Interview With Josh Holiday A Top 40 Finalist On American Idol 2013

Interview Done By Mike Wilkerson

MW: Please introduce yourself?

JH: Hi! I’m Josh Holiday.

MW: Where are you from?

JH: I’m originally from Celeste, TX, but I’m currently living in Nashville, TN.

MW: Why did you decide to do American Idol?

JH: My friend Joel Heumann invited me to him and another mutual friend Rayvon Owen in Bowling Green on the bus tour. I was not even planning to audition.

MW: How do you think your audition went?

JH: My nine auditions for the show went well! It was an experience of a lifetime.

MW: Do you feel you did good in Vegas?

JH: I feel like it was a smart business move to showcase me as a singer/songwriter playing the piano. Being on any talent show is simply a stepping stone to something else. My prayers are focused on what’s just around the corner.

MW: Tell me about the Sudden Death round?

JH: Basically 40 contestants are grouped into four groups of 10. Each group is then cut in half to where only 20 are left standing.  We actually taped the show one day before it aired, but it appeared live. The industry term for this is called “live to tape”.

MW: How do you feel you did?

JH: I did my very best. There is always room for improvement but this has been such a learning/growing experience that I am so thankful to have been a part of.

MW: How did you pick the song you did?

JH: I listened to a couple thousand songs, but I didn’t stress about song selection. I really just pray about my songs and sing whichever one I have peace about. I’m so grateful I was allowed to sing an original!

MW: Now that you are off American Idol who do you think will win?

JH: This is America’s decision. I have no idea, but I will live and support whoever wins. A few front-runners seem to be Angela Miller, Candice Glover, Curtis Finch Jr., Kree Harrison and Amber Holcomb.

MW: Who was your favorite contestant to hang out with?

JH: Rachel Hale and I became very close throughout the competition, especially since we’ve been friends for years, carpool to the same church together and both studied at Belmont University.

MW: Who was your least favorite contestant to hang out with?

JH: I was taught that if I don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

MW: While you were on American Idol tell me what your day was like?

JH: Hurry up! Wait. REPEAT! Lol

MW: Tell me about having Mariah Carey being a judge?

JH: Love Mariah, she’s genuine and honestly my favorite judge.

MW: Tell me about Randy Jackson being a judge?

JH: Randy is on his 12th season so he seems more jaded than the new judges, but he’s still seems passionate about the show.

MW: Tell me about Nicki Minaj being a judge?

JH: You never know what Nicki is going to say, but I have really grown to love and respect her.

MW: Tell me about Keith Urban being a judge?

JH: Keith is seemingly very humble and the judge I could see myself hanging out with. He gives good critique and always finds something positive about each performance.

MW: What are your plans for 2013.

JH: To focus most of my energy on songwriting and working on my debut album. It’s tempting to want to strike while the iron is hot, but I also want to be REALLY smart with my career moves following American Idol. If I play my cards right and seek God first, there’s so much that could happen next!

MW: Will you be back next year to try out again?

JH: Never say never!

MW: What would you like to say in closing?

JH: Thank you for your time interviewing me and we can stay connected through Twitter (@holidayjosh) YouTube (www.youtube.com/joshholidaymusic). John 3:30, Josh Holiday

Interview With Isabelle Parell From Hollywood Week On American Idol 2013

Interview Done By Mike Wilkerson

MW: Please introduce yourself?

IP: My name is Isabelle Parell, I’m 16 years old, and I  love horses and dark chocolate (Yes that is generally how I introduce myself to everyone…If you want to be my friend, that is all you have to know ;))

MW: Where are you from?

IP: Centerton, Indiana. Yes I know, no one knows where that is…But it’s kind of fun that way! I feel mysterious (;

MW: Why did you decide to do American Idol?

IP: I’d been so devoted to watching it when I was younger, and this past summer I’d seriously considered auditioning; I thought it would be fun! (Which it was). But I didn’t have time unfortunately, so when my mom told me there were online auditions I figured, Why not?

MW: How do you think your audition went?

IP: I thought it was amazing. Not that I was amazing…It was just that it all felt so surreal, yet calm. I felt sure about what I was doing. It wasn’t that I knew I would make it through; I had many doubts, I assure you, but I was doing the two things I love most; Socializing and singing. It was basically heaven (;

MW: Do you feel you did good in Vegas?

IP: I actually didn’t make it to Vegas. I was cut in group round of Hollywood week, due to medical conditions actually! Although I was upset to go home, I was absolutely stunned at how far I made it, and (Yes this is very cheesy, but bear with me) it actually made me realize how much music meant to me… it’s something I’ll never give up. 🙂

MW: Tell me about the Sudden Death round?

IP: Again, that wasn’t something that I experienced, but it definitely seemed like a brutal experience! That’s the amazing thing about Idol though; it’s not all about the voice. It’s about endurance and character.

MW: How do you feel you did?

IP: Overall, I think I learned a million things in the few days that I worked with Idol. I definitely matured, and I began to understand exactly how to deal with absolutely every kind of personality. I also learned to work more with my voice, while using it less. The vocal coaches on group night worked wonders with that. 🙂

MW: How did you pick the song you did?

IP: In choosing each song that I did, I started with trying to figure out what emotions I wanted to evoke from the audience. Once I chose that, I looked at songs that pulled that emotion from me, and then finally decided which one sounded best with my voice.

MW: Now that you are off American Idol who do you think will win?

IP: Oh gosh, I can’t even begin to tell! I only got to meet so many contestants while in Hollywood, all being girls of course! I think everyone has an incredible and fairly equal chance at winning… it just depends on who America chooses! 🙂

MW: Who was your favorite contestant to hang out with?

IP: I absolutely adore Lazaro Arbos! I met him in Chicago and he immediately just stole my heart! He’s sweet and humble… and his voice!! When he told me he sang Bridge Over Troubled Water, I was simply in awe. I am rooting for him to go far. 🙂

MW: Who was your least favorite contestant to hang out with?

IP: Honestly, (And I’m not just saying this to seem like a wonderful little lady with no pet peeves) I loved hanging out with everyone. I think I may be a little bit of a people person, and we were never with people too long to get tired of them! There was always diversity and ALWAYS something to talk about; we all had such different lives, different stories! Some seemed unreal. It was a beautiful experience. 🙂

MW: While you were on American Idol tell me what your day was like?

IP: Which day? Haha the days were very busy, always busy. But it was the fun kind of busy! The kind where you really just don’t want it to end! Everyone was friendly, and we were treated so well! The camera-men were always smiling and we always had amazing food and drinks offered to us. Even under all of the stress, contestants were cracking jokes and telling crazy stories. It was like a different world! 🙂

MW: Tell me about having Mariah Carey being a judge?

IP: Oh Mariah… she’s an angel. She’s always smiling, and while she’s quiet when other judges are talking, her words make an incredible impact when it’s her turn. She has this air about her… you just can’t help but be in awe 🙂

MW: Tell me about Randy Jackson being a judge?

IP: Randy is ‘da man (; Haha but really, he knows what’s going on (As he’s been with the show forever), so he gives great advice to the contestants 🙂 I really appreciate and respect Randy.

MW: Tell me about Nicki Minaj being a judge?

IP: Ok Nicki… I love Nicki. You just never know what she’s going to say next! And I LOVE it. She keeps things interesting, but underneath all of her fun, she really is a genius. She says things with a purpose, and she knows what she’s talking about. I’ve really grown to respect her. 🙂

MW: Tell me about Keith Urban being a judge?

IP: While Keith keeps things light and fun with his adorable accent (someone had to say it. ;)) and his undeniable charm, he also is such a star in every way. His voice (And I got to hear it first hand during my Chicago audition) has this incredible quality to it… you can always feel his passion! (Oh look at me, judging the judges now. :)) His advice is also so appreciated because he has a wide range of musical abilities. 🙂

MW: What are your plans for 2013 now?

IP: A lot more music! I’m working on new videos, songs, and covers. I really want to bulk up my musical resume because I plan on attending a music university in a few years. I’m just excited! The great thing about life? It always moves forward. 🙂

MW: Will you be back next year to try out again?

IP: I may be back next year, because it was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience… but I’m also thinking that maybe, it should stay once in a lifetime. Who knows? Maybe X-Factor is where you’ll see me next! Keep an eye out! 🙂

What would you like to say in closing?

IP: Stay passionate. Passion is the most important thing a person can have… it’s something no one can truly take away from you. Have passion for everything you believe in, and nothing can stop you from achieving the impossible. With passion it’s all possible. 🙂 Thank you so much for reading, and be sure to check out my Youtube channel Isabelle Parell 🙂 Feel free to leave comments and messages! 🙂

Interview With Jenny Beth Willis A Top 40 Finalist On American Idol 2013

Interview Done By Mike Wilkerson

MW: Please introduce yourself?

JBW: My name is Jenny Beth Willis

MW: Where are you from?

JBW: I am from Owensboro Ky. I am a junior at Owensboro Catholic High School.

MW: Why did you decide to do American Idol?

JBW: It’s been my dream since I was 5 years old to be on the show. I’ve been singing since I was 6.

MW: How do you think your audition went?

JBW: It went great! All the judges put me through. Mariah even said I had star quality! Keith said he liked the tone of my voice. Randy said I was born to do this. Nicki said she could listen to me sing all day.

MW: Do you feel you did good in Vegas?

JBW: Yes I was proud of my performance! It was tough going first, but over all I think I did good.

MW: Tell me about the Sudden Death round?

JBW: You get one shot to sing a song the producers decide on. So it’s stressful! I was happy they selected a song I knew. It was upbeat, fun, and the crowd was really behind me.

MW: How do you feel you did?

JBW: I was proud of my performance!

MW: How did you pick the song you did?

JBW: We selected 5 songs and then the producers choose the song they wanted from that list. If they didn’t like what was on your list they suggested a different song.  They liked Heaven Heartache and The Power of Love, and I was glad to sing it.

MW: Now that you are off American Idol who do you think will win?

JBW: I think a girl will win this season! There all so talented I don’t have a favorite. They all work so hard everyone deserves the title.

MW: Who was your favorite contestant to hang out with?

JBW: Brandy Hotard. She was really kind to me and we hit it off. We were in the group round in Hollywood together.

MW: Who was your least favorite contestant to hang out with?

JBW: Everyone was so nice to each other. We were all going through the same thing so each person was rooting for the other. I know that’s hard to believe but it’s true. No one wanted anyone to make a mistake. At that level everyone has worked so hard, put in so much time, you truly want the best for everyone.

MW: While you were on American Idol tell me what your day was like?

JBW: Busy, hectic, fun, stressful, exciting. It’s meetings with producers, coaches, attorneys, and it’s defiantly an opportunity of a life time. 15 years of experience rolled up into about 4 weeks. I am so grateful and feel so blessed to have had this opportunity. I will never forget it!

MW: Tell me about having Mariah Carey being a judge?

JBW: Just to be in the same room was an adrenaline rush. One of the best voices of all time, and she’s listening to me sing. Wow! A little intimidating to say the least! She was very kind to me and for her to say I had star quality well it put me over the moon! I’ll NEVER forget it! She also said my last note on the sudden death round was a cold stone winner! I will be forever grateful!

MW: Tell me about Randy Jackson being a judge?

JBW: Randy said I was born to do this. That’s quite a confidence boost. He didn’t really like my song in the sudden death round, but I try to focus on the positive things. He said he knew I had potential. So I am gonna keep working to get better!

MW: Tell me about Nicki Minaj being a judge?

JBW: Loved her! She’s the new Simon of the show. She calls it like she sees it.

MW: Tell me about Keith Urban being a judge?

JBW: First off, he’s gorgeous. He was great! Very nice. He said some nice things to me. Encouraged me to keep singing.

MW: What are your plans for 2013 now?

JBW: Gonna hit the ground running. Just try and perfect my craft. I love to sing and perform. I want to get better! Hopefully this will lead to some opportunities for me.

MW: Will you be back next year to try out again?

JBW: Most definitely! Best experience of my life!

MW: What would you like to say in closing?

JBW: Thank you for all the support from around the country and my school, my home town. I really appreciate it! I can’t thank you enough!  I never expected to go that far. Top 20 girls! Still hard to get my head around it. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!! Don’t forget about me! It’s not the end for me it’s the beginning!!!! God Bless!