Photo Credit: FOX

David Hernandez

Age:

24

Hometown:

Glendale, AZ

First singing for Cowell & Co. in San Diego, this seasoned performer has been on stage since the tender age of 6. Also appearing in the indie film Streets of Legend, Hernandez cemented his top 12 spot after a lively performance of Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” during 80’s Week.

Wowing judge Randy Jackson with the very first note of his Hollywood Week selection, “Love the One You’re With,” Hernandez caused Simon Cowell to declare him one of the week’s best performers.

This season’s first controversy casualty, Hernandez once worked as a stripper at the Phoenix, Ariz., club Dick’s Cabaret, appearing fully nude and giving lap dances to the club’s mostly male clientele for a three year period ending the September before his stint on Idol. Shortly before the Top 12 was announced, Idol’s executive producer Ken Warwick said the singer’s past would not affect his current standing in the competition.