David Hernandez - feel it all (Official Music Video)American Idol Season 7 alum David Hernandez released his latest single, "feel it all" today. Coinciding with National Recovery Month, an observance held every September to promote treatment and recovery practices, "fell It all" is a profoundly personal anthem of healing and redemption. David sat with Out to discuss his journey from writing to final production, and the message of hope he gives to anyone on their path of recovery. Out: Congratulations on the release of "feel it all!" Tell our readers a bit more about the inspiration behind the song.David Hernandez: The song was written from a pretty vulnerable place in my sobriety journey. The thing that nobody really talks about after you get sober is that you literally have to feel all of your feelings, no matter what. It's not just about not picking up a drink or a drug. It's about sitting in the most uncomfortable moments and healthily processing them.And that's not really easy, or else everyone would do it. So I was just sitting in my fucking feelings one day - lol - and I was like, "this sucks," but I have to do it because the alternative hasn't been working for me. And I knew that if I was feeling this way, I'm sure there were hundredsif not millionsof other people feeling the exact same way. So, I started to write down bits and pieces of my story, which eventually turned into a song. But it took me a minute. It took me like three months, which is the longest it's ever taken me to write a song. Sometimes it's tough to be honest with yourself.This song wasn't intended as a release, but some friends suggested you publish it. Why did you have initial reservations? I had reservations about releasing it because it's a really personal and vulnerable story about overcoming a personal vice of mine that has been there for quite some time. In the past, and particularly in my life, I've seen people take parts of my story and use it against me. It's hard not to have PTSD with those types of things. When I was outed for being gay and being a former stripper when I was on American Idol by Perez Hilton, Access Hollywood, and every other news source, it had a lasting effect on me to the point where I still think about it today. I mean, I've moved past it and dealt with those traumas, but it's something you never forget. So there's a reluctance and a protectiveness that I think I feel when it comes to my sobriety and my story. I think I'll always wonder, "should I share this or is it something I should keep to myself?" But I think it's always good to ask those questions because I want to be intentional about why I'm sharing this message and story. It's bigger than me. I decided to share it because it may help others who have been through or are going through a similar experience. On top of that, I listened to a few people whom I trust, and they were the ones who pushed me to share the song with the world. I've had some really great support.The message of "feel it all" is one of vulnerability, sobriety, and the profound power of shared healing. How has music aided in your own healing journey?One thing that has always been constant in my life is music. Since I was a little kid with a really tough childhood, music was always my escape. It created a fantasy for me that helped me to survive. I understood lyrics and melodies from a really young age, and the ways music healed people and me. My mom used to play old vinyl records when I was a little kid, and I remember being inspired by a lot of Motown, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder, etc. The soul in their voice was something that comforted me. I quickly knew that I wanted to be a singer and have that effect on other people. Your music video features real people from all walks of life. Why was it important to feature real people who have also gone through similar struggles? It was vital for me to feature real people and not actors because it conveys a different authenticity on screen. You can tell the difference between someone who relates to the lyrics versus someone who's there for a check. More importantly, I wanted to offer the experience to people who would find it healing. All of those people on camera are friends of mine. In fact, my mother is one of them. I flew her out from Phoenix to be part of the video because she had also survived some pretty incredible traumas and loved the song. All of my friends were able to meet each other and bond over similar stories. I thought that was pretty special, and I hope that people watching it will be able to see that connection.The song's release also coincides with National Recovery Month, a month-long celebration of the recovery community and awareness that recovery is within reach for all. What message would you give to those navigating their own path to recovery?To anyone walking the road of recovery, I want you to know that you are not alone. I've lived through childhood trauma, anxiety, being raised by a single mother, surviving abuse, being publicly outed, and navigating the entertainment industry under intense scrutiny. I know what it feels like to carry pain that wasn't yours to bear, and to feel like you have to keep performing strength while quietly breaking inside. But healing is not about erasing the past; it's about reclaiming your power from it. You are allowed to take up space, to speak your truth, and to be seen fully, flaws, brilliance, and all. There is no shame in your story, only strength. Whether you're just beginning or deep in the process, every step you take toward healing is an act of courage. You are worthy of love, of peace, of joy - not someday, but now. Keep going. You are becoming something fuckin' beautiful!! And what advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your recovery?Great question. You are not broken. You are becoming. You've carried pain that wasn't yours to bear, and yet you've survived it with grace, talent, and heart. Be gentle with yourself. You've spent years in survival mode. Recovery isn't a race; it's a reclamation of your peace, your voice, and your worth. Your story is powerful, not shameful. The headlines, the outing, the trauma - they don't define you. They're chapters, not your whole book. You get to write the rest. You don't have to be strong all the time. Vulnerability is strength, too. Forgive yourself for what you didn't know. You were doing the best you could with what you had. That's enough.Your healing isn't linear. Some days will feel like setbacks. That's okay. Keep showing up for yourself. Your truth is your superpower. The world tried to silence it, but it's the very thing that will set you free and inspire others. You are worthy of love, safety, and joy. Not because of what you do, but because of who you are.