David Archuleta Says He ‘Can Do What I Want’ After Leaving Mormon Church: ‘It’s OK to Explore’ (Exclusive)

David Archuleta is entering a new “fun, flirty era” since coming out as a queer and leaving the Church of Latter-Day Saints.

“I like to be a little more sensual, a little more in touch with my body and my sexuality and just being confident in who I am,” Archuleta, 34, exclusively told Us Weekly at the Human Rights Campaign Gala on Saturday, March 22, at Los Angeles’ Fairmont Century Plaza. “It takes a little growing into that sometimes, but it feels great to do.”

The American Idol alum grew up in Utah as a member of the LDS church, even serving as a Mormon missionary in 2011. After he publicly came out as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in 2021, the musician decided to leave the religious organization the following year. Since then, Archuleta has learned to accept his sensuality after growing up in a “conservative, modest household and culture.”

“It’s discouraged. It’s often looked down upon because it’s, like, you’re not supposed to talk about sex,” Archuleta explained to Us of the culture he grew up in as a child. “You’re not supposed to talk about sensuality because it’s inappropriate, it’s disrespectful, your body’s a temple, and you’re supposed to be just very reserved. Now that I’m not practicing in the Mormon religion anymore, it’s like, ‘Well, now I can do what I want — even if it’s a little shocking for people.’”

Archuleta’s newest single, “Creme Brûlée,” that dropped earlier this year also features a sultry vibe.

“It’s not like I’m shooting porn in front of everybody. Like, you can be in touch,” Archuleta said, defending the song’s concept. “It’s a part of the human experience, and I think we should talk about it more. I grew up [with,] ‘No sex before marriage’ and, like, ‘Don’t even take your clothes off if you’re dating someone and see any part of their body.’ It’s, like, if we’re consenting adults and we like each other, it’s OK to explore that.”

Archuleta further explained why he’s willing to open up about his experience with his sexuality and religion.

“I realized that my story is [like] a lot of people’s stories that [haven’t] been told and [have] been overlooked, especially within the Mormon community,” the singer said on Saturday. “There’s always gonna be queer people, whether you want to acknowledge them or not. They’re always going to be there. You’re gonna have kids who are queer and there should be a little more acceptance, more invitation for them to simply feel welcomed into churches.”

While Archuleta has stepped away from the LDS community, he does think it’s “so cool” that recent TV shows like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives are modernizing the religion.

“I heard that it’s like bringing Mormonism into the mainstream, which I think is so cool,” Archuleta quipped, noting he has yet to watch the Hulu docuseries for himself. “It’s very fun to see the pros and the cons to the culture [and] the things that we should hopefully talk about, like, ‘I hope you realize how on the outside this looks and hopefully you can get an outside perspective on some of the habits and traditions that could use some adjusting.’”

Until then, Archuleta is focused on embracing a “new state” of himself that is “more comfortable in his skin” and with his sexuality. He also showed off that side in the “Creme Brûlée” music video that also highlights his Latin heritage.

“The ‘Crème Brulée’ video was so much fun to make with the choreography and a new creative release for me,” he said in a March press release of the production. “I’ve always loved moving to music and so the more I’ve taken choreography/dance classes I’ve found a better outlet to feel liberated and express myself. Working with Aidan, Jordan and Nathan Kim introduced me to a new style that was really satisfying. Dancing brings me a newfound confidence and makes me feel like I’m more in touch with my body and sensuality.”

With reporting by Sienna Leone