Results: From American Idol To Role Model

When David Archuleta came in second on American Idol, back in 2008, the then-17-year-old earned the wild screams from the tween and teen girls in the studio audience and instant raves from the judges. Instead of feeling elated, Archuleta felt confused, overwhelmed and conflicted -- and it took him thirteen years to finally live his truth. In 2021, Archuleta went public with an Instagram post in which he came out as being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Do you remember Archuleta from his time on American Idol?

The decision came after Archuleta — a lifelong and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — says God told him to share his story with the world, and Archuleta obliged by writing the post and sending it without telling anyone in advance other than one of his sisters. Archuleta instantly became one of the most high-profile members of the Mormon faith to be openly LGBTQ, which has put him at odds with his church's prohibition against acting on same-sex attraction. He also said that while his mother had a "hard time" coming to terms with his sexuality, she eventually showed serious support by leaving the Mormon Church -- calling it "an awakening." If you had to chose between your religion or your child, which would you chose?

Archuleta just released a new song called "Hell Together", and he says "This song is dedicated to those who show unconditional love in a world where it's so easy to judge things we don't fully understand, the way my mom showed that love to me." Have you heard this song?

Archuleta hopes this song, and his entire journey from American Idol to staying true to himself, will inspire and at the very least, comfort others who are going through coming out while being raised in the church. He has already touched so many lives with this song, including this comment "the last few years I have grown closer to God and understand him on a deeper level. I did not leave God and I did not leave Christ, I just left an organization that kept me living in fear and judgment. Fear, guilt and judgment is not God - at least not the God I have become to know." Archuleta may not have won American Idol, but presently he's winning the admiration of so many new fans. Do you agree?