If you could perform in any venue in the world, where would that be? Why?

Idyllwild Arts Amphitheater

How has music inspired you?

In a good way, music has become my life.

Do you have any formal singing training?

Kind of.

What album would your friends be surprised you own?

Lawrence Welk, Polkas

If you could perform with any person or group, who would it be and why?

It'd be Wynton Marsalis and professional jazz musicians. Maybe Bobby DeFrancisco. I like jazzy-ness.

What do you do to unwind after a performance?

Relax and rethink.

Which theme week would be most challenging to you and why?

Songs of an artist I don't know. It's hard to learn songs just because you have to.

What theme week would you love to have for Season 10?

Sinatra Week

What's your dream song to perform?

Bohemian Rhapsody would be my dream song.

What makes a great performer?

What makes a great performer is when they have a passion for the music and (if they have eyes) eye contact.

How do you combat stage fright?

Pretend you're practicing instead of performing.

How do you plan on differentiating yourself in the competition?

Playing the bass, being funny.

If you could model your career after an artist, who would it be and why?

Jack Black, being amazing on stage and being able to act.

If you couldn't sing, what other talent would you most like to have?

Learning jazz, editing videos, acting.

What has been the most unique job/chore you've ever had?

Film Editor/T.A. for a summer camp

How would you define success in life?

How happy you are. :)

What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever seen or experienced??

When I peed my pants in 1st grade during music class.

What's your proudest moment in life outside of American Idol?

The proudest moment in my life was performing at my senior recital.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I get very emotional, especially during sad movies.

If you have 24 hours to do anything you wanted, what would you do?

I'd meet as many musical geniuses/celebs as possible. Maybe chill with the president.

Who is the person that you would most like to meet?

I'd love to meet Esperanza Spalding.

Do you have a favorite quote, phrase or personal motto / words to live by?

Be a serious musician, don't be a serious person.

What's been the most surprising part of the Idol experience so far?

Liking the other contestants and not being threatened by them.

What have you learned about yourself by going through the Idol audition process?

I've learned how to perform without being scared.

What are you hoping to get out of your Idol experience?

I'm hoping to bring jazz back to normalness. I want to show any one from any category can work hard and do what they want.