David Archuleta made a pretty big announcement about his personal life at a concert in Utah last night ... but to people who know the guy, it probably wasn't that shocking.

The former "American Idol" runner-up told his home crowd ... that he's ... (wait for it) ... putting his music career on hold for two-years to fulfill a full-time mission with the Mormon church!!

The announcement was pretty emotional -- with the crowd erupting in cheers ... and David breaking down and crying on stage.

20-year-old Archuleta explained, "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."

David Archuleta's dad is gonna be piiiiiiiissed ... seems the former "American Idol" sensation has been given the heave-ho by his record label.


A rep for Jive Records told The Hollywood Reporter today that Archuleta was "released from our roster."

His 2010 album, "The Other Side of Down," sold only 63,000 copies -- way down from his 2008 debut album, which sold over a million copies and was certified platinum.

Archuleta lost out to David Cook in the finale of season 7 of "American Idol."

David Archuleta is enjoying the spoils of having not won "American Idol" ... by performing in the parking lot of a mall. Tiffany would be so proud!



Somewhere there's a local balloon festival, opening of a housing development or a chicken wing joint with his name on it!

David Archuleta almost became a legend to the fans of Tampa Bay last night.

During last night's ALCS game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays -- Red Sox ace Daisuke Matsuzaka was on his way to a no-hitter.

Then during the seventh inning stretch Archie sang "God Bless America." The next pitch thrown by Dice-K -- a single to right, busting up the no hit bid.

Archie's jinx didn't last long though. The Red Sox still won the game 2-0.

Since when are people fans of verbally abusive stage dads?

The "American Idol" tour rolled through D.C. today and it was actually Jeff Archuleta that signed the most autographs -- besting son David and "Idol" champ David Cook. Some people have strange tastes.

It's hard to tell the Jonas Brothers apart sometimes, but here's a hint: David Archuleta isn't one of them.

Kevin, Joe and Nick were so happy about their Teen Choice Awards victories, they blogged about it on their MySpace page. They were particularly jazzed about their win for Most Fanatical Fans. The only problem is they didn't win that award -- David Archuleta did.

Don't take away the one thing he's won!

Might as well call Jeff Archuleta "Geppetto," because it's clear he's still the puppet master behind the scenes of his son's career. Yesterday at LAX, David echoed Daddy's every word.

The yentas at "The View" -- on a road trip to Vegas -- muzzled David Archuleta when he started defending his stage-dad from hell -- so they could question Jeff himself from the audience.

Guess David Archuleta won't have to worry too much about that prom next year -- because he won't be going to Murray High!

David withdrew from school during his run through "American Idol." School officials tell TMZ David hasn't re-signed up for his senior year, which starts on August 25.

He'll be out on the road on the "AI" tour until September. Our sources tell us he is ditching Murray to do the home school thing (as in home with Daddy Dearest Jeff ) so he can work on his new album.

We haven't heard from David's reps as yet.

The rules for getting a picture with David Archuleta are stricter than Nazi Germany.

Before the "Idol" loser could leave "Regis & Kelly" yesterday, a high-pitched handler had to lay down the law. Why so militant? It's not like he's David Cook.

For someone with such a big voice, David Cook didn't have jack to say about his meat summit with Kimberly Castoff Caldwell the other night when we asked him about it at JFK yesterday.

In other news, who knew that both "AI" Davids -- Archuleta and Cook -- were both left handed? That's just weird, people.