AI 6: Interview with Sabrina Sloan: The Big Shocker of the Night

[Yardgnome]

I was personally sad to see Sabrina go home on Thursday. She was a great singer and it’s a shame she will not be around for the weeks to come. She was very nice on the phone and I was able to get a couple of questions in (highlighted in red). I hope she gets some wonderful deals out of this and that she makes this into just a stepping-stone for her future career.


Now, I think we were all shocked when you got eliminated. What was going through your mind when that happened?

S. Sloan: I was shocked, too. I was definitely surprised and really hadn’t prepared myself for going home. Part of that is because of the judges’ comments and saying, “You’ll definitely be here. You deserve to be in the top 12.” I think I took it into consideration, America took it into consideration and thought I was safe and didn’t need to vote. It feels like that’s kind of what happened.

Now that you’re eliminated, it’s over and done with kind of, what do you see yourself doing next?

S. Sloan: Absolutely singing and performing, that’s my passion and I’m going to keep doing it. I started writing some music before I got here and collaborating with some friends, so I’m going to keep doing that and try to put out an album for sure. The great thing about Idol is that other doors might open because of it or are also going to be there. Hopefully, there’ll be lots of opportunities, whether it’s acting or fashion or anything. I’m really excited.

My second question is will you continue with Hairspray in any way or will you move onto other roles? Are you thinking about a solo career?

S. Sloan: I’m definitely thinking about a solo career. I’m not opposed to going back to Broadway for sure if it’s the right role. My Hairspray days are over for sure. There are a lot of great shows out there and I’d definitely go back for a role on Broadway.

Just to go back, do you think that possibly America thought you were safe and that’s why it’s such a shock, such a surprise with last night?

S. Sloan: Yes, it feels like it. I’ve watched the show for five years and I’ve tried to prepare myself every Thursday because you just never know. I’ve seen it happen before and been upset by it. You just don’t get it until you’re there and you’re feeling it. It’s just such a disappointment. I absolutely wanted to be in that 12 that are getting ready to sing with Diana Ross. Thinking about all of it, it’s really hard.

You mentioned that the judges made the comment that you’re definitely in the top 12 and America thought you were safe. Do you think the judges should watch what they say?

S. Sloan: I think that it’s hard because I’m sure they’re not thinking about it as they’re giving the comments, but America absolutely listens to them. People who maybe didn’t catch the show and just caught the comments will take that into consideration and vote for who they think doesn’t have a shot at getting in that they want in. At the same time, of course, I’d want them to say that, so it’s hard to tell. I would rather him, Simon, … the hotel comment that he did. It was kind of not really true, but they have their opinions. Knowing that they were shocked by it, too, was definitely a consolation that they didn’t mean for it to happen.

What kind of album would you like to record in the future?

S. Sloan: Something like a musical funk, a big band of … I like Corinne Bailey Rae a lot. It’s going to have to try to figure it out, but I’m going to get started.

Now, out of all the contestants, what was your favorite performance?

S. Sloan: Of all the contestants?

In this season, yes.

S. Sloan: Favorite performance? There were so many. Honestly, every time the girls got up, I went crazy. The girls knocked it out every week.

Yes.

S. Sloan: I’m trying to think through everybody’s songs.

Well, was there a person who you would most like to see win now?

S. Sloan: I still think it’s going to be a girl this year. The girls … Melinda is obviously great and she’s a great person inside and out. I really couldn’t tell who might actually take it all because it’s really a crap shoot.

Do you think that you were kind of grouped in with the big voiced diva-type females? Do you think that hurt you in terms of vote getting Wednesday night?

S. Sloan: I do. Honestly, I wanted to sing some songs that would maybe set me apart from Melinda, Lakisha and a lot of the songs I wanted to sing didn’t happen in time. I was happy with the song I sang. I was hoping it would kind of set me apart. I think it hurt me a little bit, especially when Simon made the comment that that’s who my competition was, who I was lumped in with. And there’s no way that all of us can stay there if that’s who they keep comparing us to.

Since there is kind of an overabundance of big-voiced diva-type female singers, do you think it will continue to split the votes and maybe at the cost of some of the not-as-good singers sticking around, while some of the better singers go home?

S. Sloan: I do. I think ultimately the big voices might be split. It’s a position for the people who are separate from that group to advance. That’s why I think it’s really anyone’s guess, who could ultimately win it all.

I was just wondering. You were talking about that maybe the voters just didn’t vote because they thought you were safe and maybe because she got so many bad comments. I wonder if the fans just went after it tooth and nail. How much does popularity play in this and how much does talent? Did you get a feeling of it just was out of everybody’s hands?

S. Sloan: Absolutely. That’s kind of the perspective I had, that I tried to remember to have when I went up there. I felt like I did my job, I did what I was supposed to do, and … gets you into this competition for sure when it’s up to the judges and the producers. But once you’re on, it’s honestly up to America and the type of audience that’s watching. Popularity absolutely plays a factor. I think that is absolutely part of what happened.

I’ve actually suggested that maybe they just save the votes until after they get the top 12 because of all this type of thing happening. Not that I don’t want my hometown girl in there or anything, but it just seems that it’s up to the fans at one point. Sanjaya also got panned so many times and stayed in. Would you like to see that? I know you’re out now, unfortunately, but clearly, you’re going to get lots of offers, I think.

S. Sloan: I certainly hope so. Maybe it would be … to have a bottom two and then ultimately the judges pick. That might be something … the top 12. But again, I think the success of the show is the fact that there is that drama factor, that anything can happen, and it’s in your hands. They want people to call. They want America to vote, and it’s America’s show once the 24 is selected. It wouldn’t be the same show if we did it that way. Obviously, for us as the contestants, I’m sure that we would love it if that were the case, but it wouldn’t be American Idol.

Really quickly, any offers yet?

S. Sloan: Nothing … I have to have a waiting period, but I definitely have some things on the table that I’ll be looking at.

Everybody sort of compared you to Gloria Estefan in My Town. Do you get that at all?

S. Sloan: No, that’s great. I’ve heard that before.

Could you elaborate on that one thing a little more? You said you were thinking of a couple of songs that would have set you apart from Lakisha and Melinda, and then that didn’t quite work out because why?

S. Sloan: We have to get songs cleared. You have to get it cleared from the artist. When it comes down to it, if that doesn’t happen and your dream song doesn’t come through, you’re limited to a list of songs.

That have already been cleared.

S. Sloan: Yes, things that are approved.

I was wondering how much the 90 second time limit kind of effects. You said you have a fondness for what sounds like a very jazzy subtle kind of song sometimes. But when you only have 90 seconds, you sometimes have to choose a song.

S. Sloan: Yes. You know, that’s another thing. America just responds to hearing that big voice and you have to do it as fast as you can, as quick as you can. A lot of things that I might have wanted to sing a little softer and show a little more character, it was kind of like being in this competition with these singers. You just have to give it all you got every single week. It was difficult.

We were surprised when we ran into two people who got this far and had never seen the show before. You’ve seen the show for five years. What did you kind of pick up from that, that did help you along the way that you picked up from watching for five years?

S. Sloan: … what I said, what American responds to and big endings, you only have a minute-and-a-half to really show all you have. I’m seeing even now that there is an advantage to being shown before … having some airtime. I feel like I was kind of at a disadvantage not having that. It’s different every year and this year for sure, the talent was on a different level than maybe … year. I think people are going to have to keep stepping it up.

I was wondering, Simon was kind of saying that all the contestants have really poor song choices. Do you think that affected you at all?

S. Sloan: Slightly maybe the last show. I think really that was more maybe the arrangement of the song. I still feel good about it. I still feel like I wouldn’t have changed it. I haven’t had an opportunity to actually watch it back yet, so it’s possible that it was wrong. But I don’t think it was a bad choice. I think some people did make maybe bad choices in years past … I don’t think it was a bad song choice. Actually, I really do feel pretty good about all the choices I made.

Good. … on the Gloria Estefan comparison, you said you’ve gotten that before?

S. Sloan: I’ve gotten it physically before. I look … Gloria Estefan.

How do you feel about that?

S. Sloan: I’ve never been real thrilled. I love her, but I don’t honestly think I look like anybody that I’ve ever met. I look at myself and I’m like … I’d rather stand apart and be unique than look like anyone.

Just be you.

S. Sloan: Yes.

You mentioned Diana Ross earlier and you were all prepped to do the Diana Ross week. Who else were you looking forward to working with?

S. Sloan: Jon Bon Jovi.

Really? What is it about him besides the obvious?

S. Sloan: What was that?

I said what is it about him beside the obvious?

S. Sloan: Besides the obvious, that was kind of my rock group growing up … him just being him … sing and show a different side. I wasn’t necessarily looking forward to country week, but definitely a chance to rock out. Gwen Stefani, too, because she’s from Orange County like me. I always wanted to meet her and talk to her about that. Hopefully, I’ll get an opportunity in the future.

Every week I feel extremely bad for Sanjaya, who is always ripped apart by the judges. I was wondering if you’ve ever had to offer words of comfort to him or to any contestant who was completely ripped apart by them.

S. Sloan: Right. Well, Sanjaya, I give him a lot of respect because it’s tough. I couldn’t have done this at 17. I think he’s handled things well. I think he’s learned a lot already from all of us. He really handles the comments really well at 17. He’s learning and you can see it. He doesn’t really need to … a lot. He has a great mom to keep him focused and encourage him.

My roommate, Haley, got crappy comments every single week. She took it like a trooper. I just encouraged her to know that it matters what they say, but some of that stuff is way out there and just not called for .. Simon’s … By the end, she was done with Simon. She didn’t even listen to what he said.

I was going to ask another question about Sanjaya. What do you think about him making it to the top 12, considering the judges reactions? … seemed disappointed. I know you think there were other contestants who deserved to be in that top 12 seat more than he does. What do you think about that?

S. Sloan: I think, again, it’s a fair competition in terms of everyone being vulnerable. Each week … talent obviously got him into the competition and he’s there for a reason and it’s up to America. Sanjaya is really popular with the American public. I think it’s a combination of factors. Whether he’s the best singer or the most marketable popular person, there’s a reason that he’s there. People love him and he has a fan base. People believe in him, so he deserves to be there as much as anybody else.

What are you going to miss most about Idol?

S. Sloan: Performing. That first week of performing on that show was incredible. It was a total rush. It’s just now that I’m kind of realizing that 30 million people were watching. It’s the biggest and best stage in the world and I won’t get an opportunity like that again no matter where my career takes me.

Thank you to FOX for allowing us to participate in this media call.

[Google]

 

[Krom]

Yay, Diva questions!

Its exactly what I thought happened to her--that vote split--and I'm glad she was smart enough to see that and to not take her loss too deep to heart.

And I am very glad to see someone else got those questions about song clearance in. In other words, the REAL driving power behind a lot of what goes on with this show. Its such a key issue, and in some ways so monumentally unpredictable (and probably unfair), and yet mainstream TV and newspaper media seem to ignore it completely. The evil Trio harp SO damn much on people screwing up song selection, setting up this seeming drama of stupidity, when in fact its the show itself and their clearance rules that are setting up most of that situation.

[Leo]

Song choice rears its ugly head again.

In any case, thanks for the great interview Yardgnome.

[Bellenote]

Thank you, Yardgnome. Great interview!

I've been heartbroken that, imo one of the Top 3 contenders to this competition, Sabrina, never got the opportunity to make it into the Top 12 this year, and take advantage of all that comes with it. So I hope Sabrina's opportunities are as wonderful as she hopes!

Whether it was a combination of all the factors mentioned or not, I am deeply sorry we lost her so early.