In an interview with the media after his departure, Michael Sarver says that Idol was an interesting experience for him, as it actually helped him to clarify his priorities. Although he plans on giving a career in music everything he's got, it's his family that will forever be number one to Michael. He doesn't think that was a disadvantage during the competition, however. Instead, he says his love for them was quite inspirational. And when he was asked about his upbeat attitude when he was voted off the show, he admits that it was because he knew that meant he'd be able to spend time with his family.

Michael said he thinks there might have been a few misconceptions about him during his run on AI. As he says, "I'm not as Country as most people thought, and number two, that there's a lot of soul in me, and I'm a soul singer. And it doesn't matter if you mix with Rock, Pop, or R & B - They're soul." People might also be surprised to learn that he has written over 890 songs since he was 14 years old! As he explains, he has experienced so many hardships and wonderful things in his life, his desire to share those stories is strong. One thing that won't shock anyone about Michael is the fact that he plans on working his "tail off" to make it in the industry, and doesn't plan on giving it any less than 110%.

Although Michael loved the mansion and his AI peers, and even played some basketball with some of his buddies there recently, his greatest memory has to do with the night he was voted off the show. Even though it was the end of the road for Michael, he said that he took enormous pride in the fact that he shared the stage with such huge performers as Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson. Michael also sees nothing but good times ahead, especially with the tour coming up over the summer. As he puts it, being on American Idol is a bit like being in a "bubble." Even though you know there are fans voting for you, you don't get it to interact with them until you're on the road, and he's really looking forward to that.

Some might think that Michael might have hard feelings over Simon's comment about him not being able to win the show, and the judges' decision not to use their "save" for him. Michael actually said that Simon's comment made him giggle because, as he put it, Simon "knows better that that." He goes on to say, "We didn't get there by mistake. We're all very talented. I believe in my talent and I believe in myself and what I have to offer the music world."

Catch Michael's performance of "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" again!