2008 was the year of the “Davids” on the TV phenomenon American Idol. First, we were crushed when the incredible and fabulously out David Hernandez was voted off so early in the season. In the finale, it was the battle of the Davids: the edgy David Cook vs. the cute and boyish David Archuleta. It was a nail-biter, but ultimately, David Cook took home the title.
From teen idol to queer icon in the making, David Archuleta is back with new music, a new tour, and a renewed sense of purpose. With his upcoming EP, Earthly Delights, set to release on August 15, and a national tour on the horizon, the former American Idol finalist opens up about his transformation—from devout Mormon to out artist, from G-rated balladeer to someone exploring sensuality, love, and light on his own terms.
Note: This interview was edited for length and clarity.
Windy City Times: We’re really excited about your tour coming up later this summer—you’ll be in Chicago on August 10. What can fans expect from this run of shows?
David Archuleta: Thanks! I’m really looking forward to it. These shows are going to be more up close and personal—smaller venues, intimate vibes—but I’m also stepping things up on the production side. I’m adding some choreography, dancers, lighting—stuff I didn’t really worry about before. I want to create an immersive experience, not just musically, but visually too.
WCT: So, more of a full-on performance?
DA: Yeah! I’ve been going to raves and EDM events, and there’s something special about those underground settings—those little venues with lights and energy packed to the walls. I want to channel that feeling. Of course, I’m still a vocalist first, but this tour will have more movement, more visual storytelling.
WCT: Speaking of movement, I love your new single “Crème Brûlée”—and especially the video. You’re dancing!
DA: [Laughs] Thank you! I had so much fun making that video. The JAW Collective choreographed it—they were amazing to work with. That project really felt like a new chapter for me, like “David Archuleta 2.0.” “Crème Brûlée” was a fun way to introduce this next era.
Redefining Queer Identity
WCT: One question I like to ask everyone in the LGBTQ+ community is: what does the word “queer” mean to you?
DA: Good question. I personally identify as queer. For me, it allows space. I like that it doesn’t force things into black-and-white categories—it acknowledges that there’s a spectrum. Queer gives me permission to explore, whether that’s in terms of sexuality or how I relate emotionally and physically to others.
WCT: That’s a thoughtful take.
DA: Thank you. I’ve resonated with terms like demisexual and graysexual. Those labels helped me understand that I’m not always quick to feel sexual attraction—I need emotional connection first. And “queer” leaves room for that nuance.
To me, being queer also represents rebellion. A lot of us had to go against expectations, disappoint people, and unlearn messages we were taught just to be ourselves. That makes for a powerful, colorful, and strong community. I’m proud to be part of it.
Earthly Delights: The Album
WCT: I am dying to talk about your new project, Earthly Delights. So far, we’ve only heard a couple of tracks. When does the full album drop?
DA: [Laughs] Well, good news: The full album drops August 15th!
WCT: Excellent. So what can fans expect?
DA: I thought maybe I’d go full edgy or full dance-pop with this project, but ultimately, I stayed true to what I always return to: vulnerability. This album is about exploring and getting comfortable with my sexuality, sensuality, and falling in love—things I never allowed myself to do before.
WCT: There’s definitely a shift.
DA: Totally. I used to keep things so G-rated—even into my 30s. Earthly Delights is me letting myself feel desire and romance, openly and joyfully, especially as a queer person. There’s a freedom in finally being able to write love songs—and be clear that they’re about loving men. It’s wild, because I spent so many years thinking that was the worst thing I could admit to myself.
The Evolution of a Fanbase
WCT: With that evolution, how has your relationship with your fans changed?
DA: Drastically. I used to tour and see so many Mormon and conservative fans—people who really connected with the faith-based parts of my journey. But coming out changed that. Some of those fans no longer felt like they could relate, and that’s okay. I’ve had to rebuild.
Thankfully, the LGBTQ+ community has really shown up for me. And some of my former fans have stayed with me, even if they’re still religious or conservative—and I really appreciate that. But now I’m excited to see who shows up at this tour. I’m in a new chapter, and I’m curious who’s coming along for the ride.
Mental Health and BetterHelp
WCT: You’ve also been vocal about mental health, particularly through your partnership with BetterHelp. How has therapy shaped your growth?
DA: It’s been everything. Therapy comes in waves for me—just like the Panama Canal, where you have to fill up each lock before you can move to the next one. That’s what therapy is: each stage gives you what you need to move forward.
BetterHelp was especially helpful when I started. I didn’t want to reveal my identity or what I was going through—I was scared. But with BetterHelp, I could connect with a queer therapist who understood me. It was so fast and validating. I needed that, and it gave me the language and tools to start healing.
Favorite Tracks and Emotional Truths
WCT: Is there a track on the album you’re especially connected to?
DA: Honestly, several. “Dulce Amor” is super romantic and vulnerable—it’s me allowing myself to fall in love and be giddy about it. Then there’s “Home,” which is about discovering that love can actually feel like… coming home. I didn’t know that was possible for someone like me.
But then there’s a song like “Give You the World,” which is about the struggle to stay vulnerable and present in a relationship. Just because you’ve come out doesn’t mean all your trauma is gone. That song is about wrestling with that.
WCT: And your fans are going to love that honesty. I’m curious, though—what do you wish more people knew about you?
DA: I hope people can see that I like to have fun. I’ve been going to raves the last few years, and I think people are surprised by that. But when you grow up so controlled and sheltered, being able to explore and enjoy music and connection in that way—it’s liberating. I want to create spaces where people can feel that same freedom to be themselves, let loose, and feel seen.
Faith, Family, and New Beginnings
WCT: David, many of us watched you grow up. Leaving the Mormon church must have been incredibly difficult. What has that process been like?
DA: It was heartbreaking at first. That was my entire world—family, community, my identity. Walking away felt like losing everything. But I’ve discovered there’s so much more out there. I’m writing a memoir right now that explores all of that—American Idol, faith, sexuality, leaving the church. It’s a deep dive, and I hope it opens up conversations for others who might be going through something similar.
WCT: I also noticed you’re leaning more into your Latin heritage—especially with “Crème Brûlée.”
DA: Yes! I’m so happy you caught that. I’ve wanted to explore that side of myself for a long time. I’ve recorded Spanish versions of a few songs on this EP, and I’ve been writing more bilingual lyrics. I don’t speak Spanish fluently, but I do speak Spanglish with my family—and it’s part of who I am. I’m excited to bring that into my music more.
Let’s Talk About the Abs
WCT: Okay, one last light-hearted question—you’ve been posting some shirtless pics on social media. You’re looking great! What’s your workout routine?
DA: [Laughs] Oh man… it depends. Honestly, I have to get disciplined before a photo shoot or video. I’ve been doing at least one gym session a day on weekdays—sometimes two a day if I’m really pushing. But the moment the shoot’s over? I’m back to eating what I want! Life’s about balance. Sometimes you want to look good for the camera, and sometimes you want to eat a whole pizza. I want to enjoy both sides.
WCT: Your gay fans are loving it. You had plenty before, but now the LGBTQ+ community is fully embracing you—and we welcome you with open arms.
DA: Thank you. That means so much.
David Archuleta’s EP Earthly Delights drops Aug. 15, followed by a North American tour. Expect honesty, joy, and a celebration of identity—delivered with a smile, a song, and maybe even some rave lights. Catch David in Chicago on Sunday, Sunday, Aug. 10, at 9 p.m. at Northalsted Market Days