Here’s a photo of American Idol 7 finalist David Archuleta and his dad, Jeff Archuleta, just before a performance at David’s high school in Murray, Utah on May 9th.

Hmmm, perhaps it wasn’t the “Beautiful Girls” fiasco that cost FOX a hefty fine two weeks ago that lead to Jeff Archuleta’s ban from American Idol. The National Enquirer claims the notorious stage dad of Idol 7 Top 2 finalist David Archuleta was sent packing from A.I rehearsals after he secretly tried to broker an endorsement deal for David with the bigwigs of Ford Motors.

Idol execs had enough after he secretly tried to cut an advertising deal with Ford Motor Company.

According to a tabloid snitch, the senior Archuleta “cornered a Ford rep” and tried to talk him into signing David for an endorsement deal.

“That’s the real reason he’s been officially banned from anywhere on American Idol except sitting in the audience,” an Idol spy told The National Enquirer.