On Wednesday, July 23, the 34-year-old former American Idol contestant offered the first look at his book Devout. The book's subtitle is...
On Wednesday, July 23, the 34-year-old former American Idol contestant offered the first look at his book Devout. The book's subtitle is "Losing My Faith to Find Myself."
Gallery Books' synopsis says that Devout will tell a "raw and powerful coming-out story from the beloved American Idol finalist" that follows Archuleta's journey "from closeted Mormon teen to global pop star to openly queer man, revealing the hidden pressures of fame, the weight of religious expectations and the courage it takes to live authentically."
A press statement says that Devout would show Archuleta's thoughts on living a double life as a teenage pop sensation while simultaneously dealing with his "faith, fame, and identity."
The memoir will also give fans a look at some of the best and worst times in the "Crush" singer's career, like his time on American Idol, dealing with his "domineering" father who controlled his career as a teen, facing emotional abuse, and coming to terms with his changing relationship with the Mormon faith.
"This searing memoir reflects on David's ventures with American Idol, a tour with Demi Lovato and a two-year sabbatical as a missionary in South America, charting his path through heartbreak, estrangement, three engagements, thoughts of suicide and finally, his courageous decision to leave the Mormon Church in order to live authentically as a queer man," the synopsis continues.
"Devout is a must-read for pop culture fans, American Idol fans, and anyone who is questioning their religious upbringing or who has ever struggled with who they are versus who they are told to be," it goes on.
The musician told PEOPLE earlier this year that he wants to be as open as possible about how long he struggled with his sexuality and faith, including his coming out journey in 2021 and his time in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints before leaving the next year.
"It's about coming out of the closet, leaving Mormonism, and trying to teach people why coming out isn't just a choice," Archuleta told PEOPLE on February 2. "People from where I grew up said, 'Well, you chose to do that. What made you do that? And it's like, "I did everything I could to not be gay."
He told PEOPLE that writing his biography hasn't been easy for him, and he joked, "I didn't realise how controversial my life is." He also claimed that his writing is "in a good place" and that he can't wait for it to come out.
"I think it's an important message," he says. "I think we need to talk about some things, even if they are risky." I'm eager to hit the road. I'm ready to talk about the subjects, and if anyone doesn't get it, I'm ready to fight that too.
You can preorder Devout now, and it will be out on February 17, 2026.
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