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Idol Performers Adjusting To Life On Tour

Quote :: The "American Idol" tour rocked Arco Arena on Friday night. Before the concert, The Bee sat down with five of the Top 10 performers to discuss the two-month-plus road trip, their plans moving forward and other hot topics.

• Kris Allen: This year's winner, Allen, 24, says the tour (just a week old) has "been everything I thought – and more."

"The venues are bigger than performing in Hollywood, so it's great coming out on stage." In fact, his wife, Katy, got to see her first show in Sacramento.

On Michael Jackson's death, which occurred right before the tour started: "We were told about his passing and that Fox was going to re-air the show where we performed his music (in the competition.) For me, I felt honored to sing one of his songs on national TV."

On having four judges this season: "Kara (DioGuardi) put a different spin on it, and she's very respected in the music industry. It also made for good TV."

What's next?: "I'm working hard on my debut album too, co-writing a lot of the material. The goal is to have it out before Thanksgiving."

• Matt Giraud: "This has been so much more fun than performing on the (TV) show because you're not under as much scrutiny."

Giraud, 24, adds that being on "Idol" already has helped with a new venture. He is the host of an online singing competition at Yobi.tv.

"Contestants submit videos, and I'm the Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell of the whole show!" He's also doing some songwriting and booking gigs once the tour ends.

On Michael Jackson's death: "There was a hole in my heart. His band was rehearsing across the hall from us, and I know they were just as excited about their upcoming tour. I'm grateful I got to perform 'Human Nature' on the show."

On the judges: "Kara is a very smart lady who added a lot this season. And it didn't hurt that she was a big supporter of me!"

• Danny Gokey: The Jackson death hit Gokey especially hard considering he lost his wife, Sophia, last summer.

"I felt so much sorrow," he said. "No one is guaranteed tomorrow."

Gokey, 29, says the loss puts even more emphasis on his plans to mix music with the organization he created in honor of his wife – Sophia's Heart Foundation.

"Music is the message; the foundation is the action," he said. "That's why I also want to put out an album."

Gokey performed four songs at the concert and dedicated the last, Rascal Flatts' "My Wish," to the audience. "It reminds anyone who's been touched with a loss not to take life for granted."

• Lil Rounds: A mother of three, Rounds, 24, misses her family the most since being on "Idol." But she talks to her husband and kids back in Memphis every day.

"My husband is a computer technician, so he set it up so I could speak with and see my children at the same time."

On Jackson's death: "I didn't realize at the time what an honor it was to sing 'The Way You Make Me Feel' on the show."

On changing her look: "It's definitely progressed more and more. The makeup is different, my hair is longer. And there's the whole wardrobe to go through!"

What's next?: "One thing I've learned about 'Idol' is that you don't want to wait to make an album. I'm looking to land a record deal and have something out early next year."

• Scott MacIntyre: Before the tour started MacIntyre celebrated his 24th birthday by going to Disneyland.

"Now I love being on the road and singing my songs from beginning to end – not just a snippet. It allows me to create an emotional connection with the audience."

On four judges: "I was skeptical at first, but I believe Kara brought an element that was missing because she's so active in the industry."

On Jackson's death: "It was a day I'll never forget. You remember what you were doing when you heard. I sang 'Keep the Faith' on the show, and it has such a great message."

What's next? "I'll definitely be the last person just sitting around when the tour ends! The show has given me incredible opportunities. I plan to do more tours because I've probably got enough of my own music to put out three CDs. I'd also like to write a book."

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