wins, he will be the most successful male 'Idol' winner so far, easily topping both Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks. But he'll only succeed if he (and his rumored stage dad) don't let the . . . powers-that-be mold him into something he's not. This guy has clearly struck a chord with viewers, not just because of his voice, but because of his aw-shucks boyish charm. He is not a rocker, he is not a hipster - he is a likable, dorky, cute kid. This was largely Clay Aiken's appeal. . . . I have always seen Archuleta as a Groban/Aiken-type, and could easily see him going in that direction: doing that type of adult-contemporary-leaning vocal pop.

Cedric Baxter-Zavala, guitarist and lyricist for the rock band The Mars Volta: "Have the freedom to do what you want."

Mason Jennings, singer-songwriter, Minneapolis: "Make sure you love your sound. Don't make music that you don't love. If you do love it, someone else will, too."

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* DAVID BURGER can be reached at dburger@sltrib.com or 801-257-8620. Send comments about this story to livingeditor@sltrib.com.