One-on-One with Finalist Gift
He's smooth, he's hep, he's one cool cat, and he took a few minutes to sit down with me, one and one, after last night's results show.
It all started back in June, when Gift and some friends were working on starting their own decorating/events company. When Gift got the call that he was to audition on June 16th, he had a dilemma: there was also a major appointment scheduled with a potential client for the same day. Should he take a gamble and go for the Idols audition, or stick with the safe bet and choose the fledgling business instead? With the support of his friends, he made the right choice, and went in for his audition. The rest, as they say, is history: 5 months later, and Gift is an Idols finalist.
Gift knew he wanted to be singer since he was tiny - he lifts his foot off the ground to indicate how small he was. And music is in the blood, from his grandparents, down through all of his relatives, music is everything. So it's only natural that he followed in their footsteps and pursued a dream shared by his entire family: making it big. Once Idols is over, his next dream is to make a splash internationally, and follow in the impressive footsteps of his biggest Idol, Will Smith. Smith's ability to remain grounded, and true to himself, and his devotion to wife Jada Pinkett Smith are inspiring to Gift, and Gift hopes to achieve the same sort of positive lifestyle as his role model.
Speaking of life after Idols, Gift says the thing he'll miss the most about Idols is perfoming for the people and the excitement of being onstage in the Hippodrome. But hardest for him is facing the criticism of fans and judges, especially when he feels it's undeserved. But he's learned to be patient, and has seen his self-confidence increase greatly during the course of his Idols journey.
And if he wins? He'll give praise to God, who he credits for all that he is. That night he forgot the words to "Gimme the Night" during the results show? The first (and last) time he didn't pray before going onstage.
Gift thanks his fans for their support, knowing that without their passion and support, he never would have made it this far, and he will do his best to make everyone proud.
On that last count, I think it's safe to say: mission accomplished.
It all started back in June, when Gift and some friends were working on starting their own decorating/events company. When Gift got the call that he was to audition on June 16th, he had a dilemma: there was also a major appointment scheduled with a potential client for the same day. Should he take a gamble and go for the Idols audition, or stick with the safe bet and choose the fledgling business instead? With the support of his friends, he made the right choice, and went in for his audition. The rest, as they say, is history: 5 months later, and Gift is an Idols finalist.
Gift knew he wanted to be singer since he was tiny - he lifts his foot off the ground to indicate how small he was. And music is in the blood, from his grandparents, down through all of his relatives, music is everything. So it's only natural that he followed in their footsteps and pursued a dream shared by his entire family: making it big. Once Idols is over, his next dream is to make a splash internationally, and follow in the impressive footsteps of his biggest Idol, Will Smith. Smith's ability to remain grounded, and true to himself, and his devotion to wife Jada Pinkett Smith are inspiring to Gift, and Gift hopes to achieve the same sort of positive lifestyle as his role model.
Speaking of life after Idols, Gift says the thing he'll miss the most about Idols is perfoming for the people and the excitement of being onstage in the Hippodrome. But hardest for him is facing the criticism of fans and judges, especially when he feels it's undeserved. But he's learned to be patient, and has seen his self-confidence increase greatly during the course of his Idols journey.
And if he wins? He'll give praise to God, who he credits for all that he is. That night he forgot the words to "Gimme the Night" during the results show? The first (and last) time he didn't pray before going onstage.
Gift thanks his fans for their support, knowing that without their passion and support, he never would have made it this far, and he will do his best to make everyone proud.
On that last count, I think it's safe to say: mission accomplished.
posted by Julie at
7:48 AM
