NEWSAmerican Idol's David Archuleta Puts Music Career On Hold For Two-Year Mormon Mission
Dec. 20 2011, Published 6:53 a.m. ET
It's only be three-and-a-half years since David Archuleta came in second place to David Cook on the seventh season of American Idol, but David made a surprise announcement to his fans last night: He is putting his music career on hold to take on a two-year Mormon mission.
The 20-year-old from Murray, Utah, is currently on his "Some Kind of Christmas" tour and when the show stopped in his home state last night, he decided to reveal some emotional news. "I have decided to make a special annoucement, that I've chosen to serve a full-time mission," David revealed while holding back the tears.
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"It's not because somebody told me that I was supposed to do it, not because that I no longer want to do music anymore, but it's because it's the feeling that I felt that I need to do next in my life," David continued. "It's just the same feeling that I've always followed, tried to follow in my life. It's the feeling that has allowed me to have the opportunities that I've had, the challenges that I've overcome and the blessings, too. And I've learned to trust that feeling, and I've learned that I need to answer when it calls. And that is the reason why I know I need to do this in my life."
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Typically, missionaries for the Mormon church are around David's age and they can be sent just about anywhere for two years. They are not allowed to date, must stick to a strict dress code and their time is completely devoted to working with the church and spreading their message. Also, they are usually only allowed two phone calls a year, to their mother, on Christmas Day and Mother's Day.
The real question is: Will David still pursue music after his mission is over? And will his fans be waiting?
Check out the video of David's emotional annoucement below:
