Seventeen years after “American Idol” put him on the map, David Archuleta is ready to live life at his own rhythm, and in doing so, reflect his authentic self through music in ways he’s never done before.
“I’m just trying to be myself, figure out what that even is, and evolve as a person,” the pop singer told HuffPost. “I don’t want to create drama or anything. I’m just trying to find joy in creating, performing, dancing… I’m not looking for heavy opinions about things.”
On Friday, Archuleta unveiled a new musical project, “Earthly Delights.” The six-song EP is the followup to his 2020 album, “Therapy Sessions,” and his first release of original music since coming out as a member of the queer community in 2021.
Archuleta kicked off his self-professed “flirty” era with the EP’s first single, “Crème Brulée,” in March. The song’s music video found the singer-songwriter showing off a chiseled physique while backed by a three-person dance troupe.
His latest single is the wistful ballad “Dulce Amor,” and in its accompanying music video, he portrays both a pensive angel and a Bobby Darin-like, early 1950s crooner. Together, both “Crème Brulée” and “Dulce Amor” present colorful takes on the personal awakening the 34-year-old singer says he’s experienced in recent years ― outwardly queer and sensual, yes, but still reckoning with the Mormon upbringing of his youth.
