"American Idol" may have sent the first contestant home in the first Live Top Ten show of Season 12, but eliminated Curtis Finch Jr. is okay with it and has no regrets. The 25 year-old St. Louis native was sent home after “Idol Winners” theme week. Having sung “I Believe” by American Idol Season 3 winner Fantasia on Wednesday night, Finch chose to sing chose it sing “I Believe I Can Fly” for the sign for your life round. The song was one of his best performances to date, but it wasn't enough to keep him in the competition.
The theme of Past Idol Winners was a tricky one as the contestants learned this week. Living up to the memorable performances of Idol divas Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Fantasia is no small feat, but gospel flavored Finch gave it his all and gave one of the best performances of the night. The judges and the studio audience were truly shocked to learn of Curtis's fate. Judge Nicki Minaj threatened to go home, if Curtis went home at one point. Finch, however, was one of the few who weren't surprised by the elimination.
“ I have always learned to expect the worst so that if the worst happens I don't look surprised,” Finch said during a press call Friday afternoon. “People are always watching how you handle things. It is always my responsibility whether things work in my favor or not to remain calm and know that I have to set the best example when eyes are on me.”
The singer also has no embarrassment about going home first. “I really feel like if I was going to get eliminated there is no embarrassment in getting cut 10th or 5th,” he said. “ It is what it is, I get a chance to tour with these guys, I get a chance to travel the world and grow as an artist with these guys so no embarrassment, all gratefulness.” The Elimination Show dropped many surprises and twists to the night, including a sing-off between The Top 6 Girl, songstress Aubrey Cleland for a spot on the upcoming summer Idol Tour. When it came to who Finch wanted to see on the tour, he remained neutral. “I really wish they both could bring every contestant that sang for Idol this season back,” he said. “This season was filled with extremely amazing talent so it doesn't matter to me. They're both awesome. I hope they both can come back actually.”
As far as his post-Idol plans, Finch hopes to collaborate with Alicia Keys and R. Kelly. An appearance on “Glee” and performing on Broadway are also in his Bucket List. “I really want to thank everybody… for your support,” Finch said to his fans. “And thank you for believing in me so much that you put me in The Ten 10. Thank You and God Bless you all.”
Follow Curtis Finch Jr on Twitter @CurtisAI12 and be sure to pick up his last performance of “I Believe” available on iTunes.
For the latest in television news, follow me on Twitter @Phyllis_Thomas
Comments