The talented 17-year-old 'American Idol 10' finalist was recently in town as part of her tour of Asia to promote the latest season of the show. We caught up with the young idol to find out more about what's she's been up to, a future acting career and the importance of song choice on 'American Idol'.
What have you been up to lately?
This is my first Asian tour. I was in Taipei, Manila, Bali and Jakarta and this (Malaysia) is my last stop. After this I’ll be doing a few performances in LA and I’ll be doing a concert tour with Blue Eyes, Kimberly Caldwell and Eliott Yamin in Branson, Missouri. I am writing my own music so hopefully I’ll be getting an album out this year.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Definitely I’ll be travelling a lot more and I love doing this (tour). It’s great meeting new people and learning new languages and new cultures and just being able to meet my fans from different parts of the world. So definitely I want to do more of this – getting an album out, probably finishing college and maybe start an acting career or being a part of one. I definitely have so much in plan.
Acting too?
When I was ten I joined the talent convention in LA, I won ‘Best Child Actress of the Year’ – I had taken a few acting classes when I was younger. I have been in a few plays and it’s something that I enjoy doing. It’s just that in the last few years I have been focusing on my music but I’ve considered going back into acting. I definitely love watching films, and every time I watch films I focus more on how the actor shows his expressions through his acting abilities rather than just the story or the whole plot of the film. But that’s just me.
The judges on 'American Idol' always stress the importance of song choice. In your opinion, how important is it?
Obviously, it is important because the song does have to suit your voice. It was really difficult for me to choose my songs, I am really indecisive as well. Choosing a song was my least favourite part of the competition because you really haven’t the time to pick the song that you really love. It really depends on what you can do. If it’s something that you cannot change then you have to do the best that you can. I think it’s also great to add around some twist to the song. It also depends on how much emotion you put in to it, how much you give it your all.
Would you say that was also the most challenging part of the competition?
[Yes] Lessons on how to choose a song and working with producers. When you’re in a room full of producers they all have different options and you have to kind of trust your own instincts. But you also try to listen to what they suggest because they are experienced in the business.
Watch American Idol 11 every Thursday and Friday, 6pm on STAR World (Ch 711). Don't miss the finale results show May 24, 8am.
