Favorite Male Artist:

Ray LaMontagne, Glen Hansard

Favorite Female Artist:

Melissa Etheridge, Janis Joplin

Do you have a favorite quote or personal motto?

"Success ain't about the money, it's about doing what you love." - ME

When did you first start to sing?

First grade, I was Suzie Snowflake in a Christmas play. Started playing gigs professionally at 10 years.

Do you have any formal singing training?

No.

What other talents do you have?

I like to knit, harmonica, draw, paint, sculpt, flare my nostrils. Mommy multi-tasking!

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

Played a skydiver's funeral, and was paid in 1/2 in $, 1/2 in skydiving.

What are your personal goals in life?

To be a cool mom and working musician.

What music would your friends be surprised you own?

None, my friends know I love all genres.

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

Not really, I just like to play.

What's your most embarrassing moment?

I'm not easily embarrassed, but I tend to say silly things and stupid jokes to combat nerves.

What's your proudest moment?

I bought my son a tiny drum set, and he just knew what to do. What a Rock Star he is!

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

Sound engineering/music production.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Not sure.

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

That I am stronger than I ever imagined.

How do you plan on differentiating yourself in the competition?

By just being myself.

Who are your musical influences?

Glen Hansard, Janis Joplin, Jewel, Tracy Chapman, Melissa Etheridge, Bobby May, Ron Rassberry, Brian Walker, Ray LaMontagne.

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

Relax in the sunshine somewhere with my kid, bf, and guitar.

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

Ray LaMontagne

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

Jason Castro, because I got to meet and talk to him. He has great hair.

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

The Village Idiot, Maumee, Ohio. It's my favorite hangout and all my friends are there. I feel very comfortable and at home there.

What was the first concert you attended?

Live & Counting Crows with my dad.

How has music inspired you?

It has been my therapy, writing, performing - ventilation for my soul.

What makes a great performer?

Connecting on a personal level with the music, soul, and being able to play an instrument well.

How do you combat stage fright?

I don't really have stage fright.

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

How difficult it really is.

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

I wouldn't change a darn thing!

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

Glen Hansard, Ray LaMontagne or Melissa Etheridge. They have so much passion and soul. It comes from somewhere completely real.

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

Anything where I have to go guitarless and dance.

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

Blues if there were one.

What's your dream song to perform?

Originals, but otherwise "Piece of my Heart" by Janis or "Jolene" by Ray LaMontagne.

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

I don't own a television.