On Tuesday, June 28, 2011, Suite101 chatted with American Idol Season 10 contestant Kenzie Palmer.
The sixteen year old Pennsylvania native impressed all three Idol judges in her New Jersey audition with her powerhouse rendition of Carrie Underwood's "We're Young and Beautiful"; moreover, she progressed to the Hollywood rounds, but failed to make it to the Top 24.
On the Idol experience, Palmer states: "it's definitely changed by life because more people know me, and I get to sing in more places."
Country Music
Regarding her passion for country music, "I love that I can relate to it, and it always tells a story, no matter what song it is. The songs are not only coming from the writers, but from the people that are singing them," admits Palmer.
Influences
"I really listen to Carrie Underwood a lot because I like her and her music. I get a lot of ideas from listening to her. Also, Michael Buble. He's one of my favorite artists ever, and I like him because he can take an old song and make it his own, and make it sound new," remarks Palmer.
Her favorite country song to perform live is "Songs Like This" by Underwood.
Palmer further notes that her dream duet would be to collaborate with these two artists in the future.
Proudest Accomplishments
"American Idol obviously has been a great accomplishment. I've always wanted to try out for that show, and get on, and be able to be in front of the judges. Honestly, being able to sing for the Pittsburgh Penguin games, felt so amazing! There are 18,000 people watching me, and it's a great feeling," acknowledges Palmer.
Alternate Careers
On alternate career choices, Palmer remarks "I just can't picture my life without singing. I really don't have a back-up plan, because this is what I love to do."
New Musical
"We started rehearsal for a new musical Oklahoma yesterday. It's at my school, but it's for Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center. I'm just in the ensemble but I love it because I get to see how other people work and see what they put into it. There is actually a Broadway star in our production, Lenora Nemetz w ho is playing Aunt Eller, and it's really an honor to be able to work with her," reveals Palmer.
Advice
For hopefuls who aspire to go into the music industry Palmer suggests "if you don't work hard, and if you don't have the drive for it, then there is no point in going into it. Sometimes you put in all this hard work and you don't get the result that you are looking for, but if you love to do it, then you just keep on doing it. Do the best you can do, and someday, all your hard work will pay off."
Future Plans
"Right now, I'm just focusing on relaxing, because it's been a very busy year for me. I'm just looking for a little downtime in the summer. Once school starts again, I will work harder!"
Many thanks to Kenzie Palmer for granting this interview!
Source
- Telephone Communication. Kenzie Palmer. June 28, 2011.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
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