David Archuleta puts music on hold to serve ..

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Singer David Archuleta says he is going walk away from his musical career for two years to serve a full-time mission for the LDS Church.

USA Today and numerous other news organizations reported Tuesday that Archuleta made the tearful announcement Monday night during a Salt lake City stop on his My Kind of Christmas tour. Salt Lake City is where the singer's Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is headquartered.

"It's not because somebody told me that I was supposed to do it, not because that I no longer want to do music anymore, but it's because it's the feeling that I felt that I need to do next in my life. It's just the same feeling that I've always followed, tried to follow in my life," he said. "It's the feeling that has allowed me to have the opportunities that I've had, the challenges that I've overcome and the blessings, too. And I've learned to trust that feeling, and I've learned that I need to answer when it calls. And that is the reason why I know I need to do this in my life."

Archuleta turns 21 on Dec. 28.

For a review and photo gallery of the show, visit http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment/53147695-81/archuleta-christmas-david-stage.html.csp

remims@sltrib.com

David Archuleta puts music on hold to serve Mormon mission (video)