David Archuleta | What Happened After American Idol: Leaving the Mormon Church & Coming Out!

#940. At 16, David Archuleta was living out what looked like a dream on American Idol…But behind the scenes, he was hiding who he really was — from the world, from his faith, and even from himself.In this episode, David opens up about growing up Mormon while questioning his sexuality, being engaged to women while knowing he was attracted to men, and the emotional toll of living a double life. He shares what it was like navigating fame at such a young age with a controlling “dadager” — his father who managed every part of his career.This is a raw conversation about identity, pressure, family dynamics, and what it really costs to live authentically!If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below! PLUS, FOLLOW OUR PODCAST INSTAGRAM HERE!Thank you to our Sponsors! Check out these AMAZING deals!Zenni: Go to zenni.com/PODCAST and use code PODCAST15 for 15% off your first order. Direct Tv: Go to directv.com/genrepacks and sign up today to get MyEntertaiment for just $34.99 a month.Merit Beauty: Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at MERITbeauty.com.Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at bollandbranch.com/vine15, code vine15.Apartments.com: The place to find a placeEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: (07:40) Feeling pressure to be a teenage heartthrob on American Idol while questioning his attraction to women(32:00) How Jennette McCurdy encouraged him to finally tell his story(43:36) Why he compares his childhood to Michael Jackson — and feeling like he had to stay a kid around his dadSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.