IdolPhenomena

So for my followers that have been anticipating my interview with Erica Rhodes here it is. For those of you who don’t remember who take this time to get reacquainted and check out what she’s been up to since her Idol experience. Hope you enjoy it.

Q: I know it’s been awhile since you’ve had to talk about your idol experience but can you tell me about what the audition process was like for you? How did you remain focused through the process?

A: It has been over a year now since my American Idol experience, but it's truly something that I'll never forget. There are actually three preliminary auditions prior to the audition everyone sees on television. For the first audition (the cattle call), I had gotten my ticket/wristband earlier in the week, and skipped waiting outside and simply walked in, found my seat and awaited my turn to audition. I waited approximately 6 hours before I was seen. I remember being second to audition in my group of four. After everyone had gone, the lady sitting at the table plainly said "Thank you all so much for coming out. Unfortunately, we won't be able to take any of you further at this time. Please come back next year." As I was about to walk off with the other participants, the lady indicated that she wanted me to wait. She told me that she wanted someone else to see me. She signaled down a gentleman, I can only assume he was a producer, who had me do my performance again, and....he let me through! They say that this audition is the hardest one to get passed. So, how did I stay focused? I just kept in mind that American Idol is just ONE way of making it into the music industry. Even if I didn't make it onto the show, I would make it another way. At that point it didn't matter what the outcome was, just as long as I did my best. Besides, you truly never know what they're looking for.

Q: From what I remember of Season 9 your audition for the judges was featured on television and then you sort of fell of radar. What would we have seen as a viewing audience if you had gotten more time to showcase your talent?

A: That is true. I was a featured contestant during the audition process, and then during the first round of Hollywood Week they made a throw-away-statement that I did not make it to the next round. I was deeply disappointed that they didn't show my audition, in which you have seen me sing a rendition of Chaka Kahn's "Sweet Thing." I chose to wear something more reflective of my personality, rather than "Erica Rhodes the Dominatrix." Although the judges liked my performance, and even Crystal Bowersox - my roommate during Hollywood Week - said I did a great job, I was not admitted to the second round.

Q: What was your most notable memory of the audition process?

A: My most notable memory of the audition process is definitely the audition for Simon, Kara, Randy and Neil Patrick Harris. I was so nervous! But only right before walking into the audition - after that, I was fine.

Q: Did being in the entertainment industry as a child prepare you for the Idol process?

A: They were completely different environments, but I do feel that being in the entertainment industry as a child did better prepare me for the Idol process. Obviously being on Barney & Friends was more about being part of a cast rather than just me as an individual. However, the Barney show did require a lot of self-preparation as did American Idol.

Q: From just talking with other past contestants there are some that still stay in contact, do you still keep in contact with anyone you met throughout the audition process?

A: Yes, I do still keep in contact with some contestants from the audition process of American Idol Season 9 Anzeo David, Dave Pittman, and Syndnee' Monet Randle - just to name a few. Most all of them are still pursuing a career in music.

Q: So I checked out your YouTube Channel you have some good stuff on there. Is there currently a specific genre or style of music you see yourself in?

A: Thank you so much! Yes, I am a Pop singer, although I have R&B tracks as well.

Q: As an artist who do you look up to and how have they inspired your craft?

A: I have always looked up to Janet Jackson. I am a huge fan of hers. In my opinion, she embodies the complete package of a pop singer - entertainer, singer and dancer, plus she can act! A lot of my music and my sound, in general, is inspired by her.

Q: Within the next couple months what can your current and potential fans expect from you?

A: I have been the host of a Texas-based entertainment news show called D210 Television for the past year. We cover Mavericks games, celebrity and charity events across the metroplex of Dallas-Fort Worth. I have also recently relocated to Los Angeles, CA to further pursue my singing and acting career. A veteran in the music industry is interested in managing me and just two weeks after the move connected me with a producer who has been affluent in the industry for 20 plus years. I am in the process of locking down an agent in LA and will have news on that soon.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with my readers/followers here at IdolPhenomena?

A: Thank you to everyone who has continued to follow me since American Idol. I really appreciate your support! Please stay up-to-date with everything I am doing in my career by checking out the following links:

[Official Site] [Twitter] [Facebook]