Former American Idol star David Archuleta is preparing to release his first memoir, which will detail his personal journey of coming out and leaving the Mormon church. The 34-year-old singer shared exclusive insights about his upcoming book during Steven Tyler's Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles.
"It's about coming out of the closet, coming out of Mormonism and trying to teach people why coming out is not just a choice," Archuleta told PEOPLE. The "Crush" singer emphasized that he "tried everything not to be queer" before accepting his identity.
Writing the memoir has been a challenging process for Archuleta, who admitted he "didn't realize how controversial" his life story would be. Despite the sensitive nature of the content, he feels ready to share his experiences and address any questions or misconceptions that may arise.
In preparation for the book's release, Archuleta took careful steps to protect the privacy of those mentioned in his story. "I just want to be respectful, even family members I've had controversial dynamics with," he explained. He changed names where necessary while maintaining the authenticity of his narrative.
The timing of the memoir's announcement coincides with Archuleta's upcoming release of a George Michael "Freedom" cover on February 7, celebrating the song's 35th anniversary. The artist draws parallels between the song's message and his own journey, noting that the themes of personal freedom and self-acceptance resonate strongly with his current path.
Archuleta, who is now "in a good place" with his memoir, expressed enthusiasm about its upcoming release and subsequent tour. He remains committed to fostering understanding and opening dialogues about identity, faith, and personal truth.