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I haven’t posted much here, but I watched David Archuleta last night in his “The Best of David Archuleta” concert at the New Frontier Theater. So many emotions felt in one show! I want to first highlight David’s passion and bravery for his craft in this post.

“I thought that if I came out, it would be the worst thing I could do.” Saying this in front of a crowd in the Philippines for the first time after coming out publicly three years ago was incredibly brave of him. The fact that he was able to share his story in one of the most religious countries and be met with overwhelming support was truly heartwarming. You could really feel the support the Pinoy Archies gave him throughout the show.

David has truly been a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community and has become a voice for those who are currently in the same situation he was in years ago. I’m so happy he decided to use his platform to empower people, rather than silently stepping away and keeping everything hidden. People in this situation need to know and feel that they are not alone, and David has done just that.

“If paradise is pressure, oh we’ll go to Hell Together.”

Sharing some things David and Lindsey talked about that I believe are very important:

When David came out, he stated that some parents responded, asking, “What if kids are looking at this? (referring to his coming out).” David responded with “When I was a little kid, I wish someone was talking about this because I didn’t understand what I was going through. I thought there was something wrong with me and I didn’t know how to put it into words ... and I was confused because I didn’t know what it meant to have a sexuality that wasn’t just heterosexual.”

I believe this should be a very important conversation that should be continued because this is exactly what different organizations such as The Trevor Project and the LOVELOUD Foundation are fighting for, for these kids/young people who are still discovering themselves, to be able to learn about it from a young age which would definitely help with them accepting themselves early on.

I was genuinely tearing up during the whole interview as it was such an intimate topic for me, being in the same position ten years ago, being scared that these feelings I have for the same sex are wrong, while at the same time being religious. As I continue to grow, I am so glad I was able to talk to different people about these feelings and get the assurance that this is not wrong and that I am not a mistake. I just know there are millions out there in the same situation that were and are currently struggling too.

David talking about this and opening up this topic for conversation is honestly so brave as it is not something that people are generally comfortable talking about but is most definitely one of the most important things to talk about in this day and age.

Years after the American Idol finale and I just have now noticed how most of my favorite singers and performers were from Idol! From David Archuleta to Jennifer Hudson to Jordin Sparks to the very first Idol, Kelly Clarkson!

Dubbed as the “most impactful show” in the history of television, you literally could NOT have escaped Idol, it was everywhere you looked. Yes, even in the Philippines! It was like American Idol had everyone in a chokehold whenever it aired, especially during its peak. 

The show defined what being an Idol is and bred all these amazing stars. It’s sad to think how some of these stars were actually struggling with their mental health silently during their Idol run, unbeknownst to us viewers. I’m glad how most spoken out and have already healed from it.

I’m so happy to have been alive during the peak of Idol and got to know and follow the journey of these amazing stars.

“David, you need to stop asking me that ((to change him)). You keep saying to take this flaw away, but I don’t look at this as a flaw. I intentionally created you as you are and you need to understand that. You need to have more compassion towards yourself and give yourself the chance to see you the way I do.” - God talking to David through prayer.

When David was sharing about his journey with his sexuality and religion, I just can’t help but think how much hurt and pain he was facing alone. I am so glad he’s able to talk about this now with everyone and just share his story. 

Indeed, God is always watching and taking care of us, from a distance.  💖

I recently stumbled upon this article by Lily Low titled “How David Archuleta’s “Upset With Me” Encouraged Me To Speak My Truth.”

An excerpt from the article:

“It is normal to feel pain when someone hurts or betrays us. David first affirmed that despite the pain he feels, he still has a lot of love for the person/people. It is human to screw up, it is human to hurt and be hurt.“

Read the full article here: https://lily-low.medium.com/how-david-archuletas-upset-with-me-encouraged-me-to-speak-myself-86bfb5481d81

Still haven’t moved on from the #Movin’ music video! Totally is a new side of David that we haven’t seen before!