David Archuleta Temporarily Quits Music to Become Mormon Missionary
Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
David Archuleta is putting his music career on hold to serve the Lord.
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The 20-year-old singer, who came in second place during the seventh season of American Idol in 2008, told audience members in Salt Lake City, Utah Monday that he plans to stop making music for two years in order to become a full-time Mormon missionary.
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"It's not because someone told me that I was supposed to do it, not because I no longer want to do music anymore, but it's because it's the feeling that I felt that I need to do next in my life," he explained.
As the crowd erupted with applause, an overwhelmed Archuleta began to cry.
"It's the same feeling that I've always tried to follow in my life. It's the feeling that's allowed me to have the opportunities I've had, the challenges I've had to overcome, and the blessings, too," he added.
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"I've learned that to trust that feeling. I'm aware that I need to answer when He calls, and that's the reason that I know I need to do this in my life."
Tell Us What You Think
11I totally agree he should go on his mission and serve his church he such a good role model I love David Archuleta!!!keep on doing whats right!!!! :)
BTW On Twitter David is @DavidArchie and posts himself and occasionally replies to a few fans. He'll be there until he goes on his mission and then I'm hoping his family will post occasional updates while he's gone.
That's really nice!!! :D Aww I can't believe it! I'm soooo happy ! I'm sure he will be an excellent missionary! Actually a few days ago, I was wondering if he was going to the mission and now I read this... I'm euphoric!!! :D Congratulations David!!! Love youuuu :D Come to my country as a missionary ;)
Two years to go and hassle people when he could be building his career seems like a waste to me. I guess he's young so can always pick it up when he gets back
Kathleen: Serving a full-time mission for the LDS Church is not something you fall back on. It is something you plan ahead for. Most missionaries pay their own way through the two-year span. So, when he got on American Idol he probably saw it as a means to earn that funding as well as reaching for a dream. I wouldn't doubt that when he originally signed a contract with Jive, he negotiated that it end earlier this year so he can persue a mission. He'll be back in a couple of years.
Kathleen - He was in the top 10 earners from American idol according to Forbes magazine every year since he was on Idol. Not that he cares about that, but you seem to. Fame and fortune are not even on the list of what David Archuleta cares about. I'm proud of him for always following his own conscience and heart. I feel honored to be a fan.
He chose not to sign with a new label after leaving Jive. He had offers. He had offers to stay with Jive but decided against it. He knew it was not the right time for that and had enough courage to do what was right even if it made ppl think he failed. Looking back on those decidsions, he may have already been planning on a mission. He said a year and a half ago that he planned to seve a mission when his contract with Jive was up. I was at the concert last night and I couldn't be happier for him and his decision to serve.
Omg Kathleen....what do you do? Were on American Idol? Don't be such a hater. He's doing something positive and not hurting anyone. Go drink some happy juice or something.
Oh please. Put his career on hold temporarily?! B.S. His career got put on hold permanently when he got dropped from his label earlier this year. No record sales = no recording contract = no interest in you = no money = becoming a Mormon missionary. He should go on tour with Sanjaya and William Hung after he's done.
You know...I am not a religious person, but I watched the film clip on TMZ of him making the announcement to the eruption of applause and support. That has to mean so much to David; he looked so appreciative. Whatever he chooses to do, it is his own life. It's nice to see people appreciating David being true to himself.
Good for him! ( :