PopWatch Blog

More

Back to PopWatch Home
EW Home

Should David Hernandez be stripped of 'Idol' status?

Mar 4, 2008, 12:10 PM | by Annie Barrett

Davidhernandezidol_l He is soooooo the Antonella of season 7 ... but way better. American Idol contestant David Hernandez, who's slated to perform with the rest of the Top 8 Guys tonight, reportedly used to shed his typically very well-matched clothes at Dick's Cabaret, a "mostly male" strip club in Phoenix.

The news is fairly easy to believe. As Michael Slezak, who is kind of into Idol, just noted via e-mail, "He does move really well up there on the stage." Actually, I remember thinking during his Top 12 Guys performance of "The Midnight Hour" that he wasn't moving enough, and had instead decided to plant his feet in place as if setting some kind of three-minute pick. (Basketball reference on PopWatch!) It was almost as if he was on someone's lap! Now I understand.

Former strippers are on a serious roll in Hollywood, so I say let's give this one a chance, if only for the hot moves David could whip out until Idol gives him the boot. What do you think?

UPDATE: According to the Associated Press, Hernandez will remain on the show despite his past. He'll perform tonight as planned. (Of course, it's been taped already!)

Comments

Add Your Comments

John Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:31 PM EST

Do you people use spell check?

Mike S. Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 04:50 AM EST

Is he Gay as in "happy" or the other thing???

hazy Wed, Mar 26, 2008 at 05:40 PM EST

Well, as being an individual we should respect the person, because of being a stripper people will condenm him, what about some of well known singers they been in drugs, prostitutes,and creating headlines, you should give him a change at the end he entertain us by his songs.

lauren Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 04:47 PM EST

i def. think danny should have stayed and david h should go. danny deserves it and wants it more.

adam Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 03:16 AM EST

This guy has some serious talent whether its dancing or singing. David Hernandez deserves to win this competition despite his past. I entertained with him @ dick's for 2 years. The club also caters to woman also. Its an honest living! As they say "if you got it flaunt it"!!

adam Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 03:16 AM EST

Mara Mon, Mar 10, 2008 at 05:30 PM EST

Teh only thing I think is that he should be gone and Danny shouldnt!!!!!!It is stupid because Danny has got some personality and the other guy barley has an approprite lifstyle!!! He needs to after this kids watch idol too!!! DUH!!

Mara Mon, Mar 10, 2008 at 05:30 PM EST

Jade Mon, Mar 10, 2008 at 02:37 PM EST

Who care if you are a stripper or bartender.... It's a job.

DB Sun, Mar 9, 2008 at 04:10 PM EST

I can't believe that so many people are this judgemental. Who cares if he is gay? Who cares if he was a Stripper? He sings great and he looks great. In fact, if he goes back to stripping, I want to get the first lap dance.

JEM Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 11:07 AM EST

To Linda Clemens re. David Hernandez. You said we need singers with good character but I'll bet you voted for a former drunk for President (twice). Maybe who we choose for President isn't as important as who wins American Idol. Give David Hernandez a chance; he's a good singer.

JEM Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 11:07 AM EST

Kiara Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 10:54 AM EST

He was reised by a single mother... they did probably have a financial problems...(more than others) but, doesn't mean that the guy had to striped himself not for females but males and get a buck here and there..Why he didn't put a lemonade stand and make the same amount?...
I was a single mother too and my son didn't have to striped himself intead he joined the USCG...you see? wasn't that hard...plus this is an "American Idol" wake up people! we don't need another Britt, Paris, Lynn, Lindsay, etc.etc.etc., What message are we sending to our kids? don't they suppost to be the future of our Nation?

a concerned mom Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 10:37 AM EST

but is this the type of person American Idol wants to have as a role model for America's children? It isn't the type of role model I want for mine.

helen Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 09:56 PM EST

So what if he stripped and rubbed his naked butt on some old men's laps for a buck. He's good. Let the guy sing.

jewels Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 08:09 PM EST

The issue really isn't whether or not David H. can sing or how well he can sing... a precidence was set when Frendhie was dismissed on Season 2. AI can not just change the 'rules' now, for whatever reason....

corina Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 03:41 PM EST

hey sometime you got to do what you got to do for money to make it in this world so who cares what he did leave the man alone and let him sing!

Rick Magee Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 10:37 AM EST

The only people that will benefit from perpetuating this issue are the Media. They sell 'Print' by creating and based upon Sensationaism. If the man Painted the walls in that Strip Club he would be judged on his work not where it was done. He committed No Crime! SO WHAT!!
This is a Non-Issue. What is this, the DMZ TV Show? Yellow Journalism.
Let the Man's (or women's) 'Past' be just that! The Guy had to work and he made money entertaining. 'Nuff Said!
To the Media ~ Get a Life!

Clara Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 06:39 AM EST

David is a great singer and this is a singing contest. Don't make a big deal out of his past and look to his future. His past is giving him better stage presence and personality.

NEB Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 02:43 AM EST

HEY YOU ALL, HOW ABOUT.... GET A LIFE!!

Gee Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 12:57 AM EST

I married and ex-stripper. Nothing wrong with it. It is their past, not their present and/or their future. David is going for a dream he has. Does that say he wants to be a stripper the rest of his life??? Why should anyone judge? You either vote for him or you don't. He has my vote.

Ron Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 12:36 AM EST

Tricia Simpson- you need to get a life. A person should be judged on their abilities not their past. Do you think just because someone gets the title "American Idol" they should be perfect? I've got news for you, thats not real life - what planet are you from. I'm sure all of your friends and family are all free of any indescrections and should be put up for "saint hood" (after you of course). Leave David alone if he can sing let him.

JC Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 11:08 PM EST

Guys if you don't like David hernandez then don't vote for him but don't say all kinds of bad or nasty thing about him. he was a very good singer who know how to project and to control his voice! who cares if he's a former stripper..i am glad that he is trying to change job now from stripping to become a serious singer. if you guys want him out of the AI because he's a stripper then it's like you guys saying all stripper and prostitue don't deserve to have a nice life or to have a better job that they can be proud of. we all should be happy that thank GOD he is not a drug dealer! or Criminal...wake up guys..David Hernandez is a good performer and very talented and you can't deny that!..

JC Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 11:08 PM EST

Shakewhatumamagaveya Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 10:30 PM EST

Smurfette, I like your comments and Maria I like your comments. To the person who complained about my comments: I could care less what you think. I know if it was a woman (former stripper) that was on "American Idol" she would've been gone already. I know that there are worst behaviors out there but the fact remains that the average stripper (Gay or otherwise) should not be praised on a show where more than half of the audience is a minor and viewed as a possible American Idol. What behaviors are you encouraging in your household? What standards are you setting?

Hiet from Vietnam Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 09:31 PM EST

Whether he's gay or stripper doesn't matter. Pls pay attention to his singing, which is important in the show. I can't understand why there're still many narrow- and conservative-minded in a developed country like the U.S. But I hate it if David H. is an American Idol. This title must go to DAVID ARCHULETA.

Maria Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 09:20 PM EST

I agree with others who believe if it was a woman, she would no longer be abe to continue. Look what happened to the first black woman ( Vanessa Williams ) When she got her crown taken away for posing nude.

t Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 09:17 PM EST

if you allow this what's next...down hill all the way. he should go back to where he came from. don't the idol staff do background investagations????

Delon Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 07:02 PM EST

An ex-stripper just got an Oscar! Why can't David be an American Idol?

Iris Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 05:56 PM EST

who cares!!!!! what about that danny noriega? omg! now thats GAY!!!!

Smurfette Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 05:46 PM EST

Who cares what he did. His choices DON'T affect me none, as much as it doesn't affect none of you. His choices are his choices. Don't like it? Don't watch. In my opinion, he won't win Idol, but if he did end up with some record deal, no one is forcing you to buy his music. Get over it. A former stripper just won an Oscar for her screenplay for "Juno." Am I against someone stripping? Sure. I don't agree with a man OR woman stripping. I believe there are much better choices to make in life, but what he did is his business and what ANYONE does in life is their own business. As long as he isn't some child molester, rapist, murderer...I don't care. I don't think you people are up in arms over the fact he stripped, I think you guys are making a big deal out of the fact that he stripped in a male club and gave naked lap dances...I smell homophobics. This is a singing competition, he deserves a chance just like all the others.

Savethechildren Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 05:39 PM EST

Hee Hee...save the children from David Hernandez? With actresses all over the place getting pregnant while unmarried, crackheads winning awards left & right, 16 year old's getting knocked up, the economy going into the toilet - we need to protect the children from David Hernandez because he was a stripper? Oh wait...I guess it's more the fact that he was a GAY stripper than anything else. Talk about heads in the sand people! David isn't going to harm your children and quite honestly, if being a stripper (gay or not) is the worst he's done, be glad for it.

P.S. Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 05:30 PM EST

Hollywood and the music industry are ALL about shaking your booty to make money. If you think David Hernandez being a former stripper is suddenly going to teach such a thing, you must not have a working television. Watch a music video some time and tell me about what's being shaken to make money. Really, David has done nothing to warrant such ridiculous commentary. Remember folks, gay people are everywhere and most do not look like the scary predators you've convinced yourselves they are. The media is fueling this so-called scandal and the sheep are lining up as usual. It will be a d@mn shame to see David exit the show because of something Idol had to know before he made it to Hollywood. Silly sheep, it's all about the ratings.

To: Shakewhatumamagaveya Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 05:23 PM EST

Stripping is NOT illegal, so why would they strip (heh) David of his title? What title is that anyway? You're worried that him being a former stripper will somehow lower Idol or Hollywood? Have you seen what Hollywood gives us these days? Is David going to strip on the show? Give Simon a lap dance? Invite all the impressionable viewers over for free classes? Give him a break, at least he was employed! He's a good singer, and why the heck should it matter if he's gay or a stripper? Amazing how homophobic some people are. I guess it was a shock that he might be gay considering Danny so obviously is. I know the homophobics out there are MUCH more afraid of the gays that they can't easily see. Like your mailman, or the person on the bus next to you, or your doctor, or the ultimate in scary - your own children!

justin Castillo Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 05:12 PM EST

Someone out there owes Frenchie a recording contract. I can't believe she's been a free agent all this time.

Ann Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 05:11 PM EST

I feel that we shouldn't judge him until we see how well he can sing. I feel that he is there to sing NO strip.

justin Castillo Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 05:09 PM EST

Rewatched his rendition of "In the Midnight Hour" and there was no mention of his profession before trying out for Idol like other semifinalists.

Dan Wilson Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 05:02 PM EST

Maybe David Hernandez and Danny Noriega can sign TOOTY FRUITY together because they are Fruity as NUT CAKES, Yes the American Idol belongs in San Fran

Shakewhatumamagaveya Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 04:31 PM EST

I think he should be stripped of his title. If it was a girl stripper on the show, it wouldn't be an option whether or not to get rid of her.We don't need someone that do that low class job to be an "American Idol." What are we teaching all the young people around the world? It's ok to shake your booty for money.No way!!!

Mike Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 03:58 PM EST

Maybe being a stripper won't hurt him, or being gay (if he is) but what will hurt him is going on and belting out a CELINE DION song like some diva. Every season some guy has to go out and sing Bonnie Rait or Melissa Etheridge and it's a joke. David has a great voice but there are so many other songs he could do, what a waste.

sharon Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 02:42 PM EST

Who cares? Leave the guy alone.

matchkitjohn Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 01:47 PM EST

AI owes Frenchie an apology.

Linda Clemens Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 01:42 PM EST

I THINK EACH CONTESTANT SHOULD HAVE A "PROFILE SEARCH" ON THEM, WHO WOULD WANT A DRUGIE, WE NEED A SINGER WITH GOOD CHARACTER.

Stephanie T. Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 12:56 PM EST

Poser? Oh that's right Mr. I have nappy long hair, a beer belly and most likely smell like an old AMC Pacer that smells like sweaty gym shorts? No I have not met all of the member of Rush. So? You don't have to meet a band to be a fan!

Betty Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 12:36 PM EST

Who cares, he needs to be judged for his singing, not what his job was before

Rob Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 12:07 PM EST

RP
I was going to say the exact opposite of what you said. when girls do this there is no controversy. there are no religious nuts coming out of the woodworks. there are no homophobic jack-*ffs ranting. everyone loves it when some dumb bimbo does it but when it's a mimbo, the world comes to an end. there are double standards on the guy site too, honey

By Tor Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

To Jack Sparrow ~ No, I have not yet seen that Brit show. But I will check it out. Thanks for the " heads up " my friend.It was nice meeting you and I wish you a great day !

To Stephanie T ~ Yeah right, excuse me but you said that " I " need a life ? I see you here ranting your little views about this trendy ass show quite often...and you are a RUSH fan ? Oh yeah, that's right , you have been one since you were in the womb.Ask your friend if he has ever met all three members of RUSH ( even Peart )and had traveled the continent close to one hundred times since The Hemispheres Tour ? I suggest you see them at least ONCE before you blow on about " how big of a RUSH fan you are "...poser !

To all Christians ~ Get a grip about this " Idol " moron who you say is gay who cares? Instead of watching this crap,entertain your kids that you are always SO worried about with TV that has integrity andmerit.Something that you don't have to worry about your precious little spawn being ruined by.

wendy Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 11:50 AM EST

they didnt post my first comment so i will just say we all make mistakes and we are not judging him on his dancing or sex partners its his voice
carley is going to win anyway ai had that planned from the very begining

By Tor Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 11:45 AM EST

tabbykat7602 Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 11:33 AM EST

like so many before me has said what does it really matter? he can sing and im sure all of us have things in our past that arent so great so why is it people have to try to drag up stuff? i think hes kinda cute and there are other contestants that are more "queerish" than this guy what about him? i mean them? lol im sure we all know who im talking about the one that would make a pretty girl. so let it be hes a great singer and as im sure you all know there have been lots of gay singers not that he is but so what if he is?

louis wolborn Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 11:22 AM EST

I FIGURED THIS NUT WAS A QUEER ,I WOUD NOT WANT TO SEE HIM ANYWHERE!! HE IS JUST ADVERTIZING FOR THE QUEER GROUP

louis wolborn Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 11:22 AM EST

I FIGURED THIS NUT WAS A QUEER ,I WOUD NOT WANT TO SEE HIM ANYWHERE!! HE IS JUST ADVERTIZING FOR THE QUEER GROUP

bonnie Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 11:10 AM EST

We just has a former stripper win an Oscar. If the stuffy, elistist Academy can get past who someone used to be in order to recognize artistic achievement, so can the general public.

Mike Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 11:02 AM EST

I wish I had the *alls ( and you know what else) to strip. There are and I mean THERE ARE alot of worse things this guy could have done.

beth Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 10:59 AM EST

who cares about the past, that is what it is the past. sometimes, you will do anything to take care of yourself. and heck you can make anywhere from $700+ a night so if you got it, why not make some cash. models do it all the time.

nykolus Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 10:30 AM EST

idol's a joke anyway. who cares. looks like he would dance in a gay bar anyway...

suzeeet Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 10:22 AM EST

Many of our children's "role models" have terrible pasts - rehab, drugs, theft, etc. If Amy Whino can win Grammys, then what's wrong with David H winning American Idol? It's the American Way! We love this kind of stuff.

Chuck Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 10:11 AM EST

Actually, Hernandez' story about the booger in his nose was much more embarrassing and inappropriate than any lap dances he might've performed in the past. Totally gross story -- snot is never a good topic of conversation.

Stephanie T. Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST

By Tor, one of my neighbors played Moving Pictures when I was about 5, and I was hooked. I in fact am friends with a co-worker Carl, who is a bigger fan THAN YOU!!And while I have never been to any of their concerts (while I should), you still need to get a life. Fly by Night my compadre!

Tiffani Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST

Who cares what he has done in his past, as a stripper...the man can sing and he's hot....if you don't like it don't watch it....

Stephanie T. Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 10:02 AM EST

Tricia who do want for a musical role model? Pat Boone? I am certain that teens have seen semi-stripper singers on video. Hello? Does Britney's Slave to Love ring a bell to you? Anyway this saying boo to David Hernandez thing is stupid and hypocritical. The fact is, in the 50's you had Elvis, 60's Mick Jagger, 70's Rod Stewart, 80's Prince, 90's R. Kelly (um, bad example but still). Men have made a sex part of their thing, and there have been some parents who never cared for it. However being that this is a male society, if a teen woman or an adult woman gets away with expressing sexuality or was a former stripper (Courtney Love) that's fine? Parents should make the decision on what is appropriate for their child to listen to and to see up until they fully are mature enough to understand.

Rick Magee Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 09:47 AM EST

After reading more posts I have a Question. Is Ryan Seacrest a Fluffer? as the say in Merry Ol' England.
Is he really the 'Head' MC?
His disdain for Simon Kalb is so obvious it's distracting.
I think he must have been rejected by Simon.(LOL).
Maybe we should Vote him Off. (No Pun there either).

wickedwitch Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 09:30 AM EST

I think it doesn't matter about his past...that's why they call it a past!! It would be different if he was going to the strip club after the taping of the show and perform little lap dances....but IT'S IN THE PAST!!! He's an awesome singer and people should just shut up about it!!

Rick Magee Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 09:25 AM EST

First of all I must remember to proof read my postings.
There is a long list of Hollywood types who have made Porno Movies from Singers to Cowboy TV epilogues. Even 'GAY' Porno-videos.
Working undercover(no-pun intended) {I discovered them in the so-called Dirty Book Stores we raided.}
This doesn't even register on the Richter scale. Leave him alone. By the Way I do not usually watch the show.

RP Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 09:24 AM EST

Any girl that's done something similar has been kicked off but when it's a guy suddenly the rules change. Oh yes, let's punish the women for pictures that weren't even supposed to be made public but praise the guy for being a stripper.

American Idol: Pay no attention to the double standard.

Rick Magee Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 09:14 AM EST

So What's the Big Deal? Babra Steisand mad a Porno Flick. So What? Everbody has to eat and pay Bills, so the Must work at something. Give the buy a pat on the back for survival and Leave him the heck Alone!
The only People who are making a big deal of this are the Media. They must create Sensationailsm in order to sell print.
Give the Man a Helping Hand instead of knocking him down.
Vultures!

schveety Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 08:49 AM EST