Whether this ride lasts for one year or 10 years, I want to have a home base.

Well, fortunately we found out that the runner-up our particular year was going to get a record contract also. So it was kind of a - it was bitter sweet but it was an opportunity.

If my career detour from special education to singing has done one thing, it has afforded me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

I know that I've got big ears and a big forehead and that my hair sticks up. But I'm happy with myself. I'm not necessarily trying to win a beauty pageant here.

There's stars out there who would die to have this much exposure.

I think I probably hoped for it a little bit, but I'm not an optimist. I'm a realist... or maybe even a pessimist.