American Idol's David Hernandez Speaks Post-Elimination

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.