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Phoenix, AZ club manager says 'Idol' contestant was once a stripper

Los Angeles, CA — An inside source told the Associated Press that David Hernandez will perform on Fox's American Idol despite the revelation that the Idol semi-finalist performed as a stripper at Dick's Cabaret, a gay strip club in Phoenix.

The 24-year old finalist from Glendale, Arizona, once worked as a stripper where he appeared fully nude and performed lap dances for the club's "mostly male" clientele, club manager Gordy Bryan told the Associated Press on Monday.

"He had the look and the type that people like, so he made pretty good money here," Bryan told the news wire service.

According to Bryan, Hernandez worked at Dick's Cabaret for three years until the end of September 2007.

The alcohol-free club was named the "best gay male revue" in 2004 by the Phoenix New Times.

Hernandez, who originally auditioned for Idol in San Diego on July 30, 2007, remains in the top 16. He is still scheduled to perform with the other male contestants on Tuesday's show.

Last week, Hernandez performed The Temptations Papa Was a Rolling Stone and earned rave reviews from the 'Idol' judges.

In his "Idol Chatter" column on ChicagoPride.com, former American Idol finalist Jim Verraros said Hernandez' performance was "completely flawless" and that Hernandez would probably make the top 5.