Mitt Romney may not be a choice for the U.S. presidency, but Mormons aren't out of the running for another popular contest this year. "American Idol" season seven is down to the top 12 and two of them are young LDS singers Brooke White and David Archuleta.

White and Archuleta are simultaneously competing for the title of American Idol while also representing their Mormon faith.

White, a 24-year-old nanny from Mesa, Ariz., didn't say outright that she was Mormon, but during her first audition in front of the three-judge panel she made her standards clear.

"I've never seen a rated 'R' movie," White said.

She also said she chose to never smoke or drink alcohol. After her audition, judge Randy Jackson said there was "something sort of pure" about her. Simon Cowell, another judge, threatened to bring her "to the dark side," to which she said, "I dare you."

Deon Christensen, a Provo resident and "American Idol" fan, said she can tell how contestants were raised and what their standards are by how they act on the show.

"There will be a lot of people pushing for them to do things they don't want," Christensen said. "If they do become big, I think they're going to have to look inside themselves to find what's really worth it."

David Archuleta, a 17-year-old from Murray, has a good chance of becoming big. Not only do "American Idol" fans love him, but also Simon Cowell, who is notorious for exploiting any faults contestants might have.

Cowell has even predicted Archuleta to be one of the final two contestants.

"He's cute. He's likeable. [He has] a big voice. He's the one to beat," Cowell said.

Madison Neiswender, a junior at BYU majoring in fitness and wellness, knows Archuleta from her high school and home stake in Murray. She said she encouraged him to try out for an auditioned choir at Murray High School, but he said he had something else in mind. That something else was "American Idol."

"He's doing great. The judges love him, everybody loves him," Neiswender said. "He's just so David up there on stage. ... He's one of the most humble and shy kids you'll ever meet."

Not a lot has been mentioned on the show about White and Archuleta's religion, which may be the reason for some fans' opinions that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will have little influence on the show and its fans.

"It might open up a few eyes," Neiswender said. "I don't think it'll change their [non LDS] views of the church, unless they [White and Archuleta] do something crazy."

Other fans, however, think it will be a good thing for the church.

"Any time a Mormon can be in the public eye, in a good light, it's a bonus for our religion," Christensen said.

The next elimination episode is tonight on FOX, where the top 12 will be reduced to the top 11.

Copyright Brigham Young University 11 Mar 2008