LOS ANGELES — “American Idol” contestant Alexis Grace said her elimination during the show’s country music week seems like a betrayal of her Southern roots.
“I feel kind of like I let my state down. I’m from the South and we’re supposed to do country well. And I think I actually sing country pretty good. So it was a disappointment,” Grace said the day after being voted off the show.
Photo by Ray Mickshaw/Associated Press/FOX
Alexis Grace performs on "American Idol" Wednesday. Grace, the soulful 21-year-old single mother from Memphis, Tenn., was eliminated from the singing competition on Wednesday.
But the single mother from Memphis, Tenn., told a teleconference that she’s going to try to redeem herself as she pursues her dream of a singing career.
Grace, 21, received the lowest number of audience votes after her performance on Tuesday’s Grand Ole Opry-themed show of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” Judge Kara DioGuardi told Grace she’d lost her edge.
The sweet-faced blonde had been told by the judges at the outset to “dirty it up” — advice Grace said was appreciated and helped her develop her artistry and an edgy quality she on which she hadn’t drawn.
The four judges declined Wednesday to rescue her with their one-time-only opportunity to save a singer from being eliminated, an option until the top five finalists are selected.
She was heartened that the panel considered keeping her, but figured timing might be an issue, Grace said.
“It is early in the game and it wouldn’t be good for TV if they did so early. So in the back of my mind I was like, maybe not. Maybe they want to save it. It just wasn’t the right time,” she said.
Her “American Idol” experience taught her, “if you want to do anything in life, if you want to pursue a dream, you’ve got to work hard at it and believe in yourself. ... All the cliche things you can say, it’s really true.”
Her immediate plans: Return home and spend time with her family and the daughter she so missed, Grace said. Then she’ll get to work building her career and trying for a record deal.
Asked what kind of album she might release, Grace suggested it might be “Joss Stone mixed with Carrie Underwood with Sheryl Crow.”
She’s disappointed she just missed making the cut for the “Idol” concert tour, which is limited to the top 10 finalists, Grace said.
The remaining contestants will perform Motown songs next week, with Smokey Robinson and second-season “Idol” winner Ruben Studdard set to take part, along with Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr.
- |
Comments » 2
Mr_Kite writes:
Well, I voted for Alexis & Lil & Megan... I actually thought the rendition of 'Jolene' was really good. I watched Dolly Parton on the Porter Wagner show on channel 5 many years ago & I remember her as a young woman too. (I really am showing my age!) But her 2cd chance performance was weak, I think she was just too sensitive to her position and prior success. Getting disapproval after such raves just through her for a loop. Alexis was really fine with the blues, the soul, and I think she could do pop & rock great too. The country thing just isn't hers and I am sorry she came so close & got cut over it. I could not argue with the judges' decision though, she had not the confidence and follow-through on her second chance... I know it was tough, but they are looking for a real trooper, which is the main reason I spent a vote on Megan too. Still, I think she was eliminated too early and I am sorry she hadn't more support.
shakespearetobe#205403 writes:
Alexis - you didn't let anyone down if you did your best. I didn't watch the show but heard great things about you. The American people are fickle and sometimes even the best talent is voted off and the worse (remember Sanjay??) is kept on because of popularity. Don't sweat it. You'll do great things with your music if you work as hard in the future as you already have. Keep the faith in yourself.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.