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April 05, 2007
She'll rock on!
Haley Scarnato and Gina Glocksen share a hug after Gina is eliminated.
Michael Becker/Fox
Gina Glocksen says she has no regrets - about anything. Her song choices, her style, even her tongue ring.
The latest contestant to be eliminated from "American Idol" spoke to reporters today and, despite her obvious disappointment, she says she'll keep singing.
"I showed America I have a voice, not just a rocker image," she says. "I wouldn't have done it any other way."
As a member of the "Idol" Top 10, Gina, 22, from Naperville, Ill., will be hitting the road this summer as part of a nationwide tour, which she says she's really looking forward to.
Here's what else she had to say:
Q: Are you second-guessing the decision to mellow out by singing "Smile" on Tuesday?
A: I loved this song, but I never thought I'd be singing it again on Wednesday because I wasn't preparing to go home. I didn't have a chance to be in the bottom three, ever. When I started to sing it last night, it kind of clicked: 'Wow, I'm actually singing about myself.' So it will be a very special song for me the rest of my life.
Q: Do you think this week's musical genre hurt you?
A: You can't rock out Tony Bennett. I think my fans were proud of my last two performances. Maybe they thought I would be safe and didn't vote as much.
Q: Which genre will you miss performing? And which genre did you enjoy most while on the show?
A: Definitely Bon Jovi. I would have sang "Livin' on a Prayer." I got a lot from Diana Ross. Not necessarily about vocals, but about this industry. She talked about people telling you what to sing, what to wear and how it's important to choose one person, trust them and give them everything you have.
Q: What do you think America is looking for this season?
A: I have a track record, which I think counts for a lot. But, at the end of the day, you don't know what America wants. Is it talent, personality, your style, your hair, your clothes? You have to stay true to yourself. That's what will get you far.
Q: What impact, if any, do you think having a tongue ring influenced voting?
A: I would hope (voters) focused on singing talent and song choices. If that (ring) was the reason they didn't vote, well, it's who I am. I took the ring out for two shows, then put it back in.
Q: What do you think about all the hoopla surrounding Sanjaya Malakar? Are you surprised he's still in the competition?
A: It's tough that all the other eight made it through, not just him. He's just different. Not better or worse. America was through with me. There hasn't been any grumbling. People are pretty fair about what they say in front of each other. They know not to bad-mouth Sanjaya in front of me. He's hanging in there and not letting it get to him.
Q: How much of what's said about this group are you guys picking up on?
A: We're pretty sheltered from the things that are being said about us because it could affect our performances. They ("Idol" folks) warn us about going on the Internet. It's to our own caution that we don't read it, so I stay away from it.
Q: How do you feel you were treated by the judges? And what did they tell you last night?
A: I kind of considered Simon (Cowell) a parent. That tough love kind of thing. They tell you what you don't want to hear, and you'll do the opposite. He wanted to push me to the next level. Randy (Jackson) said if I had sang "Smile" the way I did last night on Tuesday, I would still be here! Paula (Abdul) told me she was a fan and "You're a star." Simon said he really, really liked me and was glad I went back to my rocker image.
Q: Will you stick with that image?
A: I love rock music, but I also think I'm very versatile with the (musical) genres. After the tour, I want to move to L.A., get a record deal and make my own music. I won't be doing covers anymore.
Q: Who will you miss most?
A: Honest to God, we've been told we're the most close group. Like one big family. There's no resentment. We all get along. Chris (Richardson) and I have formed a strong bond. He'll go far. I'm great friends with Haley (Scarnato), too. I'm glad to see her there. I wish I was there, too!"
Q: How do you come up with all your looks each week?
A: We have a great team of stylists. They're amazing. They dress us, do our hair. It's such an art for them, and they get to know us on a personal basis. Who would have thought I would wear fishnets singing Tony Bennett?
Q: Do you and Sanjaya compete for hairdos?
A: It's like another competition for who has the better hair. I think my best hairdo through the episodes was when I sang "I'll Stand By You." It was long in the front, covering my face.
Q: How difficult is it to have gone through this process four times and now be eliminated?
A: It's amazing. Actually, I'm glad I got cut earlier (in the previous auditions). It gave me time to work on things, like timing. I took some vocal lessons in Chicago, especially how to make my voice work with different genres.
Q: What did you think when the audience started booing last night when you were eliminated?
A: It made me feel so blessed and very much loved. It was hard to see all the signs. It's just a treasure to have the fans. It was bittersweet.
Q: Did Mr. Pickle let you down?
A: I'm a little upset with him. But, he got me this far."
Posted by Leigh Grogan at April 5, 2007 11:49 AM
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