When I'm out on the stage, it gives me this rush and anything that's on my mind and everything I'm going through is forgotten about.

I wanted people to see me, to change their minds about me.

I think my purpose was just to get out and sing. I love to sing. I wasn't even in it for the - you know, the prize. I was, like, 'Hey, man, I'm going to sing.'

I been through some things but I worked hard to get to where I'm at.

I've never been in a competition before, and I said I'm going to go. I think - I just love to sing.

I've been wanting to sing for a long time. I've been singing all my life, and I've tried different record companies, but it seemed like - it was such a struggle and so hard to get out there. So, I said, 'I'm gonna go on American Idol and see how far it takes me.'