David Archuleta | Devout

TKE is thrilled to host David Archuleta for a discussion of his memoir, Devout.

The King's English is thrilled to welcome David Archuleta in conversation with Jessi Draper to celebrate the release of Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself.

The event will include a performance of a new song from the upcoming Devout EP, a collection of songs related to the book's themes.

This event is ticketed. Your ticket includes a copy of Devout

• Start time: 7:00 P.M.
• Run time: 45-60 minutes, followed by a photo line.
• Location: The Utah Museum of Fine Arts Museum

The author will be signing copies of the book and taking photos after the speaking portion of the event. He will not be personalizing the book.

*We have added a signing line only ticket! This is only for the signing line and not for the discussion. If you get one of these tickets. Plan to arrive around 8:30 pm to get in line. This includes a photo with David.

Submit questions for David here.

If you cannot make this event, signed copies may be ordered from our website. Extra copies of the book will be available to purchase at the event. If you cannot attend, you must pick up your book (if included with ticket) at the The King's English Bookshop within 30 days of the event. We can ship that book to you for an additional charge of $7.99; please call the store to arrange that.

Guidelines:

• Ticket-holders will be checked in starting at 6:30 P.M. Please have a copy of your ticket available (either printed out or on your phone) for check in.
• Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis (and is not guaranteed)
• There will not be a live stream or recording available.
• All event guidelines are subject to change.

About the book:

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 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.

About the author:

On Season 7 of American Idol, David Archuleta made over 30 million television viewers swoon with his angelic voice, ultimately winning runner-up on the show at the age of seventeen. His journey has included turning out multiple platinum-selling hits, achieving global acclaim as a live performer, and emerging as an undeniable fixture on the pop-culture scene. Since his first single “Crush,” he has released eight studio albums, twenty-four singles, and twenty-one music videos. Hit singles “Crème Brulée” and “Hell Together” have marked a striking evolution and new chapter for David as an artist and creative entrepreneur while continuing to expand his audience globally. Having grown up as a poster child for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, David struggled to be his true self and didn’t come out as queer until 2021. He now advocates for members of the LGBTQ+ community. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

About the moderator:

Jessi Draper is the founder and owner of JZ Styles, a high-end salon, hair extension brand, and styling school based in Utah. She is also a star of Hulu’s hit series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, where she shares her life, business, and journey as an entrepreneur. Through her authentic presence on YouTube and TikTok, Jessi built a loyal following by sharing real, behind-the-scenes hair and business. Known for her blend of business savvy, creativity, and authenticity, Jessi continues to inspire through entrepreneurship, reinvention, and modern storytelling!