“American Idol” runner-up David Archuleta startled a Christmas concert crowd in Salt Lake City with the announcement that he’s putting his musical career on hold to become a Mormon missionary.

David Archuleta

The Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints strongly encourages its youth to go on two-year mission stints before starting their families or careers.

The Season 7 runner-up comes from a devoutly Mormon family, but saw his singing career

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