Devout

Losing My Faith to Find Myself

De: David Archuleta, Paula Abdul - introduction

Narrado por: David Archuleta

Featuring three new songs from David Archuleta making their exclusive debut on this audiobook!

A raw and powerful coming-out story from the beloved American Idol finalist traces David 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.

At just seventeen, David Archuleta rose to national fame as the runner-up on American Idol season seven, captivating millions with his angelic voice. Behind the scenes, however, he was struggling with a truth he feared would destroy everything: he was attracted to men—and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In Devout, David takes you inside his deeply personal journey as a closeted Mormon teen turned international pop star, torn between faith, fame, and identity. From dealing with the pressures of being on a hit television show to a domineering father who controlled every aspect of his career—even being banned from the show’s set—David reveals the emotional abuse and inner turmoil that he says plagued his childhood.

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. Featuring never-before-seen photos, Devout is a must-read for fans of pop culture, American Idol, and anyone deconstructing their religious upbringing, or who’s ever wrestled with who they are versus who they’re told to be.

Narrated by the author, the audiobook features three new songs coinciding with themes from his memoir—"On Purpose," "Old and Young," and "Stay"—that David was inspired to cowrite along his journey and performs for the very first time only on the audiobook of Devout!

Beautiful

David has a beautiful soul! I’m so happy you are finally living your life and seeking happiness! I love you man!

Change

I truly enjoyed this book. Very heartfelt. It’s amazing how David changed and grew with life’s shit that hit us all. making it Evan harder with the lens of the world and a homophobic church. It was well written.

God’s love is not dictated by an institution

David Archuleta was such a huge part of my teenage years. I expected an interesting memoir about leaving faith, but what I got was a deeply vulnerable story about identity, family, and learning that love doesn't have to come with conditions.

Listening to the audiobook in David's own voice made the experience even more powerful. Every chapter felt honest and emotional, as if he was inviting the listener into conversations he had spent years having with himself.

What resonated with me most was his journey of separating God's love from the expectations of people and institutions. The book challenged beliefs I had accepted without question, particularly around the LGBTQ+ community. Rather than presenting an argument, David's story reminded me that these are real people who simply want to love and be loved. That shift in perspective was one of the most meaningful parts of the book.

I also connected with his experiences of religious and familial pressure. While our stories are different, the themes of trying to earn acceptance, questioning deeply held beliefs, and rediscovering your own voice felt incredibly familiar. His vulnerability never came across as bitter or vindictive—it felt like someone searching for truth while trying to hold onto hope.

This memoir is about much more than leaving a church. It's about finding yourself after years of trying to become who everyone else expected you to be, and realizing that your worth was never dependent on fitting someone else's definition of faithfulness.

Speaking for Many

David’s vulnerability and pure, undiluted honesty speaks to the experience of many closeted members of the church. Found myself crying and laughing throughout the book and felt his experience speak to my soul and makes me feel seen in a way I’ve never experienced before.

Brave and engaging

I think David’s story is for everyone—it’s for people who have experienced any form of abuse, for people who fear living their full truth, for people living in controlling systems—and for people who are fortunate enough to not know this pain, because it can help you find love and empathy for those who struggle and learn how to love, understand and support them. I appreciate David’s bravery in telling his whole truth to the world and I hope this book will inspire others to free themselves from their own shackles and begin to truly live.