Watch: David Hernandez Releases New Video, Talks Being Queer & Authentic

There was some drama when David Hernandez appeared on the seventh season of Fox's "American Idol" in 2008. The Phoenix-born singer was headed into the Top 12, but this was jeopardized when media reports surfaced identifying him as an employee at a gay Phoenix male strip club.

Fortunately, the producers didn't think this was an obstacle for him to appear on the show; but a shaky performance of a Beatles' song did him in and he was the first of the 12 to be sent home. In another interview, Hernandez said that it was the song selection that did him in, not his past. "I think America is smart enough to know by now that personal lives should not influence [an artist's] musical career. ... I did a pretty good job of blocking it all out." Though, he later told OUT Magazine, "It was hard to go online and not read something negative about myself."

Earlier this year Hernandez said that his stint on the show opened many doors for him. He sang at President Barak Obama's Inaugural kick-off celebration ball, where he shared the stage with John Legend; appeared on numerous television shows such as "The Ellen Show," "The Today Show," "Entertainment Tonight," "Teen Choice Awards," "TV Guides' Sexiest Stars 2008," "Idol Tonight" and "Idol Gives Back;" and has headlined in Vegas. He also toured with "Ballroom With A Twist," a "Dancing With the Stars"-spinoff, in the U.S. and abroad, as well as a number of Motown-themed revues.

In 2016 he also released a song, "Beautiful," about being being authentic and loving one's self, and used the moment to come out. "If you're missing a leg, you're still beautiful. If you're overweight, you're still beautiful. If you are 75 years old, you're still beautiful," Hernandez told OUT. "That's why I wanted to share my own story as a gay man."

In 2018 Hernandez released his second album, "Kingdom: The Mixtape." (He had released his first, "I Am Who I Am," in 2011.) The song "Kingdom" featured fellow "American Idol" contestant Blake Lewis on the beat box and his collaborator Daniel Braustein on electric guitar and drums. Two years later, he felt that "Kingdom" didn't get the attention it deserved, which led the 37-year-old to film a video with a small crew in Los Angeles, where he now lives, during the pandemic.

EDGE spoke to the talented singer on a Zoom call while staying in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico recently about the video, growing up conservative and the pressure put on him not to come out.

EDGE: I interviewed you for a previous show you did under a circus tent called "Dancing Queen"...

David Hernandez: I have PTSD about that show. It was so hot in that tent and I had to wear platform heels. I was singing ABBA songs. My booking agent said there would be no choreography. The first day I show up, there is intensive choreography and blocking. You live and learn!

EDGE: I remember you being a bit nervous about it.

David Hernandez: First off, I am not a dancer and I had four-inch platform shoes on. I thought I would die.

EDGE: When we last spoke you were not out of the closet publicly.

David Hernandez: I was private about it. Everyone that I was close to knew I was one hundred percent gay, but it wasn't discussed a lot. That was due to me having fear and was on 'American Idol.' I was essentially not voted into the Top 10 because of the scandal that Perez Hilton leaked.

This was 14 years ago, and a very different climate. I was terrified and didn't want to rock the boat. I wanted people to appreciate me for my music. Fast forward to 2016 and now, this is a part of who I am, so why not be honest and open with it when people ask?

The record company would sometimes scare the fear of God into me. They will say to not come out about your sexuality, especially if you are gay. That has always stayed with me. I am glad I finally came to my senses. That was stupid!

EDGE: The music industry has changed so much, too.

David Hernandez: Yes. After me there was Adam Lambert and so many other queer artists who were open and honest about who they are.

EDGE: After coming out, did you lose or gain fans?

David Hernandez: I think I gained many new fans. I don't pay attention to the ones I lost, because they didn't like me for who I am. Many people said they appreciated my story and how open I was about it. They said they were more comfortable about coming out to their parents after hearing my story.

Many years ago, I had at least two fans that were younger who had committed suicide before I came out. I didn't feel responsible for their death, but I felt more responsible to be who I am after that.

Who knows? A little kid in the middle of the country may not have access to the things we do in California, Chicago and New York. They might take inspiration from my story. If I can be a beacon of hope for them in some small way or save a life, then that would be a win.

EDGE: Some artists who have been performing longer than you still haven't come out yet.

David Hernandez: It is sad. They have such a platform, and it would be cool if they could be authentic. A lot of the disappointment within the industry comes from a lot of the older record executives and managers who are stuck in that mindset.

When I came out, people that were close to me and part of my management team, who were also gay ironically enough, told me not to come out and that it would tank my career. It didn't do any of that.

It comes from fear that they project onto you, because back in their day it would have never worked, just like Ellen DeGeneres who lost everything for a while. They still have that idea.

I still work with some of them and I encourage them to think outside of what they have been conditioned to believe. Things are different now, and kids are ruling the world when they are open about themselves.

EDGE: You were born in Arizona. Were you raised in a conservative environment?

David Hernandez: I was raised in a Mexican Catholic family on my dad's side. My mother is nondenominational. They are divorced, and I was raised by my mother when I was younger. She always encouraged me to be myself. When I moved in with my dad the world pulled me back in from being a unicorn. i developed both characteristics of being self conscious and being free. I am still like that now, thinking someone will judge me. At the end of the day, I can't make everyone happy.

To answer your question, I grew up liberal except for the religious side of my family. Arizona was a conservative state. The gay scene wasn't on and poppin' back then!

EDGE: What inspired your song "Sorry?"

David Hernandez: I was in the studio with Michael Orland, the previous music director for "American Idol." We wrote the song in 45 minutes. It is about saying you are sorry before time goes by. It is about ego and not telling a person that died you are sorry. It is a broad song that covers all kinds of relationships.

I was on the other side of it where I needed to say I was sorry in a relationship years and years ago. I pulled from everywhere for the song. I have a tendency to write sad songs, so it wasn't too hard.

EDGE: You filmed the video in a parking garage?

David Hernandez: Yes. We filmed a few other places, but when we arrived at the parking garage, we knew that was what the video needed to be. We might have a big plan, but sometimes something unplanned will make a video amazing.

We literally spun around hoping not to make people dizzy, and we shot at one of my friend's places in front of a projector. My boyfriend Derek Caldera and I directed it. My friend Arno Diem shot it. He shoots all of my videos and is easy to work with. We did it on a shoestring budget, with one camera.

EDGE: I saw a countdown with the song "Kingdom" on your social media.

David Hernandez: I released the song on my 2018 album "Kingdom: The Mixtape." The song never got the love that I wanted it to get because I was shooting other videos and touring. I have taken advantage of my time in lockdown to be creative and work with a few of my favorite people.

I wrote it about a particular relationship. It is about thinking you love someone when it is really just lust. I wrote it with my friend Sarah Thiele, Hanna Madison Taylor and Katie Stump. It was originally written for the "Lucifer" TV series. It is a moody and dark song. It is my favorite video as far as cinematography, with a beautiful aesthetic.

EDGE: Do you have a favorite cover song you sing?

David Hernandez: I just learned Bryan Adams' "Heaven" for my livestreams. It is an '80s throwback, but my favorite song right now and still a banger.

"Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" and Celine Dion's "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" are staples for me. People still request those after I have been singing the songs for 14 years. I am an ol' school balladeer at heart.

EDGE: Are there cover songs that you never want to perform again?

David Hernandez: There are so many! I grew up singing in cover bands my whole life. "Sweet Caroline" and "Superstition" I never want to perform again. Take all bar songs off the table.

During the quarantine I have to relive some of this when I have the request portion of my shows.

EDGE: You have this "Drinks with David" live Facebook show, I saw.

David Hernandez: Yes. I had to cancel a show at the beginning of the pandemic in March, so I switched to online and people could donate if they wanted to. So many people showed up, and every week has been mind-blowing to me with their support. It is fun and has really opened my eyes to virtual streaming.

It is an hour and a half show. Last night I did eighties and nineties songs, plus a few originals.

EDGE: You are not shy about showing your body on Instagram. Are you working out a lot these days?

David Hernandez: Now I am. I am just proud of it, and that is why I show it. I am not trying to gloat.

At the beginning of the pandemic I was drinking a lot, because I lost thousands of dollars because of tour cancellations and merchandise. I was not looking enjoyable to myself. I felt gross inside, and that translated to the outside. I had dark circles under my eyes. It was a depressing time.

I began working with a trainer and hit it hard five days a week. That is why I show my progress. I am happy now, and if I can do it, anyone can do it.

All the gyms are closed, so it is at home. I had to reimagine how to get fit. I hate working out. I don't enjoy it, but if you want a body, you have to work for it, just like anything.

EDGE: Do you have a favorite tattoo?

David Hernandez: I haven't gotten my favorite yet. I am still waiting to get a whole sleeve done. I want it to involve music notes and the universe. I have 14 small tattoos now. I like the Hebrew one I have that says, "They won't break me."

EDGE: What was your favorite moment from your season of "American Idol?"

David Hernandez: I loved meeting Bryan Adams and George Michael. I liked the pressure of being on the show. We had to learn a song, rehearse and be onstage the next day. It was quick and fast paced. It felt like boot camp for the entertainment industry. Getting to know Paula Abdul was great, and Simon Cowell was a nice guy. It is crazy to look back at that!

EDGE: What do you think of the current "American Idol?"

David Hernandez: I love it. I met my good friend Effie Passero through Idol, who just did my livestream from last night. It is different with new judges and a different network. The same concept is there, and it still changes people's lives. I watch it when I can.

Speaking of "Idol," rest in peace, Nikki McKibbin, who just passed away. I did shows with her back in 2009. She had an amazing spirit.

EDGE: What projects do you have coming up?

David Hernandez: More singles at the beginning of the year. I hope to release a Christmas single. My tour dates have been pushed back, so not announced yet. I am in limbo and trying to keep my mental health positive. It is not the end of the world, although it may feel like it. We have to stay healthy if we can and pull through!

For more on David Hernandez, visit his website or on Facebook.

Watch David Hernandez's video for "Kingdom":