American Idol Fan Site | Who got voted off American Idol

American Idol Interview with Kimberly Caldwell
by Jessica P. Wallin

Texan Kimberly Caldwell may have finished seventh on the second season of American Idol, but she hasn’t let not winning hinder her career. With a movie with Henry Rollins under her belt, she now calls TV Guide Network, where she hosts Reality Chat with Justin Guarini, her home. Here, she talks about Justin, tattoos, and cross-dressing fans.

Tell me a little bit about yourself. What makes you, you? How do you stand out in a crowd?

Well, besides the short, bleach-blond hair, I was born loud and opinionated, so I’ve always managed to stand out in a crowd……whether that be a good thing or a bad thing!

What were your first thoughts when you auditioned for American Idol? How is it like/unlike what viewers see on T.V.?

My first thoughts were, “Let me appease my Mom to audition for this,” and then, a light bulb went off and I thought this could be my ticket into the industry. I never knew what a success the show would be when I auditioned.
It’s definitely a lot easier now that I’ve been able to sit in my living room and watch the show, but when you’re actually in the experience, it’s very stressful and overwhelming and a little shocking to go straight from being a girl from Katy, Texas, to a household name.

What has life been like post-Idol? How has it helped or hurt your career?

It’s definitely helped my career. I’ve been so fortunate to continue to receive jobs throughout every part of the entertainment industry. I love doing live performance shows all over America most every weekend. I’m recording an album with some very talented producers that I’ve always wanted to work with. My first feature film, Wrong Turn 2, was just released, and I am the official spokesmodel for Michael Antonio Footwear. I’ve been a host and correspondent covering red carpet events such as the Emmy’s and Grammy’s, and of course, covering all of the Idol chaos for the TV Guide Network. Plus I co-host my own weekly talk show, Reality Chat, on TV Guide.

Do you have any regrets about being on American Idol?

I have “No Regrets” tattooed on my left arm in Kanji, so I would say….absolutely no.

What were your favorite kinds of songs to sing on AI?

I loved country week because I grew up listening to and performing country music, but it was really fun to challenge myself with all of the other genres. I think I found my inner “rock star” by being able to do more rock songs.

Who was your favorite star collaborator?

It was a little different back in the day. We didn’t really have any star mentors, but Debra Byrd, who has been the vocal coach since the beginning of American Idol, was a great mentor.

What was it like on the Idol Tour?

The best time of my life!

Who are your major influences?

Definitely, Wynona Judd, Reba McEntire, Melissa Ethridge, and Ann Wilson.

What do you think about Idol Camp? Do you think any stars in the making will come from there?

I would have definitely gone to Idol Camp if it had existed before my appearance on the show. I think it’s a great opportunity for these young people to be able to prepare themselves for the possible journey of becoming an Idol.

What is the nature of your fan base?

My fans are loud and crazy like I am! I think that’s why they like me. They’re also very loyal and supportive.

What’s the strangest thing a fan has ever done for/to you?

During the tour, one guy dressed up like me at one of our shows and it was very flattering, but very funny at the same time. The strangest thing I’ve ever been asked to sign is a man’s belly button.

Co-Judge Paula Abdul seems to be getting a lot of bad press for her neurotic behavior. Do you think there’s any truth to the headlines, or do you think it is all just for a good story?

I love Paula, period.

With singers like Whitney Houston succumbing to the woes of fame, what are your thoughts on other trouble musicians like Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse? How does one avoid going this route?

I think you have to be very careful who you allow in your life and make sure to continue to surround yourself with friends and family who would love you whether you were broke or whether you were a superstar. You have to have people who truly care about you to keep you grounded.

What are your plans for the future?

To release my first album. To hopefully, tour the world. And, to continue acting. And once I’ve accomplished those challenges, I’d like to settle down and someday be a great mom, like mine was to me.

As is nature for some former AI contestants to be, how does it feel to be made into a punchline on Celeb-related blogs or TV shows? Do your feelings get hurt, or are you just flattered to be mentioned?

I think all of the above. Everybody says that all press is good press, so it is nice for them to even be talking about you. But, at the same time, we’re all human, and every once in awhile, something hits a nerve. But you just have to toughen up and realize that it’s just one person’s opinion.

Have you found fame to be positive or negative overall?

Overall……..definitely positive.

Besides yourself, who is your favorite Idol?

Well, since Justin Guarini is my co-host and great friend, he’d kill me if I didn’t say him, so I’ll have to go with Mr. Curly Fry.

Wrong Turn 2: Dead End is on DVD now, and Kimberly is currently working on her debut CD. Reality Chat airs every Tuesday night on the TV Guide Network.

http://www.kimberly-caldwell.com/

Article By Jessica P. Wallin Idol Mania Reporter

American Idol
American Idol News

Related posts:

1. Interview with Trenyce Cobbins
2. American Idol Interview with Carmen Rasmusen
3. American Idol Interview with Constantine Maroulis
4. American Idol Ryan Starr Interview
5. American Idol Taylor Hicks Interview with AOL