I love artists that just do what they do with so much passion and emotion.

I was 16-years-old when I appeared on 'American Idol,' and the show was my boot camp. It was a crazy, stressful at times, experience.

I always had an idea for what I wanted to do in the future and throughout my career. This wasn't, like, me figuring out what to do after Idol. I've always known the steps in what I had to do to get where I was.

When you are in the American Idol bubble, a lot of contestants want to go as far as they can and wish to be on point with ready-to-go songs.

Have fun. Especially while you're still young, you gotta keep the spark up. Even when things get boring, just remember to have fun.

The best part of being signed by a major label was having the support of a big company behind me and the ability to meet new artists and producers.

I was born in America, but I consider myself a Filipino.