David Archuleta Plans to Set Out on Two-Year Mormon Mission

David Archuleta, who rose to fame as the Season 7 runner-up of 'American Idol,' is planning on taking a musical hiatus in the near future in order to set out on a Mormon mission. The almost 21 year old Utah native announced the news at a show in Salt Lake City while on his My Kind of Christmas tour.

An emotional and teary-eyed Archuleta addressed the audience while making the announcement, saying, "I would like to make a special announcement: that I've chosen to serve a full-time mission." Naturally, the Salt Lake City crowd erupted into cheers for Archie's commendable decision. Like many other young members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Archuleta will set out on a two-year mission trip to spread the word of his religion. It has yet to be confirmed where Archuleta will serve during his mission.

Archuleta went on to explain his reasons for embarking on the mission trip. "It's not because someone told me I was supposed to do it and not because I no longer want to do music anymore," the 'Crush' singer said. "It's because it's what I feel I need to do next in my life. It's the same feeling that I've always tried to follow in my life -- the feeling that's allowed me to have the opportunities I've had, the challenges and the blessings, too. And I've learned to trust that feeling and answer when it calls. That's the reason why I know I have to do this in my life."

Like other young Elders setting out on full-time missions, Archuleta will be expected to follow a conservative dress code which includes a white shirt, a tie, suit pants and a clean-cut hairstyle. He will also adhere to a strict daily routine, rising at 6:30AM daily, studying for two hours, and proselytizing (AKA trying to convert people to the Mormon religion) for 10 hours between the hours of 9:30AM and 9:30PM.

Watch David Archuleta Announce His Plans to Set Out on a Full-Time Mission