Okay IdolPhenomena followers I know some of you have been anticipating thins so hear it is. Just recently I had the privilege to ask the incredibly talented Devyn Rush some questions about her Idol experience and her career in the entertainment industry. Here is what we came up with. I hope you enjoy learning a little bit more about Devyn, I know I did.
Q. First I have to say that Spring Awakening is one of my favorite musicals. So I have to ask, what was it like being a part of Spring Awakening’s workshop phase.
A. I love it too! Being a part of Spring Awakening was incredible. I got to work with some of the most talented performers and team in the world. I originated the role of Anna during the workshop at Lincoln Center, and then moved on to understudy Off-Broadway at the Atlantic Theater. I am so thankful for the experience.
Q. Did your past experiences in the entertainment industry prepare you for your Idol audition?
A. Absolutely, I have auditioned and worked my whole life, and I think that knowing the ups and downs of any business is really important. It is crucial to understand what it feels like to have accomplishments, so that you always have motivation to work toward something. But the feeling of rejection is equally important and motivating in a different way. Rejection makes me want to smash down the brick walls so that I can feel the accomplishment again.
Q. What lead you to or inspired you to audition for Idol this season? How did you feel after making it through all the preliminary rounds to finally be able to earn a chance to audition for the Judges?
A. I have always watched the show and was encouraged by some of my best friends and family to audition this year... so I gave it a go! Wow. I felt validated. It feels good to hear "yes."
Q. Have you auditioned for any other RealityTV show in the past or plan on doing so in the future?
A. When I was 14, I was on America's Most Talented Kids, so I've done RealityTV a couple times now. Who knows what the future holds? Right now, I’m just working (and playing) as hard as I can every day.
Q. How has the overall audition affected your life and music today?
A. The audition process made me want to work even harder. Being a part of the show was so much fun, and it was just a reminder of why I love what I do so, so much. The exposure I received on American Idol exceeded my expectations, and it has provided an amazing jumping-off point.
Q. Do you have a notable memory from the audition process you would like to share with the IdolPhenomena followers?
A. Well... aside from the food at the hotel being delicious- LOL it was fun to meet everyone there, and I was lucky because two of my friends from New York were also in Hollywood. Zak Resnick and I worked together at Ellen's Stardust Diner and he is one of my best friends. Also, Caleb Hawley and I did a songwriters' showcase together in NYC last summer, so I knew him prior to the experience.
Q. Is there anyone in particular that you like to keep in touch with?
A. Well of course I stay in touch with Zak and Caleb. They both do shows in the city, and I love going out to support them. I met a lot of great people in Hollywood. Janelle Arthur and I have stayed in touch as well as Jerome Bell... and I wrote to Casey Abrams after seeing his first audition on TV. They are all awesomely, talented people.
Q. At the beginning of March you announced that you are working on an album what can you tell me about that?
A. I am definitely excited, I can tell you that much! I've been in pre-production meetings for the past couple months, and things are definitely rolling! The album is going to be my original songs, they are very personal, and I am so excited to share them. I recently had a fundraiser show to help support the album. If anyone is interested in being a part of the making of my album, you can send donations to:
Bob Egan
C/O Devyn Rush
P.O. Box 67
New Hope, PA 18938
Thank you so much!
Q. What type of advice would you give someone that wants to try out of Idol?
A. Know who you are and what you love. I think that technique in singing is important, but singing from your soul is what sets you apart, because a soul can never be duplicated. Sing YOU and nobody else.
Q. Who is your role model and how have they inspired your craft?
A. I am thankful to have a lot of role models. I define a role model as someone who has changed and influenced your life in a positive way, someone who possesses qualities that you admire. A few of my role models are my parents and sister, my “Little Sister” Kelsey (I am a “Big Sister” through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Visit www.bbbs.org). They are all intelligent, supportive, inspiring people, and I learn from them every day. I also have a lot of very successful friends, who are entrepreneurs and create their successes. They inspire me to recognize that I can create my success.
Q. Which past Idol is currently playing on your MP3 player?
A. Carrie Underwood for sure! Carrie’s songs are fun to rock out to when I’m driving... and sometimes I dance on the couch to “Some Hearts” when I’m at home by myself. Don’t tell my roommates ;)
Q. Any other additional insights and comments would be great…
A. There are a lot of things I’m working on right now! I have been teaming up with a bunch of organizations for music education and yoga. I just received my yoga teaching certification, which has been a huge goal of mine for a while. I am combining song-writing with yoga to provide two universally useful outlets for adolescents, to build emotional self-awareness and compassion for others. I have a lot of big ideas and goals and plan on achieving every single one!
As always thank you all for visiting IdolPhenomena I appreciate each and every one of my readers and followers. I would also like to thank Devyn for sharing a little bit about herself with all of us. Thanks :-).
For More Devyn Rush Check out the Links Below….
[Facebook][YouTube][Twitter][MySpace]
And now a little sample of Devyn’s incredible vocal talent. Check her out singing Listen by Beyonce below.
IdolPhenomena followers, I recently had the privilege do some correspondence with American Idol Season 10 contestant Tiffany Rios. For those of you who don’t remember Tiffany she auditioned this year in East Rutherford, NJ and was one of the 50 or so contestants that earned a Golden Ticket to Hollywood from NJ. She was also a featured auditioner through much of the process, most people recognize her as the girl with the star bikini top. However she is more than that, she is a girl with a dream to be a star. She had an amazing Idol journey and is excited for what the future has in store. The following is my interview with her. I hope you enjoy it. I know I enjoyed hearing from her.
Q. What made you Audition for Idol this Season?
A. This was my forth time auditioning. I first auditioned when I was 16 in NJ wearing jeans and I T-Shirt. I was very young and loved getting to know people and loved to atmosphere and told myself I would never stop. My second audition was in Philly because they did not do NJ auditions that year. The third audition was in NJ and I made it past the arena round then through two producers rounds during the week but did not get through to the Judges round to go to Hollywood. Then I skipped a year in 2009 because they did not have any Tri-State auditions. The closest was Boston l would have gone but I was playing Maureen in the musical RENT at a local theater and the dates were too consecutive to leave. This year was my fourth time and I auditioned only because I told myself at 16 I would never stop as long as the show was on... It was just absolute luck that my childhood idol and the reason I ever started singing (Jennifer Lopez) was a Judge. I had made it past the first couple of rounds and onto to Judges round before she was even hired for the job. Every day I could not believe I was going to meet her let alone sing and be judged by her. Hence me breaking down and crying at the sight of her! I’m sure most people before the Hollywood audition were practicing and getting ready while I just watched re-runs of "The Backup Plan" to prepare myself for who I was going to meet.
Q. How did you feel after making it through all the preliminary rounds to finally be able to earn a chance to audition for the Judges?
A. It was really weird going into to Judges round because even though nothing is a sure thing my previous auditions this year were perfect and I had nothing but yeses the whole way through. So going into the Judge’s room I was not nervous at all to sing. I knew I went there to sing and had a job to do so I stayed very focused.
Q. How has the overall audition affected your life and music today?
A. The entire experience has taught me many lessons and meeting so many talented people was a blessing. We would have breakfast every morning and lunch in Hollywood and my role in any party is to put a smile on people’s faces. We were always laughing and I was always there to be a shoulder to cry on. Although it may have seemed that people did not want me in their group it was not because of anything I had ever said rather than their groups were set already with the max amount of people. There were many groups that wanted to work with me but could not due to audition day restrictions and the amount of people we wanted in the group. Everyone was so kind and truly passionate about their talents and what they feel they have to offer to our music industry. Idol has brought me much notoriety and many people stop me daily to take a picture and talk. I have been invited to sing at many events and have many offers coming my way. Right now I am currently working on my first single which should hit iTunes this April and have appearances scheduled as well. Idol really does make dreams come true in all aspects of life and I am happy to be have been a part of it.
Q. What can you tell me about the single you will be releasing soon?
A. My single is so much fun! It will definitely be upbeat but as always I have a huge heart and found a song that feel most people could relate to at least once in their life but could still dance and smile at the same time.
Q. What is it like to be just regular Tiffany one day and seemingly overnight be recognized by strangers as Tiffany Rios from American Idol?
A. It is such a blessing to be recognized but I have to say my favorite part is meeting the children who saw the first episode. They all say "OMG YOUR THE GIRL WITH THE STARS". I love the attention being recognized for my talents and personality. So many people loved the Power of Love song and that just brings such joy to my heart because that song meant so much to me. I had always planned on singing that song and had told someone I go to the gym with. She told me she had loved that song but mainly loved it because her brother that had passed away a couple years ago had loved that song. So not only did I sing a song that Celine Dion one of my vocal idols made famous but sang a song that meant a lot to other people as well.
Q. Do you have a notable memory to share with the IdolPhenomena followers?
A. One of my favorite memories was after my solo audition in Hollywood when I sang All I Could Do Was Cry written by Billy Davis and made famous by Etta James. I saw Jennifer nudge Randy with her shoulder on his shoulder and pursed her lips together while smiling. It was so beautiful to see her move because of something I sang and is something I will never forget.. Hence my celebration dance and kiss I blew to her after I had been put through to the next round.
Q. Knowing that all RealityTV shows tend to embellish real events that they capture was group day really as hectic as they made it seem?
A. Like, I said before RealityTV can defiantly be edited and was. Were there some groups that did not want me?... sure the four they show on TV.... Were there groups I did not want t o be in?... absolutely but I met Jessa soon after and her group wanted to be with me and be a group of six. Due to number restrictions that was not possible. So we decided to work with each other and then were told to ask for more people even though we were perfectly happy being a duo.... then since everyone was already situated and comfortable I do not blame them for staying put where they were. I mean you couldn't honestly think people would just leave where they felt cozy to go with two people just to be an extra head?!! I think the producers knew that but just had us ask any way to make sure everything was done properly which is completely understandable. As for the other dramatic acts that had occurred I really focused on Jessa and I. Overall I think Group Day is defiantly tough and besides a couple of instances that were dragged out to be more dramatic than they actually were Group Day is rough and many people do find themselves very stressed out just as shown.
Q. Social Networking has allowed many of the Idol contestants to stay in contact, is there anyone in particular that you like to keep in touch with?
A. Pia Toscano was my roommate in Hollywood and although she was shy she was an absolute doll!! Out of the many people there I still keep in contact with Jessica Cunningham, Paris Tassin, and Phoenix Rainbow who is the sweetest person ever and whom I talk to weekly. We met the first day in Hollywood and she got cut two days later during solo round and we have not stopped talking since! If I make it big she will def be a roadie :) she even made me go out at 10 at night to get lip gloss!!!! lip gloss?! she needed it to sing?! hah love it and that night while shopping for her gloss I found a catholic cross rhinestone necklace which I wore the day of solo round and still wear today.
Q. What type of advice would you give someone that wants to try out of Idol?
A. Make sure you know who you are and be able to show your personality no matter what it may be! Whether it’s portrayed through your voice, a special song, how you dress, or your hair.. JUST BE YOU AND DO NOT HOLD ANYTHING BACK!
Q. Who is your “musical” role model and how have they inspired you?
A. I have many people who have inspired me musically but the people who have really shaped me as an artist are;
Michael Jackson- for his dance ability and creativity
Britney Spears- the ability to bring performances to life
Celine Dion- for her vocal abilities and showing 110% of real emotion behind whatever she does.
Q. What current Idols are playing on your MP3 player?
A. Considering that I just got an iPod this year I don’t have much music... I love oldies and listen to Audrey O'day and Etta James. When it comes to now music I love anything that will make me dance or bring a tear to my eye. I do not really relate to the type of music that the past Idols have made but must say I would never tune the radio to another station if Kelly or Carrie were on. <3>
Q. Any other additional insights or comments?
A. Idol has been a wonderful journey and I am excited to see what the future holds.
Below see Tiffany’s performance @ a 2011 Project Ladybug Event of Can’t Help Falling Love by Elvis Presley
For more Tiffany Check out the Links below…
[YouTube]
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].
Zak is from NYC and he auditioned for American Idol Season 10 in NJ. He chose to audition this year because singing is his life. Starting around the age of 5 Zak has been singing ever since. He likes singer/songwriters Sara Bareilles and Jason Mraz. Watch out for Zak as Idol heads to Hollywood. Check out Zak's YouTube Channel here. Also make sure you become his fan on FB here. Check him out below...
Basket Case by Sara Bareilles
Come Together by the Beatles
Here is some information on the New Jersey Golden Ticket winners. Click on their faces to see either their IdolContestant or IdolRumors posts :-).... (The profiles are a constant work in progress :-) so keep checking to see if there are links to learn a little more about your favorite Idol Contestant(s). Also the NOLA and Milwaukee Golden Ticket Winners are also in progress.)
