15 years after ‘American Idol,’ David Hernandez is doing just fiiiiiiiiine!!!

queerty.com:

American Idol.Back in 2008, the then-24-year-old made it all the way to the top 12 on season seven of the hit reality singing competition series.If you recall, that is the same season that featured runner-up David Archuleta and future RuPaul’s Drag Race legend Adore Delano.Throughout his run, Hernandez belted out classic hits like “In the Midnight Hour,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”, “I Saw Her Standing There”, and “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.”Considered an early favorite, host Paula Abdul said he had some of the best vocals in the competition and even managed to convert Simon Cowell into a fan.After making it into the top 12, Hernandez was sent home and was not able to partake in the annual summer tour featuring the ten finalists.15 years later, Hernandez has transformed into quite the impressive 40-year-old man.Idol worship at its finest:A post shared by David Hernandez (@dhernandezmusic)A post shared by David Hernandez (@dhernandezmusic)A post shared by David Hernandez (@dhernandezmusic)While his physique is on point, he’s also been working steadily since his exit from Idol.After initially being shamed in the press for having stripped at a gay club prior to appearing on the show, Hernandez publicly came out in 2016 following the release of his triumphant anthem “Beautiful.”“If you’re missing a leg, you’re still beautiful.

If you’re overweight, you’re still beautiful. If you are 75 years old, you’re still beautiful,” Hernandez told Out at the time. “That’s why I wanted to share my own story as a gay man.”Hernandez has released several albums including I Am Who I Am in 2011, Kingdom: The Mixtape in 2018, Don’t @ Me in 2023, and the recent holiday EP Christmas in California.His list of music videos include “Boomerang”, “ily”, “My Winter Wonderland”, and the 2023 ballad “When It Rains It Pours.”Earlier this year, Hernandez showed off his singing chops (and more!) in the Off-Broadway run of Naked Boys Singing!, after previously starring in the Las Vegas iteration.A.