David Archuleta's Mormon Mission; Singer Announces Plans For A Two-Year Break From Singing

SALT LAKE CITY — "American Idol" runner-up David Archuleta will take a break from his singing career to serve a two-year proselytizing mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The contestant from the 2007-2008 season made the announcement during a Christmas concert Monday in downtown Salt Lake City, according to KSL.com. The 20-year-old Miami native, who grew up in Murray, Utah, said he's not quitting music, but feels a strong call to serve the church.

A video of the concert on Archuleta's website shows him overwhelmed with emotion and crying as he talks about his plans. The crowd screams wildly with the news and gives him a standing ovation.

"It's not because someone told me that I'm supposed to do it, and not because I no longer want to do music, but because it's the feeling that I've felt I need to do this with my life," Archuleta told the crowd.

Archuleta was 16 and one of the youngest contestants when he competed on the seventh season of "American Idol." The runner-up has since released three albums, one of which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.

In 2010, he performed with the Grammy-winning Mormon Tabernacle choir at the group's annual Christmas concert.

Church spokesman Eric Hawkins confirmed that Archuleta had been called on a mission by the faith. Hawkins said he didn't know when Archuleta was scheduled to report for missionary training.

The location of Archuleta's mission has not been disclosed either by him or church officials.

Statistics released in April show the church has more than 52,200 members currently are serving full-time proselytizing or service missions worldwide. About 75 percent of missionaries are men between 19 and 21. Single women over 21 and retired couples make up the remaining 25 percent.

Single men typically serve for two years, and women and couples serve for 18 months.

Missionaries volunteer for service, but must be selected by program officials in Salt Lake City. They are not paid and must cover their own expenses while in the field.

The church has more than 350 missions worldwide.

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Online:

http://davidarchuleta.com

Comments

[92102]

03:01 PM on 12/22/2011

I'll invite him in if he comes knocking on my door.

[JLTorres]

08:19 PM on 12/21/2011

Break? I didn't know he had a career going.

[mira chancleta]

11:08 AM on 12/21/2011

Is it that hard to support a kid who is grasping for meaning and identity in a peer-group culture that reaches no further than the TV remote, the smart phone or the ATM?

He captured the hearts of he world with his raw talent, sincerity and genuine self.

No need to demean him for whatever his religious beliefs may be at this point in his life.

And as for his sexual orientation...he'll figure that out on his own, like everyone else.
Really, who's playbook should he follow? The Jacksons? The Kardashians?
Nobody cares, but bigots.

All the best David, just be careful not to let your tie get caught in the bicycle sprocket.

[Garspies]

11:25 PM on 12/20/2011

On a mission from gad.
Oh my Darwin, we thought you were smarter than that.

[Cacey]

05:38 PM on 12/20/2011

Not to worry. Elvis did his duty in the military and eneded up bigger than ever. Though not LDS I salute him for this.

[TurnToTheLeft]

03:35 PM on 12/20/2011

Please don't get lost in the closet while you are on your mission.

[momofbron]

08:34 AM on 12/21/2011

You couldn't be more wrong. It used to be like that in the church, but that all changed in 1977. People of color are treated the same as everyone else. Men of all races hold the priesthood. Do your research, and do it completely before bad mouthing others. Mormonism is not a cult.

[ASteve]

09:17 PM on 12/21/2011

In 1978 God changed his mind about black people.

That makes perfect sense

[mira chancleta]

11:09 AM on 12/21/2011

"people of color"?
Do you really still use that ignorant, useless label?
WOW!

[Willie12345]

03:56 PM on 12/21/2011

Shut your mouth, Hookie !

[vaf112675]

02:55 PM on 12/20/2011

It says a lot about someone when they are willing to forego fame and fortune to satisfy their spiritual needs.

While I may not share his beliefs I applaud young Mr. Archuleta for being courageous enough to follow his convictions.

In a society that places fame above all else he is a shining example of what we should really care about.

[Cacey]

05:41 PM on 12/20/2011

You brought back a good memory. When I was a senior in HS, I was sitting around with some beers -- yes, it was illegal but we were all honor students -- and one said, "As soon as get done with this Mission bit for my parents' sake, it's on to my own life".

[mira chancleta]

11:10 AM on 12/21/2011

exactly!!!

[violet4ever]

02:36 PM on 12/20/2011

I'm not religious but I know David is and I'm proud of him for never playing the star card, never taking the easy way out, and always following his own heart and conscience. I am as much a fan of the guy as I am of his voice.

[hillplus]

02:10 PM on 12/20/2011

God bless David Archuleta, a genuinely sweet young man! He is a fine example to all of us, putting aside the accolades of the world for something he feels is right. May he be successful in all that he attempts!

[Norm]

09:46 PM on 12/21/2011

Yep, whatever he chooses to do, he seems to have a lot of character and a good sense of himslef. He will be fine, one of the best musical reality show finalists ever. Tonight, though, Melanie Amaro needs to win X-Factor.

[julialouiseb]

01:51 PM on 12/20/2011

Missionaries are out to serve those who need help and of course teach the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They aren't out causing HARM, dancingbones. They are on service missions. Missionaries have been there helping rebuild in Japan and in New Orleans and with all of the natural disasters...they help families with yard work and moral support. They are wonderful boys dedicating two years of their lives to serving others and God. In no way are they harmful. And, Mormons ARE christians. http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_Christian.shtml#are

Anyways. I think it's great for David, and for the people he'll be serving. I respect him a lot for devoting himself to the church like this. Especially when he has so much going on for him here.

Mark is right:)

[Mark Mabry]

12:47 PM on 12/20/2011

...and while David is knocking door and talking about Jesus and looking for people to help, dancingbones and gomezdig will continue their ministries of love on the Huffpost comments sections. Way to go guys. Way to put your money where your mouth is and make a stand for something. You're kids will treasure your words and your lives well spent someday.

[PunKinPai]

01:52 PM on 12/20/2011

Unlike missionaries of other denominations, Mormons do not pester you to death. Every LDS missionary I've encountered has been unfailingly polite, cheerful (but not in the glassy-eyed way some are), and not disparaging to other beliefs.

[momofbron]

08:36 AM on 12/21/2011

You sound like the kind of person who NEEDS a missionary right away. You are a very hateful person.

[Marlie7]

04:01 PM on 12/20/2011

Unfortunate for you that you do not appreciate his amazing voice. Pity that.

[gomezdlg]

10:16 AM on 12/21/2011

Thanks.

[momofbron]

08:41 AM on 12/21/2011

David A is a very talented young man. I don't understand people like you and dancingbones. If you don't know anything about the religion, then research. You may discover something that you will like about the faith, like the strength of the family, or encouraging your children to be the best that they can be. Poor, ignorant AND arrogant fool!

[gomezdlg]

10:29 AM on 12/21/2011

True, I don't know much about Mormons, but I don't want to know. Leave me alone don't come to my door telling me about it. And stop being so sensitive about David Archuleta we get it your a big fan.