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If you could perform in any venue in the world, where would that be? Why?: I've been very fortunate to play some really historic venues like Tipitina's in New Orleans, Antones in Austin, TX and the Georgia Theater, but I love venues with history. The Troubadour in LA or The Hollywood Bowl - would be pretty cool to play. And the Ryman in Nashville and eventually Madison Square Garden - that one is the ultimate goal!

How has music inspired you?: Music is my life. Every day something new musically inspires me to write new music and new songs. Music changes people. It's real.

Do you have any formal singing training?: Nope. The way I learned how to sing was doing it live over and over.

What album would your friends be surprised you own?: I own all kinds of crazy albums. I listen to everything for inspiration.

If you could perform with any person or group, who would it be and why?: I'd love to perform with the Rolling Stones. They are a timelss band that has made such an impact on all of music.

What do you do to unwind after a performance?: It depends how the performances goes.

Which theme week would be most challenging to you and why?: Maybe 80's hair metal week. I'm not too good at any of that stuff.

What theme week would you love to have for Season 10?: Original music week! I'd love to show off the creative side and I'd also love to see the creative side of the other contestants. There is only so much you can so creativly singing other artists' songs.

What's your dream song to perform?: I'm still working on that one. I'd love to write a timelss song that helps people.

What makes a great performer?: Someone that demands the crowd's attention. Someone you can't take your eyes off of while they are performing.

How do you combat stage fright?: I've never really been to frightened by being on stage.

How do you plan on differentiating yourself in the competition?: I already know exactly who I am. I'm an artist and feel like I'm already different because of my style of coive and the songs I write.

If you could model your career after an artist, who would it be and why?: Tom Petty - this dude has been rocking it for years. He's a brilliant musician and writer. I don't want to be anything close to a one hit wonder. I'd like to be around a long time and be respected in the music community.

If you couldn't sing, what other talent would you most like to have?: When I was a kid, I wanted to be like Pistol Pete Maravich or Michael Jordan. Maybe a pro basketball player. That would be fun.

What has been the most unique job/chore you've ever had?: One summer I went dor to door and sold kitchen knives. Pretty random.

What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever seen or experienced??: One time I got my pants pulled down during freshman football parctice in front of all the cheerleaders. It's actually pretty funny now, but at the time I was pretty embarrassed.

What's your proudest moment in life outside of American Idol?: When my band played Bonnaroo Music Festival in 2008 I felt really proud of what we had accomplished as an independent band and as original artists.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?: I love dogs and animals. I have a minature weiner dog named Doc that lives in Huntsville. His birthday is on Valentine's Day and he's 14 years old.

If you have 24 hours to do anything you wanted, what would you do?: I'm a pretty in the moment person, so I'd probably hop on a plane to some random place and hang out with new people and make some new friends.

Who is the person that you would most like to meet?: Michael Jordan is awesome. Or Larry Bird. We used to always put him on our guest list for our shows just in case he showed up.

Do you have a favorite quote, phrase or personal motto / words to live by?: ""A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night and in between he does what he wants to do." ~Bob Dylan"

What's been the most surprising part of the Idol experience so far?: I've been pretty surprised with everything! I've never really watched the show so it's all been a pretty pleasant surprise. Every day is something new.

What have you learned about yourself by going through the Idol audition process?: Try everything! Don't be afraid to take chances. If you work hard enough and stay true to yourself, big things are bound to come your way.

What are you hoping to get out of your Idol experience?: Learn, learn, learn. This was something that I never imagined myself doing and her I am enjoyig every minute. It's an honor hanging with allthese super pros on a daiy basis. I'm just trying to soak it all in and take as many notes as possible. Not every day do you get a chance to do the things we get to do on this show. It's been a giant learning experience not to mention a ton of fun. Learn, leanrn, learn. There is always room to grow and learn as an artist so I'm just trying to tak it all in!