David Archuleta

Ever since publicly coming out in 2021, singer-songwriter David Archuleta, who first made a name for himself on American Idol season 7 in 2008, has been steadily becoming the exact type of out queer pop star that we’re still in need of — and one that we’ll happily always have a “Crush” on, to borrow a song title.

“I want to help build the bridge between the world I grew up in and loved with where I’m at in the queer community and what I love about life today,” Archuleta, once a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, says about what’s on the horizon for his life and career after a banner year that included competing on The Masked Singer, performing live shows again, and releasing new singles.

“I want to show that queer people are happy and thrive,” he continues. “I want to make it visible for people to see from my old world, because I never saw that when I was in that old world, and I know a lot of others can’t really either. I want to create that visibility so others like me from that culture I grew up in know they can thrive, be themselves, and feel joy and have a new vigor for life.”

Now, ready for the next steps, Archuleta is ready to surround himself with those who believe in and see him for who he is. “Stepping up in my career has made me realize I need to grow and find more people to help me take the steps moving up, and it’s not always easy to find those people who align with your vision to tell your story and help you connect with the public, but I feel I’ve gotten a great start.” @davidarchie