David Archuleta releases “Hell Together” an ode to his mother’s unconditional love
American Idol season 7 runner-up David Archuleta releases a new song, penning what is one of his most personal and emotional songs to date over his 15 year career. “Hell Together” written by David Archuleta, Ryan Nealon, Sam Derosa (lovelytheband, Kylie Morgan) and Jordan Sherman (Niall Horan, Lauren Spencer Smith) is the first taste of new music since he released his single, “Afraid To Love” last fall.
David shares the evolution of the song: “”Hell Together” is inspired by what my mom said to me after I left my Mormon faith and religion altogether. It was a scary place to leave something that was all I knew and that gave me my purpose to live, but it was something I knew I needed to do as I felt a new sense and purpose for life. A few days after I publicly announced leaving the Mormon church my mom texted me saying she had decided to leave too. I was shocked as she was so devout. I asked what made her feel she needed to leave because she didn’t need to follow my example.
“If you go to hell, I’m going to hell with you”
She said “If you go to Hell, we’re all going to Hell with you. We’re a family and we’ll always be there for each other, in good or in bad!” I was really moved by that.
David continued: “‘Hell Together’ has a gospel vibe to it as it references the roots of church that are still very much a part of what has defined me despite the journey I’ve had of leaving my faith. It has an uplifting energy. Most people within the church would think you feel dark and lost leaving your faith, but that was not the case for me. I felt like I found myself! It’s meant to show the joy and how by leaving my religion is how I found a greater light. And, more importantly, how much it meant to still have a support system of family still there for me so I wasn’t alone when at first I believed I was going to be alone.”
David shared a message to parents of LGBTQ+ children with People magazine: “I hope [other parents] can take into consideration that they may not have to leave their religion to love their kids, but they don’t have to leave their kids to love their religion either. You can still love your kids even if they don’t stay with what you had in mind for them.”
David’s friend’s support him, including Lindsey Stirling
The violinist and America’s Got Talent alum, Lindsey Stirling, a member of the LDS church herself, supports her friend David as he plays his song for her and a few other pals.
David’s humorous (and controversial!) “Of Course I’m an Ex-Mormon” clip
In a recent social media post David humorously addresses leaving the Mormon Church in his “Of course I’m an ex-Mormon” riff on the popular meme. In it, he reveals that he’s exploring all the things he didn’t do before leaving the church, like drinking alcohol and coffee. And swearing (He lets loose, with bleeps) Also, for those still wondering about whether David is still a virgin? Welp… (The comments section is really…something.)
David recently won a GLAAD award, and honored Paula Abdul, new memoir is coming
David’s coming out journey will be part of many topics and conversations that will be revealed in the singer-songwriter’s forthcoming memoir with Dey Street Books, a division of the William Morrow Group at HarperCollins Publishers.
Additionally, David recently won the prestigious GLAAD Media Award for “Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist” 2024 alongside other winners Renee Rapp. On social media, David shared his thoughts about receiving the award: “It was a beautiful evening celebrating the power of queer voices and LGBTQ+ representation in the media space. I look forward to continuing being a part of paving the way for a more inclusive future.”
He continued, “I’m ngl it’s still a process for me to be comfortable being an out and proud person but it gets easier with each month because sometimes it’s a couple steps forward and a step back lol. But has felt amazing to regardless feel more comfortable and confident in myself in a way I hadn’t felt before. Thank you for welcoming me into this wonderful community, and for this incredible honor! Was also fun performing at the @hyundai afterparty after.”
David also presentented former American Idol judge Paula Abdul with the “Straight Up Ally Award” at the Queerties in Hollywood on March 12. He also performed a medley of her hits while she watched from the audience. Click through to watch his presentation and performance.
David is currently writing and recording new music to be released throughout 2024 and you can catch him performing live at Egyptian Theatre in Park City, Utah May 30, 31 and June 1
