Source: www.freep.com
QUESTION: You've been on the road since Feb. 13 for a tour that originally was supposed to run through the spring. Did you anticipate you'd still be on the road today?
ANSWER: No. It's a testament to the demand, which is great. To have a record out that's done so well ... how many people can say that? We've been extremely blessed to be on the road this far. The one thing I really wanted to harp on with the tour ... I wanted to come out and do the record justice with good shows. I didn't want to come out with all the bells and whistles. I wanted it to be an accessible rock show.
Q: When does work begin in earnest on the new album?
A: The day we get off the road. I am legitimately kind of enamored with the record process. As such I can't wait to get started. I'm excited. With the last record, it was tough because I was on the road (for the "American Idol" summer tour in 2008) for a lot of the record process. We used a lot of technology to keep me involved. I'll be in the studio and be a little more hands-on. I'm looking forward to that.
Q: You recently took in a Bruce Springsteen concert in New York, where he played his entire "Born to Run" album. Afterward you said you were in awe and had a lot of work to do. What was so awe-inspiring?
A: They played three hours and 15 minutes. Not long before that show we had done a show in San Diego for an hour and 45 minutes and I thought I was going to die. So to see someone like him put that much energy into a show ... that was incredible. You can't possibly walk away from that not feeling like you've learned something.
Q: Not many artists come out and greet their fans after shows, but you do that pretty regularly. Why has it been so important for you to stay connected to fans?
A: Without them we don't have places to play. We don't have anything. I feel like if I were in that position I would like to know I was appreciated. It's part of the relationship. We want people to feel like they got more than just the collection of songs for the ticket price.
Q: Of all the other "Idol" alums, you have connected more with Carrie Underwood; you'll be on her Christmas special on Dec. 7 on Fox. Why have you two become such fast friends?
A: We both kind of lived in the Tulsa area for a while. She's from Checotah and I lived in Tulsa. I don't know. It's one of those random things. We're two people who met each other who happen to get along. She's been amazing. She's made herself available. Someone of her stature has no reason to do that. She calls me Cookie, and I call her Ms. Underwood. And it'll probably stay that way until I reach her level.
