by Frank Gaimari

“I realized I don’t have to hide who I am anymore,” Archuleta shares, his voice tinged with both relief and excitement. “For so long, I felt like I was living a double life, trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t me. But now, I’m finally free to be myself, and that’s the most liberating feeling in the world.”

David Archuleta has always been a star who radiates authenticity. From the moment he stepped into the spotlight at the tender age of 17, his angelic voice and magnetic personality captured the hearts of people worldwide. But in recent years, the Miami-born singer-songwriter has undergone a profound transformation—one that has redefined not only his music, but also his identity. With his latest EP, Earthly Delights, set to release on August 15, Archuleta is stepping into a bold new chapter of his career, one that’s as fearless as it is deeply personal.

At the heart of this evolution is a story of self-discovery, courage, and the unrelenting pursuit of truth. After coming out in 2021, Archuleta has embraced his queer identity with a level of vulnerability and conviction that’s nothing short of inspiring. His music, once defined by its polished pop sensibilities, now brims with raw emotion and unfiltered honesty. Tracks like the gospel-inspired ballad Hell Together and the euphoric dance anthem Afraid to Love showcase a newfound depth and complexity, reflecting the highs and lows of his journey.

This sense of liberation is evident in Earthly Delights, a collection of songs that explore the full spectrum of human experience—from the sweetness of connection to the sting of heartbreak, from sensuality to self-acceptance. The EP’s lead single, Crème Brulée, has already become a global sensation, blending playful flirtation with Archuleta’s signature vocal prowess. Meanwhile, the follow-up single, Can I Call You, delves into the vulnerability of longing and the courage it takes to reach out for love.

David Archuleta’s journey of self-discovery hasn’t just transformed his music—it’s also ignited a passion for advocacy. Since coming out in 2021, he has leveraged his platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights, serving as a beacon of hope for those navigating their paths to authenticity. His openness and courage have inspired countless fans, and his efforts were recognized in 2024 when he received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist.

“Winning the GLAAD award was such a humbling moment,” he reflects. “It reminded me that sharing my story isn’t just about me—it’s about creating space for others to feel seen and heard.”

In our conversation, Archuleta shared candid insights into his personal and professional evolution. Here are some highlights from our interview:

Frank Gaimari: Coming out is such a personal journey. What was the moment you knew you were ready to share your truth with the world?

David Archuleta: Once I was able to fully accept that part of myself, I felt ready to share it with everyone.

FG: How has your relationship with your family evolved since coming out?

DA: My relationship with my family has grown closer since coming out. At the same time, some of my siblings were deconstructing our religion, which mirrored my process of questioning religious beliefs about sexuality. This shared experience of exploring new perspectives brought us together. Later, my mom and another sister also began to question their beliefs, which strengthened our bond even more.

FG: What was the most challenging part of writing songs about your personal experiences, like falling in love with a man?

DA: No challenges, really. I write about what’s going on in my life. Maybe the most challenging part is figuring out what sound I’m looking for as an artist.

FG: Crème Brulée has such a playful and flirtatious vibe. How does it feel to explore this side of yourself in your music?

DA: I hope it gives fans a new take on my sound—something that feels familiar but also reflects a progression in my development as an artist, which directly ties to where I am as a person. I feel a sense of curiosity, freedom, exploration, and sensuality, which is a fun space to explore as an artist.

FG: How do you hope your music will resonate with fans who might be struggling with their own identity?

DA: I hope they can see that, regardless of your age, discovering more about yourself and becoming more comfortable in your skin doesn’t have to follow the same timeline as others to lead a fulfilling life. It doesn’t always look linear either, as you may encounter bumps along the path—prior beliefs about yourself may resurface, and it’s okay to take your time to process them.

FG: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self, back when you were starting on American Idol?

DA: Success doesn’t have to come all at once or at a young age. Things are electrifying now and will bring many exciting opportunities. However, success isn’t everything and won’t determine whether you find meaning and purpose in your life. Many great things will come from moments in front of an audience, as well as from personal, day-to-day experiences where you can blend in. Don’t shy away from the public eye—it’s not as dangerous as you think. The combination of public and private moments will create a meaningful life.

FG: As you prepare to release Earthly Delights, what do you hope listeners take away from this new chapter of your career?

DA: I hope people can feel the joy that life has to offer, even if they discover it later than expected. Life can be messy and full of drama, but there’s still so much to enjoy. Take time to appreciate the calm moments and cherish your favorite experiences—whether it’s through music, photos, or how you spend your weekends. Those memories are always fun to look back on.

For me, it’s been about embracing parts of life I once thought were the hardest or darkest, like allowing myself to fall for someone I never thought I could. Letting go of my fears and stepping into the unknown has been freeing and even fun. It’s given me new perspectives, deeper understanding, and added so much more color to my life.

I hope this inspires others to do the same—to feel comfortable in their skin, explore their sensuality, and discover new sides of themselves. Life is full of “Earthly Delights,” so take the time to enjoy them.

David Archuleta’s Earthly Delights EP drops on August 15, and fans won’t have to wait long to experience his new music live. Catch him on his North American Earthly Delights headline tour, including a performance in Seattle on September 23 at Tractor Tavern. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss this chance to see David bring his bold new sound to life on stage!

Concert tickets: https://laylo.com/davidarchuleta/m/earthlydelightstour

Pre-order Album link: https://orcd.co/earthlydelightsep

Frank Gaimari is an author, film reviewer, and actor based in Seattle, Washington. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. Learn more about his work at http://FrankGaimari.com.