I find the phenomenon annoying. Not that Mormons are on reality TV shows, but just the overall cliquishness of the whole thing: like the fact that Romney won 90% of the vote in Utah (which I say as a non-Mormon Romney supporter). I find it annoying that so many Utahns pay so much attention to the television while most couldn't even name their state representative.

When I WAS a Mormon, I recall being taught to be in the world but not of the world. What ever happened to that?

Yawn

Hey anonymous, give it a rest! This “phenomenon” is no different than “Beatle Mania” that took place years ago. Let the fans have fun and act crazy if they want to. It has nothing to do with Mormonism. If some of this attention is because LDS are talented and have some excellent qualities to portray to others around the nation or world, let it happen. They could be a Baptist or a Methodist, or whatever, but because they happen to be LDS, then so many people get bent out of shape. I’ve never been able to figure that one out…what difference does it make if you’re a “Mormon” or not? How come it’s never an issue with others in spite of their religion? Let the good times roll!

I am supposed to care, why?

James: It's worse than yawn.
If we have to gain a self esteem through an incredibly stuped TV show, we've gotten pretty sad.

I am a convert, by choice. I like what Mormon people believe, stand for, how they live their lives, how they give financially to Church and community, their clean habits. That was just the social side for me, but when I really started studying the doctrines that I was converted. You see I found that those who knock it really don't know anything about it. They think the Mormons are cliquish but they fall into the trap of believing everything negative instead of investigating themselves. When I finally got to the point I was willing to use Faith instead of Logic I got the answer I was seeking. President Spencer W. Kimball said it all by the title of his book, "Faith Precedes the Miracle". And to those who "Left" the Church, it just goes to show they can leave it but they can't leave it alone.

What's wrong with Mormon cliquishness? So people want to see someone succeed who has something fundamental in common with them - big deal. Do you root for American athletes at the Olympics? And if so, why? Probably because of your American "cliquishness."

And I'm having trouble believing all those who say they don't care. Apparently you care enough to come here and leave dumb comments about how much you don't care. Now that's what you'd call ironic.

Always been a little curious as to why the news always has to attach the mormon name to artists and people in the news? I hardly read about other idol finalists and what religion they are?? Seems a bit wrong to me. Let them just be people. Stop making it more of a club than it already is.

The story is bad enough but who wrote that horrible headline?! "Mormon Times" or not, it's no wonder some non-Mormons are so turned off by Deseret News.

You guys complain yet you still take time to read stories like this. "Yawn" pretty much describes how exciting your life must be. I am also continually amazed by how many people are "turned off" by the Deseret News because the paper writes stories about the LDS culture. What were you expecting?

You said "what difference does it make if you’re a “Mormon” or not?"

That's exactly the point that Anonymous | 2:16 a.m was making. You say " It has nothing to do with Mormonism" but yet the title of the article is "America's next top Mormon" It seems to that it has everything to do with being mormon. You don't see any articles about the other top contestants from American Idol do you? You won't unless they convert and go get baptized at the temple. Once again the LDS owned paper spews it's bigotry only supporting those under it's control. This paper printed similar articles when Willard Mitt Romney was running for president, they [Dnews] boasted how they supported him because he was the "best man for the job" and NOT just because he was mormon. But when America decided he wasn't the best man for the job, the Dnews printed many stories of how he was discriminated against because of his beliefs. And should young David get voted off American Idol, you can bet they will run similar stories about how mormons are discriminated against, fueling the "persecution" fire.

Get a grip. This newspaper has a predominantly LDS audience. There are many other news sites to read from if you don't like the Mormon spin. We like to cheer on those who are part of our own. Nothing wrong with that. As for my opinion, I get an icky feeling when I listen to any one of the other contestants. The other David has a drugged out appearance when he performs, Syeisha (sp?)did this provocative little leg spread dance in a very sort skirt. Had to turn it off with my 13 yr old and two very impressionable 4 and 5 yr olds watching. Do I want those contestants to be a role model or someone for my kids to look up to? Not!! Without a doubt, David Archuleta is the most talented of the bunch, regardless of his religion. The fact that he is LDS and has a good wholesome image is icing for me. ANd not the other way around.

By the way, Mitt Romney WAS the best man for the job. His morals and integrity learned from being a life-long member of the LDS church played into that somewhat, but mostly, he was the smartest candidate.

If you don't want to read "Mormon" stories then don't go into the "LDS Newsline, then you don't have to be grumpy and rude. And the Deseret News is a LDS newspaper, to make these negative comments is silly when you are coming into a media that is LDS, that would be like you watching KBYU and complaining that they play General Conference talks on there. When you go into someone's home, you do not have the right to attack them or what is there, the same applies here, you are reading this in a specified spot for the LDS, be nice.

Re: Tom |7:58

You got off point and digressed. The article about David was in the on-line newspaper MormonTimes.com, thus news about Mormons. Do other religions or groups have the same? If so I would not expect to see an article about Mormons there, but rather one of their own (like USC grad makes finals!). Romney is the best man, but Huckabee brought religion into the debate, and look where he is (and Romney still beat him even though he dropped out). On TV, David is neither being promoted or singled out as Mormon. So you are trying to mix apples and oranges. OBTW, converts do not get baptized in the temple. Your bias runs deep as shown by some of the adjectives you use. So why read the the DN? There is always the SLT.

This type of article is exactly why I am embarrased to be from Utah.

This article is not embarrasing. If you are embarassed about Utah it should be for polygamy, liquor laws, prozac use or something else, not this article.

The DNews article seemed to be more a reference to the article in Newsweek titled "Americas Next Top Mormon". I can't tell if Non Mormon Utahns are mad at Newsweek for running their story first, or only mad at the DNews for letting us know about it. Either way, it's not that big of a deal. It is fun to root for friends, relatives, and others with similar beliefs, but it isn't exclusive. We also root for other Utahans (Mormons or not), for the Utah Jazz (not many Mormons there) and for the USA. Please don't get offended by it. No harm is intended.

I love Mormons. And not only was Mitt Romney the smartest candidate, he was also the most attractive. I'm not gonna lie, Mormons are pretty people.

I couldn't have said it better myself! Congratulations on gaining a testimony. Guard and nourish it well. It is your most important possession. Now that we know, we have no one to blame for personal failure but ourselves.

The caravan moves on!....

I am a living example of your statement.

Hey Mormons!! I'm exercising my right to shout out to my Mormon peeps on our own newspaper. If you have a prob with that, I honestly couldn't care less. I am a Mormon from the Bay Area and I must say I am proud that our kind is getting out there a slicing out our piece of the pie! I don't watch American Idol, but I have heard David sing and man can he sing! Way to go Mormons!!

Sorry guys, but I was one of the few Mormons that voted Obama in the Feb 5th primaries. I felt like he represented more of my political views, but don't hate. I respect Romney, I just like Obama more. If Obama wasn't in the picture, I may have considered Romney. Though I do love Romney for going out there and representin'!! Any other Mormon candidates? How about a Democrat next time? Like maybe Matheson...

People are complaining about the fact that this is even a story, but no one is really addressing the actual phenomenon in question.

The fact is that Mormons make up a small proportion of the population, but we see a lot of them in public life, whether in reality shows, politics, etc. The phenomenon is real and interesting to a lot of people, which is shown by the fact that the article was in Newsweek. Mike Nelson 11:23 totally missed where the article was from. MormonTimes, run by the DeseretNews was simply linking to Newsweek. Yes, Newsweek.

Oh come on all you LDS folk. You and I both know that when someone is famous in your Church you cant wait to tell everyone till they are bored out of their brains by it. You even have books published telling who famous Mormons are. Then when it suits you, you say, 'How come everyone has to mention that their a Mormon'. Beats me!!

Hey Calikid-- I'm also a Barack fan from California. It's too bad that Hillary won our state, but at least we voted for the person who could become one of the all time great presidents.

I was excited to hear that Mitt was running, as I was impressed with how he handled the Olympics thing, but I didn't like his trying to out-conservative Huckabee when that wasn't in line with his resume, so he turned me off.

I don't watch American Idol, but I am happy that Gladys Knight is a member of the church. I don't know why that makes me happy, but it does.

So David Archuleta is Mormon....big deal....why don't we point out he has a pushy, arrogant, controling, creepy father I assume is Mormon too. Why don't we discuss the contradition of that.

For those of you who live and die in Utah. Please understand that people who live outside of the state have one reaction..."Huh???" Who cares? He isn't going to win anyway, so and so will win it all. (Now you know how often I watch "Idol".)You folk play to such a small audience that it scares but does not suprise me, that you believe this is relevent. My response to the whole smeal..."Huh???... Who Cares? Sounds like the kids are fighting on the playground again".

Gladys Knight is Mormon? What about the Pips?

My experience as an evangelical Christian is that Mormon people are brilliant, talented, and SINCERE but when it comes to issues of God, Jesus, and the Hoy Spirit as presented as TRUTH in the Bible, Mormons are sadly but SINCERELY WRONG. But Oh well, all that is at stake is eternity! I do however feeled compelled to angst over professed Christians preaching hatred instead of peace, grace, and love such as the infamous Rev Wright. I also found it compelling to learn LDS leaders want to shift their name to the "Church of Jesus Christ" and move away from LDS or Mormon lables. I say come on over join the light and worship JESUS, just leave those other books behind. Freedom awaits!

I have absolutely no doubt that David Archuleta will win, actually it would surprise me if he didn't!

I can't wait for David Cook to Win. He is by far the best this year.

We believe in Christ. He is the center stone of our religion. Many people don't understand that, but its true. His name is in our name. But really I understand if people don't agree. That is there own personal choice. But we are christians we do believe in christ and we do follow his teachings. We also believe everyone one has the right to worship how, where, or what they may so thats cool we won't jump down your throat for believeing what you believe. I know its true and thats all that matters i'm not gonna force you find out for yourself.

America's "Next Top Mormon" - This title makes it sound like the competition to see who can appear the most righteous that goes on in Mormon wards and stakes has been formalized and they decided on a winner! Each one of the arrogant, self-righteous people in my ward thinks THEY are "America's Next Top Mormon!"

Too funny!

It still stands: Mormons are extremely good-looking.