FAQs #1

Okay...here we go. I had no idea you guys would have so many great questions. I am going to try my best to get to all of them (not in this blog...that wouldn’t be nice to either one of us). I’ll start with the ones I hear the most and then work my way through the rest.

Do you have any suggestions for someone auditioning for the next season of American Idol? Do you camp out? What do I expect?
I’ll start by saying that because of the innovative nature of the show, things are always changing. So, I can only tell you from my experience. We did not camp out. We were able to register in the 2 days leading up to the audition and then able to line up on the day of the audition starting at 4:30AM. The order we auditioned in was determined by when we registered, not when we lined up the day of the audition.
You can expect a long, tiring but exciting day. I can’t even begin to explain what it’s like to be in a room of 16,000 excited and motivated singers. The energy is crazy. Everyone is practicing, meeting new people, calming nerves...you name it. It’s amazing.
My biggest suggestion is to make sure you pick a song you not only love and believe in, but one that shows what you’re working with. :-) Get to the good part first, because you only get a few seconds to get your voice heard. Lastly, look them in the eye and tell a story with your song so they have no choice but to listen. Show them what makes you different from the other 15,9999 people there. Truth be told, I was so nervous that I’m not sure if I did any of that, but I would have if I could have concentrated. :-)

When are you coming to (insert your city here)?
Believe you me, I absolutely LOVE being on the road and there is nothing I would like more than to hit every state and even overseas as much as humanly possible. We are working as we speak to book as many dates and we can so that I can get out there and see you guys and sing these songs that I love. I know there are those that are upset with me right now for not answering their personal messages asking about when I’m coming to their city. Please know my heart. I wish I could answer everyone individually but I get so many inquiries about this, that I just can’t possibly answer every one. That’s why I have this cool section on my website called TOUR. We post everything as it comes in, so please keep checking in. It’s the easiest way to get the info to all of you. Thanks for being patient with me.

When does your CD come out?
It’s out! It came out February 3rd this year. I’m so excited about it. It’s called Coming Back to You. It is my happy place. :-) It’s everything I love about music...motown, grit, gospel, jazz, live strings, live horns, live everything! If you don’t have a copy already, you can get a copy right here on my website and you will be donating to Malaria No More at the same time. If you would rather do it another way, that’s fine with me too! :-) If you buy it at Walmart, it has a bonus track on it, just so you know.

When are you going to do a gospel CD? (Normally followed with: we want to hear you sing for the Lord)
I have to start this by saying that my goal in life is to do everything for the Lord. He is the reason I am who I am, how I am and where I am. I am eternally grateful and I hope it shows in everything I do. That’s why I was so excited to record this CD. The best label in the world, HiFi Recordings, gave me the freedom to be me with the music we chose for it. In the end, we came up with a CD that describes me in every detail! I am a romantic at heart, and I believe love is the greatest gift ever (The Best of Everything, Wonderful, I’ll Never Stop, Wonder Why). Of course, I do know that love can still be baffling (If I’m Not in Love). I also ADORE encouraging people around me and letting them know that God always has their back. He never forgets His children! It is one of my very favorite things to do (I Will Be and We Will Find a Way). Also, I think there really is something to be said about remembering where we came from and how we got to where we are now (Fundamental Things). I know that everyday is not always the best day (Walkin’ Blues) and if you know me well, you know I have my sassy moments because of that (Dust my Broom). And finally, I believe down to my core that I would not be here without the love of God, my family and friends and you (It’s Your Love)!!!
I hope that sheds some light on this question. Bottom line is...a Christian is who I am and singing is what I do. So, I am a firm believer that they go hand in hand. I’m just going to keep doing music that speaks my heart.


Who was you favorite contestant/judge on this last season of AI? (Normally followed with what do think of the new judge?)
My favorite contestant was Allison, hands down! She still is. I think she’s fabulous and to be her age and hold her own with the likes of Cyndi Lauper solidified that one for me. That doesn’t take away from the rest of the contestants. They were amazing this season! Overall, I really enjoyed the whole season. I’m still getting used to our girl, Kara. I am in awe of her for taking on such a huge undertaking...fitting into an already well oiled machine. I think next season will be even better and easier for her because we will continue to get used to her and she will fit in even better. I’m really excited to see what happens next season.


So...that’s a start. I’ll answer more very soon. Promise! Thanks for being interested in getting to know more. I love you guys.
Me