Jul 2
David Archuleta Opens Up about Autobiographical Aspect of Single 'Hell Together,' Hopes It Speaks to Parents of Queer Kids
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Out pop singer David Archuleta tied his new single, "Hell Together," back to what really happened when he came out to his Mormon mom – and he expressed the hope that other parents will love their queer kids the way she loves him.
"A former 'American Idol' contestant who placed second in season 7, Archuleta recently returned to the musical competition show to perform his new single, 'Hell Together,' about his mother's reaction when he came out of the closet," Entertainment Weekly related.
"The title and lyrics of 'Hell Together' come from something Archuleta's mom said to him after he came out to her," the entertainment news outlet said.
"Archuleta was raised Mormon, a faith that forbids homosexuality," EW explained, "but when he told his mom the truth about himself and that he was stepping away from their religion, she said she'd rather go to hell with him than remain in a church that wouldn't have him."
Archuleta told ABC Audio how his hope is that other parents will see his mother's example of parental love as a model to follow, saying that the song "can help other people have a different perspective and different attitude towards how they view their queer kids."
Added the musical artist: "For my mom to say, 'Well, if you're going to hell, then we're going to hell together' is just a really special thing. It's, like, heavy emotions, but I feel like they're good emotions."
"So to see that other people can feel them as they dive into the song is really special," the 33-year-old "Crush" singer went on to say.
As EDGE previously reported, "'Hell Together' was written by David Archuleta, Ryan Nealon, Sam Derosa (lovelytheband, Kylie Morgan) and Jordan Sherman (Niall Horan, Lauren Spencer Smith)."
"It debuted at #5 on the iTunes all-genre chart upon release.... [and] has already proven to be one of David's most riveting and most successful songs to date over his 15-year career."
Watch the video below.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
