David Archuleta is embracing the awkward, the exciting, and everything in between as he explores the dating scene — this time on his own terms.
The 34-year-old pop singer, who came out as queer in 2021 and later stepped away from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, says dating while famous comes with an extra layer. “When you’re a public figure, I think when you’re used to being seen and recognized and watched, you always have this barrier,” Archuleta tells People. “I mean, they’ve known you for 17 years and you’re just meeting them for the first time.”
As for who Archuleta is dating right now, the singer has his lips sealed.
“I don’t usually disclose where I’m at in my relationships,” he teased. “I’m very much in my lover boy flirty era, and it’s a very fun time for me.”
He did clarify that he is open to dating both genders. “For the most part, I date men, but I consider myself queer, so I’m still open to meeting girls. I still do, if it feels right,” he shared. “I feel like with guys, it’s easier because to be honest, I think guys are just culturally and also just hormonally more forward.”
He also acknowledges the complexity of that conversation: “When you’re in a group that’s already misunderstood… and then you’re more nuanced within that minority group… people can feel like you’re discrediting their experience… I’m not trying to do that.”
His six-track EP Earthly Delights is available to stream now and includes already on-repeat songs like “Crème Brulée” and “Can I Call You.” But even with all the new music, Archuleta is not forgetting his roots. He admits he hears his 2008 chart-topping hit “Crush” while out at gay bars and in restaurants.
“It was exciting the first few times, and then after a while I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t run away from this. But now I’ve learned that it’s more relaxed now. It’s not as crazy as it was right after Idol for me.”
If you want to see the star in action, and maybe hear “Crush” and “Crème Brulée” live, he’s going on tour later this year! The Earthly Delights North American tour kicks off Sept. 17 in Phoenix, AZ, and will make stops across the U.S. and Canada including Salt Lake City, Vancouver, San Francisco, Toronto, and a sold-out show in New York City. The tour runs through mid-October and features special guests Alexandra John (Sept. 17-29) and Rachel Bochner (Oct. 2-17).
Get your tickets here.
