Quentin Fears

David Hernandez the smoldering Former American Idol contestant and all-round babe opens up about his struggles with self-esteem while releasing a incredible, heart-wrecking, powerhouse of a ballad, Beautiful . We at Fop are scratching our heads and wondering why he ever had an issue. He seems to have it all the looks, the body and a million dollar voice. But having it all and knowing your worth aren't exactly the same. Hernandez goes on to tell us, “It’s something I inherited.” “My mom had me at 16. Trying to figure out your identity while raising another human is incredibly challenging.” He recalls witnessing all of her ups and downs and says he has experienced them too. “I was down on myself the day I recorded the song,” he admits. “My skin was breaking out and I remember thinking, real music stars aren’t suppose to have these kinds of problems. I had lost a bunch of weight too, due to stress and not eating regularly. I was in a funk from some failed business relationships and my music seemed to be at a stand still. There is so much pressure in this industry to be perfect and deliver amazingly every time. While I know it isn't reality, a few pitfalls allowed me to give into the negative thoughts in my mind. It wasn’t until I recorded the track, Beautiful and listened to it back that I thought, ‘Well, damn, this song should empower me to realize that I don't need to be perfect’.” Hernandez even had doubts after being signed to a major record label. He explains the struggles that come with catering to industry executives’ high expectations: “Labels were always telling me to be me but then expected me to fit their mold of what David Hernandez was suppose to be. It was challenging. Even though I was physically fit, I didn’t have the strength to stand up for myself because I always feared I would get dropped.” With its uplifting verses and anthemic chorus, “Beautiful” encourages listeners to celebrate their so-called flaws by finding the beauty in their imperfections. The song also promotes unity of people from varying races, religions, body types, and sexual orientations. Beautiful written by Mark Grilliot, Adrian Newman, Ryan Stewart, and Stephen Werner and produced by Grilliot. David has appeared on The Ellen Show, The Today Show, MTV’s TRL, EXTRA, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Teen Choice Awards, Idol Tonight, FOX-TV’s Idol Gives Back. He was also named among TV Guides’ Sexiest Stars. Beautiful is out now on iTunes