In 2003 Tiffany Evans and David Archuleta went head-to-head competing as up-and-coming singers on Star Search (she won).

Now, five years later, Evans — whose self-titled debut R&B album hits stores April 22 — is cheering on her former competitor.

"I'm so proud of him, I'm definitely rooting for him," the singer, 15, tells Us Weekly. "He has a beautiful voice. He'll go far whether he wins or not: he's amazing."

Though she hasn't seen Archuleta since their Star Search days, she has fond memories.

"David was a really sweet kid, drama free, he got along with everyone," she says.

Rumors have swirled in recent weeks that Archuleta's father, Jeff, may not share his son's easy-going nature and had even been banned from the Star Search set for intimidating Evans behind the scenes.

Evans' take? "I don't recall being around his father at all, I've heard some things about him, but I was 10 years old, I didn't really pay attention."

And these days her full attention is focused on the release of her album, which has already spawned the hit "Promise Ring": "It's been six years in the making," she says.

"It's such a blessing, I still haven't soaked it in yet!"