David Archuleta to become Mormon missionary for two years - video

David Archuleta has announced that he is to become a missionary for the Mormon faith for two years.

The former American Idol runner-up will put his music career on hold while he carries out his religious duties as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The 20-year-old will reportedly have to follow a strict set of rules during his missionary work, which includes only having twice-yearly phone calls to his family.

While appearing at the Salt Lake City leg of his My Kind of Christmas Tour, he said: "I would like to make a special announcement: that I've chosen to serve a full-time mission.

"It's not because someone told me I was supposed to do it and not because I no longer want to do music anymore; it's because it's what I feel I need to do next in my life.

"It's the same feeling that I've always tried to follow in my life - the feeling that's allowed me to have the opportunities I've had, the challenges and the blessings, too. And I've learned to trust that feeling and answer when it calls. That's the reason why I know I have to do this in my life."

The singer is expected to perform his final gig at Beaver Creek, Colorado on Wednesday (December 21).

Archuleta was dropped by the Jive record label in February.

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Watch David Archuleta make the announcement below: