IdolPhenomena

IP: Describe what the audition process was like for you.

AN: The audition process for American Idol was definitely....strenuous. Waking up at the crack of dawn to drive to the audition sites was pretty crazy, but I never once complained of course because it was the start of something amazing in my life. A huge chance to be what I always wanted to be. I took it as just the beginning of waking up super early to go record or something, lol. I was a nervous wreck most of the audition days, but my family did a good job or calming me down and reassuring me that I’d do great. :)

IP: What was your NJ Audition Song? What was your Hollywood Audition Song?

AN: My audition song for NJ was At Last by Etta James. Pretty typical, (lol) but the judges loved it, so I don't regret the song choice at all. My Hollywood Audition Song was I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston.

IP: How has the overall audition affected your life and music today?

AN: The overall audition has affected my life and music today in such a HUGE way. Before Idol, I wasn't really sure of what I wanted to do with my life and what career I really wanted to have. Of course I LOVED singing, and the dream of becoming a singer still occurred to me, but I never really believed that a singing career would be what I pursued. After Idol, I find myself looking high and low for opportunities to get closer to my goal. I look to find local shows to perform in; I've been trying to make my name known by finding gigs all over the city, and ultimately trying to really capture my dream. I think Idol really has helped me figure out exactly what it is that I want to do, and I'm trying my best to do it! :)

IP: Do you have a notable memory to share with the IdolPhenomena followers?

AN: On my day off, my mother and I decided to go sight-seeing, like a lot of the other Day 2 performers who had the chance of relaxing for the day. We went into Hollywood and walked on the Boulevard and took pictures with some of the celebrity's stars. While walking, we ran into a man in a SpongeBob SquarePants costume. He walked over to us and said "You two beautiful women look like you got yourselves lost. Can I be of any assistance to you fine ladies today?" in a creepy SpongeBob voice. My mother simply answered "no" as I gave him the stank eye and we continued to move on, but the SpongeBob replica thought it'd be funny to follow us up the boulevard. A few steps later as I got fed up with his SpongeBob giggle trailing behind us, I turned around and said in the sweetest voice I could muster up "Would you PLEASE stop following us? There WILL be a problem if you continue." He continued to do his SpongeBob giggle, said "Sorry ma'am" and left us alone. I will absolutely never forget that day, LOL.

IP: What was group day like for you since there was near almost no glimpse of your group?

AN: Wow. Group Day was pretty nerve racking. They aren't kidding when they say it's the most difficult challenge out of the ones presented to the contestants. The night before could have definitely been improved on for me. I was tired and cranky and my voice thought it'd be the perfect time to give out. It was hard to be a good team mate to my group when I felt like everything that could go wrong was going wrong, in the way that we didn't always agree on one thing and sometimes it was frustrating. I woke up in not the greatest of moods, but the California sun did its magic and I became more bearable to be around throughout the day. Shannon, Krista, and I were practicing our group song, Irreplaceable by Beyonce over and over, and I got a bit more confident and excited about our performance. When the time came, of course, the jitters came back to haunt us and in the end it affected our performance as a whole, but I think I can say for all of us that we're proud of how far we got. :)

IP: Have you auditioned for any other reality TV show in the past or plan on doing so in the future?

AN: I haven't auditioned for any shows YET! Lol! I do plan on auditioning for any singing RealityTV show in the future though. Look out for me! :D

IP: I see that social networking has allowed many of the Idol contestants stay in contact is there anyone in particular that you like to keep in touch with?

AN: Gosh, definitely Shannon, one of my group girls. She is just awesome. SOOOO sweet and she helped me cheer up a whole lot during Group Day and when we found out our results after performing. We keep in touch over Facebook and we're definitely going to see each other soon. After all, she doesn't live too far away! :)

IP: What type of project are you currently working on?

AN: The thing I’m most excited about is this coming summer vacation. I am going to be enrolled in one of Berklee College of Music's Summer Programs! It's called the Five-Week Summer Performance Program. I'll be taking classes such as Musicianship, where I’ll learn to develop my "musical ear" and my "performance in reading skills", Theory in Performance, where I’ll study the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic elements of music, Songwriting, and etc.. I am looking forward to attending!

IP: What type of advice would you give someone that wants to try out of Idol?

AN: To anyone who wants to try out, JUST DO IT!!! Haha. Honestly, you've got absolutely nothing to lose. I never would have got where I did if I didn't try out in the first place!

IP: Who is your role model and how have they inspired you?

AN: My mother, of course. She is the most hard-working woman I have ever known. She's taught me that life is tough, but you stand your ground, do what you need to do to succeed, and be tough right back.

IP: Do you have a have a favorite contestant from anywhere in the audition process?

AN: Keonna Evans, who not only has an absolutely GORGEOUS voice, but who was really chill and had a great personality. She was in my line during Hollywood Auditions and was really a genuinely cool person. I hope she succeeds on the show. :)

IP: And which past Idol is currently playing on your MP3 player?

AN: Fantasia Barrino's Bittersweet and Truth Is have literally been on repeat for days. I cannot get enough of them. :)

IP: Any other additional thoughts?

AN: Idol has been SUCH a great experience and I cannot wait to go back again next year. In the meantime, keep an eye out for me! ;D

To check out more music by Arnelle Nonon Check out her YouTube Channel [here].