Alexis Grace: 'I never imagined myself going home that early'
By Kim Thai, USA TODAY
The American Idol judges could have saved Memphis soul singer Alexis Grace with the new twist in the rules, but they let her go after deeming her Grand Ole Opry week reprise of Jolene not quite good enough. We caught up with her during a conference call Thursday.
A: If you want to do anything in life, you have to work hard at it and believe in yourself. And just have fun in whatever it is you have to do. You know, all the little cliché things you say.
Q: What did you find most challenging on the show?
A: Probably being away from my family, my daughter especially. I went from being a single mom and seeing her every day to not seeing her at all.
Q: Do you think the singer should be given a chance to sing any song during the save?
A: I'm going to be honest: Yes. I would have sang I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You). It's more of my element, would have showcased my voice more. I kind of didn't get to really remind them why they picked me.
Q: What did (contestants) think of this new twist in the game?
A: We actually think it's a good idea. It's there to help people who need a second chance.
Q: Did you feel better or worse that you were considered for the save?
A: I liked the fact that they were thinking about saving me because they believed in me. It was flattering. I wish I could have done a better job than I did. I don't know if they wanted to use (the judges' save) because it's still so early in the game. They probably wanted to use it later.
Q: Did you have another song you considered for country night?
A: I did consider doing a Carrie Underwood song, but I thought it would be too much Carrie Underwood in one night. So I went with Jolene because of its beautiful lyrics, and I love the singer (Dolly Parton).
Q: Who do you think the Idol winner will be?
A: I have no idea.
Q: How do you feel about not being able to go on the Idols Live tour?
A: I'm really disappointed about that. It would have been fun to do some duets with (the other contestants), but there will be other tours.
Q: Who would be your dream duet right now? A current artist?
A: Maybe Pink or Sarah McLachlan or Joss Stone.
Q: What kind of CD do you see yourself releasing?
A: Some kind of soul mixed in with blues and country. Maybe some Joss Stone mixed in with Carrie Underwood and Sheryl Crow. Something like that.
Q: How did it feel when you're standing up there and they say you're going home?
A: I was sad. I kind of had a feeling I was in the bottom three. I never imagined myself going home that early. I wanted to make it farther, at least.
Q: What was the conversation like backstage with your family?
A: They were probably more upset than I was. They are my biggest fans and biggest supporters, and they really wanted me to go far and believed that I could.
Q: The judges said to they wanted you to "dirty it up" and didn't give that advice to any of the other women. Why do you think they specifically wanted you to be that kind of persona?
A: They saw something in me in the beginning that was a little edgy, but I hadn't quite touched on yet. When I would sing, it would be like, "Wait a minute — that doesn't look right." I think that was what the whole "dirtying it up" was about.
Q: We saw there was a (farewell) party for (previously eliminated contestants) Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nuñez. Was there a party for you?
A: No, they were really busy last night. There wasn't one.
Q: You've had a really remarkable transformation. Are you going to keep the pink highlights?
A: I'll probably keep the pink highlights a bit; I've always been into the edgy look. I think that's what they liked about me, other than my singing.
Q: Is it bittersweet to be cut when it's country week?
A: I feel like I let my state down. I think I sing country pretty well. But I can redeem myself.
Q: How long do you think you'll be singing?
A: As long as I can. As long as I am still singing and walking around.
Q: When you were choosing songs for country, did you debate between choosing an old song vs. a new one?
A: I felt like everyone knew Jolene, and it's such a pretty song. You pick the songs that you think are going to work. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
Q: What song were you going to try to sing next week for Motown?
A: I had a couple in mind, but it definitely would have been something different from what I have done.
Q: Who were you closest to in the top 13?
A: Megan (Joy) and Matt (Giraud). Matt cracks me up. He's hilarious and always making jokes. We're always having a good time together. Megan and I are pretty much the same. We already joked that on the tour, our son and daughter would be boyfriend and girlfriend.
Q: Do you have a message for your fans?
A: You guys rock. I don't want to disappoint you. I'm making music for you guys.
Q: Were you a little disconcerted that Randy (Jackson) didn't remember your name?
A: I think that was just his personality, maybe not because I'm forgettable. Hopefully.
Q: There are fewer men than women (among the finalists). Did you feel outnumbered?
A: Of course you do. You really have to do your part and show those little girls out there who are voting for the boys that, hey, we're here, too.
Q: How do you think the show helped you grow as an artist?
A: It's given me a lot of confidence.
Q: Any contact from record companies?
A: No, not yet.
Q: Are you going to be writing music?
A: Definitely.
Q: Had you thought about playing guitar with Jolene?
A: I thought about it, but sometimes you get nervous and mess up, and I was afraid of that.
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