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'Idol's' Archuleta puts career on hold for Mormon mission

Season seven "American Idol" runner-up David Archuleta can still make fans scream.And he did just that at a Christmas concert in his home state of Utah Monday night. But this time, the crowd wasn't cheering and giving him a standing ovation for his performance, but for his big announcement: The 20-year-old is putting his singing career on hold to do a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of La

Season seven "American Idol" runner-up David Archuleta can still make fans scream.

And he did just that at a Christmas concert in his home state of Utah Monday night. But this time, the crowd wasn't cheering and giving him a standing ovation for his performance, but for his big announcement: The 20-year-old is putting his singing career on hold to do a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"It's not because someone told me that I was supposed to do it, not because I no longer want to do music anymore," the singer said through tears before his encore. "But it's because it's the feeling that I felt that I need to do next in my life. It's just the same feeling I've always followed tried to follow in my life. It's the feeling that's allowed me to have the opportunities I've had, the challenges I've had to overcome and the blessings too. And I've learned to trust that feeling. I've learned that I need to answer when it calls."

Archuleta said his mission will begin next year. Watch his emotional announcement:

Since "Idol," Archuleta has released three albums.

Will his decision hurt or help his singing career? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

 

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