David Hernandez is no stranger to the spotlight. He’s wowed fans on American Idol, The Ellen Show, The Today Show, and The Teen Choice Awards, and become a popular headliner at Pride Events and on tour.
But even the most polished performer can get nervous.
For Hernandez, who will make his desert debut on Sept. 12 at Copa Palm Springs, some special guests will be in the audience.
“I’m a bit nervous because my mom and dad will be there, and it will be the first time they will hear some songs I have written and the first time they will have seen me in my own show in a long time because I travel so much,” says Hernandez, a 12th place finisher on Season 7 of Idol. “The nerves will propel me.”
David Hernandez on playing at Copa Palm Springs: “I love to be able to see faces and interact, talk, and share my stories.”
Hernandez loves the acoustic aspect of performing in an smaller club like Copa.
“I love to be able to see faces and interact, talk, and share my stories,” he says. “I love arenas and theatres, but I feel at home in an intimate environment.”
Hernandez will share songs from his last album, I Am Who I Am, characterizing it as “a lot of R&B soul.” He’ll also perform original material from his current self-written CD including his upbeat single, “What You Do” aka “WTF” produced by Printz Board of the Black Eyed Peas.
• Click to hear the song: www.davidhernandezofficial.com/music/
Palm Springs Life.com caught up with Hernandez to chat about his passion for music, touring, and his upcoming performance at The Copa Palm Springs.
What inspires you?
“Life inspires me.”
You have collaborated with superstar John Legend. Who would you like to work with in the future?
“I would love to work with Ed Sheeran. He’s an awesome songwriter and singer. Alicia Keyes is definitely one of my all time favorite artists. If I could work those two people, I could die and go to heaven.”
Being on tour: Love it or hate it?
“Love it! I love being on tour. The only downfall is it’s hard to have a serious relationship, but nothing is better than connecting with people who support you and connect with your music.”
Three things Palm Springs Life readers may not know about you?
1. “I hate sushi!”
2.” I sang at President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Kick-Off Celebration”
3. “I write my own music.”
Final thoughts….
“I guess I’m super excited to be performing in Palm Spring. The audience is more mature and receptive to different vibes. The night will be authentic and soulful, and people will be able to relate to the original material as well as the cover songs. I want the night to be thought provoking, inspirational, and beautiful.”
David Hernandez, Sept. 12 at Copa Palm Springs, 244 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs, 760-866-0021; www.coparoomps.com
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