American Idol’s David Hernandez Releases “Kingdom”

American Idol’s David Hernandez sings about a relationship that he allowed to wreck his whole world in “Kingdom”, his new single and music video.  Co-written by Hernandez and featuring beatboxing from his good friend, American Idol Blake Lewis, the powerful ballad with its One Republic type-vibe is a cautionary tale about the dangers of infatuation. “I think it’s safe to say most of us have had lustful relationships or hookups where maybe we weren’t thinking too clearly,” Hernandez says. “Where we were doing things we normally wouldn’t do or acting in ways that made us look crazy.”  He admits he has been in several relationships where he has sacrificed his self-worth and mental health to be with the person. “We all learn and grow from our experiences.  One of the greatest lessons I have learned is how all is fair in love and war.”  David Hernandez’s “Kingdom” is available now on Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Tik-Tok, Amazon, and all other major e-music retailers.

The lyric David Hernandez most relates to in “Kingdom” is where he sings: I’ve always held onto my reign, but I’ll put my Kingdom in your name, cause you’re taking over me.  “I have made the mistake of offering up everything I have worked so hard for to another person,” he acknowledges from his LA home.  “Looking back now, I can finally recognize how sad and pathetic I was.”

He says friends tried to help but he would ignore them. “The lust was already in full effect,” he explains.

David Hernandez wrote “Kingdom” with Sarah Thiele, Hanna Madison Taylor, and Katie Stump.  His longtime friend and collaborator, Daniel Braustein, plays electric guitar and drums on the track.  David also brought in six vocalists for the background choir that gives the song its gospel feel towards the end.

The music video was filmed last month in downtown LA. Because of the pandemic, it was done with a minimal two-man crew including director Arno Diem.   Hernandez wanted something simplistic, yet powerful, so they brought in a fog machine, LED lights and a strobe.   “I wanted it to feel raw because ‘Kingdom’ evokes some really raw emotions.  I was able to channel some legitimate emotions.  I even cry in the video!”David Hernandez began singing at age six, starring in musicals and performing with various theatre companies. At fifteen, he started writing original music and recording his arrangements.  In addition to American Idol, he has showcased his talents 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 named among TV Guides’ Sexiest Stars and opened for John Legend at President Barack Obama’s Inauguration. His previous single, Beautiful, released in 2016 became a Billboard Top 200 Dance Chart hit.

He has released two full-length albums, 2011’s I Am Who I Am and most recently, KINGDOM: THE MIXTAPE, an album that included twenty original tracks, many of which reflected on the love and loss he experienced since rising to fame on American Idol.

“I hope listeners will learn from my experiences and that it maybe saves them from being taken advantage of by unworthy people.  A healthy relationship is one where each person gains something from the union.  It should never about losing a part of yourself.”