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American Idol Season 10: Exclusive Interview with Julie Zorrilla

Posted on 03/10/2011 by Gina in American Idol and Cast Interviews

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Julie Zorrilla from American Idol Season 10

 

by Gina Scarpa

 

Julie Zorrilla made it far on American Idol this season but was eliminated just shy of the Top 13. She stood out throughout the audition process, not only for her good looks, but her artistry, especially when performing with her piano. A rule banning any of the Top 24 from playing instruments hurt her chances of advancing and she was eliminated before getting to show America who she really was as an artist. Today, we spoke to Julie about her Idol experiences.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Was this your first time trying out for American Idol?
A. Julie: Yes, it was. My professor at school was encouraging me to audition and I wasn't sure If I wanted to. I was back and forth with it and he was like, "Just do it." I'm so glad I decided to do it.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How did you handle the stress of the entire audition process?
A. Julie: I think the most stressful part was Group Night. That was very, very stressful. We were up all night. We didn't get any rest and we had to perform on no sleep and practically no food. You're so nervous that your stomach shuts down. In the morning, in the shower, I would try to meditate a little bit.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: We got to learn a lot about you during the audition process. Were you hoping that that would help establish fans going into the Top 24?
A. Julie: I wasn't really sure. I wasn't even sure if they were actually going to show it or not. There's a lot of people that they make stories for and some of them don't even make it. I was just really, really happy when I saw that they decided to show my story. I didn't know if it would help or not.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: The judges gave you a hard time about singing "Breakaway" for your Top 24 performance. Do you wish you had chosen a different song?
A. Julie: I wish they would've let me play the guitar. For that round, it wasn't allowed and I get it. Idol is not the type of show that launches singer/songwriters. Crystal Bowersox was kind of the odd one because she's been the only female songwriter that's come out of it. I was the only girl in the Top 12 that could play an instrument. That's what got me eliminated - that I wasn't allowed to show the best of myself. When I heard I couldn't play guitar, I probably should've picked a different song. I thought it sounded fine. I don't know.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was your reaction when you realized that the judges weren't going to give you a second chance and let you sing for a Wild Card spot?
A. Julie: Honestly, I figured that I would be freaking out. I was like, "The day I get eliminated, I'm going to be so sad." It was weird because as soon as Ryan told me that I wasn't in the top, I was like, "Okay." I kind of saw it coming. I was shocked at how calm I actually felt. I just felt really, really happy. When I realized that I wasn't going to get another chance, I was fine. I was honestly okay. Ashton and Kendra were two of my favorite girls there. I was just so happy for them to have that opportunity to fight and stay. If I had stayed to sing another week, it wouldn't be an accurate representation of who I am. I'm more Sara Bareilles than Whitney Houston.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Are there any Idols that you'll be rooting for?
A. Julie: I got really, really close with my roommate, Haley. She's the sweetest girl I've ever met. I have a history with Casey Abrams. We've been really good friends since I was 14. We went to prom together freshman year of high school. It was amazing to be able to share an experience with as good of a friend as Casey. It was very exciting and I was so happy for him. He deserves it. I'm very supportive of everyone, though. Hopefully, I'll get to see everyone today. I'm going to go to the elimination. I'm so grateful to Idol for all of the opportunities. I'm endlessly thankful.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What are your plans now?
A. Julie: Right now, I'm trying to focus a lot on writing. I want to be able to have a lot of songs so that, by the time I sit down and start picking songs for an album, I have a lot to choose from. I'm going to focus a lot on the songwriting over the next couple of months and work with a lot of different songwriters out here in L.A.

 

 

American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 


Follow Julie @juliezorrilla and Gina @ginascarpa

 


  


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