I was so happy and content with in life playing music. Music was always my first job and my day gig was my second job.

I was so happy and content with in life playing music. Music was always my first job and my day gig was my second job.

Just practice hard and stay grounded. Treat people like you want to be treated and work hard.

I'm not trying to be evasive, but when I say yes and no, I say 'yes' because there are narrow-minded people that won't look past the logo and 'no' because 'American Idol' put me in front of millions of people and I would not have a career without 'Idol.

It's not just about waking up and trying to be a star... It's practice, practice, practice.

I'd like to teach kids how to write songs. This will be my first year so I'm just as green as some of the rest of the folks. It's like a music camp and I get to hang out with some of the past contestants.

I think America did a great job. I think Carrie Underwood fits the bill of American Idol. She's a wonderful girl, and she's gonna have a great career.