Why David Archuleta Stepped Away From Fame After American Idol

David Archuleta was ready to go and do more than just music.

Following the “Crush” singer’s placement as the first runner-up on American Idol season seven in 2008, his career took off rapidly. However, even during his peak fame in 2012, David chose to take a break from singing.

As a dedicated follower, I’m thrilled to share that the singer’s latest EP, titled “Earthly Delights,” was released on Aug 15. In an exclusive interview with TopMob News, he revealed that one of the tracks, “Devout,” is a personal reflection of his upbringing within the confines of his small Mormon community in Utah.

Reflecting on the past, he characterized himself as an “unassuming, unsophisticated teenager” who unexpectedly gained national recognition on the popular TV show, American Idol, during its peak viewership, when countless individuals were enthralled and consistently tuned in.

As I looked back, it felt like everyone was rooting for me, eager to see my success or failure and what would come next – a situation that left me utterly bewildered. Transitioning from where I was to where they wanted me to be seemed like an insurmountable task, and the weight of all that anticipation and spotlight only made it more daunting. (Tune in tonight, Aug 20 at 11 p.m., for more with David on TopMob News.)

As David navigated through his sudden fame, he eventually sought solace in a comforting and familiar environment – his church.

The 34-year-old disclosed that he had taken a break from his religious duties as a Mormon missionary for a span of two years. Upon returning, he found himself questioning whether his passion for music still held strong.

Prior to his journey, he acknowledged that he hadn’t often pondered questions such as “What kind of person do I aspire to become?”, “Who is the person I wish to evolve into?”, or “What impression do I want to leave behind as I grow?

After completing a two-year mission in Chile, David started questioning and understanding more about himself, including his sexual orientation, which in turn led to changes in his relationship with the church.

He explained to TopMob that the word ‘devout’ reflects his upbringing, which was deeply religious and intensely committed to his beliefs, as well as the person he believed he was expected to be. However, as he grappled with his sexuality and reevaluated his own beliefs, he found himself no longer conforming to what others told him to believe.

Just like his song “Devout,” which he released, David, who publicly acknowledged his queer identity in 2021, has consistently drawn inspiration from his own experiences. This approach is equally true for his upcoming track titled “Sweet Love” (releasing on Aug. 12).

Apart from infusing a touch of his unique “Latin charm” into the track, he stressed that this single represents a more tender take on love compared to his latest hit, “Creme Brulee.” In his own words, “This is my romantic phase – I’m essentially a romantic at heart.

Now, David is gearing up to resume his musical tours. As he prepares for this fresh and exciting phase, stay tuned to find out where other ‘American Idol’ finalists are joining forces next.

-Reporting by Sofia Santana

He explained to TopMob that the term “‘Devout'” signifies his upbringing immersed deeply in religion and strongly committed to his religious beliefs, as well as the image of himself he had been taught to adopt. However, this changed as he grappled with understanding his sexuality and reevaluating what his genuine beliefs are, not just accepting blindly what others told him to believe.

In a similar vein, David, who publicly identified as queer in 2021, has consistently drawn inspiration for his music from his personal experiences. This is evident in his recently released song “Dulce Amor,” that was made available on August 12.

Apart from infusing his unique “Latin charm” into the track, he also highlighted that it represented a more tender expression of love compared to his latest hit “Creme Brulee”. In his own words, “It’s like my romantic period. At heart, I am a romantic, a lover boy.

Now, David is gearing up to resume his musical tours. As he embarks on this thrilling new phase, stay tuned to find out where more former ‘American Idol’ contestants are reuniting.

-Reporting by Sofia Santana

River and Remy’s mother has made significant progress in her career since her appearance on the first season of “American Idol” in 2002. This New York resident has earned three Grammy awards, achieved three number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, served as a judge on NBC’s “The Voice”, and currently hosts her own successful daytime talk show called “The Kelly Clarkson Show”.

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about my idol who graced us with his talent in American Idol Season 2. Back in September 2008, this remarkable artist made a profound announcement that left us all inspired. He revealed the birth of his son, Parker, with his dear friend and music producer, Jaymes Foster. This life-changing event prompted him to step into the light, embracing his true identity by coming out publicly.

In an interview on Good Morning America, he poignantly expressed, “I can’t raise a kid teaching him to lie, to hide things. At the same time, I also don’t ever want to create an environment where it’s not acceptable for him to be exactly who he is, no matter what.” His courage was truly admirable.

Since then, this fiery-haired sensation has taken a leap from music to politics, even diving into the political arena with a run for Congress in 2016. Despite his loss in the election, he didn’t let it dampen his spirit. Instead, he shared an enlightening documentary about his incredible journey.

However, he hasn’t abandoned music completely. In 2023 and 2024, this talented artist embarked on a tour across the country alongside Season 2 champ, Ruben Studdard. His passion for music remains as strong as ever!

Following his victory in season two of American Idol, Ruben garnered a Grammy nomination and launched several successful albums. In the year 2013, this talented artist competed on The Biggest Loser and gained a dedicated fanbase. Despite being eliminated twice, he learned important lessons from the experience. Interestingly, although he has maintained a close bond with Clay, Ruben found his lifelong companion in wife Kristin, who gave birth to their second child in 2024.

The season three champion expresses her gratitude for every stage of her journey, stating in an interview with TopMob News in December 2023, “Life throws challenges at us, you stumble, but then you pick yourself up again.” Despite facing difficult times, she feels triumphant about overcoming adversity: “Having lost everything twice, battling to regain my place, it’s a great feeling.”

Some of her recent accomplishments include the arrival of her daughter Keziah in 2021 with husband Kendall Taylor and receiving a nomination for the Golden Globes for her role in the remake of The Color Purple. In an interview, this North Carolina native and mother to grown-up daughter Zion shared her desire to savor her success: “I’ve worked hard to reach this point, and I want to appreciate it.

Although she didn’t win season three, the musician has definitely made up for it. She won an Oscar in 2006 for “Dreamgirls,” followed by a Grammy in 2017 for her work on the musical adaptation of “The Color Purple.” Additionally, she served as a judge on “The Voice.” Her latest endeavor is a talk show bearing her name, and she’s also a mom to son David.

Since Carrie first appeared on stage for American Idol, she’s left an indelible mark in popular culture. As expected, not only did she emerge victorious in season four, but she has also reigned supremely as the queen of country music.

Later, she teamed up with fellow artist Brad Paisley to co-host the Country Music Association Awards for over a decade. Simultaneously managing her musical endeavors and hosting responsibilities, the singer behind “Jesus Take The Wheel” is a proud mother to her two sons, sharing her life with retired NHL center Mike Fisher.

2024 marked the announcement of Carrie’s comeback to American Idol, with her taking Katy Perry’s place among the show’s esteemed judges this time around.

In simpler terms, the second place contestant from season four is now happily married with four children – three sons and a daughter. Although he faced severe health issues back in 2006, this talented Southern rock musician has continued to produce numerous successful albums since his appearance on American Idol.

In terms of his large, booming voice and flamboyant hairstyle, Constantine, who captivated audiences with his powerful rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” during season four, was ideally suited for the role in Broadway’s Rock of Ages, where he received a Tony nomination. Notably, the father to daughter Malena (born 2010) went on to star in the 2023 production titled Rock & Roll Man.

Following his win in season five, the album named after the silver fox went platinum and he took on a role in a Broadway production of “Grease.” In 2016, he transitioned from music to television as the host of a show called “State-Plate,” which highlighted the concept of farm-to-table dining. Yet, his initial passion remains unwavering, and he still tours with his music.

Back in the days before Justin Bieber ruled the music scene, there was McPheever that boosted Katharine’s career, landing her roles both in singing and acting. This includes her time on the Broadway-inspired show Smash and the series Scorpion.

Married to David Foster since 2019, she is now a mother to their musically gifted son Rennie. In an interview with TopMob News in 2023, Katharine expressed her hope that her son would follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming proficient in various musical instruments. “I don’t push him,” she said, “but I’d love for him to have a good grasp of many different types of instruments, much like his dad. He’s showing promise-he definitely seems to be on the right track.

Following his stint on “American Idol” as a season five finalist, who achieved success with the song “Wait for You,” he ventured to Angola and collaborated with former “Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi to increase awareness for Malaria No More. In 2010, Elliott also gained attention after surviving Chile’s earthquake and posting about it on Twitter.

Continuing his musical career, he is the proud father of Camilla with Karen Cruz.

In the fifth season of American Idol, the country music singer placed sixth, but later she acted in Hallmark’s Christmas in Graceland and received three Daytime Emmy nominations for her TV show Pickler & Ben. After the tragic suicide of her husband Kyle Jacobs in February 2023, she looked back on their time together. “One of the valuable lessons my late husband taught me was during a crisis, if you don’t know what to do, ‘do nothing, just be still,'” Kellie shared with People magazine in 2023, choosing to follow his guidance.

In her victorious year as the youngest female champion in 2007, she ignited quite a spark. Her nationwide Battlefield tour visited 35 cities across the US, and to add to that, she made her Broadway debut in 2010’s production of In the Heights. Since then, her achievements have been numerous, including welcoming her first son with Dana Isaiah in May 2018. Afterwards, she returned emotionally to Idol and participated in the 31st season of Dancing With the Stars.

The season seven winner’s popular song “Time of My Life” mirrors his on-stage singing triumphs, yet the title could just as aptly describe his ventures beyond the spotlight. In 2010, he journeyed to Ethiopia for the United Nations’ mission to empower local women. Additionally, he participated in the Race for Hope in Washington D.C., raising funds for brain cancer research in memory of his late brother Adam.

Since tying the knot with Racheal Stump in 2015, this tireless musician continues to tour and recently released his new single “TABOS” in 2022.

Following his second-place finish behind fellow artist David during season seven, this singer pursued a two-year religious service with the Church of the Latter Day Saints in Chile. Upon his 2014 return, he has consistently taken to the stage for performances. In June 2021, he publicly identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Reflecting on this personal journey, he expressed in October 2023 on Instagram, “It’s been a beautiful adventure learning to embrace myself,” adding, “I hope my life now can inspire many of you out there to do the same.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d say: Despite being overshadowed in the limelight by his runner-up, Adam Lambert, the season eight champion has been quietly thriving. My second album, titled after my name, was released in November 2009 and debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 chart. One of its singles, “I Need to Know,” even graced an episode of The Vampire Diaries.

Meanwhile, life off-stage has been just as eventful. I’ve expanded my family, welcoming three little ones with my high school sweetheart, Katy O’Connell.

Translated: If fame were a trophy, the runner-up from the eighth season who stirred controversy would be an undisputed champion. Since his appearance on the show, he has put out numerous albums, led tours, amassed countless award nominations, followed in the footsteps of Freddie Mercury by fronting Queen and even starred in Fox’s remake of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”.

Additionally, he had a stint as a guest judge on Idol. The singer also took part in opening the 2019 Oscars with a performance of “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions.

Following the eighth season of American Idol, Gokey tied the knot with Leyicet Peralta in 2012, and they’ve since become parents to four wonderful kids together.

In 2021, a three-time Grammy nominee unveiled his Christian music album titled “Jesus People.” Additionally, he runs an eyewear business called Danny Gokey Eyewear.

Following his selection as one of the top 10 finalists’ tour in 2010, the season nine victor embarked on his solo music journey. In 2012, he tied the knot with model-actress Jonna Walsh whom he encountered during the filming of his debut music video post-Idol. Today, this celebrity stands as a renowned singer-songwriter, with his compositions often featured on shows like The Walking Dead.

In the ninth season, the rocker who resembled Janis Joplin got married to musician Brian Walker and put out her debut album titled “Farmer’s Daughter” in December 2010. Unfortunately, she lost her record deal when RCA dismantled Arista, J Records, and Jive Records. However, she made her acting debut on the second season of ABC’s “Body of Proof.” In May 2013, she parted ways with her husband. Post-divorce, she revealed to The Boot that her second album, “All That For This,” marked a new phase in her life.

The season 10 winner became the first Idol champion since Ruben to launch his debut album, “Clear as Day,” at the top of the Billboard 200 chart. In 2011, he was honored as New Artist of the Year at the American Country Awards and performed the national anthem prior to Game 1 of the World Series that year. In June 2018, the singer of “This Is It” and “Five More Minutes” tied the knot with his long-term girlfriend, Gabi Dugal. Their son, Avery, was born in October 2022.

The beloved artist from our country came second to Scotty, but she still managed to secure a record deal and launched her first studio album, titled “Wildflower”, in October 2011. After her stint on “Idol”, she shared the stage with Scotty at the 2011 CMT Music Awards, made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, performed alongside Martina McBride at the CMA Music Festival, and more.

In 2017, she was recognized by the Country Music Association (CMA) when she was nominated for Best New Artist after achieving success with her album “Road Less Traveled”. She also ventured into acting, starring in a film named after the same album.

The singer of “Thicc As Thieves” announced her engagement to Cam Arnold while performing at the Grand Ole Opry in November 2022. They later tied the knot in February 2024.

In the tenth season, the contestant didn’t win but ended up in sixth place. Part of the reason was that the judges had used their one save from five weeks earlier. However, he gained a significant fan base (often referred to as a cult favorite). After the competition, he went on the Idols Live tour and collaborated with another finalist (and reported love interest) Haley Reinhart on a cover of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” Subsequently, he signed with jazz label Concord.

His first album, self-titled, came out in 2012. This was followed by “I Put A Spell On You” in 2018 and “Jazz” in 2019.

Jimmie was eliminated before the live voting rounds during season 10, but since then, he has produced two consecutive No. 1 hits with “Best Shot” and “Make Me Want To,” and won the New Artist of the Year award at the 2021 Country Music Association Awards.

In April 2023, Jimmie and his wife Alexis Allen announced that they were expecting their third child while also announcing the end of their two-year marriage. Just under a month later, Jimmie was accused of sexual assault and abuse by his former manager in a lawsuit. Although he admitted to infidelity and publicly apologized to Alexis for humiliating her with his affair, he denied the sexual misconduct allegations and claimed that his relationship with his former manager was consensual.

Shortly after the birth of their son Cohen Ace James in September, Jimmie and his wife revealed that they were attempting to reconcile their union.

Following his victory in season 11, the artist achieved chart-topping success with his smash hit “Home,” which also functioned as the theme tune for NBC’s broadcast of the 2012 Summer Olympics.

In the year 2015, he exchanged vows with his girlfriend Hannah Blackwell in a low-key ceremony, surrounded by loved ones. Four years on, they were blessed with their first child, a son named Patch.

The season 16 winner hinted to TopMob News that the album, titled “Whirlwind,” which was released in 2019, a year after her American Idol victory, features a variety of distinct sounding songs. She explained that she couldn’t choose one specific sound for all of them because she adores them all so much and finding it challenging to remain consistent with just one style.

After finishing as the runner-up in season 16, the singer has been dedicated to producing new music and making the most of the experiences offered by appearing on ABC’s series. In an interview with TopMob News, Caleb Lee expressed his enthusiasm for music, saying, “I’ve always dreamed of being a musician, and I’ve learned so much about the entertainment industry.” He even had the opportunity to perform a song with Luke Bryan at one of Bryan’s last concerts on tour. His latest album, titled Southern Galactic, was released in October 2023.

Following her third-place finish on season 16 of “Idol,” the country singer known as “I Hope” dedicated herself to completing her album. She shared with TopMob News, “I’m thrilled about playing Stagecoach, and touring with Brad Paisley just makes it all the better. It’s simply amazing to go on tour with him.”

Approximately two years after they became parents for the first time, welcoming daughter Baylah together with fellow alum Cade Foehner, they expanded their family by welcoming son Augustine in October 2022. In February 2024, they welcomed their third child.

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2025-08-20 22:20