American Idol’s David Hernandez is celebrating his 41st birthday day with a gift to fans: an updated version of the title track from his first EP, I Am Who I Am. The new version has been shortened to “I AM,” but still tells the story of David’s earlier years, growing up in a broken home among family members struggling with substance abuse, all while being bullied in school for his differences.
Of his reason for re-releasing the track: “I was listening to that old record, remembering that young kid who was scared yet somehow had the audacity to chase his dream on national TV.
“So much of what I sang about in my first album still rings true today. I’ve worked so hard to overcome the traumas of my childhood, and by the grace of God, I have managed to heal so much of my past pain, but I would be lying if I said that some days weren’t still a struggle. I think I will always be discovering who I am until my dying day.”
The new version of “I AM” is an anthemic pop song, with David’s powerful vocals amplified by the addition of orchestral strings, piano, and drums. Like the original, it delivers hints of soul and R&B but the new version adds major and minor chords throughout that produce a sense of push and pull, reminiscent of the emotional tugs many people battle on their journey to self-discovery.
There is also a huge climatic chorus and an ending choir that takes listeners to church with a spiritual experience meant to drive home the feelings of hope and redemption.
The music video, co-produced and directed by David Hernandez and Johny D. and shot in Burbank at Stage 35, echoes the sentiment of the song. It opens with David, the music star, about to perform on stage, greeted by applause and adulation from screaming fans while at the same time, facing an onslaught of criticism and homophobia from the media.
The pressure is intense and an emotionally beaten David Hernandez wonders, “Who am I?”. A polaroid image of David as an adorable child in a Mickey Mouse shirt is depicted on a screen and then we see an all grown up David in that same Mickey Mouse shirt as he looks back at pivotal moments of his life and career.
“I remember the initial excitement of stardom when I thought fame was all cheering crowds and fancy clothes,” David says. “But pretty quickly, the doubts crept in along with the questions: Is this it? Is this me? Did I hit my goal? Have I realized my dreams? Why do I feel so empty?”
David Hernandez gained national attention as a Top 12 finalist on American Idol. Since then, his talents have been showcased on notable platforms like The Ellen Show, The Today Show, MTV’s TRL, and TV Guides’ Sexiest Stars.
His latest album, Don’t @ Me, is available on all digital platforms. It includes the hit singles “Vices” and “When it Rains, it Pours”.
He understands he is not alone in his mental health struggles and often hears from fans who are facing their own hardships. “It’s why I never want to sugarcoat things in my music,” he explains. “I hate when people act like their life has been a breeze. That’s not how life works. Sometimes it’s incredible and other times it is really f-ing hard. But no matter how hard it gets, it’s important to remember that we all have the strength and ability to push through our pain and turn it into triumph.”
Visit: www.OfficialDavidHernandez.com
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