What have you been up to since American Idol? I’ve been on three national tours with other Idols and I’m about to embark on another tour called "Motown! Motown!" And for the past year or so, I’ve been traveling with the "Ballroom with a Twist" national tour. It’s a touring version of "Dancing With The Stars." It stars actor Gilles Marini, Mario Lopez and Mark Ballas, plus many of the same dancers from "Stars." I was also honored to open for John Legend at the Inaugural Kick-Off Celebration in Washington D.C. for President Obama. I shared the stage with Maroon 5, Jamie Foxx and Jessica Alba. And I’ve done some hosting for TV’s Access Hollywood and EXTRA! And when Vegas calls, I’m there. I’ve done some main showroom shows there including this past New Year’s Eve. I do love Vegas.

Do you feel your exit on AI was a bit premature? Yeah, you know I get that question a lot. Most of the general public as well as my fans think so. In retrospect, I feel like I should have stayed a little longer but I am thankful for the opportunity. Just making it as far as I did has changed my life. I am so glad I have music. I don't know what else would do.

What kind of stuff did you listen to when you were growing up? I grew up on a lot of R&B music. My mom loved Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. But she also loved Journey and Gin Blossoms. Her taste was all over the place. But as a singer, it gave me different styles to pull from. When I moved with my dad, I started listening to more Latin artists.

What Latin artists are you into? I love Latin music. I think Juanes is awesome. I had the opportunity to hear him live at the BMI Latin Awards and was blown away by his music and his presence. He’s a true artist. Luis Miguel is a great singer and one of my favorite singers as well. Some people say we perform alike. I dunno, I think a comparison to him is an honor so I could only hope to measure up.

You grew up in Arizona. What's your take on what is going on with SB1070? I think it's sad what is going on there. I talk to my family everyday about it. As a Latino myself, it really hits home. Hopefully there are enough people with common sense to understand that this is racial profiling and it’s unacceptable. I am glad that at least some key parts of it are being blocked.

What's up with your debut album? When is coming out? As soon as we (my team and I) make a decision as to what label feels like home for me. There are a few things on the table right now but taking my time is essential. I want the music to be totally right. I don't want garbage out there that I rushed to get on the shelves just because. I want the music and the label to make sense and feel right for me.

What are you like on and off stage? Off stage I am a smart ass. Lol. I have a dry sense of humor that sometimes gets me into trouble. But I am not overtly offensive. Hahaha! At least I hope not. I love my fans and never turn down a picture or an autograph. They are who makes all this possible for me. On stage I don't really know what happens and sometimes I don't remember it. I think something just takes over. I feel more at home on stage than anywhere else. I think it’s the strangest thing. It's almost like everything else sucks until I get on the mic.

Is it true you used to be a door-to-door knife salesman? Ahhh, yes. The good old days. I was not good at it all! I think I did it for like six months or something. I remember having to walk around door-to-door in a suit in the summer trying to sell $3,000 knives to people! I couldn't relate very well. If I wouldn't buy it, why would they? Glad I stuck with singing.

You're in great shape. How do you stay fit? Hahah! Well, thanks. I try. I love working out. I actually do it every day whether its cardio or weights. I try and eat healthy as much as I can but with all the traveling and touring I do, it can be difficult. Sometimes the hotel gyms are not very good and I have a hard time motivating myself when I'm not in an actual gym. But lots of protein shakes and a decent diet have kept me in OK shape.

What's it going to be like? Fans can expect high energy and lots of fun music, but also a slower side and some songs that touch the heart. I come from a crazy past and I intend to speak about it on my first record. I think there are a lot of people that can relate to my story and my struggles. Why not let them know they don't stand alone and you can make it out of anything? I feel like it’s my job to do that. Overall, I hope the record crosses markets and breaks barriers.