David Archuleta is entering a new “fun, flirty era” since coming out as a queer and leaving the Church of Latter-Day Saints.
David Archuleta, aged 34, shared with Us Weekly during the Human Rights Campaign Gala on March 22 in Los Angeles that he is embracing his sensuality and becoming more confident in his body and sexuality. He expressed that it may take some time to grow into this newfound self-assurance but emphasized how empowering it feels.
Having been raised in Utah as a member of the LDS church and having even undertaken a Mormon missionary role in 2011, the former contestant of American Idol publicly came out as part of the LGBTQIA+ community in 2021. Subsequently, the singer made the decision to depart from the religious group the following year. Archuleta has since been navigating and accepting his sensuality, which was initially suppressed due to his upbringing in a modest and conservative environment.
Archuleta discussed the culture he was raised in, highlighting the taboos around discussing sex and sensuality, and how it was frowned upon in his upbringing. The societal norms dictated that such topics were inappropriate, disrespectful, and not to be talked about as the body was considered sacred, requiring a reserved demeanor. Now that he is no longer affiliated with the Mormon faith, he feels liberated to explore and express his sensuality, even if it may be met with surprise from others.
Archuleta’s newest single, “Creme Brûlée,” that dropped earlier this year also features a sultry vibe.
“It’s not like I’m shooting porn in front of everybody. Like, you can be in touch,” Archuleta said, defending the song’s concept. “It’s a part of the human experience, and I think we should talk about it more. I grew up [with,] ‘No sex before marriage’ and, like, ‘Don’t even take your clothes off if you’re dating someone and see any part of their body.’ It’s, like, if we’re consenting adults and we like each other, it’s OK to explore that.”
Archuleta further explained why he’s willing to open up about his experience with his sexuality and religion.
“I realized that my story is [like] a lot of people’s stories that [haven’t] been told and [have] been overlooked, especially within the Mormon community,” the singer said on Saturday. “There’s always gonna be queer people, whether you want to acknowledge them or not. They’re always going to be there. You’re gonna have kids who are queer and there should be a little more acceptance, more invitation for them to simply feel welcomed into churches.”
While Archuleta has stepped away from the LDS community, he does think it’s “so cool” that recent TV shows like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives are modernizing the religion.
“I heard that it’s like bringing Mormonism into the mainstream, which I think is so cool,” Archuleta quipped, noting he has yet to watch the Hulu docuseries for himself. “It’s very fun to see the pros and the cons to the culture [and] the things that we should hopefully talk about, like, ‘I hope you realize how on the outside this looks and hopefully you can get an outside perspective on some of the habits and traditions that could use some adjusting.’”
Until then, Archuleta is focused on embracing a “new state” of himself that is “more comfortable in his skin” and with his sexuality. He also showed off that side in the “Creme Brûlée” music video that also highlights his Latin heritage.
“The ‘Crème Brulée’ video was so much fun to make with the choreography and a new creative release for me,” he said in a March press release of the production. “I’ve always loved moving to music and so the more I’ve taken choreography/dance classes I’ve found a better outlet to feel liberated and express myself. Working with Aidan, Jordan and Nathan Kim introduced me to a new style that was really satisfying. Dancing brings me a newfound confidence and makes me feel like I’m more in touch with my body and sensuality.”
With reporting by Sienna Leone
