November 29, 2023
Sizzling Singer David Archuleta Opens Up about Mormon Friends Shunning Him after His Coming Out
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 14 MIN.
David Archuleta's good looks and sexy vocals could melt anyone's heart – except, evidently, those of the former friends in the Mormon faith who are now "cold" to him after his coming out in 2021.
Archuleta remained open to maintaining relationships with those he was once close to in the faith, People Magazine reported, until he realized his feelings are no longer reciprocated.
"I went to a funeral of one of the worldwide church leaders of the Mormon church a few days ago," the "American Idol" star told the publication, "and it was weird to step into it no longer being a part of it and see, 'You know what? It seems like everyone has moved on from me as well.'"
The "Afraid to Love" singer described a situation in which "people I knew were just like, 'Oh, hi.' I used to give them a hug and stuff, and now they're just reaching out their hand."
"I'm like, 'I haven't changed. I'm still trying to show my love to y'all,'" Archuleta related. "They were cold with me, and so it's like, 'You know what? I'm still trying to get these people's approval even though I'm no longer a part of this and don't believe it anymore.'"
"I just need to move on," Archuleta declared.
It's hard not to think that the 32-year-old "Glorious" singer will have any trouble finding genuine friends, especially given his whole new 'tude. People Mag recalled that Archuleta has "let loose since leaving the Mormon faith... by attending electronic dance music festivals like Dreamstate, which occurred last weekend in Long Beach, California."
"Before, I'd be like, 'This is wrong. This is bad. I'm going to get in trouble,'" Archuleta told the publication. "You think you're going to die because you're in a place that is too freeing, but it's a beautiful experience."
Also freeing? The chance to uncover his authentic self.
"As I step more and more away from the culture I grew up in and the mindset that I was raised to have, I am learning to find myself more and more," the "Crush" singer said.
Check out some of the adorable snaps Archuleta has shared on his Instagram:
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
