FEBRUARY 1, 2007

YOU'VE HOSTED FOUR SHOWS NOW, WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE AS HOST? WHAT HAVE YOU LIKED AND DISLIKED?

The reason I became a host and not a judge was because I wanted to be a positive influence on the contestants.

The judges only have 15 seconds to try to help once the contestants have sung. As the host I get to hang with them during rehearsals, backstage, and sit with them individually - and it's a blast!

Being an artist and finding your way is always a struggle, and I love to be a part of helping others however I can to find their way.

What has surprised me most about being a host is how attached and protective I feel for each of the contestants. It just rises up in me and it kinda surprises me.

Past Entries:

• (1/25) THE CONTESTANTS REALLY SEEM TO TAKE THE JUDGES' COMMENTS TO HEART. IF YOU WERE COMPETING, WOULD YOUR RESPONSE BE THE SAME OR WOULD YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT STRATEGY?
• (1/18) WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE CARRIED YOU THROUGH THE TOUGHEST TIME IN YOUR CAREER? WHO GAVE IT TO YOU? HAVE YOU PASSED IT ON TO THE ELIMINATED CONTESTANTS?
• (1/11) WHAT'S YOUR OUTLOOK FOR THE NEW SEASON?