by Todd Betzold

 

With only 11 singers left on American Idol after an early departure from Jermaine Jones this week, a lot was on the line for the singers as they were one step away from going on a nationwide tour this summer with the other Top 10 singers. That dream was cut short for Shannon Magrane, as her attempt to sing a Mariah Carey song fell short for the American voters and she was sent home. Today she spoke with RealityWanted and other reporters in a conference call about her journey on American Idol.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: You took on some powerhouse singers with your song choices...taking on Whitney and Mariah. Do you think that had any negative effect for you with America because the songs are so well-known and done before at such a high standard?
A. Shannon: No, I don't think so. I don't think there was any negative area. It was hard to sing their songs and do it really, really well. I think I did it in my own way and interpreted it in my own way...I'm really proud of myself.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: You were Top 11 and got eliminated one step away from being Top 10 and getting to do the nationwide tour this summer. How does that make you feel?
A. Shannon: It's definitely really upsetting because I really wanted to go on tour and this is what I've wanted to do since I was a little girl and I was so close to it. I will always remember being in front of the TV and being like Mom, Dad, I want to do this...I wanna show everyone what I've got and that's exactly what I got to do. I got to standout and sing on that big stage in front of millions of people and I'm really hoping that I've inspired a lot of people...kinda showed everybody who I am.

 

 

Q. After you were eliminated last night, did you get a chance to speak with the judges and see what they had to say to you?
A. Shannon: I did not get a chance to speak with the judges and that upset me because they give me the most honest feedback and they know exactly how it feels to be standing on that stage. They know how it feels when they are told yes and know how it feels when they are told no...they know exactly how I was feeling and I never got a chance to talk to them, which was really sad, but they know that I can sing and I know that I can sing so I feel like I left on a good note.

 

Q. Out of this whole experience was there someone you met that you were super excited to spend time with?
A. Shannon: All the contestants...I feel so amazing I was surrounded by them. They know exactly what they want in their music and they're so smart and so wise. I was one of the minors...I was with them all of the time...I was in school with them all the time. I'm smiling right now just thinking about it because I am going to miss them all so much.

 

Q. Greetings from Tampa. It is your spring break week here in Tamps. How does this spring break on American Idol compare to other spring breaks you have had in the past?
A. Shannon: It is spring break....and I'm like hey, I'm on American Idol for my spring break and not many 16 year old girls can say that. It's definitely an accomplishment in itself and I'm so happy and so glad to be here in this very moment and talking to you guys and learning everything.

 

Q. When do you plan on being back to the wonderful halls of Blake High School?
A. Shannon: The one thing I am not looking forward to is school because I just want to sing all the time. I really wanted to do the tour and I'm really upset about that, but I'm really looking forward to making my own music and making myself an album and do all that kind of stuff. I'm excited to see what's in store.

 

Q. Now that your Dad doesn't have to be nice to the judges anymore, do you think he is going to go have a word with Steven Tyler about what he said to you?
A. Shannon: My Dad is the most kind and welcoming and genuine person....gentle giant, as you guys would say. He definitely took that as a joke. He wasn't bad about it at all....he thought it would make great TV and looking back at it I just thought it was so funny.

 

Q. What's the most important lesson you will take away from your experience on Idol?
A. Shannon: Definitely to be yourself. I know a lot of people that don't think that is #1, but it is...you can shine more than anybody else. You can tell who each and everybody is in Top 10 because we were all so different from other.

 

Q. Looking back, is there anything you would have done different.
A. Shannon: I don't think there is anything I would have done differently. I really worked hard and I got to where I wanted to be. I do wish I could have gone on tour and been with my friends. We miss each other already....they've been texting me and me texting them.

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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