Sunday, July 22, 2012 was a big night for a certain member of the American Idol season 11 Top 10. DeAndre Brackensick returned to his hometown of San Jose, Calif. to perform live as part of the current American Idols Live! tour.
Before 17-year-old Brackensick hit the stage at the HP Pavilion, he sat down with me backstage for a quick chat. He talked with me about being home and performing in front of his hometown crowd, his thoughts on Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez leaving the show, and his advice for season 12's contestants.
Welcome home!
Thank you.
Are you excited to be back in San Jose?
I’m so, so, so, so excited. We got here at two in the morning, and I went straight home. Didn’t go to the hotel, just went straight home.
How has the tour been treating you so far?
It’s been fun. It’s been really, really great. You can’t ask for anything better. I wish I could do this the rest of my life with these people.
What has been your favorite performance from one of your fellow contestants while on the tour?
I would say Erika’s [Van Pelt]. Erika’s “Glitter in the Air” is phenomenal. She didn’t really get to show who she was on the show. So, I’m really glad that she gets to put everything out on that stage. It sucks that she only has one song. After the show, when we go see the fans and stuff, a lot of people come up to her and go, “I never knew you could sing like that!” Erika has so much more to give, and I’m glad she has this opportunity to [show] people what she can do.
So, what’s kind of going through your mind tonight as you get ready to perform tonight in front of your hometown at the HP?
I’m excited. I’ve been waiting for this. This is my city. They supported me the most, you know? It’s really cool to give back the love that they’ve been giving me. I’m excited, I’m ready. I just wanna get out there already.
Article comments
1 - Ruth Eddy
Good article. I bet it was a good show.
2 - Kaylo
DeAndre's too good to be a BG singer! Hope he keeps practicing , coz his voice is special
3 - Patricia G
Don't be fooled by Deandre,he may come across as a nice guy in front of the camera but he is really horrible to some of his fans off camera.Don't be fooled by him like I did.