David Archuleta sings for his hometown crowd. Photo from the newsrooom of lds.org

Tonight’s the night “the two Davids” compete to be crowned the next American Idol.

One, I recently learned, David Archuleta, is a Latter-day Saint (Mormon). I don’t watch T.V. much and I am not up on popular ure, but I hear Mormons are now populating the reality television shows and drawing interest. I learned this from Newsweek.

My first reaction was: “where have I been?” I am missing all the excitement. There are members of my faith who are losing weight (the Biggest Loser), surviving (Survivor) and dancing (Dancing with the Stars and So You Think you can Dance). Who knew?

My second reaction was: “why all the fuss?” Why aren’t the faiths of others mentioned?

I guess it is because people still hold on to the notion that Mormons are not likely to be found doing normal things. If you call eating a bucket of worms normal, that is. So when Mormons are seen in a context that is unfamiliar, it is news.

Or is there more to it than that? I could probably analyze this forever.

But rather than get too deep in my thoughts, my third reaction was more superficial:

“How do I get on the Mormon-fame wagon?” Can I leverage my faith at a chance for the spotlight?

OK, please don’t take me too seriously here, but I am having fun with this.

I noticed this week that the new Design Star challengers were announced on HGTV’s website — click here. I can’t spot a Mormon amongst them. The truth is, it can be hard to tell. But let’s suppose they don’t have one.

I am an interior designer — learn more: click here. Should I compete for a spot on the Design Star show? If I tell them I am Mormon, will it improve my chances?

I secretly want to compete (not a secret now!). I am highly competitive and not to be outdone by my fellow Latter-day Saints.

So, if you will indulge me, please let HGTV know that St. Louis has a Mormon interior designer who needs to be the next Design Star.

For a more serious treatment of this subject, learn about how faith informs the performances and experiences of the famous LDS — click here.