Ex-nude stripper can stay on 'Idol'

American Idol producers have said David Hernandez can stay on the show despite his past as a nude male stripper.

It was revealed earlier this week that the contestant worked at male strip club Dick's Cabaret in Phoenix, Arizona, until at least last August. He reportedly gave lap dances and performed full-frontal shows for the club's "mostly gay" customers for three years.

However, judge Simon Cowell made no mention of the scandal during Tuesday's show, instead describing Hernandez as one of the best singers in the competition.

Executive producer Ken Warwick also backed the 24-year-old in an interview with TVGuide, saying: "We're never judgmental about what people do to earn a living. They've got to put food in people's mouths.

"We've had strippers on the show before. Nikki McKibbon was one in [season] one... If it were some sort of heavy porn, then maybe we'd have to take action. But certainly not on this."

He added: "David Hernandez, whatever you say, is a nice guy. And he can sing. He's got a great voice. He deserves to be there, as far as I'm concerned."