Entertainment
David Archuleta discusses American Idol, memoir and coming out as queer
David Archuleta spoke with WRIC ABC 8News about his time on 'American Idol', his memoir, and his experience coming out as queer after being raised in the LDS Church. The interview covers the singer's journey from teenage fame to his public departure from the Church.
September 18, 2026 at 3:03 PM MT · via WRIC ABC 8News · 5 sources
'Ted Lasso' takes good-natured jab at LDS Church in new episode
The latest episode of Apple TV+'s "Ted Lasso" includes a lighthearted crack about Latter-day Saints, delivered in the show's characteristic cheerful tone. The comedy, which follows an American football coach managing a British soccer team, has built its brand on gentle humor and optimism.
September 17, 2026 at 2:02 PM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 2 sources
How Renaissance masterpiece casts ended up at BYU via forgotten Hawaii crate
A forgotten crate in Hawaii held casts of Lorenzo Ghiberti's 'Gates of Paradise,' the bronze doors Michelangelo called the greatest ever made. A decade after their rediscovery, gilded replicas now gleam at BYU, with an origin story rivaling the original's, according to KSL's Deseret Magazine.
September 16, 2026 at 1:02 PM MT · via KSL
BYU grad who built Charlie Kirk statue responds to vandalism
Quintin McCann, a Brigham Young University graduate who created the memorial statue of Charlie Kirk at Turning Point USA's Phoenix headquarters, spoke publicly after the sculpture was vandalized, according to KSL. McCann told the outlet the vandalism was disappointing but said the memorial's purpose — honoring Kirk, who was murdered in Utah — remains unchanged. The statue has drawn attention since its installation for both its subject and its prominent placement at the conservative organization's national offices.
September 15, 2026 at 9:03 PM MT · via KSL · 2 sources
Filmmakers who lost son on 9/11 find healing making documentary in rural Idaho
Josh and Sarah Sabey, Latter-day Saint filmmakers, created a new documentary about an untold 9/11 story after experiencing what they describe as a parent's nightmare, according to Deseret News. The couple found healing through the filmmaking process while working in rural Idaho. The article explores how the project helped them process grief and how their faith informed their approach to the subject matter. The film shares a previously unreported perspective on the September 11 attacks.
September 11, 2026 at 11:02 PM MT · via Deseret News
Sunstone podcast revisits 2006 play about Mormon parents and gay suicide
A Sunstone podcast episode examines Carol Lynn Pearson's 2006 play "Facing East," which centers on Mormon parents processing their gay son's suicide. The play premiered in Salt Lake City before runs off-Broadway and in San Francisco, and Pearson describes it as helping religious families understand LGBTQ loved ones.
September 11, 2026 at 3:29 AM MT · via Sunstone
Chosen marketing veteran launches 1830 Studios after leaving hit series
KJ Hirschi, who spent years on the special projects team at The Chosen working on marketing, fan events, and ancillary content for the most-watched faith series in history, has left to launch 1830 Studios, according to Meridian Magazine. The move represents a gamble on building a new faith-based media company rather than remaining with the established franchise.
September 10, 2026 at 3:03 AM MT · via Meridian Magazine
David Archuleta reflects on truth, faith and finding light after leaving Church
Singer David Archuleta discusses his journey since publicly leaving the LDS Church in an interview with Arizona Big Media. The former American Idol runner-up reflects on reconciling his faith upbringing with his identity as a gay man, and how he has found meaning and direction after his departure.
September 9, 2026 at 8:03 PM MT · via azbigmedia.com · 2 sources
David Archuleta announces holiday album and tour
People magazine reported that David Archuleta announced a new holiday album paired with a Christmas tour. The former "American Idol" contestant, who came out as queer and stepped away from the LDS Church, continues to draw audiences from both faithful and former Mormon communities.
September 8, 2026 at 11:03 PM MT · via People.com · 3 sources
Carol Lynn Pearson reflects on feminism and faith in RadioWest interview
RadioWest aired an interview with Carol Lynn Pearson, the Mormon feminist playwright and author, discussing her life's work at the intersection of faith and women's issues. Pearson, now 90, has been a voice in Latter-day Saint feminism for over five decades, including her advocacy around LGBTQ issues and her 2006 play "Facing East" about a gay Mormon man's suicide.
September 8, 2026 at 9:02 PM MT · via RadioWest | KUER · 4 sources
Ex-Mormon author's novel follows two gay men joining group of quilting women
Eli McCann's new novel "Stitched" tells the story of two gay men who join a group of quilting women, inspired by a conversation with his mother about yarn, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. McCann, a Tribune guest columnist, draws on his Mormon background in the book.
September 4, 2026 at 7:04 PM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune
Rock musician became Tabernacle Choir organist after LDS conversion
Rick Elliott played in rock bands in smoke-filled bars before converting to Mormonism and eventually becoming an organist for the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, according to a Salt Lake Tribune profile by Gordon Monson.
September 4, 2026 at 1:03 PM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune