I spent a majority of my life in Kansas City, so I am a Chiefs and Royals guy. I used to work for the Royals for like five years in the suites department and in the stadium club restaurant.

I'd always wanted to grow my hair out. And now looking back on those photos I understand why I probably shouldn't have.

I will never shy away from embarrassing myself for a good cause

I got to play with ZZ Top and introduce Bryan Adams and George Michael. And to have it all topped off by me winning 'American Idol?!' It's pretty absurd.

There's definitely a visual aspect and an emotional aspect to a song. And that harks back, for me, to theater.

I live for Tuesdays, and die by Wednesdays.

I have to be involved. Whether it's me writing by myself or with other people, I definitely want to have my hand in the creative process. That's part of why I got into music in the first place.