David Archuleta Net Worth

David Archuleta first came into the public eye as a contestant on Star Search and American Idol, where he finished as the runner-up in 2008. Riding the wave of his Idol success, Archuleta released his debut album later that same year, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. 

In the years since, Archuleta has released five additional studio albums with moderate commercial success. Though he may not be the household name he once was at the height of his American Idol fame, he has cultivated a loyal fanbase over the past decade-plus. 

Today, we look at his net worth and how he has fared financially since his star-making turn on American Idol in 2008.

David Archuleta’s net worth and music career

Archuleta has built up a respectable net worth since his rise to fame on American Idol in 2008. His net worth in 2023 is roughly estimated at around $5 million. 

While substantial, this net worth is considerably less than some other American Idol alumni like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, who have net worths of $14 million and $45 million. 

Most of Archuleta’s wealth stems from the success of his self-titled debut album in 2008, which sold over 750,000 copies and achieved platinum status. The album spawned his hugely popular track “Crush,” which topped at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

David Archuleta is a successful music artist (Source: Facebook)

This early commercial success is likely when he accumulated most of his $5 million net worth. His earning potential has lessened in recent years as his popularity has waned from his American Idol heyday. 

As for his musical output, he has released six studio albums since his smash hit debut in 2008. That first album was far and away his biggest seller, shifting over 750,000 units mainly on the strength of the single Crush and his national exposure as the American Idol runner-up. 

His subsequent albums have seen modest commercial success at best. His latest release in 2020 ‘Therapy Sessions’ sold a paltry 15,000 copies in the U.S. His touring schedule has also slowed in recent years, now mostly playing small venues and clubs to entertain his loyal core fanbase. 

While no longer the rising pop star he was in 2008, Archuleta continues to put out new music and play shows, adding somewhat to his now stabilized $5 million net worth.

David Archuleta as a contestant on ‘American Idol’

David Archuleta made a splash when he auditioned for the 7th season of American Idol in San Diego in 2008 at just 16 years old. He wowed the judges with his emotional and skilled rendition of John Mayer’s ‘Waiting on the World to Change.’

His voice and maturity beyond his years led him to advance through the Hollywood Week rounds swiftly. He received high praise for performances of Bryan Adams ‘Heaven’ and Billy Joel’s ‘And So It Goes.’

By the semifinals, he established himself as a frontrunner, earning the first standing ovations of the season for his take on The Miracles’ ‘Shop Around’ and John Lennon’s classic ‘Imagine. ‘

David Archuleta was in the seventh season of ‘American Idol’ (Source: Newsweek)

He coasted into the Top 12, where his momentum only built week-to-week as he impressed with pop, R&B, rock, and gospel hits. His memorable performances included Elton John’s ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,’ Dan Fogelberg’s ‘Longer,’ and Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me. ‘

Archuleta ultimately lost, coming in second place to fellow sensation David Cook. But with 44% of the record 97.5 million votes, his runner-up finish only endeared him more to fans. 

Though he didn’t take home the Idol crown, Archuleta emerged as arguably the season’s breakout star. His vocal control, musicality, and maturity on such a big stage at 16 years old foretold a promising career ahead.

David Archuleta on ‘The Masked Singer’

In 2022, Archuleta brought his impressive vocal talents to the celebrity singing competition The Masked Singer. Clad in an elaborate, feathery Macaw costume, Archuleta belted out hits like Ed Sheeran’s ‘Photograph,’ One Direction’s ‘What Makes You Beautiful,’ and Elton John’s ‘Your Song.’

His smooth runs and emotional delivery wowed the judges and audiences week after week. But beyond his singing, he also used the show to bravely open up about his journey of coming out as LGBTQIA+ and leaving the Mormon church. 

David Archuleta was dressed as the Macaw in ‘The Masked Singer’ (Source: The Masked Singer Fandom)

His vulnerability quickly endeared him to fans and judges alike, with Nicole Scherzinger and Ken Jeong brought to tears by his performances. 

He made it to the finals, facing off against Bishop Briggs (disguised as Medusa). He pulled out all the stops on James Bay’s ‘Hold Back the River’ and Eric Carmen’s epic ‘All by Myself.’

While the audience vote ultimately went to Briggs, the judges praised Archuleta’s world-class talent and courageous authenticity. 

David Archuleta’s coming out story

In June 2021, in an emotional Instagram post, Archuleta bravely came out as LGBTQIA+ to his fans. He shared that after years of grappling internally, he had come to realize he was not straight, nor was he sure exactly where he fits on the spectrum of sexuality.

He confessed to having had similar feelings of attraction towards both genders and that he also identified as asexual, having little sexual desire or drive of his own. 

Archuleta discussed the anguish of reconciling his faith as a Mormon with his sexuality, a problematic road countless from religious backgrounds have to walk. He extended compassion to those struggling to embrace both their faith and queer identities, inviting greater understanding. 

David Archuleta with his mother (Source: Facebook)

While not intending to make waves sharing something so personal, Archuleta felt compelled to open up about his journey publicly. His goal was to alleviate the loneliness so many contending with feelings outside heteronormativity experience by letting them know they have allies. 

His mother, Lupe, revealed she initially condemned his news, declaring her devotion to God over her son and that marriage should only be between man and woman. 

But later, not wanting to lose her family over religious doctrine, she made the excruciating decision to leave the church herself and fully embrace David’s queerness. 

It was undoubtedly a bittersweet relief for Archuleta to finally earn his mother’s acceptance after facing rejection, shame, and the near impossibility of merging two disparate parts of his identity for 20 long, difficult years.