A coming-out story from the American Idol finalist traces David Archuleta’s journey from closeted Mormon teen to global pop star to openly queer man. In his new memoir, he reveals the hidden pressures of fame, the weight of religious expectations and the courage it takes to live authentically. Devout (Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books) will be released on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
At 17-years-old, Archuleta rose to national fame as the runner-up on American Idol season seven. Behind the scenes he was struggling with his attraction to men as a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“A lot of people who saw teenage David on TV thought they knew me. In Devout, I share that there was a lot more going on behind the scenes than many realized—with me, with my family, and with the show,” he said in a press release. “I had to recondition almost everything I learned or was taught to believe, and that process can be challenging. This is a story about finding courage within yourself during your absolute darkest moment to persevere and become who you truly are.”
In Devout, Archuleta writes about his conflicting struggles with faith, fame and identity. He had the pressures of being on a hit television show and a domineering father who controlled every aspect of his career. The singers reveals the emotional abuse and turmoil that he grew up with during that time.
Along with his ventures on American Idol, his memories include a tour with Demi Lovato, a two-year sabbatical as a missionary in South America, a path of heartbreak, estrangement, three engagements with thoughts of suicide and finally, his decision to leave the Mormon Church in order to live out and proud as a gay man.
The book also features never-before-seen photos of Archuleta throughout his life.
In addition, he will also release a 3-song EP of new music to accompany the book. The Devout EP will be available only thru the purchase of the audiobook here which will be released on the same date.
–From staff reports