by Gina Scarpa

 

Last night, on American Idol's live results show, two contestants were headed home. First, Andrew Garcia was eliminated and later in the show, Katie Stevens, Tim Urban, and Michael Lynche were the only three singers who hadn't been told that they were safe. After Tim was sent back to the couches, Ryan Seacrest revealed that one singer was safe while the other wasn't even in the bottom three this week. That person was Michael Lynche, who had been given the judges' save the week prior. Katie Stevens was eliminated and today, spoke to RealityWanted and reporters in a press conference call about her experiences on the show and her plans going forward.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What did the fans' support mean to you during the competition?
A. Katie: It meant the world to me. I was doing this for my grandmother, but I was also doing this for everyone else back home because I wanted to make everyone proud.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You were always emotional during eliminations. Were you close with all the other contestants?
A. Katie: We are like a family. It's not a competitive environment. Everyone's so supportive of each other. It's really difficult to see people that you love leave. I think it was harder during Top 24 and with Lacey and Paige, because they're not going on tour with us. You don't know when you're going to see them again.

 

Q. How did your grandmother inspire you to audition?
A. Katie: My grandmother's been to every performance I've ever been in. She always inspired me to follow my dreams, and so this is always something I wanted to do. When she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I wanted to do something great that she could see while she still remembers me. I reached my goal, and I'm happy.

 

Q. Was it confusing to have Kara telling you that you were a pop/R&B artist and Simon Cowell telling you that you were country? And where do you feel most comfortable as an artist?
A. Katie: I think I was at fault when I was trying to please the judges and not doing what I love. I decided going into top 12, I was going to be myself. Everything I did at that point was what I loved to do. And I think that showed, and the judges started giving me better comments. I kind of side more with Kara in the "pop with R&B leanings." I would like to record things like Kelly Clarkson. She has a soulful voice, kind of R&B/soul/pop with rock background.

 

Q. Do you feel that you act old for your age? Was it hard having the judges tell you to act younger when maybe that's not your natural vibe?
A. Katie: I grew up hanging out with my older brother and his friends and my older cousins. So it was difficult for me to be young and go more toward, not immaturity, but that younger vibe, because I do spend so much time with people older than me. I love the older music, so that's where my inspiration lies.

 

Q. What was the best advice Adam Lambert gave you as a mentor?
A. Katie: He told me to always stick to what I love and what I believe in. It was great to have him as a mentor because he's been through the Idol process. So he was able to give us feedback on how he was able to evolve through all the pressures. It really helped us do the best we can.

 

Q. Was it better singing following your elimination without the pressure of the "save" riding on your performance or were you sad  that opportunity was no longer on the table?
A. Katie: I love Big Mike. And I was so happy he was saved and that all of us were able to spend another week with him. It was weird because I had a feeling it was going to be me when I was standing next to him. I'm so proud of him and all the other contestants. They're amazing. I was definitely happy to be able to sing at the end. It was a little emotional, but I tried the best I could, and that wasn't the last time America is going to see me. So I've just got to keep that in mind.

 

Q. What would you have sung next week for Idol Gives Back?
A. Katie: "Over the Rainbow" is a song I've wanted to sing for the entire competition, and I never found the right time to do it. I would have done that.

 

Q. Will you get to attend prom this year?
A. Katie: I actually don't think I'll be able to attend prom or graduation because that's when tour rehearsals will start. But definitely I'm going to go back home, hang out with my friends and keep up with school so I can graduate and get my diploma. But I'm really looking forward to the tour and, hopefully after that, writing an album. I'm excited for what's to come.

 

 

Be sure to tune in when the Top 7 take the stage on American Idol, Tuesday at 8/7c on Fox.

 

(Image courtesy of Fox)

 

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

 

For more American Idol links, visit SirLinksALot.net