On Tuesday April 12 American Idol runner-up, La’Porsha Renae performed her single, “Battles” on Live With Kelly and Michael. After the performance, the singer had a chat with the hosts about missing out on the win and her experience on the big American Idol finale, which aired last Thursday (4/7).
“A lot of people think being the first runner-up is the winning position, over the history of the whole competition,” remarked co-host Kelly Ripa. “How do you feel about it?”
“I feel blessed that I’m the runner-up,” shared La’Porsha about coming in second to winner, Trent Harmon. “Trent deserved the title. He worked so hard, he’s an amazing person. He’s really genuine, really sweet.”
When asked what Trent whispered in her ear when the winner was announced, La’Porsha said, “He told me that God wanted it this way, and the only reason I didn’t win was because God wanted something bigger and better for me.” She added, “That’s his personality!”
“This song is perfect,” Michael Strahan said of “Battles.” He noted that La’Porsha had “overcome a lot of adversity.” and “really seem like a role model.” He added, “I think it’s amazing you’re here performing and doing what you’re doing.”
“I’m sure your daughter is so proud of you as well,” Michael said. La’Porsha’s face lit up at that. Michael joked about how her 16 month old daughter, Nayalee, wasn’t always impressed as everyone else with her stellar Idol performances. La’Porsha laughed, “She doesn’t know!”
“It was really weird because I was fangirling hard,” La’Porsha said about the alum-stuffed Idol finale. “When the previous Idols came in for rehearsals…I literally couldn’t breath! I was like OMG! And they were like OMG WE LOVE YOU…No that’s my line!”
“It was such a blessing and such an honor to be part of the final season,” she added, “I want to thank all the fans. I love you guys so much. Thank you for supporting me.”
Lastly, La’Porsha spoke on the best piece of advice she was given over the course of the season by the judges, Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr.: “Each one of the judges said something very pivotal.” After thinking a bit she said, “Jennifer Lopez always said to me, ‘Kill it.’ so I would have it in my head, like fierce on stage. And Keith said something that really stuck with me. He wanted me to be a portal for my gift instead of trying to harness it or do anything with it. He just wanted me to let it flow. Harry was really particular when it came to showing your artistry through musicality…making sure the song had an arc–a beginning middle and end.”
Kelly gushed, “I’m looking at you, and you look like a superstar!”
Check out the performance and interview right here. Tomorrow on Live! with Kelly and Michael, second runner-up Dalton Rapattoni is set to perform.
https://youtu.be/BF_DBDxu6b0
