Post by Nicola_lover on Apr 23, 2009 7:46:12 GMT
Catching up with LaKisha Jones
America fell in love with LaKisha Jones, or "KiKi," during Season 6 of American Idol.
As a fourth place finisher, LaKisha has had a successful post-Idol career which she calls a "whirlwind" experience.
LaKisha's debut CD, "So Glad I'm Me," will be in stores May 19th!
LaKisha said being on American Idol was much more than she ever thought it would be.
Her coworkers in Baltimore had heard her sing and convinced her to try out for Season 6.
Singing since she was five years old in church choirs, LaKisha is so grateful to have the opportunities American Idol presented her with- recording in studios, meeting and being mentored by celebrities, and having all kinds of doors open up for her.
In late 2007 to early 2008, LaKisha had the amazing opportunity to perform in Oprah's "The Color Purple" on Broadway.
She shared the role of Sofia with Chaka Khan.
When asked what it was like to work the legendary Khan, LaKisha said "the experience was awesome." Although she was intimidated at first, Chaka Kahn took her under her wing and gave her advice and fed her.
They became instant friends and even found out they were neighbors.
If given the opportunity, LaKisha would love to perform on Broadway again.
Her dream role would be to star as Sarah in a revival of "Ragtime."
LaKisha got married in August 2008 and is expecting a baby this summer.
Daughter Brionne is so excited to read to the baby and pick the newborn up, but she refuses to change diapers!
In order to balance work and family life, LaKisha says she prays, and it's "difficult to do both, but it's important to always look at the positives."
She said she's just grateful not to be working a 9-5 desk job.
Fans are still talking about LaKisha's performance of "And I'm Telling You."
That and her Bon Jovi week performance of "This Ain't A Love Song" were her performances on Idol that she liked best.
She still keeps in touch with fellow Season 6 contestants: Melinda Doolittle,
Gina Glocksen,
Haley Scarnato,
Sanjaya Malakar,
and Chris Richardson.
They try and text each other as often as possible.
If LaKisha could collaborate musically with anyone it would be her idol, Whitney Houston. On her new CD, she covers Whitney's "You Give Good Love."
When asked why she chose this song, she said "it's because it was the first song on Whitney's debut CD, so I hopes it brings me as much luck!"
LaKisha's two favorite songs on her debut CD are "Beautiful Girl," which is about her daughter, and "Free," which talks about people being who they are.
Although LaKisha didn't write any of the songs on her CD, she sat down with the songwriters and discussed what was going on in her life with them to help mold an album that reflects who she is.
LaKisha said that America will be shocked to see this side of her and admits that "I really stretched myself."
With songs that can be classified as R&B, gospel, and pop, there is something for everybody, but she remains true to who she is as an artist.
As LaKisha watches this season of American Idol, she says that it makes her want to go back and do it all over again, even if it means standing in front of the judges.
LaKisha received much praise from the judges during her season, and was bold enough to give Simon a kiss!
When asked what advice she'd give the remaining Season 8 contestants, she says, "Be humble.
Don't get caught up in the whole celebrity thing.
American Idol is a platform, but you have to be smart."
What can fans expect from LaKisha Jones in the future?
With a growing family, LaKisha says she needs to keep working.
She's open to doing movies, TV (including reality TV again), and releasing more CDs. As she states, "This is just the beginning of LaKisha Jones."
While you're waiting for "So Glad I'm Me" to hit stores on May 19th, check out LaKisha's major transformation on American Idol in her transformation gallery.
America fell in love with LaKisha Jones, or "KiKi," during Season 6 of American Idol.
As a fourth place finisher, LaKisha has had a successful post-Idol career which she calls a "whirlwind" experience.
LaKisha's debut CD, "So Glad I'm Me," will be in stores May 19th!
LaKisha said being on American Idol was much more than she ever thought it would be.
Her coworkers in Baltimore had heard her sing and convinced her to try out for Season 6.
Singing since she was five years old in church choirs, LaKisha is so grateful to have the opportunities American Idol presented her with- recording in studios, meeting and being mentored by celebrities, and having all kinds of doors open up for her.
In late 2007 to early 2008, LaKisha had the amazing opportunity to perform in Oprah's "The Color Purple" on Broadway.
She shared the role of Sofia with Chaka Khan.
When asked what it was like to work the legendary Khan, LaKisha said "the experience was awesome." Although she was intimidated at first, Chaka Kahn took her under her wing and gave her advice and fed her.
They became instant friends and even found out they were neighbors.
If given the opportunity, LaKisha would love to perform on Broadway again.
Her dream role would be to star as Sarah in a revival of "Ragtime."
LaKisha got married in August 2008 and is expecting a baby this summer.
Daughter Brionne is so excited to read to the baby and pick the newborn up, but she refuses to change diapers!
In order to balance work and family life, LaKisha says she prays, and it's "difficult to do both, but it's important to always look at the positives."
She said she's just grateful not to be working a 9-5 desk job.
Fans are still talking about LaKisha's performance of "And I'm Telling You."
That and her Bon Jovi week performance of "This Ain't A Love Song" were her performances on Idol that she liked best.
She still keeps in touch with fellow Season 6 contestants: Melinda Doolittle,
Gina Glocksen,
Haley Scarnato,
Sanjaya Malakar,
and Chris Richardson.
They try and text each other as often as possible.
If LaKisha could collaborate musically with anyone it would be her idol, Whitney Houston. On her new CD, she covers Whitney's "You Give Good Love."
When asked why she chose this song, she said "it's because it was the first song on Whitney's debut CD, so I hopes it brings me as much luck!"
LaKisha's two favorite songs on her debut CD are "Beautiful Girl," which is about her daughter, and "Free," which talks about people being who they are.
Although LaKisha didn't write any of the songs on her CD, she sat down with the songwriters and discussed what was going on in her life with them to help mold an album that reflects who she is.
LaKisha said that America will be shocked to see this side of her and admits that "I really stretched myself."
With songs that can be classified as R&B, gospel, and pop, there is something for everybody, but she remains true to who she is as an artist.
As LaKisha watches this season of American Idol, she says that it makes her want to go back and do it all over again, even if it means standing in front of the judges.
LaKisha received much praise from the judges during her season, and was bold enough to give Simon a kiss!
When asked what advice she'd give the remaining Season 8 contestants, she says, "Be humble.
Don't get caught up in the whole celebrity thing.
American Idol is a platform, but you have to be smart."
What can fans expect from LaKisha Jones in the future?
With a growing family, LaKisha says she needs to keep working.
She's open to doing movies, TV (including reality TV again), and releasing more CDs. As she states, "This is just the beginning of LaKisha Jones."
While you're waiting for "So Glad I'm Me" to hit stores on May 19th, check out LaKisha's major transformation on American Idol in her transformation gallery.
