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An American Idol is someone that has all the qualities that America thinks is positive, attractive and alluring.

An American Idol is someone who knows how to change people's lives through music.

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.

Before 'Idol,' I was lost... Now, I've actually followed through with something. I am a better man for it!

Everybody out there watches the show and has expectations of wanting to be an 'Idol', but we're going to teach them how much hard work goes into it.

The people that go on 'American Idol' do want some recognition and fame.

I was rejected from 'American Idol' - and I'm happier for it now.

Being on 'Idol,' you have no choice but to be an open book.

'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.'

The whole 'American Idol' way of looking at things is the antithesis of what I grew up with. There are a whole lot of kids wanting to be famous now, whereas if I'd even mentioned that word to one of my teachers, I would have got into a whole load of trouble.