UPDATE: Both David Hernandez and Brooke White made it to the final 12 (six men and six women). The March 11, 2008 telecast was David's last performance, however, as he was sent home on March 12th. David was gracious during his post-dismissal interviews, and credited the defeat to song selection. I wish him well in his music career.
Five people with Arizona ties made it to the Hollywood auditions for American Idol's 7th season. Vakira Cramer of Gilbert, Ashley Robinette of Scottsdale and Perrie Cataldo of Phoenix didn't get the green light to move forward, but David Hernandez from Glendale, Arizona made it to the coveted top 12 list (men) for American Idol 7. Brooke White, born and raised in Mesa, was one of the 12 women finalists.
The 2008 competition features the best 12 men and 12 women from thousands that auditioned in various cities across the country.
Fast Facts about David Hernandez
As I find out more, I'll be adding the information, so check back! Do you have something to add? Let me know.- David is 24 years old.
- He lists his musical influences as Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, Alicia Keys, Anthony Hamilton, Michael Jackson and Peabo Bryson.
- David Hernandez auditioned in San Diego and received a unanimous yes vote from the three judges to go on to the next round. He sang "Ain’t Too Proud To Beg" by The Temptations.
- He sang "Love the One You’re With" by Stephen Stills at the Hollywood American Idol audition. Here's his video on YouTube.
- Although he made it to the top 24 American Idol contestants, Simon didn't vote for him. Simon loved him at the Hollywood interview, but cautioned him that he'd have to work very hard to have any success moving forward.
- The bio for David Hernandez at American Idol says he is from Phoenix, but I understand that he actually lives in Glendale, Arizona which is a city just west of Phoenix, part of the Greater Phoenix area.
- David Hernandez is single.
- David attended both the University of Arizona in Tucson and Arizona State University in Tempe. He seems to be more of a Wildcat than a Sun Devil!
- David was not selected as the 2007 Arizona Idol. That went to Travis Neese.
- David has performed locally with R&B/Latin bands including Straight Up and Tribe 7.
- When David was young, he performed with the Valley Youth Theatre (as did Jordin Sparks).
- What about all those comments about David being gay, and having been a stripper? Unless he comes out and says it's true, I'm not assuming it.
- The manager of Dick's Cabaret has told the media that David Hernandez worked there regularly for three years prior to auditioning for American Idol. Apparently, David Hernandez appeared nude and performed lap dances for the patrons. Dick's Cabaret is described as an all male club. It is in Phoenix, not far from the airport. At this point Fox has not said that they will disqualify David.
David Hernandez American Idol Song List
Week 4: "I Saw Her Standing There" (Beatles)Week 3: "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" (Celine Dion)
Week 2: "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" (The Temptations)
Week 1: "In the Midnight Hour" (Wilson Pickett)
Can David Hernandez follow in the footsteps of last season's American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks? I guess we'll just have to watch and see.
Visit the official site for American Idol to get information about the other contestants, and to see the program schedule.
