Favorite Male Artist:

Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban

Favorite Female Artist:

Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood

Do you have a favorite quote or personal motto?

Don't let the fear of falling hold you down.

When did you first start to sing?

When I was 9.

Do you have any formal singing training?

I went to vocal lessons 3 times to learn how to control my breathing.

What other talents do you have?

Photography, Songwriting

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

Selling soda at the beach shop. I had to walk out on the beach and sell soda.

What are your personal goals in life?

To become a major recording artist.

What music would your friends be surprised you own?

None that I know of.

Do you have any rituals or things you do before you perform?

I drop my head, close my eyes for a second and then live the song. My grandfather always tells me to.

What's your most embarrassing moment?

Learning to drive my stick shift. I stalled it at a red light.

What's your proudest moment?

American Idol Top 24

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

Photography

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I am adopted.

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

That I can harmonize.

How do you plan on differentiating yourself in the competition?

I plan on being myself.

Who are your musical influences?

Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban

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

Ride as many rollercoasters as I possibly could. I love coasters.

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

Selena Gomez

Of the past 8 seasons, who's been your favorite Idol contestant thus far?

Carrie Underwood

If you could perform in any venue in the world, where you that be and why?

CMA Awards -- All the people I listened to on the radio would be listening to me; it would be so cool.

What was the first concert you attended?

Charlie Daniels Palooza when I was 10.

How has music inspired you?

It's inspired me to write songs and get in touch with myself on a deeper level.

What makes a great performer?

To captivate the audience.

How do you combat stage fright?

I don't. It's part of the experience and it makes it fun.

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

Making the Top 24. Everyone is so good.

If you could redo any moment in your life, what would it be and why?

I wouldn't change a thing. My past made me who I am today.

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

Rascal Flatts, I idolize them.

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

60's or 70's week.

What theme week would you love to have for Season 9?

Original music, or a week where the contestants write their own song.

What's your dream song to perform?

Something I wrote.

What one performance in a past AI season will you always remember?

David Archuleta - Angels