Since he finished second on last year's "American Idol," David Archuleta has headlined shows in Virginia, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada and Idaho.

But never in Utah, his home state. Until this week.

Archuleta performed Tuesday in St. George, and Friday he performs in West Valley City at the E Center, his last U.S. stop before heading to the United Kingdom in April.

The Murray native was resting his voice from the demands of his first headlining tour, so Archuleta recently answered Tribune interview questions via e-mail.

On his emotions as he approaches his biggest-ever Utah gig:

It's my first headlining tour, and it's been such a blast so far. There's nothing that compares to that feeling of being home, and I'm really looking forward to it.

On memories of seeing artists at the E Center:

I got to see Carrie Underwood's concert at the E Center not too long ago, and she put on a great show. I also saw New Kids on the Block there, who have the same manager as me. They had Lady Gaga and Natasha Bedingfield as supporting acts for their show, and Natasha's one of my favorite musicians, so I was really excited. The last concert I saw in Utah was actually at the Murray Theater. Adele, another one of my favorites, performed there in January with James Morrison as a supporting act. I loved that show. Adele and James Morrison both have such great voices.

On his voice:

I'm surprised at how well it's been holding up, because I've never had to perform this many songs before in a set; also considering that it's almost every night. I actually lost my voice from oversinging during rehearsals and for the first couple of tour shows. That was really scary. I was thinking: "I haven't even started yet and it's already gone!" But my voice was able to hold for all those shows, and it's now feeling great. I've learned a lot about making sure I take care of my voice and how to do that.

On this season of "American Idol":

I haven't really gotten to watch a whole lot of this season, but I've been watching as much as I could. There isn't really anyone that I think reminds me of me -- ha, ha -- at least not from the episodes that I've seen. But there are some really good singers that I like so far. I haven't really based a strong impression on them yet, since I've only seen them perform once, but I am really excited to see them perform each week.

On watching Tamyra Gray perform "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" during the first season of "Idol":

It probably was the most pivotal musical moment of my young life. That first season of "American Idol" had such a big impact on me, and getting to see people perform in ways I've never seen really changed my perspective on music and performing. It really inspired me to want to do what those singers were doing.

On his religious faith and temptations:

Faith has been a major part of all of this. I honestly wouldn't be here if it weren't for my faith and beliefs, and they have helped me get through a lot of the challenges I've had to face. As long as I keep that and my family close to me, I think it will help me continue to make the right decisions and resist those temptations that people think I may have to face. The way I see it is that God gave me a gift, and he expects me to use it the right way.

On what fans respond to:

They respond really well to "Touch My Hand," since that's the opener. Some other ones they respond well to are "Crush" and a song I haven't released anywhere, called "Zero Gravity," that I helped write.

On the tour's evolution:

We actually had to shorten the length of the set because most of the venues we've been performing at are standing venues. We didn't want people getting too tired from standing when doors opened an hour before the show, during Lesley Roy's set, and then through mine.

On plans for the future:

After the tour, I am going to Asia to do some promotions there. And after Asia, I'll be going on tour in the U.K. as an opening act for a popular group called McFly there. I am planning on doing some more writing and recording in the future soon, though.

On his favorite things to do when in Utah:

I usually just like to go out with my friends and visit people. It's a really fun thing to just catch up with people I haven't seen for a while, and then maybe we'll go grab a bite to eat somewhere. I love going out to eat, so that's what we do the most, I guess.