David Archuleta Opens Up About Love & Discovering His Sexuality in New EP

David Archuleta is embracing his “lover boy” era with the release of his new EP, “Earthly Delights” — his first collection of music in five years.

The 34-year-old singer, who rose to fame on “American Idol,” dropped the six-track pop project on Friday, Aug. 15, marking a personal and artistic turning point.

Songs Inspired by Self-Discovery & Love

In an exclusive interview with People, the singer revealed the creative process for “Earthly Delights” began with the intimate track “Home,” a song about a comforting relationship that holds deep meaning for Archuleta. “It was the first time I was indulging in loving a man or feeling love for someone of the same sex,” he said. The song also responds to critics who question his romantic life.

The Utah-born musician came out as queer in 2021 and left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the following year. Since then, Archuleta says he’s been learning to embrace his authentic self and live without the constraints that once shaped his life.

“It’s like, ‘What do you mean, vile acts? You mean to love someone?'” Archuleta explained. He hopes “Home” is received as a universal message of affection, saying it’s “just about wanting to love and connect with another person.”

The EP also showcases his playful side with “Crème Brulée,” a Spanglish, flirtatious anthem that embraces casual romance. “Earthly Delights is tongue-in-cheek as well,” Archuleta said. “People are like, ‘You’re giving into these vile, grotesque things.’ And it’s like, ‘Hey, I’m indulging in my earthly delights, okay? Are y’all happy?'”

Other tracks include “Lucky,” which celebrates the rush of new love, and “Dulce Amor,” a romantic ode likening love to a sweet treat.

A New Chapter in Life and Music

“It’s been very fun to sing songs about sensuality and being a flirty lover boy,” Archuleta said. He will take the EP on a North American tour in September and October, and he plans to release full Spanish versions of the tracks to honor his Latin roots. His mother, Lupe Bartholomew, is especially eager for those versions.

“I think she’s more excited about the full Spanish versions of some of these songs,” he said. “I mean, she loves it all, but she always loves when she sees our Latin side come into my music.”

Bartholomew, who left the LDS Church shortly after her son, remains one of his strongest supporters. “She’s just a good supporter regardless of what I do,” Archuleta added.

Reflecting on his journey in an interview with Vogue Philippines, Archuleta compared his life stages to a metamorphosis. “My 20s were like a cocoon,” he said. “Being a teenager, I was a caterpillar, just taking everything in and trying to survive. And then in my 20s, I thought I knew what I needed to be. But now my 30s feel like what other people’s 20s feel like.”

For Archuleta, “Earthly Delights” is more than an album — it’s a declaration of freedom, joy, and the courage to live authentically.