Kree Harrison spoke to the media on Friday morning after she finished as the runnerup on Season 12 of American Idol. Here is what she had to say:
Tell us about your signing with Lyric Street and then parting ways with the label:
KH: “I didn’t know then exactly what I wanted to do, because I was 10 years old. I knew exactly what I didn’t want to do , which was more of the bubblegum pop country that was kind of happening at the time. It wasn’t the right time. It wasn’t necessarily that I was butting heads with the label. They were amazing to me, and more than anything, taught me to stay true to who I was. There was a lot of things that happened–a lot of tragedy in my family. I think it was good to sit back and do some soul searching. Not just emotionally but as an artist. I felt like this through this whole Idol How have you developed such an upbeat outlook on life although you have KH: “I think at the end of the day, it’s a choice. You can choose to live your lives happy and whatever happens to you, you take with a grain of salt. For me, this is the sweet after the bitter that I’ve had in my life. I like to share that, make people feel the same way.” What did you feel about Keith Urban’s sometimes harsh critique of your performances? “The four judges–I respect so much and always have. And especially Keith because we’re both country singers. If at any point he gave me critiques, I took it as Talk about your friendship with Kellie Pickler and the rumors that you would get KH: “OK. This is a joke that’s just gone wrong! I talk to her all the time. But I haven’t heard from her. I’m sure she understands that it’s a whirlwind. But I will definitely What are you most looking forward to when you get home? KH: “I’m not going to b mad about laying in my bed. I definitely am going to get as much rest as I possibly can. We’ve been working our butts off. More than anything I (want to) sink it all in, everything that’s happened. I can’t wait to go back to When will your album come out? KH: “My single is released, which I can’t even believe I can say that out loud. It’s on iTunes. I hope y’all are going to go purchase it. I don’t know! The tour is tomorrow, and I feel like–I have the world in my hands right now to make a good record and I’m so happy about it. As soon as I can, I’m going to start writing and collaborating with other singer/songwriters. We’ll see what happens. I can’t wait to share it.” Why do you think that your new single is the right choice for you? KH: “I was so happy this song was pitched to me. Steve McEwan, Katrina Elam and Gordie Sampson wrote this song. I feel like it’s 100% me and I couldn’t be more thankful to call it my own. It’s definitely got the traditional country roots and the Are you going to play it on the Grand Old Opry? KH: “Today’s my birthday, and it’s the best birthday present I’ve ever gotten in my life. One of my life long goals is to play the Grand Ole Opry and to stand where all of my peers and all those country music legends have stood. It’s going to be hard not to kiss that circle. Keith Urban told me! And I cried. It was a very special–it was a good moment. I’m happy that we shared it .” Who was your favorite judge and which one do you respect the most? KH: “They brought so many different things and opinions and advice to me. I can’t imagine just picking one. Last night, being able to play with Randy and Keith–obviously Travis–but those two judges. I’m so thankful. I couldn’t possibly pick one. I do love Following your finale performance did you think you would win? KH: “ I think that we were all–we were in it to win it, as Randy would say. But at the end of the day. The title for me is not just the American Idol. I’ve already reached the limit of creating a following. And that’s what each of us came here to do. Standing there last night with Candy, I was so freaking proud of her. And she’s so proud of me. We’re living our dreams right now, whether or not I have that title. I feel like I have won. I’m runner-up. But I’m so blessed that I could be part of this Idol journey. While you were standing there waiting for Ryan to reveal the winner, what was going through your mind? KH: “What was going through my head was what I was saying out Did you feel like you had a shot to win over Candice? KH: “I never know what’s going to happen. It’s always been in America’s hands. The truth is, the whole Top 10–we’re all so completely different. And especially me and Candice. It’s apples and oranges as far as music goes. I had no idea what was going to happen. Either way, the result–was a win win for both of us.” Were you shocked that you advanced to the finale and not Angie? KH: “I was! If you can’t tell, I’m not a very good actress. What you see is what you get. I definitely was shocked. I feel like all of us deserve it, but I think it was just the moment of reality. I tried to live in the moment each step of this whole process. Whenever he [Ryan] called our name, I just couldn’t believe I would be able to perform another week. I was just so happy. The support–you feel it at that moment–wow all of you people voted for me to sing another week. That was such an amazing…yeah I was How did you feel after the show last night? KH: “They all sang Happy Birthday, which was really awesome. We KH: “The whole process is exciting in itself, because it is such a process. You write, you listen to the songs, you go in the studio and you create what is yours. It’s like Why did you choose to go first after the coin toss? KH: “You know what? At that moment, I was just ‘I don’t care if What will you sing on the Sumer Tour? KH: “Honestly, I don’t know, but I would hope that people would What is your advice for those auditioning for Season 13? KH: “Pace yourself. But more than anything, I feel like, the beauty of coming into such an instant situation in competition, is that you have to know who you are as an artist What did you do after the show last night? KH: “The adrenaline that me and Candy were feeling last night What did you learn from the other contestants? KH: “So many things. I’m inspired every day by how much Who are you looking forward to hearing on the Summer Tour? KH: “Everyone! I couldn’t possibly choose one. I am excited to What surprised you most about this season? KH: “Just how much work goes into the show. Not just for us, but What will you miss most? KH: “The Idol family. Really. I know I say this a thousand Do you have any rituals you do before the show? KH: “Right before we’d all walk out-especially us girls–and we’d Who would you like to collaborate with? KH: “Honestly, there’s so many people, for so many different reasons, I couldn’t possibly name one. I know that June 4, I’m playing the Opry, and I can’t even really even fathom that–it’s so crazy. I know Keith Urban will be there so maybe Did you get several choices of songs? KH: “There’s a team of people constantly working throughout this Kree’s closing remarks: “I want to thank y’all so much. Wherever ya’ll are, you should |