Q&A : Diana DeGarmo 'Rewinds' Her American Idol Experience

The new season of American Idol Rewind has been bringing back some classic Idol memories, so I thought it would be a good time to catch up with some of the former contestants we haven't heard from in a while. Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting my exclusive Q&As with former Idols including Diana DeGarmo, Anthony Federov, and John Stevens.

Let's start with Diana DeGarmo, who faced off with Fantasia in the season three finale. Diana filled me in via email about her latest career move and her Idol regrets.

Diana Dishes:

What are you up to these days?
I am living in Nashville writing and recording with producer/entertainer/songwriter John Rich. We have been working on a new country/pop record for myself. It's wonderful! I'm living the dream!!

Do you have any regrets about your time on the show?
My only regret would be that I did the show at such a young age. The people from Idol were not really ready for someone so young to make it to the end of the show, and I could always feel that pressure. I feel that my age hurt me the worst, but somebody had to break the mold so it might as well have been me!

Do you keep in touch with other contestants?
I have actually made better friends with contestants from OTHER seasons than from my own. I have been fortunate enough to have done many shows, appearances, etc with folks like Justin Guarini, Chris Sligh, Kimberly Caldwell, Bucky Covington, Phil Stacey, Bo Bice, and others. All of us "Idol Alumni" share an experience that will bond us forever; even if we only meet once.

Do you still tune in every season?
"I definitely keep up with every season, but I don't always watch every episode. It's a little traumatic to hear that beginning music every time the show airs. (Insert nervous giggling!) But because I am a past contestant, and people always want to know my opinion on each season, I have to know who has been kicked off or who is still on the show!"

source: http://realitytv.about.com/b/2008/10/17/qa-diana-degarmo-rewinds-her-american-idol-experience.htm

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