The thing that I did not like about being signed to a label was I unable to have control over what I wanted to do.

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.

Do not let anything get in your way of chasing your dreams.

I always make a wish at 11:11, even if its something cheesy.

A lot of people who wanted to audition for Idol have asked me: “What should I do?” or “How to I prepare myself?” I always told them: “Just go in and believe in yourself.”

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.

My friends are mostly familiar with music that plays on the mainstream radio.