Former ‘American Idol’ Star David Archuleta’s New Music Shows His Edgier Side

David Archuleta has evolved since appearing in “American Idol” as a teen and his new music reflects just that.

His new single “Créme Brulée” is a far cry from his 2008 “American Idol” audition, during which he sang John Mayer’s “Waiting for the World to Change.”

“It seems like people weren’t quite expecting it, which makes me happy in a good way,” he told People on March 22 of his more grown-up lyrics.

He continued, “It’s getting people talking, and that’s what I wanted. I wanted it to show, ‘Hey, I’m not the same sweet little teenage boy that you always saw me as. Sometimes I think people forget that I’m in my 30s. I’m older now. I’m more mature.”

Archuleta said of his new music, “I don’t feel like it’s all-over raunchy necessarily, but I feel like it’s a little naughty. Naughty but nice. Sweet, but savory, is what I say.”

The former “American Idol” contestant told People that his mom is supportive of him coming out as LGBTQ+ in 2021 and is “excited” for “Créme Brulée” to take off.

Archuleta’s Return to ‘American Idol’ in 2024 Meant a Lot to Him

Archuleta made a guest appearance in season 22 of “American Idol” to sing his single “Hell Together,” and he shared the meaning behind the song.

“I grew up very much in my faith and religion, very devout, but I came out of the closet a couple years ago. It was very hard to balance faith and coming out. It was too much and so I stepped away,” he told Ryan Seacrest after his performance.

The singer continued, “I didn’t hear from my mom for a few days. So I was like, ‘Oh no. I pissed my mom off. Oh no.’ Because she was very devout, too.”

He revealed that when his mom texted him a few days later, she told him, “I stepped away from the church as well.”

“She said, ‘I don’t want to be somewhere my children don’t feel love and accepted,” Archuleta continued, adding, “I love you, Mom. Thanks for inspiring this song.”

Archuleta Reflects on the One ‘American Idol’ Song That Resonated With Fans

Archuelta made it to the finals on “American Idol” before losing to David Cook, and the one song he says struck fans the most was his rendition of “Imagine” by John Lennon.

“I didn’t realize how big of a moment it would be. I literally thought I was going to be voted off that week because it was 70s week,” he said on “ON With Mario Lopez” in April 2024.

“Everyone was singing disco and rock songs. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m going to put everyone to sleep,’ but it ended up being what stuck with people the most,” Archuleta added.