David Archuleta embraces his truth in 'Crème Brulée'

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Since winning hearts in the 2008 edition of "American Idol," David Archuleta has been known as the religious boy-next-door with the angelic voice. More than a decade later, fans are meeting a new, truer version of the singer — someone who proudly identifies as queer, embraces his Latin roots, and now finds joy not just in singing but in dancing, too.

These facets of Archuleta's evolution come together in his latest single, "Crème Brulée," a playful and irresistibly flirty pop anthem.

"I feel like I've worked hard to prove myself as a singer and performer. But now I can sit back and enjoy, give my voice a break as well. I still have songs where I really sing out, but this next chapter feels easier, smoother — sexier, even. It helps me feel more like myself," he shared in a recent virtual roundtable with Philippine media.

With infectious energy and a touch of Latin flair, "Crème Brulée" marks a confident, carefree moment in his artistic journey — sultry, charismatic, and completely in his element.

The song's title, he explained, is a nod to his love of food and desserts and also serves as a metaphor. "They want the taste and they want more, so I thought 'Crème Brulée' would be a fun way to say that. Kind of like the hard opening — you have to crack it to get the good stuff, but once you do, it's delicious."

Fans are meeting a new, truer version of David Archuleta — someone who proudly identifies as queer, embraces his Latin roots, and now finds joy not just in singing but in dancing, too. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/IRVIN RIVERA

The now 34-year-old star is also highlighting Latin roots in the song by using English and Spanish in the lyrics. He said this cultural influence has long been a part of him, though not always visible in his earlier work.

Years ago, Archuleta recorded a Spanish version of his debut hit "Crush," but was told by his label it couldn't be released.

"They said, 'You as a Spanish artist is not going to sell, and we wouldn't want to put our money in that,'" he recalled.

But now that he has more control of his music and of the identify he wants to showcase, Archuleta said Crème Brulée is just the beginning.

"This is the first time I really did a pop song in my career, and I'm hoping to do more. Since I'm showing my true self, I want to show the Latin side of me, too. Plus, I feel sexier when I talk in Spanish. It's helped me feel more at ease."

Longtime fans may not be surprised by this bilingual and more expressive Archuleta, but many are thrilled to see him dancing in the music video.

Edgy and intricately choreographed, the video features Archuleta moving alongside the JA Collective dance trio, embracing his love of dance and the freedom it brings.

He shared that dancing has become a source of healing, especially after coming out in 2021 and stepping away from the Mormon church the following year. Through the video, he wanted to highlight the positive impact of dance in his life.

Asked by The Manila Times how this new love for the art form impacts his artistry, he answered, "Dancing has been one of the ways that I've decided to push myself out of the comfort zone and to get in touch with my body. When I have danced before it felt so good — you can communicate and connect with people through movement. It's a form of communication, expression and liberation."

He's also brought that energy into his live performances, including his most recent concert in the Philippines. "It's not easy — it hurts my brain — but I think doing hard things is good for us. It's been worth it. A fun, new thing to use and enjoy in both my life and career."

Meanwhile, the video's overall aesthetic — fun and flirty, yet gender-fluid and low-key — has resonated with fans. Archuleta said it was a deliberate choice, a way to represent his queer identity in a way that felt authentic.

"What I like about queer is it's a broader term, a bigger umbrella and I feel like there's more to it than just what people would expect. Now that I am part of LGBTQ+ I just wanted to show in the Crème Brulée video that that community doesn't always have to be loud, leather and things — which it can be. But, I just wanted to show a different approach."

In ending Archuleta said he's excited to share more new material in the future. While some might veer into new territory, every project will be an authentic and true reflection of who and where he is right now.

"Growing up in the church, I was taught to stand up for my beliefs and share them with the world — and that's what I'm doing now with my music.

"Even though I stand for something else now, I still have that same conviction. I believe in being bold in my vulnerability and speaking my truth. Hopefully, people come away from my songs feeling like they understand themselves, others, or life just a little better than before," he ended.