David Archuleta is in a new era; and it seems like he’s fully embracing it. The “American Idol” alum has been open about coming out as part of the LGBTQ+ community and stepping away from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2022. Now, he’s sharing how that journey has led to some unexpected (but meaningful) friendships with reality stars who understand exactly what that transition feels like.
In a new interview with Us Weekly, Archuleta spoke candidly about bonding with reality tv personalities, Heather Gay and Jessi Ngatikaura, who both have also publicly navigated life after Mormonism. And the mutual support is kind of beautiful.
Finding a Connection Through Shared Experience
GettyArchuleta revealed that he recently connected with Jessi Ngatikaura, one of the women featured on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” in a very real-life, very supportive way.
“A couple nights ago, I had Jessi, who is one of the amazing women on [The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives], who’s been vulnerable, open and messy in front of everybody … [host] one of my book tour nights in Salt Lake City. That was really cool.”
There’s something powerful about that kind of full-circle moment. Two people raised in the same faith. Two people who made the difficult choice to step away. And now? They’re using their platforms to speak honestly about it.
“We gained this special connection with each other,” Archuleta said. “Having both been raised Mormon and leaving our religion and trying to bring awareness to things that usually people just try to sweep under the rug or try to pretend are not there in our religion, in our culture and in our families.”
That’s not small. Leaving a tight-knit religious community (especially one as culturally embedded as the LDS Church) isn’t just a personal shift. It can impact family, friendships, and identity. So finding someone who gets it? That matters.
Heather Gay’s Support Hit Different
GettyArchuleta also shared how his friendship with Heather Gay came about… and it wasn’t exactly planned.
“Heather Gay and I have become friends, just because, as I came out. I didn’t watch Housewives, but she kept saying, ‘I’m so happy for you.’ She would comment on, like, every post that I had, and I was like, ‘Let’s invite her to a show.’”
Let’s be real; when someone consistently shows up in your comments cheering you on? That sticks.
“I sent her a book, and she’s just been so supportive the whole time,” he explained. “It’s just great to find people who are in front of everyone and get what it’s like to be watched, and have everyone involved in your business. It’s been fun.”
That last part hits. Being public about deeply personal shifts (faith, sexuality, identity) means opening yourself up to opinions from everywhere. So having a friend who understands life under that microscope? Game changer.
“I’m not much of a phone caller, but yeah, we will text each other. We’re not the best of friends, but we just are constantly cheering each other on, and I love Heather,” Archuleta added. “She’s the best, she’s great. She is unapologetically herself. Examples like that have been great for me to follow as I’m in this new era of my life.”
Unapologetically herself. That feels like an ongoing theme.
David Archuleta: A New Chapter On His Terms
GettyAt the core of it all, Archuleta sounds grateful. Grounded. Energized.
“I’m just trying to be passionate about life and encouraging others to do so as well. I spent a lot of time being afraid to be myself, and afraid of what the world was, and now that I’m, like, ‘You know what? Let’s just celebrate life. We’re here. I’m just so thankful to be here.’”
And honestly? That’s the takeaway. This isn’t about drama. It’s about growth. It’s about finding community in unexpected places and building friendships rooted in understanding instead of judgment.
Archuleta’s story keeps evolving; and it seems like he’s choosing joy along the way.
