In 2008, David Archuleta finished second on the seventh season of American Idol. A few months later, Archuleta released his first single, “Crush.” Peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, the single was a massive success. After a long wait, Archuleta released an extended ten-minute version of the song last week.

Before “Crush” was cut down to a ten-minute version and then more to a final three minute and thirty-three second version, Archuleta believed it was “probably a 20-minute song.” Archuleta had conceived the song while still a contestant on American Idol. He had a huge crush on judge Paula Abdul and did not know how to deal with it. Every week after the Top 12 were decided, he wrote another verse describing his feelings. During the recording of his debut album, producers felt it best to remove all specific mentions and possible references to Abdul due to the almost 30 year age difference.

Archuleta never intended to release the version with all the lyrics, but the clamoring from fans was too much to resist. Last year, he teased a longer version of the song on his Instagram. During the beginning of the pandemic, Archuleta recorded the original lyrics and recruited many other musicians to record the backing tracks in their own home studios. “I still have this crush from way back and it’s cathartic to just lay it all on the line. I hope she hears this and feels the same way so we can finally be together.” Most notably, Lindsey Stirling provides a violin solo and JTM (formerly James the Mormon) adds in a rap breakdown

He originally hoped to release it on his album earlier this year, but thought it did not fit the theme of the album. It now appears on his album full of Thanksgiving songs. To promote the release, Archuleta performed the full version of the song on BYUtv’s premier late night talk show.