David Hernandez in One Music Idol With Staying Power

It has been 15 years since David Hernandez first made national attention for his run on the 7^th season of American Idol. Since that time, he has not stopped using his voice – both literally and figuratively – to support and active the LGBTQ community while addressing important issues like body positivity and sexual stigmas that exist within our family.

David started singing and performing in theater at a very young age. Before Idol, he sang on cruise ships and joined a handful of singing groups. An instant hit with the three judges during his San Diego Idol audition, he went on to become a fan favorite. Post Idol, he was featured on  The Ellen Show, The Today Show, MTV’s TRL, EXTRA, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Teen Choice Awards, & TV Guides’ Sexiest Stars, among many others. A highlight was his appearance at the Inaugural Kick-Off Celebration ball for Barak Obama, performing alongside celebrity recording artists John Legend & Maroon 5.

His original music has kept him in the spotlight, including his first hit “Beautiful” which reached the Top 100 of the Billboard Dance charts and would start an extensive library of continuous material. He kept the music going during COVID with his concert live streams, creating an intimate and much-needed digital safe space for his fans. Every year he tours to packed houses at LGBTQ events and beyond.

Most recently, we got a very intimate look at David’s career with his performance in Vegas’ Naked Boys Singing and his album Don’t @ Me where the singer went full frontal. Not just a thirst strap, he used the opportunity to share his struggles with body issues and to start the conversation towards removing the stigma of gay sexuality from the media.

David will be one of the headliners of this year’s NEST FEST at The Roost Lounge in Cathedral City, as he takes the stage Saturday, March 4^th. We caught up with him to chat personal life, sexuality, and his candid view on the LGBTQ community and the music industry.

How have you changed the most as an artist from your time on American Idol? 

I have learned to trust myself more through the years. A lot of it just comes with trial and error. When I auditioned for the show, I was only 23 years old. So I’ve had plenty of time to explore my vocals and songwriting abilities. I also think that overall, as a person, I’ve gained more confidence in my choices. I’ve also been able to be a part of the industry and have learned what does and what does not work for me. 

How have you changed as a person the most from your time on American Idol? 

I’ve always remained myself, but that show gave me the platform to travel the world so I’ve been able to see so many different cultures and places. I’m super grateful for the opportunities. I’ve also got to collaborate with some incredible people, so in retrospect I’ve always been the same David but, life experiences have opened my mind up a lot.

Your music has surpassed the LGBTQ fan base, what do you think makes your music so universal?

I honestly don’t know. I just try to write things that are authentic for me. Things that are from my heart. And I think on some level, people can relate to that. I’m always trying to speak my truth. I think all walks of life can appreciate that. 

You came out publicly before our current boom in openly LGBTQ entertainers, do you think coming out ever limited your career? 

Well, what I will say was that it provided some setbacks. I think there’s a lot of homophobia that exists within the queer community itself. I had a lot of gay agents and managers tell me that I should never come out publicly. And then, when I did, it was liberating. I think the only things that are really limiting are self-imposed ideas and thoughts. If I would’ve just stayed true to myself, whatever those people were saying to me would not have mattered. 

What is your advice to an LGBTQ musician just hitting the scene? 

Be bold! Be unapologetically you! …just go!! Release your music. Don’t second guess it. The more songs and albums, the better. 

How can we build better bridges between other minority groups? 

Have difficult and vulnerable conversations. Being vulnerable is the key to connectivity. We are all human beings just seeking to understand. 

You have played several Pride events around the globe. Do you think we should still continue to book and spotlight straight performers as headliners? 

I think the priority should be members of the queer community. But, it’s also important to support the allies that support us too. So, both! 

What sets you apart as a musician in today’s industry? 

I love getting to connect with my people. My fan base. I feel a deep connection to my supporters because a lot of them have been showing love since 2008 when I was on Idol. So I’m grateful to them for how long they’ve been riding with me. 

We got to see A LOT of you in the past couple of years, from your album to Naked Boy Singing. You’ve also shared a lot about your fitness journey. How do you deal with body image issues, especially in our community? 

Body image is always an issue for me. I have ups and downs, like everyone else. But I try to talk to myself in a positive way because your thoughts become actions and I don’t want to treat myself poorly. I really think at this point in my life I’m being more gentle with myself. I realize I always hold myself to a very unreasonable and unrealistic standard that I don’t hold anyone else to. I’m a work in progress. 

What was it like performing in Vegas for an extended period? What did you love, what didn’t you love? 

I loved all of it! I will say the only tough part was being away from my dog and boyfriend. Six months of traveling & driving back and forth to LA is exhausting. But overall, I loved the Vegas culture and the queer community was super supportive of our show. I left that city with new friends. 

What inspired you to go “full frontal?” 

Honestly, it was the Naked Boys Singing contract. It really took me out of my shell and gave me so much confidence in my body. I also thought “look, you’re fit, your young-ish, and you’re proud of yourself and the work you put in…..so why not?” So, I did. [Laughs]

What are you working on that you are most excited about? 

I’m actually working on a podcast right now centered around mental health and addiction, specifically men’s mental health and also the queer community. Not only do I have a lot of experience in that area but I have a lot to say. Additionally, I am releasing a deluxe album from the EP that was dropped last March Don’t @ Me. 

What can we expect from your performance at NEST FEST at The Roost Lounge? 

Great energy and big vocals!! 

Who are some of your current musical inspirations? 

I love all of the greats from way back but I’ve been inspired lately by SZA and H.E.R. They’re such lyrical masterminds. 

You had an early start in musical theatre, followed by Naked Boys, any chance of returning to your musical theatre roots again? 

YES!! I would love to return to musical theater. I would love to be on Broadway one day! I’m manifesting that! 

What are your keys to success in maintaining a healthy relationship while in the entertainment industry?

As far as the relationship is concerned, total transparency and vulnerability are what I find to be most effective. Having those difficult conversations is necessary and always leads to a healthy outcome. 

What is your message to your fans?

Thank you for loving me and supporting me all these years! And stay tuned. The best is yet to come.

You can follow David on IG: @DHernandezMusic

[photos by Bobby Quillard]

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