Describe your music for our readers who may not be familiar with you. I consider it to be pop, but more on the rock side. The artist I think my music most identifies with is Pink. But I think the sound is still distinct. It's the kind of music that sounds great with live instruments. I love the songs on the record, but we got to mix it up and have fun during the live show trying different things.
Who are your musical influences and idols?
Definitely Linda Ronstadt. I've always loved Sarah Brightman, Etta James, Edith Piaf, Dolly Parton, Whitney, Mariah, Barbara Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald. More recently: Bruno Mars, The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Rhianna, Lady Gaga, and of course Pink. I think there are really amazing female artists out there right now.
But always, always, always Cher.
I've always loved rock, too. Everything from Led Zeppelin, Peter Frampton, and Rush to Metallica, Stone Temple Pilots, and Nirvana. Dave Grohl is one of the most amazing artists. Brilliant.
What was the first album, cassette, or CD you bought with your own money?
Well, I had a lot of cassette tapes growing up. My first two CDs I remember buying were Phantom Of The Opera and Mariah Carey. I knew every word to every song!
You won Star Search when you were eleven. What was it like performing on national television week after week at such a young age?
Doing the filming was really fun. Everyone on set was like a family. They all knew each other. As a kid, it was a great environment to be in. We had teachers, we'd do our homework, soundcheck, then have lunch together. It was an amazing experience. It taught me a lot of discipline. I loved it so much. As a child, it was wonderfully positive. It wasn't work because you loved it so much. It was fun, an escape. I feel so grateful to be a part of it all.
You dropped out of music shortly after winning Star Search. What made you decide to do that? Do you ever regret it?
A big part of it was people were starting to recognize me and my parents wouldn't let me out of their sight. I was 12 turning 13. I just wanted to be with my friends. I understood the concept of celebrity, I just didn't understand how it involved me. There was just a lot going on at the time. I had record contract offers. They even wanted to make Katrina dolls. I just wanted to enjoy growing up and being a kid.
But no, I don't regret it.
Your song "Shame On Me" is about a cheating lover. Have you had someone like that in your life?
Totally. But I'm the type of person that can take a negative experience and turn it into something funny, meaningful, or positive. I won't slash your tires, but I'll definitely write a song about it. I'm not into revenge. I was never one of those girls that snooped through cell phones, emails, and drawers.
I think everyone has been disappointed and been in that situation at one time or another. You can only apologize so many times before it doesn't really mean anything. I have had both girls and guys relate to the song. It's a universal theme.
Finally, tell us what you'd do if you had $1,000,000 of OPM (Other People's Money).
I'd give it away, just like in my video. I do like to support charities on both a local and national level. Here locally, the Venice Family Clinic provides free medical services and healthcare. One of their volunteers is actually the team doctor for the Los Angeles Kings hockey team. He's also my ENT and takes care of my vocal chords.
I'd take the other half and set up scholarships for children's education.
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