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I felt like I got more comfortable on 'Idol' when I just started being myself and not trying to be what I thought I had to be.

I grew up always wanting to be a part of 'Idol,' and I never thought I would make it as far as I did. I was really lucky, and it's given me the opportunities that I have now.

'Idol' was more of a competition, and that was more of a platform that I wanted to get a hold of and get on top of. And I finally got that opportunity, and now it's more like, I just gotta show and prove myself to everybody that I'm not just the 'balladeer.'

When I was younger, there was a huge gap between what I wanted to do and what I could do as an idol.

During 'Idol,' I wasn't expecting anything. I just wanted to survive the competition, but my album and my music are a big part of who I am. Hopefully it translates well and I keep growing as an artist.

Winning 'American Idol' gives the opportunity to really help make a change to a lot of lives, and making a difference has given me the greatest satisfaction and joy.

'American Idol' has taken over my whole life.

People around me called me an idol, so that's what I was.

'Idol' was groundbreaking television. I am very fortunate to have won the show at the time. 'Idol' changed my life, and I am thankful.

Just the title of 'American Idol' is something that people can look up to. I'm not Saint Scott, I'm not Mr. Perfect, but I want to be that role model.