David Archuleta puts career on hold for Mormon mission

By: Lauren Moraski
Topics: Music

This June 8, 2011 photo shows David Archuleta as he arrives at the 2011 CMT Music Awards in Nashville, Tenn.

(Credit: AP)

(CBS) Don't expect to hear much from David Archuleta until 2014. The "American Idol" runner-up is taking a two-year break from music to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The 20-year-old "Idol" alum announced the news during a Christmas concert Monday in Salt Lake City.

Archuleta insists he's not quitting music; he just feels inspired to serve the Mormon church.

"It's not because someone told me that I'm supposed to do it, and not because I no longer want to do music, but because it's the feeling that I've felt I need to do this with my life," Archuleta told the crowd.

Still, the decision didn't come easy for Archuleta. Video footage shows him crying as he tells the audience about his plans.

There's no word on where Archuleta will go on his church mission. He'll join more than 52,000 church members currently doing missions around the world.

Archuleta's most recent album, "The Other Side of Down," came out in 2010.

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by mattrick78 December 20, 2011 9:57 PM EST: Best of luck to you David. I am sure you will do a fine job serving in your church.; Reply to this comment


by Jaylah54 December 20, 2011 6:51 PM EST: Hey, nobody said you had to have brains to be on "Idol."; Reply to this comment

by bobnjersey December 20, 2011 6:43 PM EST

["It's not because someone told me that I'm supposed to do it, and not because I no longer want to do music, but because it's the feeling that I've felt I need to do this with my life," Archuleta told the crowd.]
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can he wear those purple pants while on the mission?

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by MelZak December 21, 2011 12:26 AM EST: "can he wear those purple pants while on the mission?"

LOL Nope. He will have to wear black suit pants, a white button down shirt, and a conservative necktie. He will also do lots of walking, so he will need a pair of shoes with thick soles. While on his mission he will have a partner, another young man in similar garb for similar reasons. Other than the bathroom, they will go no place without each other. They will share living quarters and they will share a bedroom with two beds in it. He can end up anywhere, and I am guessing that they will attempt to send him somewhere that no one knows him, most likely a foreign country.
He has made his announcement, then fills out paper work letting his local church know he is interested in a mission. Soon after he will get a letter telling him where he is going. I suspect that his church leaders might tell him to not make that information public. Usually friends and family know where the missionaries are sent.
He will have limited contact with family. I am not sure on this but I believe he is expected to write a letter to parents once a week. No internet, phone calls, or visits from family while on his mission.


by billpl-2009 December 20, 2011 4:22 PM EST: ..would have been easier to just email all 13 of his fans; Reply to this comment

by JustSayIt December 20, 2011 4:21 PM EST

Please quit music. All the magic underwear donning, special planet is where we're a going, I need to have 37 under age wives because that is what is expected of me nut jobs need you a lot more than the music industry.
Don't let the door hit you in your name badge on the way out and remember to wear your helmet.

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