David Archuleta, the doe-eyed runner-up from the seventh season of "American Idol," appears Monday at the Warfield in support of his new album, "Christmas From the Heart." The 18-year-old singer's second release this year features his golden-voiced takes on a handful of seasonal standards such as "The First Noel" and "O Holy Night," as well as a new song called "Melodies of Christmas." He called us last week from his family's home in Murray, Utah, to talk about his career so far, holiday plans and dream about Bob Dylan.

Q: Are you already over this whole Christmas thing?

A: Christmas isn't here yet.

Q: I know, but you've had to think about it since October when the album came out.

A: Oh, yeah. I've actually been celebrating Christmas since the summer because we had to start recording in July. But it's been good. It's helped me really think about what Christmas is all about.

Q: Was it hard to go in the studio and sing "O Holy Night" while you were wearing flip-flops and shorts?

A: It was interesting, to be sure. In some studios we had the Christmas lights up just to get in the mood.

Q: What's the one Christmas album your family listened to every year?

A: My mom was a big fan of Celine Dion, so that's probably the biggest. She's such an amazing singer. There's so much power in her songs and her voice. She's a big part of my Christmas memories.

Q: Your album came out the same day as Bob Dylan's "Christmas in the Heart." Do you think any of your fans accidentally picked up his album and wondered what happened to your voice?

A: I know, they almost have the exact same title, which is pretty funny. I hope not. Bob Dylan was actually in my dream last night.

Q: What was Dylan doing in your dream?

A: I think he was singing Christmas songs. I don't really remember my dream. It was snowing and his Christmas music was going on. I don't know why. I guess he was on the back of my mind yesterday. I should Tweet about that.

Q: This is your second album this year, also your second tour, and you're in the studio working on your next album. Why so fast?

A: It's going fast, but that's how you grow. It pushes you out of the comfort zone and what you thought you could do. You don't think you can do it, but you get through it and you realize it's all part of the growing process. Sometimes the business can get tough, but you have to be willing to handle it and take that challenge. It reminds you that it's always worth it in the end.

Q: What's the one thing you want for Christmas?

A: I don't really want anything. Just to be home and not worry about anything. As long as I get a few days to just relax and not have to do something, I'll be happy.

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