Devout: 5 Shocking Truths David Archuleta Reveals In His Explosive New Memoir

The highly anticipated memoir from pop star and *American Idol* finalist David Archuleta is set to be one of the most revealing celebrity books of the decade. Titled Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself, the book promises an unfiltered look at the singer’s tumultuous journey from a sheltered, devout Mormon teenager to an openly queer man navigating the pressures of fame and faith.

As of December 18, 2025, the memoir is officially scheduled for release, and early details confirm it will delve deep into personal struggles that Archuleta has only recently begun to share publicly, including his battle with emotional abuse, his crisis of faith, and the difficult process of embracing his true identity after years of internal conflict. This is the definitive, up-to-date guide on what to expect from this explosive autobiography.

David Archuleta: Biography and Career Profile

David James Archuleta is an American singer-songwriter whose career launched into the stratosphere following his appearance on a major reality competition show. His life has been a complex interplay of musical success, religious devotion, and a deeply personal struggle for self-acceptance.

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• Full Name: David James Archuleta
• Born: December 28, 1990, in Miami, Florida
• Parents: Jeff Archuleta (father, jazz musician) and Lupe Marie Mayorga (mother, salsa singer/dancer)
• Nationality: American
• Early Career: Won the children's division of the Utah Talent Competition at age ten.
• Rise to Fame: Became the runner-up on American Idol Season 7 in 2008, losing to David Cook. He was only 17 at the time.
• Debut Album: His self-titled debut album, David Archuleta (2008), debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and featured the hit single "Crush."
• Religious Background: Raised as a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), also known as the Mormon Church. He served a two-year mission in Chile from 2012 to 2014.
• Coming Out: Came out as queer in June 2021, later clarifying in 2024 that he identifies as gay.
• Recent Music: His recent discography, including the 2020 album Therapy Sessions and singles like "Hell Together," reflects his journey of self-discovery and his eventual separation from the LDS Church.

The Definitive Details of Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself

The memoir, published by Gallery Books, is being hailed as a raw and powerful account that transcends a typical celebrity autobiography. It focuses less on the glamour of his pop career and more on the internal battles that defined his young adulthood. This book is the culmination of years of private turmoil, offering a voice to many who struggle with similar conflicts between faith and identity.

Official Book Information

• Title: Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself
• Author: David Archuleta
• Genre: Memoir/Autobiography
• Publisher: Gallery Books (Simon & Schuster)
• Official Release Date: February 17, 2026
• Length: 304 pages (Hardcover)
• Special Feature: The book includes a powerful foreword written by his former American Idol judge, Paula Abdul.

The title itself, Devout, is a deliberate and poignant reference to the deep-seated faith that once governed every aspect of his life. Archuleta has spoken in interviews about how he felt he had to lose that specific, restrictive version of faith in order to finally find his authentic self.

The 5 Most Explosive Themes Revealed in Archuleta’s Memoir

Devout is not just a behind-the-scenes look at *American Idol* Season 7; it is a profound exploration of identity, trauma, and spiritual reconstruction. The core of the book revolves around five major, deeply personal themes that Archuleta has courageously chosen to share.

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1. The Painful Conflict of Faith vs. Sexuality

The central pillar of Devout is Archuleta’s long, agonizing battle to reconcile his identity as a queer man with the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For years, he lived a closeted life, attempting to suppress his true self to remain "worthy" of his faith and community. The book details the intense inner turmoil and emotional repression he faced while trying to adhere to the Church’s teachings on same-sex attraction, a struggle he has described as being "torn between faith, fame, and identity."

2. The Decision to Leave the Mormon Church (LDS)

Archuleta’s eventual, public break from the LDS Church is a key narrative thread. The memoir traces the moment he realized he could no longer maintain his membership and his identity simultaneously. This decision was not just a religious one; it impacted his family, his friendships, and his entire support system. He has spoken about feeling "cold" from some former Mormon friends after coming out and leaving the Church, a painful reality that the book is expected to explore in depth. This section of the book offers a powerful perspective on the cost of religious integrity versus personal freedom.

3. The Impact of Emotional Abuse in Childhood

A surprising and searing revelation in the memoir is Archuleta's reflection on emotional abuse he says plagued his childhood. This is a crucial, non-music-related entity that adds significant weight to the memoir's emotional depth. The book is expected to connect this early trauma to his later struggles with fame and self-worth, providing context for the deep need for self-acceptance that ultimately fueled his coming-out journey. This thematic focus moves the book far beyond a standard celebrity tell-all.

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4. Navigating Fame as a Closeted Teen Idol

The memoir provides a unique perspective on the *American Idol* experience. Archuleta was a beloved, wholesome figure on Season 7, but underneath the surface, he was a deeply conflicted teenager. The book will detail the immense pressure of international pop stardom and the difficulty of maintaining a squeaky-clean image while secretly grappling with his sexuality. His reflections on performing his hit "Crush" while being unable to acknowledge his own attractions will likely be a poignant highlight. The memoir is expected to draw a stark contrast between his public persona and his private reality.

5. The Journey to Embracing His Queer/Gay Identity

Ultimately, Devout is a story of triumph and self-acceptance. It chronicles the singer’s journey from identifying as queer in 2021 to his more recent clarification that he identifies as gay. The book concludes with his embrace of creative freedom, which is now reflected in his most recent music, such as the single "Can I Call You" and the new EP. His newfound ability to explore his "lover boy flirty era" through music is a direct result of the emotional breakthroughs detailed in the memoir, solidifying the book as a powerful narrative of self-liberation.