David Archuleta Has Fans Losing It Over Shirtless ‘Crush’ Performance: ‘Happy Pride’

David Archuleta has entered a new era and fans are very, very aware of it.

The singer had social media collectively swooning after clips from his performance at a Pride event in Des Moines began circulating online over the weekend. During the set, Archuleta performed his 2008 hit “Crush” shirtless and dripping with sweat as he danced across the stage, instantly sending longtime fans into a frenzy. The reaction was immediate

One person hilariously wrote, “David, I’m a lesbian,” while others chimed in with comments like, “Happy Pride,” “the world is healing,” and “This crush ain’t going away.”

See what everyone is talking about here.

For many fans, though, the excitement goes beyond a viral thirst trap.

Archuleta, 35, has spent the last several years publicly embracing a version of himself that feels more authentic than ever before. After coming out as queer in 2021 and later stepping away from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the former American Idol runner-up has been candid about navigating identity, dating and self-discovery in the public eye.

Last year, he opened up to PEOPLE about what dating looks like as someone who has spent nearly two decades in the spotlight.

“When you’re a public figure, I think when you’re used to being seen and recognized and watched, you always have this barrier,” Archuleta said. “I mean, they’ve known you for 17 years and you’re just meeting them for the first time.”

He also described himself as being in his “lover boy flirty era.”

“I’m very much in my lover boy flirty era, and it’s a very fun time for me,” he told the outlet.

Archuleta also shared that while he primarily dates men, he identifies as queer and remains open to dating people of different genders if the connection feels right. New Songs to Crush On

That confidence and openness seem to be carrying over into his music as well.

Last week, Archuleta released two new songs, “Love For Free” and “Better Than You,” on June 12.

The upbeat lead track, “Love For Free,” is all about recognizing your value and refusing to settle for less.

“‘Love For Free’ is about knowing your worth, not dealing with games anymore and setting boundaries,” Archuleta said in a statement. “You learn and grow, and this is blossoming into someone who realizes they’re not messing with other people unless it’s time well spent and with people who have the right intentions and value you as a person.”

The release arrives alongside “Better Than You,” a more nostalgic reflection on a past relationship viewed through rose-colored glasses.

“It’s also acknowledging the delusional way of seeing someone, only highlighting the brighter days and moments, and not the ugly side and toxic dynamic that may have existed,” he explained. “You still can’t help but miss whatever it was. Even if it isn’t true how you see it in your head versus how it actually was.”

The songs also follow the release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, Devout Here, which details his journey with faith, identity and finding himself outside of the expectations that once defined his life.

In many ways, that’s why this latest Pride moment is resonating so deeply with fans.

For an entire generation that grew up watching a teenage David Archuleta shyly sing “Crush” on television, seeing him confidently perform the song at Pride while embracing every part of himself feels incredibly full circle.

And judging by the internet’s response, that crush really isn’t going away anytime soon.

Source