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

I actually got to write with one of my musical heroes, a guy named Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace. I got to sit down and write some songs with him, and that was pretty heavy. I listened to Our Lady Peace growing up. It got me through the teenage angst.

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.

Enjoy the experience, don't just experience the experience

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.

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

If you wanna know the truth, you make or break my day. If you wanna know the truth, I wouldn't have it any other way.