Interview: Lisa Tucker

Idol Camp, the popular performing arts summer camp inspired by America’s #1 television phenomenon “American Idol,” is moving its location for the 2008 summer session to Pali Mountain in beautiful Running Springs, California, it was announced today by FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), licensor of “American Idol” and 19 Entertainment, the show’s producer. The announcement marks the start of the enrollment season, which is now accepting submissions at www.idolcamp.com. Born out of the desire to foster passion and creativity in children in a fun-filled and non-competitive performing arts environment, Idol Camp uses past “American Idol” alums and entertainment industry professionals to provide a first-class experience to aspiring performers.

We had the honor of sitting down with former American Idol Contestant Lisa Tucker who will be working at the camp this summer to talk a bit about her time on Idol, the camp this summer, and her future career. Here’s what she had to say:

Now you’re going to be helping out at Idol Camp this summer right?

Yep, that’s right.

What will you be helping with?

Well, I’m going to be teaching a class, and I get to perform. So I’ll be there to talk to the kids and just to help out. They’re there to sing and dance and write songs, so it’s going to be tons of fun.

Now in the class you’re going to teach, is it structured or do you get to teach what you want to teach?

They’re probably going to give me guidelines, so I don’t totally go off on tangents [laughs]. But with me doing what I do, it will be something that I can help them with.

Do you know what a typical day at the camp will be like?

I was reading all the things that the camp has, and I was like wow… I wish I could have gone to a special camp like this! They really help you with audition and performing… even your clothes style. They’re really fun, but you can still go swimming and do all the fun camp stuff too.

With Idol Camp, I don’t think there has been anyone that I know of yet that has been in the camp and gone on to be on the show, but do you think that’s something that we will see more of in future seasons of the show?

You know what, I wouldn’t be surprised. The camp is going to be so great. It’s going to help with so many things from songwriting and auditioning, so I wouldn’t be surprised at all.

What has life been like for you post Idol?

It’s been absolutely crazy since we’ve gotten off the tour. I’ve finished a movie, and it’s going to be out in June. It’s called The Hustle. I start another movie next month, and then this summer I’m going to Europe to sing for the troupes stationed in different countries.

Now with the movies, was that something you originally wanted to do or something that kind of happened as a result of Idol?

Well I did the Lion King at the Pantages Theater in LA before I did Idol. I was eleven when I did that, so I’ve always had the acting bug. But now it’s just getting up there… I can’t say that I like it more than singing, but it’s definitely a huge player up there.

What was a normal day like for you when you were on Idol?

Wow. We got up really early. I don’t remember what time exactly, but it was really early [laughs]. I wasn’t a morning person so it was always really hard for me. We would get up, get some breakfast, go straight to the studio, and be there all day. Depending on what day it was, we’d either be rehearsing or we’d have a show that day. Of course I was only sixteen, so I had to do school as well. So it was pretty crazy. We’d get home pretty late, and just knock out.

If you could offer any advice to the current contestants what would it be?

Just do what you’re comfortable with, and do what you feel is right. There are a lot of people tugging you and wanting you to be one way or another. You’ve just got to be true to yourself and have fun because the experience goes by in the blink of an eye.

Did you guys actually get a lot of control over the music you pick and the arrangement?

We had some control. It’s kind of hard sometimes, because maybe the song you want doesn’t get cleared, and that’s something you have to worry about. Besides that, you decide how the song is cut and everything like that.

Do you have any funny stories from your time with Idol that you can share?

There are so many stories that happened on Idol… from people tripping to people playing pranks on each other. We were all like brothers and sisters. We were all like a dysfunctional family [laughs]. Even on tour, I burnt a bowl of top ramen in the microwave, and the bus smelled like burnt top ramen for weeks. Everyone was giving me a hard time about it.

Do you have a favorite this season?

I actually have a lot of time to watch it this season. I always try to TiVo it, but it’s not always here when I get home. So I’m trying to catch up!

Now you also did a guest appearance on The O.C. correct?

That’s right.

Was that because of your work on Idol? Or how did that happen?

Yeah it just worked out. It was there prom episode. I’m from Orange County, so they just made it like I went to their school. It was really cool. I was huge fan of the show as well, my friends and I were freaking out.

What’s next for your career wise?

I’m actually writing a lot with one of my brothers. I’m also playing the piano and the guitar, and I’m definitely looking forward to playing on album, and it’s going to be out pretty soon.

Interview By: Emma Loggins

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