by Gina Scarpa

Last year, American Idol fans couldn't have been happier when Colton Dixon decided to audition for a second time after being cut in Season 10. His made it to the Top 7 in Season 11 before being eliminated, after never having landed in the bottom three. While on the Idols Live tour, he performed his upcoming single, Never Gone, which shot to #1 on iTunes following its September release. As Colton prepares to release his debut album, A Messenger, he chatted with RealityWanted about his Idol experience, writing his own music, and his loyal fan base.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It's crazy to think that you almost didn't try out for American Idol last year. What was the hesitation?
A. Colton: I don't know if it was hesitation or worry. I just had momentum from the previous season going. I was trying to ride that crazy roller coaster and never in a million years did it occur to me to try out again. My sister wanted to go back and I was like, "Oh cool! I'll go back and see how it works behind the scenes and say hello." It was nuts.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It was definitely clear that you were a fan favorite on the show. Were you expecting that, given that you were featured in the audition process the previous year, or was that a nice surprise to you?
A. Colton: Well, I mean, even from my first year of experience, you never know what to expect so you learn not to expect anything. You either don't expect anything or you expect the worst. I don't know if it had to do with me being a male or what the deal was. It was cool to see that support.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Once the Idols tour wrapped up, did you get right to writing your own music and preparing for this album?
A. Colton: I was doing that before we were on the road actually. As soon as I was eliminated, I started writing. I did something like 13 songs in 13 days. It was berserk. I did a little while I was on tour and after to make sure we had the right songs. I've been listening to the album for over a month now and I'm dying for it to hit stores, and iTunes.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Your debut album, A Messenger, falls into the Christian/Gospel genre. Were there people who wanted you to go more mainstream or did you tell them up front that this was the music you always intended to make?
A. Colton: First thing's first. I think my album is the furthest thing from gospel. I think it's funny that they lump Christian and Gospel together. But I had people pulling me in all different directions. There were even confused people who, I don't think watched the show, thought I should do country. I've always sang in the church. Regardless, I went into these writing sessions and just wanted to get out what was inside of me. We went from there and it was really obvious that it was Christian music. As far as where it fits in the market, it was a better fit. I hope it crosses over and does more than that. We'll see! It's definitely where my heart is.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Your single, Never Gone, went straight to #1 on iTunes this year. How much of a part did getting to play that on the Idols tour factor into that success?
A. Colton: I really wish it would've been out sooner so that people could've downloaded it the night they heard it on tour. But the anticipation... they were asking when it was coming out and anticipation was building up. It was very cool to see it do well. Man, that song is still one of my favorites on the record. It was a neat opportunity to be able to do it on tour.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Speaking of, you've got a big tour yourself coming up this year. What types of venues will you be playing and will you meet fans when you're out on the road?
A. Colton: Absolutely meeting up with fans! I don't know if we've established a meet and greet situation yet but I know we'll figure out a way. I will definitely figure out a way. My fans are the reason I'm here. Yeah, huge tour coming up with 3rd Day and Josh Wilson. As far as the venues go, I can't recall off the top of my head but in Nashville we're playing a pretty good sized arena. They're either theaters or arenas. There are a couple churches along the way. It should be a lot of fun!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It's pretty safe to say that you have some hardcore female fans. What's that attention been like for you - do you like it or are you a little shy about it?
A. Colton: You know, if you had asked me a few months ago, I would've had a completely different answer. I've been in a relationship for two months so my reaction is a little different. It's still strange regardless. It's odd to be getting that much of a reaction from anybody. With fans, you have to know where the line is and you don't step over it. With female fans, that line is deeper in the sand. You are always nice but there are some pretty serious female fans out there! It's been pretty funny to watch! But now, especially that I have a girlfriend, I guess I see it more. I realize what's going on. I'm not quite so oblivious to what's going on so I handle it a little bit differently for her sake. But it's weird. It is. And it will always be weird!

Colton Dixon's debut album, A Messenger, hits stores on January 29th!  Keep up with Colton by visiting his site or following him on Facebook and Twitter.

(Image courtesy of EMI)

Follow Gina @ginascarpa