American Idol hit by male stripper scandal

Simon Cowell's American Idol has been hit by a male stripper scandal.

Idol finalist David Hernandez used to strip off and perform in the nude at a male strip club in Phoenix, according to U.S reports.

Hernandez, 24, worked at Dick's Cabaret in the desert city for three years until September 2007, the club's manager Gordy Bryan claims. "He had the look and the type that people like, so he made pretty good money here," Bryan said.

The news may bring an end to Hernandez's attempts to win the hit talent show.

In 2003 finalist Frenchie Davis was kicked off the family-friendly show after her picture appeared on an adult website.

But last year contestant Antonella Barba was allowed to keep singing despite racy pictures of her appearing online.

FOX has not commented on the claims.