Eliminated American Idol 12 contestant, Lazaros Arbos, talked about his goals post tour (they include making an album and acting), bonding with the finalists, and singing with Cher on the finale (Yes! The producers are trying to make this happen!)
I’ve posted a couple more interviews at the bottom of the page.
What kind of album would he like to make? “I like love songs a lot, at the same time I like pop. I’d want to do a commercial pop album, but with some love songs as well.”
What was his favorite moment on Idol? “I got to meet a lot of amazing people that I’ll have life long bonds with. I think that that this show definitely gave me a stronger mindet.”
Is there someone in the future he would love to sing with? “For the finale we are trying to sing with Cher. That’s my goal.”
Is Cher a big inspiration to him? “I know her. When the show came on, she saw me and she connected with me. She followed me on twitter and we’ve been talking back and forth since then. So I love her songs.”
Was he a fan before she reached out to him? “I wasn’t too familiar with all of her songs, cause she came out way before me. I do love some of her latest songs. I love “Do You Believe”. I love “If I Can Turn Back Time,” and I loved her “Burlesque.”
After gaining confidence on Idol, what thing that he was afraid of is he looking forward to try at home? “This show kinda forced me to lose my nerves. I don’t have a specific thing that I would like to do, but I would love to act.”
I heard you wanted to act on Glee, “Yes that is one of my goals after the tour.”
Are there any other TV shows he would like to appear on? “Modern Family,” cause I love that show.”
Does he have any regrets about the songs he chose for Wednesday night, “The first song was another hard song. We had a last minute key change. So it was kind of rough. But at the same time, I think I came back [with my next song] really well. I don’t think I had any regrets, because my last song I did really well.”
Did he have a feeling he would be leaving the show last night, “I wasn’t surprised ’cause all the guys had been going home. I wasn’t shocked that it was my turn. All the 5 women left are so good. In all honestly, winning a TV show wasn’t my main goal. My main goal was to get known and become a performer. And I think I was closer to that.”
Did he agree with Nicki that Jimmy was getting into his head and affecting his performances, “We were never in the same room for more than 5 minutes. He was kind of like a mentor on the show. We never really got to interact more. But the times that we met, he seemed really nice. I kind ofquestion that. But at the same time, I do think that his bad comments about me–I did let them get them [get me] a little bit down.”
How does it feel to make it so far in the competition after having to overcome so much? “I have so much going on, that I am most definitely looking for what’s to come next. I feel great.”
How did the experience change him ? My stuttering has definitely subsided a little bit more. I think part of that has to do with the fact that I’ve learned to control my nerves a little better.”
What is the first thing he’s going to do when he gets home? Probably go to the park with my family cause I miss them a lot. I know for a fact that my old high school has a pep rally for me. I’m looking forward to that. We’ll see.”
Does he have any regrets from the show? “Sometimes I wish I was smarter about choosing my songs. Because I think I picked songs that weren’t the right songs, every now and then. But at the same time, I do believe that everything does happen for a motive.”
What motivated him to audition for American Idol? “The love for performing and the love for music. I’ve always been the kind of guy that wanted to do something with myself.”
What was some of the best advice he got from the judges? “They told me to stay away from low songs–they didn’t compliment my voice. I wish I could have picked a rangier song for Wednesday night. But, at the same time I have no regrets.”
What was going through his mind after he was eliminated? “The part that got me the most sad was that I made such good friends with all the girls remaining. The thought that I wasn’t going to be with them no more on the show, really got to me. That was the hardest part.”
Is there any contestant in particular that he bonded with? “Yes. I was really good friends with Amber Holcomb.
Was the atmosphere friendly backstage, or were there times it was more competitive? “We got along for the most part. I would say that’s kind of normal to have disagreements and kind of fight. But at the end of the day, we got along really well. We count on each other.”
What is he most looking forward to on tour this summer, “Meeting my fans backstage. I’m so grateful for their support.”
What happened with the guys group number and the forgotten lyrics? – “We’ve never heard the song in our lives. I’m not talking for them. But when it comes to me–what I think went wrong was that we learned them in such a fast time and then on top of that [was] the pressure of a live show your nerves intensify. So I think that anything that’s not very solid in your brain, you can forget.”
Clevver Music Interview
FOX Los Angeles