David Archuleta - David Archuleta Says Goodbye, Begins Mormon Mission

David explained that his decision to become a missionary has been "a very personal thing" and that he wished to keep it that way. "I hope you guys respect that and you guys have so I appreciate that." According to E! Online, David will serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It's unknown where he will be working - though he does say that it will be in South America - but he is understood to have entered a Missionary Training Centre in Utah today, to prepare himself for the trip. "I'm gonna miss being able to talk to all of you," he told his fans "and sharing the weird random things that I'm doing or thinking about. you guys have brought me on this journey and I appreciate being able to share everything that I have learned. with you guys." Archuleta ended the video by saying "I'll see you all in two years. God Bless, take care."

The 21 year-old became one of the youngest American Idol finalists, back in 2008. He finished runner-up in the final round, having received 44 per cent of the votes, eventually losing out to David Cook.