Right after I was eliminated, I said, “Wow.” I was genuinely shocked. I really didn’t think I’d be going home.
Based on all the things the judges said about my vocals, I thought I’d be in the bottom three. In my eyes I did the best I could. If you look back at my performances, I’ve been consistent. I was very happy with my stage presence.
Everything happens for a reason. A lot of doors are going to open with this one closing. Right now I’m getting ready to do a bunch of press - I’m going to be on Ellen and the Today show. I’d love to do Broadway, but most importantly, I want a record out in the next year.
I don’t think it was cut short because people were uncomfortable with my past as an exotic dancer. When you interview for American Idol, they ask you about your past. If they weren’t comfortable with my past, then I wouldn’t have been there.
When I was in the media for a while, all the contestants huddled around, gave me a big hug and said, "Don’t you get on the Internet!" I did a pretty good job of blocking it all out. I’ve learned how to have a thick skin. Adversity is my best friend, and I am not ashamed of anything I’ve done in my past.
Becoming an overnight sensation has been a roller coaster. You go from being anonymous to famous and it’s just crazy, but throughout the madness and chaos I’ve developed a greater appreciation for the music business and confidence in myself as a performer. I’ve learned that all is fair in love, war and entertainment. Everything was fair, like it always is in American Idol.
I don’t have anything to say to the people that counted me out except to count me back in. I’m looking forward to moving on in the future.
Since I was a little kid I've always been touched by music and I want to touch people as well. As far as role modeling is concerned, I want just to inspire people, but I can only be me.
*****
For those that remain, the competition right now is so intense. No one is safe. Vocals are very important, but at this point, everything is based on song selection. Some people just have bigger fan bases.
We’re really like a family and it’s hard to leave. I’m so close to everybody that I’m voting for everybody or not at all. I can’t put myself in that predicament; everyone is so talented. You see how things change so quickly overnight. You’re only as good as your next performance.
Now that it's over, I’m looking forward to eating pork-flavored noodles and having a deep, deep breath away from the paparazzi. I want to go to my mom’s house and lay on the couch for 48 hours. I’m going to stay away from reality shows for a while. I’ll probably watch re-runs of Friends or something. I’m excited to get back to the gym and get my tan back.
It’s been an interesting experience, but I’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg. I have huge aspirations. I used to dream of having a fans base of 1000. Even when you’re in the top 24, millions of people are watching you.
Thanks you to all the millions of fans. If it wasn’t for you voting for me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. If I was to give advice, I’d say, “Never doubt yourself, always go with your instinct and usually your first song selection is the right one."
I can’t say why it was my time to go, but I can say I’m going to keep shopping for a record deal. Currently I’m unemployed and am open to all opportunities. Singing is something I was blessed with, so I want to reach out to people through my records. This isn’t the end of David Hernandez.
*****
Check out all the Orato.com special series:
Hell’s Kitchen Chopping Block [1]
Song Over For American Idols [2]
People In Peril [4]
