The Mormons have a new idol.
During a concert in Salt Lake City on Monday night, singer David Archuleta announced to the crowd that he is planning to put his music career on hold in order to serve a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
"It's not because somebody told me that I was supposed to do it, not because I no longer want to do music anymore, but it's because it's the feeling that I felt that I need to do next in my life," Archuleta, the 2007 American Idol runner-up, said.
The 20-year-old Utah resident was clearly emotional while sharing the news and, at one point, broke down in tears.
"It's the feeling that has allowed me to have the opportunities that I've had, the challenges that I've overcome and the blessings, too," he continued. "And I've learned to trust that feeling, and I've learned that I need to answer when it calls. And that is the reason why I know I need to do this in my life."
While the church has confirmed Archuleta's mission, scheduled to begin during the first half of 2012, there has been no word yet as to where exactly it will take place.