David Archuleta upsets audience of his Utah concert after he spoke of his queer identity; says he won't apologize

Photos: @davidarchie

David Archuleta came out as gay to his family in 2014, then publicly announced in June 2021 that he is part of the LGBT community, but “not sure of my own sexuality.” In his recent Delta, Utah concert, he upsets concertgoers, with some even walking out, when he spoke about his sexuality. But David says he won’t apologize for what he said and did. “I am me. And I will never apologize for it again how I did for so many years before.”

American Idol Season 8 runner-up David Archuleta opened up on social media about his recent concert in Delta, Utah where some attendees walked out after he spoke about his queer identity.

The 31-year old singer shared a message to fans on Instagram after he received an email — seemingly from a venue employee — detailing how some concertgoers were “upset” when he spoke about his personal life toward the end of the performance.

Archuleta came out as gay to his family in 2014, then publicly announced in June 2021 that he is part of the LGBT community, but “not sure of my own sexuality”.

In his lengthy message on Instagram, Archuleta didn’t reveal the name of the person who sent the email, who accused him of ruining fans’ “Christmas experience” and depriving them of a “Christmas miracle” when he opened up about his identity.

“My manager received an email that I feel is important to address. This tour hasn’t been the easiest for me to do. A way for me to find peace with it is by being open about my journey. I am sharing something that I’ve felt I had to keep hidden nearly all my life. Because you believe your existence is unacceptable. That mindset is not healthy. 

“So I am choosing to not hide that anymore. If I offend others for simply saying it’s ok to be who you are and like someone even if it’s the same sex, and people walk out of a show because they are uncomfortable that I am sharing my story of self acceptance. 

“The person singing those songs on stage was no different from the person at the end of the show. I am learning to love myself and encourage others to do the same. 2 years ago I was thinking ending my life was better than admitting this openly. If you are more offended that I say I like guys than you are that someone has felt it was better to end their life for that very same reason. 

“I want you to think about why that makes you uncomfortable. I want to have uncomfortable conversations. That’s how you gain understanding. I didn’t say anything explicit or inappropriate. If a few dozen people walk out, but there are others staying who need to know they’re not alone in this journey. It’s worth it to me. 

“I felt I was alone. I was scared. I thought i didn’t deserve anything good because I was queer. I hope you can see why I open up about it. It’s healing. And helps me not be ashamed of who I am like I was for many years. Thinking I needed to change me. And if I didn’t change me I was a failure. thank you to the other hundreds who stayed last night to listen. I know it’s not a topic usually talked about and it may be uncomfortable for some. 

“Even if it’s a journey that you may not fully understand, It means the world to me that you still were willing to listen. no, I don’t think sharing my journey ruins any Christmas spirit unless you allow your own misconceptions to ruin it yourself. Thank you Delta.”

At the end of his post, Archuleta left fans with a final promise… 

“And to anyone else who still follows me through my journey. I am so grateful for you. I hope you continue to support others who are going through the same things I’ve recently gone through and overcome thanks to the many people like you who are compassionate and supportive. 

“To repeat what my manager said in response to this email, I will not apologize for anything I say however imperfectly I express it. I am me. And I will never apologize for it again how I did for so many years before. And I hope you can unapologetically and lovingly be you too. Wherever you may be on your journey.”

Earlier this year, Archuleta spoke with PEOPLE about dealing with a “faith crisis” and the toll that suppressing his sexuality took on him.  The singer grew up in Utah as a member of the Mormon church, which condemns same-sex relationships. 

He said: “I’m finally learning what it’s like to actually love myself. I feel liberated.”

About a decade and a half after he released his hit song “Crush” in 2008, he admitted he didn’t fully connect with the lyrics until 2021, when he kissed a man for the first time. 

“It felt effortless. I was like, ‘Oh, so this is what it feels like to like someone.’ Now I see why everyone relates to my song,” he said.

Not being fazed by it all, Archuleta will continue with Christmas tour that has eight more dates left and will close on December 23 in Chandler, Arizona.

Archuleta once starred in a 4-week mini-series in the Philippines titled Nandito Ako (Here I Am) in 2012. His co-stars were Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Eula Caballero, Aiko Melendez, Gelli de Belen, Ana Capri, Mon Confiado, RS Francisco, Ana Feleo and Ms. Perla Bautista.

It was aired on TV5 from February 20, 2012 to March 23, 2012.

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