Pottstown Newspaper » American Idol

One on One with Danny Gokey, American Idol Contestant

Editor — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:56:50 +0000

Talking with the Idols was a very fun and interesting experience. Each Idol was different in their own way and it was great being able to see the difference while speaking with them. Last but definitely not least was Danny Gokey. Check out the interview below.

Well I’ll start off with the same question I did with the other Idols, how has the tour been treating you?

The tour has been amazing. I’ve been able to acquire a lot of experience while being on tour, especially learning/fine-tuning how to perform in front of crowds. I feel the tour and show really helped develop me into the artist I want to be and I’m getting paid to live my dream.

Is there a big difference between being on the show and being on tour?

Well, while on the show you have the pressure of 30 million people watching you. On the tour you only have the pressure from about half a million people.

Ha-ha oh is that all? Just 500,000 people?

[Laughs.] Well you know what I mean. Oh and another difference is that while on tour we get to sing a whole song set rather than just perform one song which I love.

Well the tours just about over now, what do you have in the works?

I’m working on a new album.

Oh yeah? When is that due to come out?

Well there is a single being released in November but the album won’t be out until March.

Have you had trouble adjusting to the “fame” from being on the show?

Well I’d have to say the toughest part is trying to learn how to be politically correct. Everyone is looking at you now…ya know? I have to learn how to present myself the right way since I’m now being scrutinized by everyone. Not everyone but you know what I mean.

Ha-ha yes I do. Well before we end this is there something you want to say to your fans or anything you would like to touch on?

The fans are a big reason behind my success; I acknowledge and thank them for it. If they didn’t show up we’d be singing to an empty dome ya know? I also want to promise to stay true to myself and to my music and not become some dorky sellout.

Signing out: Marcus Shellenberger

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One on One with Scott Macintyre – American Idol Contestant

Editor — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:55:21 +0000

I was able to sit down with American Idol contestant, Scott MacIntyre for a one on one interview. MacIntyre was able to bring such a large amount of inspiration to the show along with great singing and piano playing. Check out the interview below.

First off, how has the tour been treating you?

Absolutely amazing from day one. It’s been such a pleasure getting on stage to sing.

Is it tough being away from your family and friends while on tour?

It really hasn’t been tough at all. At least up until this week when I realized just how long I’ve been away [laughs.] It’s sort of all catching up to me and I’m excited to get home.

What do you currently have going on? What’s in the works for you?

Well I’m working on my next album. A lot of people don’t know that I’ve already released 6 albums but I’m working on my new one now. I’m also writing a book. After the show a well renowned publisher contacted me asked me if I wanted to elaborate on my life story. I mean I went into it somewhat on the show but I feel writing the full story down in a book would be really inspirational for people, so I’ve decided to do that. You can view all about this stuff on my website scottmacintyre.com.

Wow that’s really interesting, what’s the name of your new album?

“View from Above.” That’s actually a track on the CD as well.

What’s the song/album about?

Well it’s something I wrote to relate to going through all my problems. It’s sort of like climbing a mountain, you know when you’re climbing up the hill there’s nothing to think about except to keep climbing. Then when you get to the top you can really view things and the situation from above. It’s an inspirational song more than anything else and that’s sort of the feel of my album.

Wow that’s great. I’m inspired just listening to you now. Ha-ha. It’s been a pleasure talking with you Scott. Before this thing ends is there something you want to say to your fans or anything you would like to touch on?

It’s been great talking with you too. I just want everybody to know that I will never take for granted this opportunity all my fans have given me. There is so much more to come and this is only the beginning.

Check out Scott’s website here. There’s some really interesting stuff on there make sure to check it out.

http://www.scottmacintyre.com/Profile.htm

Check back tomorrow for the final interview. Who’s it going to be?

Signing out: Marcus Shellenberger

One on One with Megan Joy, American Idol Contestant

Editor — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:11:20 +0000

I had a chance to sit down one on one with American Idol contestant, Megan Joy. She successfully auditioned for the show in Salt Lake City, Utah with her performance of “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man” and ended in ninth place with her last performance “Turn the Lights down Low.” Check out the interview below.

How has the tour been?

It has been so good, just amazing. [Laughs] It’s been a frickin’ blast.

How would you compare the show to the tour?

The show was amazing, but was always so busy and so stressful. The tour on the other hand is still busy but a lot less stressful and a lot more carefree.

Why is that?

Well because we aren’t worrying about the votes [laughs].

Well I know you have a son, that must be tough with being on tour and being away huh?

Your right, it has been really tough. Especially with my son at home and not being able to see him. I’m missing him all the time.

What do you have in the works now that the tour is almost over?

I’ve been doing some modeling, which has been fun. There’s also some TV stuff in the works.

Oh yeah? What kind of TV stuff?

I’ve got one of those “mom” shows in the works. Not sure on the name though or anything like that..no specifics yet.

Awesome, have you had any trouble adjusting to the “fame” from American Idol?

I haven’t had too much trouble adjusting. I mean there are some people that recognize me and call out my name but I’m not being swarmed by the paprazzi or anything like that laughs].

Has your life completely changed since Idol?

The hardest part of adjusting is the fact that I used to be a stay at home mom. Now all of a sudden I’m traveling the country and singing on stage. It has definitely been a blast though.

Alright well before we wrap this up is there anything you want to say?

“My fans are the Jam; I love my fans and can’t wait to give them more.”

Make sure to come back tomorrow for another one on one session with an American Idol finalist.

Signing out: Marcus Shellenberger

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One on One with Lil Rounds, American Idol Season 8 Finalist.

Editor — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:09:20 +0000

Lil Rounds American Idol contestant, made her way from Memphis auditions all the way to the top seven. Starting off with Stevie Wonders’ “All I do” and ending with Chaka Khans’ “I’m Every Woman” Lil brought lots of energy and smiles to the competition. I had a chance to sit down one on one with her and you can check out the interview below.

First off I’d like to ask you how the tours been going?

The tours been really great, were coming towards the end now but it’s been so much fun and it’s just been great, really great.

What has your favorite part of touring been?

Seeing all the different cities and cultures…and having all the fans come out to every show. The fans have definitely been my favorite.

Is it hard being on tour and being away from your family and friends?

Well we’ve been using Skype a lot [online video program] to see and speak with each other. You know just to see each other’s faces and laugh and talk with each other. My family came out to a few shows but the hardest part is definitely not being able to be with them every day.

How has it been adjusting to “fame?”

It’s been really weird for me. I’m not used to people wanting to give me a hug or high-five, or autograph a picture of myself for them. It’s been fun, you know then all of a sudden my babies bring me back to reality “mommy mommy” you know it reminds me of who I really am…a mother.

Do you have anything in the works now that the tour is just about up?

Well I have some meetings coming up with some record labels, so I’m hoping to sign on with one of them. Besides that I’m working on getting a single out in the near future.

Before we end this is there something you want to say to your fans or anything you would like to touch on?

Well I want to say that everyone has just been so supportive. I want to thank all my fans for supporting me and believing in my dream. “Keep Lil Rounds in your minds because there is definitely more to come.”

Make sure to come back tomorrow for another one on one session with an American Idol finalist.

Signing out: Marcus Shellenberger

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One on One with Kris Allen, winner of American Idol Season 8.

Editor — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:05:16 +0000

Part of the Idol franchise and a spin off the UK hit “Pop Idol,” American Idol debuted in 2002 and has been picking up momentum since. During this years season finale there were close to 100 millions votes cast! I had the chance to sit down with Season 8 winner Kris Allen whose debut album is being released on November 17. Check out the interview below.

First off, how has the tour been treating you?

Tours been good, it’s been really long and it’s just about over now. I’ve had a really good time and the crowds have been great.

Is there a big difference between being on the show and being on tour?

Total difference…all the weights have been lifted off, cameras are out of your face for the most part and now it’s all about you [us] and the music. It’s time to just sing.

What’s it like being away from your family and friends while on tour?

You know, that’s the toughest part [being away from friends and family]. I’ve missed them a lot but I have become really close with these guys, lived with them for almost a year now and have been spending 24 hours a day with them and have built great relationships.

Has your life completely changed from this experience and winning American Idol?

My life has completely turned upside down. I never dreamed all this could have happened to me and its not at all what I had in mind…you know like signing autographs and people screaming your name its just a complete 360.

When you started the show, obviously you thought you stood a chance but did you think you could actually win the American Idol?

It was more of a step by step process, you know, I just took everything one step at a time.

Alright well I’m sorry but I have to ask you, is Simon really the type of guy that we all see on the T.V?

[Laughs] Simon is a believer in what he says, other than that he’s a really nice guy to talk too and we’ll just leave it at that.

Haha fair enough, before we end this is there something you want to say to your fans or anything you would like to touch on?

Man, our fans come out everyday and just sit for hours…literally. I’m so happy they watch the show and American Idol fans are the best fans out there. So I just want to say thank you to all my fans.

The American Idol 2009 tour is in Reading, Pa this week. More information here.

Check back tomorrow for other interviews. I will be talking with other contestants from the show.

Signing out: Marcus Shellenberger

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