Alexis Grace’s 11th place-finish on American Idol‘s eighth season was a travesty of Daughtry-ian proportions. But if a silver lining must be found in this massive storm cloud of injustice (how’s that for dramatic?) at least the charming young mother stopped by the glamorous Idolatry studios — AKA my office — for a candid talk about her Idol "journey" and what she’s hoping to accomplish following her early ouster from the show. Alexis talked about why she didn’t play guitar during her Idol run, how Simon embarrassed himself when he labeled her "Jolene" cover as "sound-alike," and which pop superstars have influenced her own music-writing style. Press play below for our exclusive three-part interview segment — parts 2 and 3 automatically play when part 1 finishes streaming — then post your thoughts on Alexis’s (hopefully bright) future in the comments section below.
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It is really a shame that she had to leave Idol so soon. I am sure that she will get a contract,and we will be hearing a lot more from her GOOD LUCK to a very talented performer!!
I don’t really watch Idol, but Alexis seems like a nice person. She’s very well spoken and I bet Idol producers are going to be kickin’ themselves in the butt for losing her so early.
What they did to her last week bordered on sadism. First, she gets the least votes- fair enough, that’s what you sign up for, the possibility of that happening. But wait- they really want to keep her on, so how she performs on the song that made her get the least number of votes. The poor girl had to sing her heart out, just a few feet from the judges, who were huddled together and looked at her every once in awhile. Clearly, they weren’t really judging her on the merits of that performance- they were talking strategy on when to use this stupid veto power. Didn’t help that Alexis was singing “I’m begging you”, making the whole thing even more cruel. So she finishes, and what does she get for it? “Sorry” from Simon. That nobody even acknowledges how ridiculously cruel this is shows how bitter and jaded our civilization has become.
This season they added another judge,added another person to the top twelve, so why not add Alexis to the top 10 on tour. She doesn’t have to be added back in the competition but having her on tour would be a big asset for the tour to be a success.
Michael or Scott should have been eliminated. Too bad; I would have enjoyed seeing her on the tour. It would be great if they put her as an alternate. Weird and disappointing season.
Oh, and yes, I HATE the wild card. They had no intention of letting Alexis stay–they didn’t even watch her performance–and then pretended they had considered it. They will only use it on the front runners, and only in Top 5 or 6 and only if they absolutely have to.
There are so many things wrong with this season that I can’t even list them. If it weren’t for a few contestants like Adam and Matt, I would kiss Idol goodbye till next year (if it’s even on the air next year).
LOVE her. her personality just shines in this interview. plus the fact that she even school’d you slezak?? epic win.
I think maybe I’m the only evil one here since I loved the “cruel” twist! I was actually thinking the judges will let her stay, which regardless of whether you’re a fan of hers or not, would be unfair to the other 10 in which one of them would have to lose a spot in the top 10 at her expensive. The desperation of the whole end song was terrific for reality tv but it probably also reflects the real reality of singing in front of record business people. I love American Idol (unless they decide to use the pass on Danny in which I will officially hate the show). haha
What a big mistake, Simon! I have stopped watching the show this year now that Alexis is gone. She is a pleasant, talented, ambitious, and intriguing young Mom…an excellent representation of American values! She should have been given another opportunity. Her voice has depth, richness, and lots of more possibilities. Her personality shines and she certainly has lots of room to grow in her many potentials. We need to get David Foster’s opinion on this situation! Alexis’s performance was certainly better than a couple of others that night last week! I am totally turned off by Simon’s blunder!
Bring her back!!! Bring her Back!!!
Use your Save and bring her back!!!
Others should have gone instead of her!!! Come on Simon!!!
if the judges didn’t like ‘joline’ the first time.how could they possibly like it the second time.thats likepainting a car red and the customer dosn’t like it,so you paint it red again.still dosn’t like it they really dropped the ball on alexis.i for one am done with idol.
Alexis, you will go far~~~you are awesome!!! i love you. i think your song choices were BRILLIANT!!! i know that if you put out an album, i’ll buy it!! good luck to you!!!!
♥the pena girls from dallas
I personally thought Alexis ROCKED! But yea, you never know how the voting is going to go. I don’t know what is up w/ people keeping Michael, Anoop, or God help me, even blind guy–I know, strike me dead. He’s an amazing musician but as a singer, come on people–he’s off key every time! Alexis was just fab every time! But I think it’s a blessing, really. She’ll be snapped up by Clive Davis or someone cool, record some bluesy album, they’ll market her well (I mean, just look at her she’s darling) and we’ll all buy it cuz the girl can SING! Rock on, girlfriend.
I don’t like this “singing for your life” thing, if the judges didn’t like her song the first time why would they like it the second? They should at least let them sing another song. Then they are cuddled over in a corner not even listening while Alexis sang her heart out for them. She wasn’t one of my favorites but i didn’t like the way she was done & she does have a great voice & i think she deserves another chance. If they are making new rules then there should be a rule to bring someone back that was kicked off too early. If they are gonna do it right, then do it right!
That was an excellent interview, Michael. Alexis wasn’t one of my favorites, but she’s impressive — articulate and charming — in your interview. She has plenty of time to make it in showbiz.