American Idol: Chikezie's Horizon

I just feel se blessed to be in this position – to have this opportunity. Last night, I was glad that none of the other guys had to go home. Honestly it was because that’s probably the hardest part of the show – saying good-bye to your friends.

I mean things couldn’t have gone better. I didn’t have to say good-bye to anybody and in all honesty, no one had to say good-bye to me because they’ll be seeing me again at tour.

I learned that hard work pays off. Perseverance pays off. If you believe in something and you just fight with everything you have, you can get it.

If I’d gotten another chance to do it, I’d do it the exact same way because that’s the only way that I could have gone home happy is by following my heart. If I’d done something that wasn’t me and then I’d gone home, I would have been so upset that I didn’t follow my heart. I would have been so upset and so distraught about it, but I’m so glad that I did what I did.

It’s kind of like running on a diving board. You know the diving board is eventually going to end so you run even faster. I’m just performing for the sake of performing, which is what I love to do.

In 10 years, I would like to see myself getting at least one Grammy. That’s for starters. I really want to get started with my music career and get to work with that and start making albums and making music that makes me feel good and hopefully makes others feel good. Also acting...who knows – why not?

Why not try everything you know?