Phillip Phillips – American Idol (Season 11)

On May 23, singer Phillip Phillips was named the winner of Season 11 of “American Idol.” The following day, Phillips, 21, spoke to me about his future career in the music industry.

As you know, winning “American Idol” doesn’t come with automatic success in the music industry. What do you hope this win will do for your career?

I completely agree, man. It’s going to take a lot of hard work and dedication. I can’t stop for anything. I just want to get my own music out there so people can enjoy it. I’m probably going to have a lot of sleepless nights. That’s what it’s going to take to make it big. I’m just going to stay focused on what I want to do with my career and my music. I already know what kind of artist I am and what kind of music I want to put out and what I want to be known for. I’m just excited to tell my own stories through my music.

How have you evolved as a musician over the last few months?

I can sing a ballad and not feel too uncomfortable on stage. It’s not really something I want to do for my career, but I guess people wanted to see that. I felt like I did a good job.

Did you surprise yourself at all?

I surprised myself by performing this many songs, honestly. When I saw how many songs [Season 10 winner] Scotty [McCreery] did, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to do that many. I’m really proud of myself for doing that. Throughout this competition I was really pushing myself.

Unfortunately, the Season 11 finale was the lowest rated finale in “American Idol” history. What do you think that says about the show’s staying power after 11 seasons?

I don’t know, man. Some people might still be diggin’ the show, some people might not. That’s what makes the world go round. It’s a good show. Some people like it and some people don’t.

Do you think part of the reason ratings have dropped is because the field has been diluted by other singing competitions on TV like “X-Factor” and “The Voice?”

PUBLICIST: Next question.

The Huffington Post wrote an article after your win called “Why Phillip Phillips and the White Guy with Guitar Trend are Bad for Business.” What do you think of critics who think you won because of your marketability and not because you were the best singer?

It’s just people’s opinions, man. If they paid attention they’d understand there was a big difference between me and other guitarists. A lot of them just play different chords and strum. I’m just excited to get my career on the right path and have fun with it.

You broke down during your last song in the finale and were unable to finish it. What were you thinking about that made you get so emotional?

I just started thinking about the Top 12 and how far we’d come. I was thinking about the journey. It’s not as easy as it looks on TV. There is a lot of work put into it.

Jeremy Rosado – American Idol

When Jeremy Rosado auditioned for the current season of “American Idol,” he was anything but a stranger to the popular talent show on Fox. Rosado, who is originally from Valrico, Florida, had tried out for the series four times before. Hearing the word “no” just wasn’t in his plans to become a famous singer.

“‘American Idol’ was one of those things I always dreamt about,” Rosado, 19, told me during an interview last week. “I wanted to see what it was like and wouldn’t stop until I did. I just kept coming back.”

Rosado’s fifth time auditioning turned out to be the season he always knew would come someday. Unfortunately, Rosado’s time on “American Idol” came to an end on March 8. He was eliminated from competition after singing his rendition of “Ribbon in the Sky” by Stevie Wonder.

A week after his final show, Rosado talked to us about his experience on “American Idol” and how he hopes it will help him in his singing career, his thoughts on the controversial elimination of contestant Jermaine Jones, and what he really thinks about the nickname judge Jennifer Lopez gave him.

Were you disappointed with how the show ended for you?

You know, 112,000 people auditioned for the show and I made it to the final 13, so I’m grateful for that much. It was a little disappointing, but I’m happy I made it that far.

Is it going to be hard to watch the show?

I watched last night (March 14) and it was a little rough. But I will continue to watch it. I made a lot of brothers and sisters for life. I love each and every one of them. I’m excited to see them and support them.

Every season we hear how contestant becomes life-long friends with one another. Is that really true?

Yeah, you always hear it and I never really thought it would happen, but it has. We’ve done everything together for the past couple of months. There’s nothing but true love between each and every one of us.

Are you rooting for anyone specific on the show now? Jennifer Sanchez, maybe?

You know, I really love Jennifer so much. We are best friends. I can’t wait to see how the show plays out. I’m rooting for her and everyone else.

What was going through your mind when it was announced last week that you would not be coming back for another show?

It was devastating right then and there. It didn’t take any time. But I’ve come to realize how blessed I am. I know there will be great things to come.

Have you thought back to your last performance and wished you had done something differently?

You know, I was really happy with my last performance. I thought it was pretty good. I know it wasn’t my best, but I definitely didn’t think it was my worst. I just think it was my time. There was nothing else I could’ve done.

What are your thoughts on contestant Jermaine Jones, who was just disqualified by producers for lying about his arrest record?

It’s unfortunate that it happened to Jermaine. He’s a great person and definitely one of my brothers. It kind of stinks they publicized everything all over the world. I’m hoping he’s going to be alright.

What did you think about Jennifer Lopez’s nickname for you, Jer-Bear?

It’s definitely cool. My fans on Twitter call me that now. Who else can say Jennifer Lopez gave them a nickname? I’m happy with it.

Have you gone out and bought JerBear.com yet?

I have not bought JerBear.com, but I think we’re going to try to copyright some version of Jer-Bear. We’ll see what happens now.

What do you hope being featured on a show like “American Idol” will do for your career?

I hope to get a recording contract. I hope to get a TV show and some movies. I hope to win an Oscar! I have huge dreams!