"Imagine" - John Lennon / "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
When did you first start to sing?
When I was a young girl - started singing more in 5th grade.
Do you have any formal singing training?
Yes. Vocal Coaches Roger Love and Kira Fontana in Los Angeles.
What other talents do you have?
Just started playing guitar 3 years ago.
What has been the most unique job/chore you've ever had?
Did laundry at a salon/spa when I was 14. I worked my way up to being a receptionist, but did laundry for several months.
What are your personal goals in life?
To make a record in honor of Rebecca Joy (my friend that passed). To make a record and have a successful music career. To inspire people in a positive way and remind them dreams do come true when you work hard and stay focused.
What music would your friends be surprised you own?
I used to have the Hanson record but don't know where it is anymore. I still have NSYNC in my car but haven't listened to it since high school.
Do you have any rituals or things you do before you perform?
I pray. Pray to God and My Angel Rebecca.
What's your most embarrassing moment?
When I asked where trees came from in high school Government class. Everyone laughed, they even mentioned it on the mic at Senior Day in high school.
What's your proudest moment?
Making it onto this show!! And when I played guitar on stage and sang my own songs for the first time at a venue in Los Angeles.
If you couldn't sing, which talent would you most like to have?
Be able to dance like those dancers on "So You Think You Can Dance."
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That I am a dork. I'm a total nerd. Over obsessive compulsive about vacuuming. I vacuum all the time.
What have you learned (about yourself) by going through the Idol audition process?
That I am capable of doing anything I want when I put my mind to it and work really hard. Even achieving my wildest dreams!
How do you plan on differentiating yourself in the competition?
Being myself. Sharing my soul with people who need inspiration.
Who are your musical influences?
Adele, Norah Jones, Angel Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Joni Mitchell, Alana Davis, Patty Griffin, Sarah McLachlan, Amy Winehouse, Paul McCartney, Jason Reeves, John Lennon
If you have 24 hours to do anything you wanted, what would you do?
Spend a day in London...sightseeing and going to Abbey Road and recording.
Who is the person that you would most like to meet?
Michael Jackson because he's the greatest entertainer of all time. I'd love pointers.
Of the past 8 seasons, who's been your favorite Idol contestant thus far?
I didn't watch the 8 seasons but I liked Brooke White after everyone told me I reminded them of her. I checked her out and watched her play "Let It Be" and cried.
If you could perform in any venue in the world, where you that be and why?
The Hollywood Bowl because it's a huge venue, and it would be rad to perform there...(to a full house!)
What was the first concert you attended?
Shania Twain
How has music inspired you?
It has made me a better person as a whole. It has transformed the way I look at words and the way I write and speak to people. Music has shaped my life and developed me into the person I am.
What makes a great performer?
Stage presence, loving what you're doing, giving it your all.
How do you combat stage fright?
I don't really have stage fright. I just get nervous and I think it's a good thing because it means I care.
What's been the most surprising part of the Idol experience so far?
Simon was nice!! I didn't know what to expect but he was nice to me.
If you could redo any moment in your life, what would it be and why?
I wouldn't redo anything. Everything happens for a reason.
If you could perform with any person or group, who would it be and why?
Ray LaMontagne - because I love his voice - the way it sounds. I think we would sound great together.
Which theme week would be most challenging to you and why?
80's week probably - because I don't really listen or like 80's music.
What theme week would you love to have for Season 9?
Michael Jackson week or 70s week.
What's your dream song to perform?
One of Rebecca Joy's songs. Either "No Destination," "Lullaby," or "Gotta Get Back."
What one performance in a past AI season will you always remember?
