 Tue, Jul 08, 2008 05:41 PM
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2008-03-21  Suwanee | A Q&A with "American Idol" season five finalist Ace Young
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| | by Tana Suggs | |  |
March 28, 2008 | 09:43 AM
"American Idol" season five finalist Ace Young will meet and greet fans and autograph copies of "Chicken Soup for the 'American Idol' Soul," 2 p.m., March 29 at Borders 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 100, Suwanee. He is also promoting his new self-titled debut album, "Ace Young" to be released early June.
What was it like when you auditioned for "Idol"?
"I tried out in Denver, my hometown, and I got there at 2 a.m., and there were already about 7,000 people in line. By 6:30 a.m. there were about 12,000. That's when I met Daughtry there. I met Bucky Covington there. Actually, quite a few people that made it to the top 24 were there in my hometown."
What goes on behind the scenes of "Idol" that people don't know about?
"The one thing that people don't know is you don't get to see the judges. You don't get to hang out with the judges. You get to see them when you're on stage and that's more nerve-racking. You don't really get to know the judges until after the show."
After a performance, what is it like to stand before judge Simon Cowell and hear his comments?
"Simon is a business guy and I really respected his opinion because he's looking at it like, 'Can I sell this now, or can I not sell this and why?' He's really breaking it down. When he said whatever he said, I really appreciated his advice. At the same point, when he's ripping you and you're right in front of him, it's not an easy thing to take. It's a very humbling experience to be totally ripped apart by Simon Cowell, but it's also a privilege as well."
What do "Idol" contestants do during the live show?
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"They all watch the show and wait in a little room that's behind the stage."
As a contestant on the show, what did you do during the week between shows?
"They kept us pretty busy with the Ford commercials on the weekends and trying to pick your song for the next week. It can be pretty hectic. It can also be pretty nerve-racking because if you can't get your song picked by the end of that week, you're learning a brand new song Monday night that you're singing on national TV Tuesday. You don't have much rehearsal time, and you don't get much rehearsal time with the band either. You only get about 13 minutes with the band. You run through the song and then they say, 'Are you good?' If it's a train wreck, then they're going to spend some extra time with you."
Do you have time to watch this season of "American Idol?"
"I do. I TiVo it so I watch it whenever I get back [home]. I've been on the road for a little while so I haven't caught up on this week."
Do you have a favorite of this year's "Idol" contenders?
"I don't have a favorite as far as the people. I'm more touched by the stories people have. Asiah Epperson – I loved her story and I was really sad when she left. I thought she should've made it a little further. But the best thing about 'Idol' in the last few years is seeing all these young people who are fans of the show actually trying out and doing great on the show. Jordin Sparks was a fan of the show and within one year her whole life has changed, and now she has a duet with Chris Brown. It's amazing. It's a very touching thing to see it work out the way it is."
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LOVE ACE YOUNG!
March 28, 2008 | 02:13 PM
What a great person he is. I hope all you Atlanta folks show up and give him some support!
Linny
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