David Archuleta is going back to the Philippines this November 21, 2025, for the &lsquo;Playback: Pop It Up Music Festival at the SM Mall of Asia Arena! This time, he&rsquo;s bringing not just his timeless hits, but also a new chapter in his story. The American Idol 2008 runner-up came out as queer in 2021, and with the release of his new EP &lsquo;Earthly Delights&rsquo; last month, David says he&rsquo;s stepping into his &ldquo;lover boy era.&rdquo;&nbsp;
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdavidarchuleta%2Fvideos%2F1306028484560407%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=476&amp;t=0" width="476" height="476" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" sandbox="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
&ldquo;I feel like [the album is] more sensual, confident, and [more focused on] enjoying what life has to offer&ndash;the earthly delights. I&rsquo;m just in a place where I feel confident and sexy, and I&rsquo;m writing more music already,&rdquo; he shared in an interview.
David Archuleta also mentioned that he&rsquo;s undergone therapy, worked on a book that&rsquo;s due out in February, and faced childhood wounds that shaped him. Through it all, his music has evolved into something freer, bolder, and more authentic.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m just excited to bring all of this energy to the fans of the Philippines because they&rsquo;ve always been so amazing, and I&rsquo;ve spent so much time there. I have so many friends there now! It will be fun to be back,&rdquo; he said.
The &lsquo;Playback: Pop It Up Music Festival&rsquo; lineup also includes BLUE and Vanessa Carlton. Will you be there, Fam?