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May 10, 2007
Lakisha speaks softly
I felt really bad for Lakisha Jones. During her 30-minute phone interview with "American Idol" reporters earlier today, she could barely speak. If you recall, Lakisha's second song Tuesday, "Run To Me," ended on a hoarse note.
And things weren't much better two days later. I wanted to reach through my headset and give her a lozenge.
But, Lakisha is a trooper. Which is good, because her schedule isn't going to ease up: Interviews all day today and tonight. Appearances on talk shows. Flying to New York for "Today," "Late Night," "Live With Regis and Kelly." You name it, she'll be on it. And, instead of getting to go home for some well-deserved rest before the show's finale on May 23, Lakisha will be going back to L.A. to get ready for the big night.
She pulled no punches about being eliminated and demonstrated why she was one of the most popular contestants this season.
Q: You started out so strong. Did the pressure prove to be a difficult cross to bear?
A: Yes, it did. Especially singing all the different genres of music. Some of those styles don't have those big songs everyone is expecting me to sing each week. But I gave it my all.
Q: Were you bracing yourself to go home?
A: I knew on Tuesday when I was hoarse. I tried to sing past it because I couldn't say, 'My voice is jacked up and I can't sing this week.' You gotta do what you gotta do, and I did the best with what I was given. During dress rehearsals before the show, I had sung both songs four times that day. It was a strain on my voice.
Q: Was there any frustration the last couple of weeks with the particular musical genres, i.e., Bon Jovi and the Bee Gees?
A: (It is) out of my comfort zone. They were difficult genres of music for me to sing, especially the Bee Gees. If I had to do anything over again, it would be Tuesday's performance. Both songs. I wouldn't have sung either of them.
Q: And did you question your decisions to sing back-to-back past winners' songs, i.e., Carrie Underwood and Fantasia?
A: I was thinking that they were two winners and also about the message within the songs. I was going through some things (during Country Week), so "Jesus Take the Wheel" made sense because I was saying, "Lord, you'll have to help me get through this."
Q: What's your relationship with Simon Cowell and what were your favorite and least favorite comments from him? Also, is he that good a kisser?
A: My favorite comment was, "She's in a league all of her own." My least favorite was, "You're shouting." And yes, he's a good kisser and I would do it again. He told me last night after the show that he was proud of me and that he knows I'll have a successful career.
Q: Are you excited about being reunited with your 4-year-old daughter? And will she be going on the tour with you?
A: She was here last night. She's happy. I was crying and she said, "Mommy, I'm not mad." It was really cute. It was as though she was telling me she was proud of me. It's been really, really hard being away from her, but I've got a good support system. My mom takes care of her. We're trying to make preparations now for the tour. It's this summer, and my mom is a schoolteacher.
Q: Who among this season's contestants will you look forward to reuniting with?
A: Sanjaya (Malakar). I miss him jumping all over the place. He was like a little brother who got on your nerves. I kept having to tell him to sit down somewhere. I appreciate the fact that he trusted my judgment and advice. And he was there when I needed him.
Q: What are your thoughts on the remaining three finalists? Any ideas on who will win?
A: Jordin (Sparks) is so doggone cute. She has a wonderful spirit about her. Blake, I love him. He keeps me going. I'd get down and he'd say come here, and start beatboxing. He makes me smile. He's got originality and personality. Melinda, that girl has so much soul and power. They're all talented. Whoever is supposed to be the American Idol will be the American Idol. It's their game at this point.
Q: Have you thought at all about what type of album you'll release?
A: I'm not sure yet. I know I want it to be sassy and soulful, with some inspiration. I don't have any songs written, but that will give me something to think about on the tour.
Q: When you make it big, what's the first thing you'll buy?
A: A new home for me and my daughter - I don't ever want to rent again - even if it doesn't have anything in it. I just want to get the keys, open the door and let my baby run through it.
Q: How do you feel about finishing fourth in the competition?
A: All I can say is: Chris Daughtry.
Posted by Leigh Grogan at May 10, 2007 03:02 PM
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