If you could perform in any venue in the world, where would that be? Why?
I have twon answers. The first would be Madison Square Garden because I grew up watching so many "greats" perform ther and the second would be the biggest stage I could find in London or Africa because I've always dreamed of visiting those places.
How has music inspired you?
Music has inspired me in EVERY way humanly possible!
Do you have any formal singing training?
No, I do not have any formal singing training. My trining comes from listening.
What album would your friends be surprised you own?
My friends would be surprised that I own Avril Lavigne's album.
If you could perform with any person or group, who would it be and why?
If I could perform with any person it would be Erykah Badu because she has inspired me a great deal in my life.
What do you do to unwind after a performance?
To unwind after a performance I find the best, most comfortable, place to curl up and just relax.
Which theme week would be most challenging to you and why?
The most challenging theme week for me would probably be country because I have never done it.
What theme week would you love to have for Season 10?
I would loooove to have a reggae theme week for Season 10.
What's your dream song to perform?
My dream song to perform is "Far Away" by Naima Adedapo.
What makes a great performer?
What makes a grea performer is originality, intent and connection to the audience.
How do you combat stage fright?
The way I combat stage fright is to just stop and remember that this is what I was born to do.
How do you plan on differentiating yourself in the competition?
The way that I plan to differentiate myself from the competition is to just be myself. I am not like most peopl.
If you could model your career after an artist, who would it be and why?
If I could model my career after an artist it would be a mixture between Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and Michael Jackson.
If you couldn't sing, what other talent would you most like to have?
If I couldn't sing, I would love to be a gymnist because they display such power!
What has been the most unique job/chore you've ever had?
The most unique ob that I have ever had was being an SBC "Blue Being." I had to wear a royal blue unitard with blue face paint on (everyone thought we were the Blue Man Group) and dance around promoting SBC.
How would you define success in life?
The definition of success to me is having the opportunity to reach out to the world with a message of love and rightfully earn enough money to take care of my family so struggle is the last thing we have to worry about.
What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever seen or experienced??
The most embarrassing thing that I've ever experienced was when I was performing at my college graduation and right after I finished this graceful dance piece, I went to walk off and fell flat on my face!
What's your proudest moment in life outside of American Idol?
My proudest moment in life outside of American Idol was the birth of my children and moreover, having my second child with absolutely NO DRUGS!
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
People would be surprised to learn that I make a lot of my own clothing and that I am a martial arts junkie.
If you have 24 hours to do anything you wanted, what would you do?
If I had 24 hours to do anything I wanted, I would fly to Africa (most likely home to Nigeria) and sing and dance barefoot in the dirt then find the absolute scariest roller coaster in the world and ride it!
Who is the person that you would most like to meet?
The person that I would most like to meet is Oprah Winfrey.
Do you have a favorite quote, phrase or personal motto / words to live by?
My motto is stay humble and true to yourself.
What's been the most surprising part of the Idol experience so far?
The most surprising part of the Idol experience so far has been building friendships and experiencing connections with some of the most talented, down to earth people I have met in my life. Oh yeah
What have you learned about yourself by going through the Idol audition process?
I have learned that I am really a very sensitive and emotionally driven person
What are you hoping to get out of your Idol experience?
I am hoping to earn the opportunity to be able to spend the rest of my life inspiring people (especially the youth) to love themselves for who they are through music and dance. I am hoping that from this experience I achieve the ability to carry on the traditions of my ancestors so that their stories and legacy never dies. Lastly, I pray that this experience allows me to give my children the opportunity to blossom as the beautiful flowering artists that they are. I believe in leading by example.
