In a surprising turn of events, David Archuleta has made a bold style choice by getting his ears pierced. For the former American Idol contestant, raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this act marks a significant departure from the norms he grew up with. Exploring his newfound freedom after coming out as queer and leaving the Mormon church, Archuleta is embracing a path of self-discovery in various aspects of his life.
The decision to pierce his ears, which was once considered taboo in his religious upbringing, represents a symbolic shift for the 34-year-old singer/songwriter. Along with his evolving fashion sense and exploration of new musical territories, Archuleta’s latest single “Crème Brulée” showcases a more daring and provocative side of him. Infused with Latin influences and sung partly in Spanglish, the song delves into themes of sensuality and flirtation, a departure from his previously wholesome image.
As Archuleta navigates this new chapter in his life, he is met with both excitement and challenges. Embracing his authentic self means breaking away from expectations and exploring uncharted territories. Despite the surprises his recent endeavors may bring to some, Archuleta remains steadfast in his journey of growth, maturity, and self-expression.
Presenting a package that is good enough, one where you might be accepted regardless of your attraction. The disappointment that arises from realizing that you will never measure up to many simply because you are gay can be painful, yet also empowering. Archuleta appears to be embracing a newfound sense of liberation on the eve of his song’s release. “I write about my life journey, taking others along with me,” he explains. “In a way, it’s a song that says, ‘I no longer care’. I’ve been the obedient one for years, and I still strive to be, but it doesn’t matter. All you want is for me to deny my true self. And I refuse to do that.”
Initially, Archuleta did not immediately leave the Mormon church after coming out. He attempted to reconcile being gay and a Mormon for a year, but realized that his religious supporters would never be satisfied unless he returned to being a ‘good Mormon boy’ feigning happiness and heterosexuality. They seemed to expect a miraculous transformation. He recalls an incident where fans speculated about him wearing lipstick during an Instagram Live session (which he clarifies is not an issue), when in reality, his lips were stained red from eating pizza with chili peppers.
Feeling indignant, Archuleta reflects on a moment that served as a wake-up call. “Why am I seeking approval from these people?” he questions. “Their dissatisfaction stems from being overly invested in others’ lives. My actions, such as eating chili peppers, should have no impact on them, yet they chose to make it a reason to dislike me.” Realizing he couldn’t please a certain group of his old fans, Archuleta decided to prioritize his own happiness and authenticity, embracing a life that includes ear piercings and personal choices like drinking alcohol and socializing with men.
In recent years, Archuleta has expanded his horizons by dating men, changing his style, and releasing more provocative music. He has also moved away from wearing Mormon undergarments, symbolizing his departure from certain religious practices. “I can now show more of my body,” he shares. “I was restricted to wearing garments, but now I can wear tank tops and shorts. It’s liberating to have that freedom.” Embracing his newfound freedom, Archuleta is exploring different genres of music, with a particular interest in EDM, aiming to create music that connects with audiences and allows them to escape into a world of sound and rhythm.
Archuleta’s journey toward self-acceptance and authenticity is evident in his fashion choices, music preferences, and overall outlook, as he continues to navigate his path with courage and conviction.
The “ulée” music video features David Archuleta dancing alongside three other performers, creating shapes in sync with the music. This video, likened to Troye Sivan’s recent works, explores a more sensual theme compared to Archuleta’s usual visuals. Despite feeling pressured to meet certain standards set by his peers, Archuleta expresses frustration at the double standards he faces as an artist of his generation. He questions why he is judged differently for exploring sexual themes in his music while others like Bruno Mars can do so without criticism. Archuleta acknowledges the guilt he sometimes feels when venturing into new musical territory but emphasizes the importance of pushing boundaries and embracing risks in his art. Reflecting on his upbringing in a sheltered environment, particularly within the Mormon community, Archuleta criticizes the lack of education and openness about sexual topics. He believes it is crucial to break free from societal taboos and embrace sexuality as a natural part of life. Despite the challenges he has faced, including homophobic teachings, Archuleta remains determined to challenge norms and create music that sparks conversations and controversy. Looking ahead to his upcoming album, Archuleta is prepared to face online discourse and hopes to inspire others to take risks and live authentically through his music.
