David Archuleta, who was one of the most infamous American Idol runner-ups in the show’s history, has come out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. In an emotional Instagram post, the “Crush” singer opened up about his relationship with sexuality and faith, urging the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons) to be more “understanding”. Here’s 5 more things to know about him.
The former reality star was the runner up on season seven of American Idol, losing out to David Cook. He was 16 at the time, and received his ticket to the Hollywood auditions after trying out in San Diego with a performance of John Mayer‘s “Waiting On The World To Change.”
David also wrote in his caption, “Please consider making room to be more understanding and compassionate to those who are LGBTQIA+, and those who are a part of that community and trying to find that balance with their faith which also is a huge part of their identity like myself. I think we can do better as people of faith and Christians, including Latter-day Saints, to listen more to the wrestle between being LGBTQIA+ and a person of faith.”
“I don’t think it should come down to feeling you have to accept one or the other. For me to find peace the reality has been to accept both are real things I experience and make who I am…. You can be part of the LGBTQIA+ community and still believe in God and His gospel plan.”
David spent two years as a missionary in Chile. “When I went on my mission, it kind of gave me a step away from everything, and I was able to grow up a little bit, on my own, without everyone watching me,” he told The Salt Lake Tribune in 2017. “Maybe there are other people out there who are having a hard time finding their worth, feeling like they’re good enough, and I can tell them a little bit about my challenge with those insecurities, and finding a purpose in spirituality,” he added. “I dared to not be afraid to be a Mormon in the entertainment industry.”