Conference Call Interview With Amy Adams

lobeck · 04-09-2004, 02:31 PM

I recently took part in a conference call interview with Amy Adams, the third person voted off of the latest edition of American Idol. Whether it is because of her pink hair, her bubbly personality, or her singing, Amy will definitely be remembered. Here's what she had to say:

Let me ask you about the Jay Leno thing. How did you feel when Simon said you looked like Jay Leno's sister?
Initially…(*laughter*)…it was kinda shocking, because he said I looked like Jay Leno. Then he clarified it and said I looked like Jay Leno's sister. That, I was OK with. At first, I wasn't sure if he was implying that I looked like a man (*laughter*) or that I look like we could be related. But, now we know what's going on, so it's OK.

On the Results Show, Simon came up on the stage and gave you a big hug. What did he say to you? He seems to have a real affection for you.
You know, he does, and for that I am quite thankful. He just said, "You personality and your quality as a person…you shine. We're gonna miss your personality. We really, really are."

What's next for you? I'm sure you're getting tons of offers…
We have some things in the "mix & mingle" stage right now, and I'm really trying to stay focused and be attentive to my future, my career and wherever that may take me. Right now, I'm trying to stay focused on our tour. Then, after that, I'll be able to focus on more stuff individually.

Do you think Simon's comments had an effect on the voting?
You know what? I really don't. It may have, but, as far as I'm concerned, I don't think so. If so, I mean, then people are voting for the wrong reasons anyway.

Did you guys rehearse in the house?
Sometimes we did. It just depends. Formally, sometimes, and then informally obviously yes.

Your "Sin Wagon" performance was a big hit with the judges, and Randy and Paula specifically said you should look into the country music genre. Had you ever thought about that before? Hearing that from Randy and Paula, are you thinking about that now?
Definitely hearing that from them, I'm gonna take their advice. I mean, they're incredible at what they do, and that's why this is their third season. You know, I hadn't really given it too much thought before. I'm a strong fan of country music; I love it. That's how I knew that Dixie Chicks song, anyway. It's definitely something I'm gonna look into, because I felt good doing it. It was something that was right up my alley. I mean, I didn't feel afraid, I didn't feel shy…I just went out there and gave it my all.

Do you know if your participation on American Idol would preclude you from trying out for something like Nashville Star or a similar show?
You know, that's something I don't know. I mean, there are lots of regulations and once you're promoting one thing, it's not to their advantage for you to also be promoting something else. So, I'm just focusing on the tour now, because it's coming up in June.

Who do you see in the Final Two, and who do you see as the eventual winner?
You know, I can't say. I mean, I didn't see myself leaving as #10. It's all so unpredictable. I mean, Latoya being in the Bottom Three with myself and Jennifer…who would have predicted that? She's had nothing but good comments all along. It's just hard. You can't predict that.

Your last two performances were probably your best two, so why do you think it is that you ended up in the Bottom Three?
You know, that's something I don't know, will never know, and am not going to beat myself up trying to figure out. I really just believe in maintaining consistency and going forward.

How long did it take before Jay Leno's people called you?
(*laughter*) It was a matter of days…two days. Tuesday, the comment was made. Wednesday, Jay had done a skit about it. Then, I was on the show on Thursday. They called Thursday morning.

How much fun was that?
Amazing. It was amazing. It was just cool! I was totally freakin' out, but it was cool.

No matter what Simon said to you privately, it seemed, publically at least, that you couldn't get a break with him. There's a sense that he's looking for something very specific this time and that people who don't fit that mold need not apply. Was that frustrating for you?
You know, yes and no. It was to the extent that…you know, I still got good comments from him throughout. I mean, in the Top 32, he would say, "You have a great voice…You have a star quality about you." Then, even going into the Top 12, he said, "You will shine. You have something that is a star quality about you." But, I guess it is kinda a hard situation when you look at it. A lot of times he was speechless with me, and I guess that's almost a good thing with him. I mean, he didn't say, "You're horrible", "You're ghastly", or anything like that, and for that, I'm happy.

Maybe you scare him…
(*laughter*) You know, it could be! I mean, there were times where he'd say something like, "You know, I just don't know what to say to you."

Given what has happened to people like Clay Aiken last year…and even William Hung this year…did you think that being a loser on American Idol might not be such a bad thing?
You know, going out early in the competition…I really don't think it's a bad thing. And I really am glad that I stayed…even with my performances on top. You know, people are using the term "robbed". If they think that about me now, then when I come back into their lives with whatever I choose to do, they're going to be happy to see me. I feel like I'm on top of my game, and when I do come around again, I feel like it's gonna be a bigger and better thing.

Why did you dye your hair pink and not something like yellow?
Well, pink is my favorite color, and yellow hair…it would just be creepy.

Did you make any long-lasting friendships with the other contestants?
Oh, yeah. I'm made some really great friendships…some really great friendships. There are four that definitely stick out—Matt Rogers, Fantasia Barrino, Latoya London, and Camile Velasco.

What was the first thing that went through your mind when Ryan announced you were in the Bottom Three and then when you were voted off?
The Bottom Three was hard, because I felt like I had done great the night before. When he said I was leaving the show, it was a very, very harsh…a stunned kind of feeling. For the most part, you know, I'm OK with it. I did have a strong performance the night before, and I wouldn't change a thing.

If you could take away one thing from this whole experience, what would it be?
It would definitely be to be true to yourself. I wouldn't have changed anything. I'm so glad I lived the memories and the moments that I have, because I literally tried to soak up every single moment, no matter what.

Every year, there's a girl on the show with pink hair, and, every year, the girl with pink hair doesn't make it. Do you think this "pink hair curse" has anything to do with you not making it further?
(*laughter) You know, there could be a "pink hair curse". But, as far as I'm concerned, if the curse is on the show American Idol, I'm not worried, because I'm not on the show anymore.

In general, how much do you think looks really factors into how America votes?
Huge. Huge, huge, huge. I mean, some people actually like people to not be attractive sometimes, because they want the underdog. Sometimes, they want people to be exceptionally attractive. It's just one of those things that you never really know. You never really know who's gonna be in the Bottom Three, and you never really know who's gonna win.

When are you going to be going back home?
Um, not anytime soon. I love home, I miss home, and I want to be home. But, for what I'm doing in this business right now…I went out on top, and people everywhere are…the same general consensus is that I was robbed. So, when I come back into their lives in the future, they're gonna remember that. I'm probably gonna stay in L.A. for a while. Our tour starts in June, and we're gonna do that until September. I'll probably be back-and-forth for a bit.

Do you have any advice for your fellow local contestant, Jon Peter Lewis?
(*laughter*) I don't have any advice for JPL. I think JPL is doing just fine on his own. I mean, nobody in the audience was holding up a sign saying, "Marry me, Amy Adams", so I think JPL is doing just fine. (*laughter*)

If you could go back and do it all over again, what would you change?
You know, I really don't think I'd change anything. I could think, "Oh, I should have done this," but I'm not gonna beat myself up over it. I don't believe in that. It just happened that…you know, maybe it wasn't my destiny to win the competition, and I'm OK with that. I'm gonna definitely go on to different things and see where my career leads me.

You have such a good attitude. Where did you get that?
Definitely from my mom. My mom has a disease called Lupus, and it's very debilitating on a daily basis. She has the most wonderful attitude and it's to live each day as though it was your last. Never have any regrets, and make sure you're a wonderful, nice person along the way on whatever journey you choose to take.

Did you act on any advice that the judges gave you?
Yeah, the first week of the Top 12, when they said have a little bit more fun…show your personality more…don't choose things that are so safe. The following week, I did "Sin Wagon", and it was voted one of the best performances. I think I really took their advice into consideration there.

Which judge do you think offers the best advice?
Um…let's see…personally, I would probably have to say Randy. He brings things to your attention.

How influential do you think the judges are in America's voting?
You know, I think they're strongly influential, but I think it also depends on what part of America we're talking about. Some people listen and then…I mean, look at the Bottom Three this week. We all—Jennifer, Latoya, and myself—had good comments, but we were all in the Bottom Three. There were other contestants who didn't get the good comments from the judges, but they weren't in the Bottom Three. So, it's kinda weird.

How nervewracking is choosing the song to do each week?
(*laughter*) That's the most important thing. It can make you or break you. I noticed that the first week when we were choosing songs. That's why when we were getting ready for Country Week, I chose a song that I loved, and it showed.

Do you talk about it (song choice) with other people—your parents, the other contestants, the people who work on the show—or is it a decision you make yourself?
It's a decision you make yourself. You can choose to let other people have so much say in what you do, but if you follow your heart and listen to your gut instincts, you'll feel comfortable either way. So, even though I went out so early in the game, I don't have any regrets, because I listened to myself, and I'm not afraid of that.

How much of it is strategy?
Oh, a lot of it is strategy. I mean, I love singing ballads, but when I sing a faster song and get to jump and move around, I look like a stronger performer. But, I can sit in front of a microphone stand and sing a power ballad. But, again, just follow your gut instinct.

If you could record an album with anyone, who would you like to work with?
I'd love to work with Clive Davis.

What advice would you give to people who wanted to try out for the show?
Just be yourself. Embrace your imperfections and show the world who you are and shine. Don't be afraid to shine.

The album that's coming out…I noticed that in some cases the people singing the songs on the CD aren't the same people that sang them on the show. How was that decided?
You know, actually, Mr. Clive Davis decided that. He and some other producers…they decided what we were gonna sing as individuals and what we were gonna sing as a group.

When y'all were in the house, would you talk about the voting—like you couldn't believe this person was in the Bottom Three, etc.?
Yes and no. I mean, we talked about it somewhat, but it wasn't something we focused on.

You know, the camera repeatedly kept showing John Stevens, and everyone saw the look on his face both when Latoya was put in the Bottom Three and then again when you were sent home. What did he say to you afterwards?
Well, John and I are really good friends, and we were from the get-go…even back in the Top 100. I think that as sad as I was to leave, he was just as sad to see me go. You never know what someone is technically thinking, but it was definitely a hard situation. I mean, he's 16 years old. I have a couple of years on him. (*laughter*)

You've talked about how important it is to be true to yourself. Given that the show is trying to find someone who's versatile and can perform all types of music, how do you do that? How do you stay true to yourself while still showing versatility?
Um…really, that comes in song selection. There are so many genres to choose from, but then there are so many songs within each genre that can depict aspects of your personality. Even going into Country Week, I could have chosen a strong power ballad and done something that was almost like country crossover, but I chose something fun and stylistically suited for my personality.

If you could pick a theme and a guest judge one week, what/who would you like to see?
It's weird, because it was done last year, but you know what? I love Billy Joel. Or Stevie Wonder.

Did you watch previous seasons of the show?
I sure did.

Who were some of your favorites?
Um…let's see…From the first season, I'd have to say Tamyra Gray and Kelly Clarkson. From the second season, I'd say Clay and Kimberley Locke. And Ruben, as well.

If you had to pick your best and worst performances, which ones would you pick?
Best would be "Sin Wagon". One that I wasn't happiest with was "You Make Me Feel Brand New".

My thanks to Amy for taking the time to talk to us and to the people at FOX for arranging the interview.

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AIWANNABE · 04-09-2004, 02:47 PM

Great Interview Lobeck! I have been waiting for it, and it has been worth the wait. She still seems a little annoyed that she was kicked off so early, but who can blame her? She is definetly going to go places.

My favorite line had to be "I have no regrets"

Silverstar · 04-09-2004, 03:35 PM

Thanks, Lobeck!

Amy sure is one of a kind. I already miss her.

Quote:

In general, how much do you think looks really factors into how America votes?
Huge. Huge, huge, huge.

Jazzin · 04-09-2004, 04:01 PM

I agree with Simon, I do miss her on the show.... as well as Matt. They added do my enjoyment.

Interesting thing about perceptions... there's this belief that Fantasia is Ms. Diva, and yet, everyone has mentioned her as a "special" friend.

Also, her comments about Randy being the most constructive judge. True that.

As I've said, this is the only tour of the three AI tours that I'm looking forward to. ... I just hope there's some money left after Prince, Sun Fest and groceries. lol.

Great interview!

DJeterFan · 04-09-2004, 06:14 PM

I think she made her point that she was "robbed." :rolleyes

Uh huh. No. Sorry.

RubenIZMyne · 04-09-2004, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzin

I agree with Simon, I do miss her on the show.... as well as Matt. They added do my enjoyment.

Interesting thing about perceptions... there's this belief that Fantasia is Ms. Diva, and yet, everyone has mentioned her as a "special" friend.

As much as people may dislike Fantasia, from the comfort of their homes, the fact of the matter is they don't know her as a person. It's hard to judge a person when all you see of them is a performance.

I'm quite sure the southern hospitality rings out in her, and all of the contestants say she is very friendly.

Cmichelet · 04-09-2004, 06:36 PM

In the interviews with both Matt and Amy, something seems very obvious to me. They did not really watch the packages that introduced them to the audience or they would understand why people voted them off the show. They both came off as people who aren't very geniune and who want to be the center of attention. Amy intermittently showed the talent to back it up but Matt's performances were weak and he should have paid very close attention when Simon commented on how much he likes to be on t.v. Instead of changing and becoming more humble, he became even more smug. Amy did the same thing. I think Diana has the same problem. She came off as a beauty pageant robot and hasn't done anything to change that. John and John are horrible but in their stories they appeared to be truly nice guys.

Jazzin · 04-09-2004, 07:36 PM

[quote=Cmichelet]In the interviews with both Matt and Amy, something seems very obvious to me. They did not really watch the packages that introduced them to the audience or they would understand why people voted them off the show. They both came off as people who aren't very geniune and who want to be the center of attention. Amy intermittently showed the talent to back it up but Matt's performances were weak and he should have paid very close attention when Simon commented on how much he likes to be on t.v. Instead of changing and becoming more humble, he became even more smug. Amy did the same thing. I think Diana has the same problem.

Oh Please, Diana's a cat fisher-person, that cleans and fillets her own catch. Ain't nothing smug about that southern belle. What she does not do is cry at the drop of a hat, make excuses or try to fake the "funk"... Gotta love her.

KatieKat · 04-09-2004, 07:37 PM

You know, great interview! But how many more questions, you know, can answer starting, you know? You know? heehee.... Just kidding. I'll miss Amy (I already do!) and I wish her great success in the future. Again, excellent interview!

77jules · 04-09-2004, 07:46 PM

Intersting that no one that has been voted out thus far has said that they were close to Jennifer. I wonder if she is well liked in the group or if her attitude has rubbed contestants the wrong way.

04-09-2004, 04:01 PM	#4
Jazzin FORT Fan Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Hilton Head, SC Posts: 235	I agree with Simon, I do miss her on the show.... as well as Matt. They added do my enjoyment. Interesting thing about perceptions... there's this belief that Fantasia is Ms. Diva, and yet, everyone has mentioned her as a "special" friend. Also, her comments about Randy being the most constructive judge. True that. As I've said, this is the only tour of the three AI tours that I'm looking forward to. ... I just hope there's some money left after Prince, Sun Fest and groceries. lol. Great interview! __________________ Jazzin - Not Bluezzin!

04-09-2004, 06:36 PM	#7
Cmichelet FORT Newbie Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1	Videos Doom Contestants In the interviews with both Matt and Amy, something seems very obvious to me. They did not really watch the packages that introduced them to the audience or they would understand why people voted them off the show. They both came off as people who aren't very geniune and who want to be the center of attention. Amy intermittently showed the talent to back it up but Matt's performances were weak and he should have paid very close attention when Simon commented on how much he likes to be on t.v. Instead of changing and becoming more humble, he became even more smug. Amy did the same thing. I think Diana has the same problem. She came off as a beauty pageant robot and hasn't done anything to change that. John and John are horrible but in their stories they appeared to be truly nice guys.

04-09-2004, 07:36 PM	#8
Jazzin FORT Fan Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Hilton Head, SC Posts: 235	[quote=Cmichelet]In the interviews with both Matt and Amy, something seems very obvious to me. They did not really watch the packages that introduced them to the audience or they would understand why people voted them off the show. They both came off as people who aren't very geniune and who want to be the center of attention. Amy intermittently showed the talent to back it up but Matt's performances were weak and he should have paid very close attention when Simon commented on how much he likes to be on t.v. Instead of changing and becoming more humble, he became even more smug. Amy did the same thing. I think Diana has the same problem. Oh Please, Diana's a cat fisher-person, that cleans and fillets her own catch. Ain't nothing smug about that southern belle. What she does not do is cry at the drop of a hat, make excuses or try to fake the "funk"... Gotta love her. __________________ Jazzin - Not Bluezzin!

04-09-2004, 02:31 PM	#1
lobeck For Your Entertainment Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Right here, right now Age: 45 Posts: 14,685	Conference Call Interview With Amy Adams I recently took part in a conference call interview with Amy Adams, the third person voted off of the latest edition of American Idol. Whether it is because of her pink hair, her bubbly personality, or her singing, Amy will definitely be remembered. Here's what she had to say: Let me ask you about the Jay Leno thing. How did you feel when Simon said you looked like Jay Leno's sister? Initially…(laughter)…it was kinda shocking, because he said I looked like Jay Leno. Then he clarified it and said I looked like Jay Leno's sister. That, I was OK with. At first, I wasn't sure if he was implying that I looked like a man (laughter) or that I look like we could be related. But, now we know what's going on, so it's OK. On the Results Show, Simon came up on the stage and gave you a big hug. What did he say to you? He seems to have a real affection for you. You know, he does, and for that I am quite thankful. He just said, "You personality and your quality as a person…you shine. We're gonna miss your personality. We really, really are." What's next for you? I'm sure you're getting tons of offers… We have some things in the "mix & mingle" stage right now, and I'm really trying to stay focused and be attentive to my future, my career and wherever that may take me. Right now, I'm trying to stay focused on our tour. Then, after that, I'll be able to focus on more stuff individually. Do you think Simon's comments had an effect on the voting? You know what? I really don't. It may have, but, as far as I'm concerned, I don't think so. If so, I mean, then people are voting for the wrong reasons anyway. Did you guys rehearse in the house? Sometimes we did. It just depends. Formally, sometimes, and then informally obviously yes. Your "Sin Wagon" performance was a big hit with the judges, and Randy and Paula specifically said you should look into the country music genre. Had you ever thought about that before? Hearing that from Randy and Paula, are you thinking about that now? Definitely hearing that from them, I'm gonna take their advice. I mean, they're incredible at what they do, and that's why this is their third season. You know, I hadn't really given it too much thought before. I'm a strong fan of country music; I love it. That's how I knew that Dixie Chicks song, anyway. It's definitely something I'm gonna look into, because I felt good doing it. It was something that was right up my alley. I mean, I didn't feel afraid, I didn't feel shy…I just went out there and gave it my all. *Do you know if your participation on American Idol* would preclude you from trying out for something like Nashville Star or a similar show? You know, that's something I don't know. I mean, there are lots of regulations and once you're promoting one thing, it's not to their advantage for you to also be promoting something else. So, I'm just focusing on the tour now, because it's coming up in June. Who do you see in the Final Two, and who do you see as the eventual winner? You know, I can't say. I mean, I didn't see myself leaving as #10. It's all so unpredictable. I mean, Latoya being in the Bottom Three with myself and Jennifer…who would have predicted that? She's had nothing but good comments all along. It's just hard. You can't predict that. Your last two performances were probably your best two, so why do you think it is that you ended up in the Bottom Three? You know, that's something I don't know, will never know, and am not going to beat myself up trying to figure out. I really just believe in maintaining consistency and going forward. How long did it take before Jay Leno's people called you?** (laughter) It was a matter of days…two days. Tuesday, the comment was made. Wednesday, Jay had done a skit about it. Then, I was on the show on Thursday. They called Thursday morning. How much fun was that? Amazing. It was amazing. It was just cool! I was totally freakin' out, but it was cool. No matter what Simon said to you privately, it seemed, publically at least, that you couldn't get a break with him. There's a sense that he's looking for something very specific this time and that people who don't fit that mold need not apply. Was that frustrating for you? You know, yes and no. It was to the extent that…you know, I still got good comments from him throughout. I mean, in the Top 32, he would say, "You have a great voice…You have a star quality about you." Then, even going into the Top 12, he said, "You will shine. You have something that is a star quality about you." But, I guess it is kinda a hard situation when you look at it. A lot of times he was speechless with me, and I guess that's almost a good thing with him. I mean, he didn't say, "You're horrible", "You're ghastly", or anything like that, and for that, I'm happy. Maybe you scare him… (laughter) You know, it could be! I mean, there were times where he'd say something like, "You know, I just don't know what to say to you." *Given what has happened to people like Clay Aiken last year…and even William Hung this year…did you think that being a loser on American Idol* might not be such a bad thing? You know, going out early in the competition…I really don't think it's a bad thing. And I really am glad that I stayed…even with my performances on top. You know, people are using the term "robbed". If they think that about me now, then when I come back into their lives with whatever I choose to do, they're going to be happy to see me. I feel like I'm on top of my game, and when I do come around again, I feel like it's gonna be a bigger and better thing. Why did you dye your hair pink and not something like yellow? Well, pink is my favorite color, and yellow hair…it would just be creepy. Did you make any long-lasting friendships with the other contestants? Oh, yeah. I'm made some really great friendships…some really great friendships. There are four that definitely stick out—Matt Rogers, Fantasia Barrino, Latoya London, and Camile Velasco. What was the first thing that went through your mind when Ryan announced you were in the Bottom Three and then when you were voted off? The Bottom Three was hard, because I felt like I had done great the night before. When he said I was leaving the show, it was a very, very harsh…a stunned kind of feeling. For the most part, you know, I'm OK with it. I did have a strong performance the night before, and I wouldn't change a thing. If you could take away one thing from this whole experience, what would it be? It would definitely be to be true to yourself. I wouldn't have changed anything. I'm so glad I lived the memories and the moments that I have, because I literally tried to soak up every single moment, no matter what. Every year, there's a girl on the show with pink hair, and, every year, the girl with pink hair doesn't make it. Do you think this "pink hair curse" has anything to do with you not making it further?** (laughter) You know, there could be a "pink hair curse". But, as far as I'm concerned, if the curse is on the show American Idol, I'm not worried, because I'm not on the show anymore. In general, how much do you think looks really factors into how America votes?* Huge. Huge, huge, huge. I mean, some people actually like people to not be attractive sometimes, because they want the underdog. Sometimes, they want people to be exceptionally attractive. It's just one of those things that you never really know. You never really know who's gonna be in the Bottom Three, and you never really know who's gonna win. When are you going to be going back home? Um, not anytime soon. I love home, I miss home, and I want to be home. But, for what I'm doing in this business right now…I went out on top, and people everywhere are…the same general consensus is that I was robbed. So, when I come back into their lives in the future, they're gonna remember that. I'm probably gonna stay in L.A. for a while. Our tour starts in June, and we're gonna do that until September. I'll probably be back-and-forth for a bit. Do you have any advice for your fellow local contestant, Jon Peter Lewis? (laughter) I don't have any advice for JPL. I think JPL is doing just fine on his own. I mean, nobody in the audience was holding up a sign saying, "Marry me, Amy Adams", so I think JPL is doing just fine. (laughter) If you could go back and do it all over again, what would you change? You know, I really don't think I'd change anything. I could think, "Oh, I should have done this," but I'm not gonna beat myself up over it. I don't believe in that. It just happened that…you know, maybe it wasn't my destiny to win the competition, and I'm OK with that. I'm gonna definitely go on to different things and see where my career leads me. You have such a good attitude. Where did you get that? Definitely from my mom. My mom has a disease called Lupus, and it's very debilitating on a daily basis. She has the most wonderful attitude and it's to live each day as though it was your last. Never have any regrets, and make sure you're a wonderful, nice person along the way on whatever journey you choose to take. Did you act on any advice that the judges gave you? Yeah, the first week of the Top 12, when they said have a little bit more fun…show your personality more…don't choose things that are so safe. The following week, I did "Sin Wagon", and it was voted one of the best performances. I think I really took their advice into consideration there. Which judge do you think offers the best advice? Um…let's see…personally, I would probably have to say Randy. He brings things to your attention. How influential do you think the judges are in America's voting? You know, I think they're strongly influential, but I think it also depends on what part of America we're talking about. Some people listen and then…I mean, look at the Bottom Three this week. We all—Jennifer, Latoya, and myself—had good comments, but we were all in the Bottom Three. There were other contestants who didn't get the good comments from the judges, but they weren't in the Bottom Three. So, it's kinda weird. How nervewracking is choosing the song to do each week? (laughter) That's the most important thing. It can make you or break you. I noticed that the first week when we were choosing songs. That's why when we were getting ready for Country Week, I chose a song that I loved, and it showed. Do you talk about it (song choice) with other people—your parents, the other contestants, the people who work on the show—or is it a decision you make yourself? It's a decision you make yourself. You can choose to let other people have so much say in what you do, but if you follow your heart and listen to your gut instincts, you'll feel comfortable either way. So, even though I went out so early in the game, I don't have any regrets, because I listened to myself, and I'm not afraid of that. How much of it is strategy? Oh, a lot of it is strategy. I mean, I love singing ballads, but when I sing a faster song and get to jump and move around, I look like a stronger performer. But, I can sit in front of a microphone stand and sing a power ballad. But, again, just follow your gut instinct. If you could record an album with anyone, who would you like to work with? I'd love to work with Clive Davis. What advice would you give to people who wanted to try out for the show? Just be yourself. Embrace your imperfections and show the world who you are and shine. Don't be afraid to shine. The album that's coming out…I noticed that in some cases the people singing the songs on the CD aren't the same people that sang them on the show. How was that decided? You know, actually, Mr. Clive Davis decided that. He and some other producers…they decided what we were gonna sing as individuals and what we were gonna sing as a group. When y'all were in the house, would you talk about the voting—like you couldn't believe this person was in the Bottom Three, etc.? Yes and no. I mean, we talked about it somewhat, but it wasn't something we focused on. You know, the camera repeatedly kept showing John Stevens, and everyone saw the look on his face both when Latoya was put in the Bottom Three and then again when you were sent home. What did he say to you afterwards? Well, John and I are really good friends, and we were from the get-go…even back in the Top 100. I think that as sad as I was to leave, he was just as sad to see me go. You never know what someone is technically thinking, but it was definitely a hard situation. I mean, he's 16 years old. I have a couple of years on him. (laughter) You've talked about how important it is to be true to yourself. Given that the show is trying to find someone who's versatile and can perform all types of music, how do you do that? How do you stay true to yourself while still showing versatility? Um…really, that comes in song selection. There are so many genres to choose from, but then there are so many songs within each genre that can depict aspects of your personality. Even going into Country Week, I could have chosen a strong power ballad and done something that was almost like country crossover, but I chose something fun and stylistically suited for my personality. If you could pick a theme and a guest judge one week, what/who would you like to see? It's weird, because it was done last year, but you know what? I love Billy Joel. Or Stevie Wonder. Did you watch previous seasons of the show? I sure did. Who were some of your favorites? Um…let's see…From the first season, I'd have to say Tamyra Gray and Kelly Clarkson. From the second season, I'd say Clay and Kimberley Locke. And Ruben, as well. If you had to pick your best and worst performances, which ones would you pick? Best would be "Sin Wagon". One that I wasn't happiest with was "You Make Me Feel Brand New". My thanks to Amy for taking the time to talk to us and to the people at FOX for arranging the interview.

04-09-2004, 02:47 PM	#2
AIWANNABE FORT Fogey Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The Big Brother House Posts: 9,833	Great Interview Lobeck! I have been waiting for it, and it has been worth the wait. She still seems a little annoyed that she was kicked off so early, but who can blame her? She is definetly going to go places. My favorite line had to be "I have no regrets"

04-09-2004, 06:14 PM	#5
DJeterFan J/J for the win! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 1,661	I think she made her point that she was "robbed." :rolleyes Uh huh. No. Sorry.

04-09-2004, 07:37 PM	#9
KatieKat Life is good Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Searching for a meal o' monkeys... Age: 35 Posts: 1,546	You know, great interview! But how many more questions, you know, can answer starting, you know? You know? heehee.... Just kidding. I'll miss Amy (I already do!) and I wish her great success in the future. Again, excellent interview!

04-09-2004, 07:46 PM	#10
77jules FORT Newbie Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1	Intersting that no one that has been voted out thus far has said that they were close to Jennifer. I wonder if she is well liked in the group or if her attitude has rubbed contestants the wrong way.