David Archuleta Announces He’s Putting Music On Hold For Mormon Mission

Robbie Daw | December 20, 2011 10:04 am

David Archuleta’s emotions overtook him last night during a Christmas concert at Salt Lake City’s Abravanel Hall while the singer made a special announcement to all his fans. “I’ve chosen to serve a full time mission,” the 2008 American Idol runner-up said, before the audience erupted into applause. He then covered his face with his hands as he tried to compose himself. While serving his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Archuleta will put his singing career on hold for two years. Eric Hawkins, a spokesman from the church, declined to say where the singer will serve.

“It’s not because someone told me that I’m supposed to do it, not because I no longer want to do music anymore, but it’s because it’s the feeling that I feel I need to do next in my life,” Archuleta said with a shaky voice, after regaining his composure on stage. “It’s just the same feeling that I’ve always tried to follow in my life… I’ve learned to trust that feeling and I’ve learned that I need to answer when it calls.”

During his announcement, the 20-year-old indicated that his mission will begin in “the first half of next year.”

David parted ways with label Jive and the WEG management company in early 2011, following the release of his sophomore album The Other Side Of Down in fall 2010. “The President of Sony, Barry Wise, who is also over at Jive records, has left the company,” he said in a video blog posted on his official site in February. “And same with my A&R guy, Jeff Finster… he’s no longer there, too. So, a lot of people have been leaving, they’re changing as a company.”

Archuleta has been traveling North America throughout December on his My Kind Of Christmas Tour, which wraps up tomorrow night (December 21) at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, Colorado.

What do you think of David’s decision to put his music career on hold for a couple years, Archie fans? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook or Twitter!

The Other Side Of Down is available now on Jive. Purchase it at eMusic.

[Via The Huffington Post]