David Archuleta's New Memoir Deals with Leaving Mormonism and His Sexuality: 'It's an Important Message' (Exclusive)

Get ready to learn a lot more about David Archuleta's life.

The American Idol alum is working on his first-ever memoir, and it'll feature in-depth reflections on his 2021 coming out journey and time in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before his exit the following year.

"It's about coming out of the closet, coming out of Mormonism and trying to teach people why coming out is not just a choice," Archuleta, 34, tells PEOPLE at Steven Tyler's Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles on Feb. 2. "Because people from where I grew up thought, 'Well, you made the choice to do that. Why would you do that?' And it's like, well, I tried everything not to be queer."

Related: David Archuleta Says Mormon Friends Are 'Cold' to Him 1 Year After Leaving Church: 'They've Moved On' (Exclusive)

Crafting a memoir hasn't been an easy process for the "Crush" singer. "I didn't realize how controversial my life is," adds Archuleta, who's now "in a good place" with his memoir and "can't wait" for its release.

"I feel like it's an important message," he teases. "Even if it's some risky stuff to talk about, I think we need to talk about certain things. I'm ready to go on tour. I'm ready to talk about the topics, and if there's anything that people don't understand, I'm ready to combat that too."

Related: David Archuleta Says Making New Music Feels Like 'I'm Cleansing Myself Right Now’ (Exclusive)

While preparing to release the book, Archuleta "reached out to most people" mentioned within its pages. "I just want to be respectful, even family members I've had controversial dynamics with," he says.

"I think it's important to talk about certain things. I changed names," explained the musician. "It's interesting to talk about your life when other people had such an impact on you. And it's like, 'Well, how do I tell my story if I don't include how these people affected my life?'"

Before sharing the book with fans, Archuleta will release a cover of George Michael's "Freedom" on Feb. 7 in honor of the song's 35-year anniversary.

"I feel like that song is needed now more than ever, the message of freedom and standing up for your freedom and fighting for your freedom, even when other people don't understand you, who you are and what you stand for is wrong, and they're told to fear," he says. "I'm hoping that freedom that people really can remember George Michael's message."

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