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David Archuleta discusses American Idol, memoir and coming out as queer

September 18, 2026 at 3:03 PM MT · via WRIC ABC 8News · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting

David Archuleta discusses American Idol, memoir and coming out as queer
Image via WRIC ABC 8News

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.

Archuleta finished as runner-up on 'American Idol' in 2008 and later served an LDS mission. He came out publicly in 2021 and has since spoken about the tension between his faith upbringing and his sexual orientation, eventually leaving the Church.

The singer has become a prominent voice in conversations about LGBTQ Latter-day Saints and those who have left the faith. His story resonates across faithful, post-Mormon, and general audiences as a celebrity navigation of religion and identity.

Read the full story at WRIC ABC 8News →

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