IdolPhenomena

IP: How has the overall American Idol audition process affected your life today?
LW: The audition process essentially prepared me for all that was to come in my future musical endeavors. I've been all over the place, met record label executives, performed for huge audiences, and auditioned for commercials, TV shows etc... The idol process was the first big audition process I ever went through. It was a good learning tool for me. I guess you could say that I was learning the ropes through the process.

IP: What is your most notable memory of the audition process?
LW: There are so many memories that it's difficult to choose. I guess the most notable part of it could be the surreal feeling that stayed with me throughout the process. I couldn't believe that I was really there. It was such a great sense of accomplishment and challenge at the same time.

IP: Are there any idol hopefuls that you still keep in contact with today?
LW: Yes... I spoke to two of them just yesterday! Charly Lowry and Eric Yoder. Both were in the semi finals with me.

IP: What is the current project you are working on? Music? Acting? Career?

LW: I'm working on all aspects of entertainment. Music has been an ongoing part of my life. I'm always in and out of the studio or writing new music getting ready to go to the studio. I have a burning passion for the craft and will always be involved in it somehow or another. I just started taking acting classes and will be attending broadcasting school in October. I love acting! I landed a national commercial for TBS a few months ago and was in an international Bacardi commercial featuring George Clooney last year. Modeling has always been part of my life as well. I continuously work modeling jobs and that seems to be my bread and butter most of the time financially but I'm hoping to break out of that soon. My ultimate goal is to make music for all of my days on this earth, get into film and television, and one day soon I'd like to open up my own business.

IP: What advice would you give to someone with the dream of being on American Idol?
LW: I would tell them to make sure they know what they are getting involved in. It's a tough road and not for the weak at heart. If you don't understand the audition process... which I didn't when I auditioned... get educated! Know the music biz! It's a beast!... and the most important part of it... believe in yourself and trust your judgment. Listen to the judges but ignore the noise around you, i.e. internet haters, people who talk junk, etc... There are a million of them. Most of which have never attempted something so fantastic. Stay strong!

IP: Who was your favorite contestant throughout the audition process?
LW: My AI roommate, who many of you didn't see on TV, was someone named Jeanine. She is so beautiful and so talented. She was cut right before the semi finals. It was so unfortunate because I thought she could have won the whole thing!

IP: Who is your idol/role model and how have they inspired you?
LW: My parents... they are amazing. They raised 4 kids in poverty and showed us so much love that we had no idea that we were poor. My dad is a rock. He's so strong and wise. My mother is an angel. She's such a kind soul. Together they made me multidimensional. I'm strong and aggressive but still compassionate and understanding.

IP: Which idol contestant are you listening to in your cd/mp3 player?
LW: Carrie Underwood... I have a secret love of country music..-thanks to my fiancé'.

IP: Have you tried out more than once if so where?
LW: Yes, the first season I was urged to audition by a friend only hours before the audition. I had no idea what I was auditioning for and I choked. LOL! It was in Atlanta. My second audition was season 3 in Hawaii. That's the audition that put me through to Hollywood.

IP: Any additional insights or comments.
LW: I'm working on a new project. It's a fairly organic sound with a twist of soul and funk. It will be posted soon on myspace and on my website. The website is changing to www. lisawilsonmusic. com. I also have a youtube page now (it's not really ready) youtube. com/lisawilsonmusic and my myspace will be switching over to myspace. com/lisawilsonmusic next month.

The image used in this post was submitted by Lisa Wilson
The interview with Lisa was received by myself on July 22, 2008