How did you get into singing? Who were your singing mentors?
At age four my mother's friend, who was living with us at the time, heard me singing and then took me to show my mom. Ever since, my mom kept me busy singing everywhere and for everybody. I loved it. My singing mentors were Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, En Vogue and Anita Baker.
Tell us about American Idol. What did you think of that whole thing?
American Idol was a show I had watched on television whenever I wasn't at work or busy. It was fun to watch and I always thought, "What if I was on there?" So when audition time came around, I took a chance and I'm glad I did. It's a great way to get exposure and that is one of the most important things for an aspiring artist to get.
Do you write your own songs?
Yes, I usually write my own songs. Most of the time I will hear the music first, find a mood within the music and then find a melody that matches. Then comes the lyrics and the lyrics have to fit everything else. It's definitely an art.
How was high school? Did you sing at that time?
High school was a very memorable time in my life. There were so many things to deal with: heartbreak, friends, boring subjects required to graduate, parties, peer pressure and prom. High school really tests who you are and who you want to become. Over all I loved it. And of course, I sang at all the school assemblies and rallies.
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