American Idol's David Hernandez's Strip Club Scandal
The club manager of "Dick's Cabaret," Gordy Bryan confirmed to the Associated Press on Monday, March 3, that David Hernandez was indeed a dancer at the prominently male clientele club. Rumors had been swirling on the site VoteForTheWorst.com for a while now that Hernandez lied to American Idol about his past job history. They in fact claim that Hernandez was a stripper at the time of his audition. They state that Hernandez failed to make his online photo album private and therefore pictures of Hernandez in various stages of dress were available to the public. Vote for the worst also calls into question David's sexuality, repeatedly telling him to "come out" and to "be proud."
Fox has not released a statement yet according to the Associated Press. This leaves speculation up to the viewers themselves. If we were to speak only of the completion itself, this news should have no affect on his scores, since the contest is simply about a persons ability to create pleasing music. Unfortunately the contest is much more than that. These contestants are working towards a recoding contract. American Idol knows that the people they put on display need to be "clean" in order for the shows following to continue and for the record companies to maintain their support.
American Idol removed finalist Frenchie Davis in season 2 after the contestant admitted to posing topless for an adult website. If American Idol sticks to this past practice Hernandez may be in some trouble and soon be driving back home in the car he says he now lives in. Yet just 4 short seasons later, 6th season finalist Antonella Barba had indecent photos surface on the Internet much like those of Frenchie Davis. But unlike Ms Davis, Antonella Barba was not removed from the show.
So which example will American Idol stick to? They have made obvious hypocritical moves when it comes to this issue, so maybe they will finally clarify their standing on indecency available to the public eye. One also has to wonder if any apologies will be made to Frenchie Davis if once again another contestant doesn't have to answer for his past behavior.
Personally I believe this newest "American Idol Scandal" is complete nonsense. It may be great for show ratings, but what do past pictures have anything to do with the current singing competition? Yes these people are touted to be "American Idols," but since when is the human body a bad thing? Since when is taking off your clothes worse than what so many "American Idols" in sports and entertainment are doing today. If given the choice to have my child idolize someone who shows off their body or someone who uses drug or commits crimes I will choose the body every time.
I say good for David Hernandez for doing what he needed to survive in day to day life. Hopefully his backing in the show will be loyal and stick with him. After all, his voice hasn't changed just the perception of him.
Published by Jennine Thompson
Jennine is a working mother of three who enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her children and (her little secret) computer games. View profile
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19 Comments
Post a CommentI agree with you, who cares if he stripped? We've got some very funny standards. What ended up happening? I'm torn because it shouldn't matter that he stripped, but you'd also hate to see a standard that treats women differently from men.
Sounds like American Idol isn't fair... not right, but not surprising in this day and age. Great report!
I heard about this but didn't know if it was true. Great reporting Jennine.
Great reporting on this, you never know now adays!
I wonder if this has anything to do with him getting kicked off. Especially since the girl that stayed sang horrendously.
I don't watch American Idol regularly, but enjoyed reading this article.
We have one more case of the past coming back to bite you in the butt! I think it's ridiculous to make such a big deal about this. There are public figures doing much more than just shaking their goodies everyday. David Hernandez has one of the best singing voices and, let's face it, he already knows how to work the crowd! I say, give the kid a break. We all have things in our past we'd rather not have broadcast in the media.
I agree that their personal lives should not affect how someone views them on their talent, but unfortunately most people don't think that way.
The only thing that bothers me about all this scandal business, it American Idol should be consistent and treat all contestants the same. I don't think it should matter what they have or have not done in their past, as long as it is not criminal. It should be about their singing talent, not their moral standards. Very good reporting, Jennie.
Good article Jennine. :)