I wrote in a previous post about interviewing contestants that auditioned for American Idol in Nashville in the summer of 2014. Yesterday, in our “Coffee Shops and Corner Music” post, I introduced you to Riley Bria and Kory Wheeler. Today, it’s Clark Beckham and Piper Jones, who were featured on the Jan. 8 American Idol episode on FOX. If you were watching, you know that both — in addition to Bria and Wheeler — also received a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Below are excerpts from my interviews with them, in which they talked about their American Idol experiences and — our favorite NowPlayingNashville.com topic — their favorite local places to go in Nashville:
Clark Beckham (22) White House, TN
What or who convinced you to audition for American Idol?
My Mom. I was feeling down and out about music and pursuing it. My Mom said well American Idol is coming around to Nashville and said “Do it!”
Which song did you audition with?
I sang “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” by James Brown. The first note has a huge punch and very soulful. I wanted to start big.
Who was your favorite judge and why?
I love Keith because he’s so passionate. Harry Connick Jr. means something special to me, as he is the one that I’ve been trying to impress the most. If Harry likes me then I’m satisfied with my entire life. He’s the same kind of musician that I want to be.
So tell me who influences your genre of music.
My Dad. He was a guitar player and singer in the 60s, 70s and 80s. I did it because of that and hearing him sing and play around the house. My parents introduced me to classic soul and raised me on oldies and Motown. Some artists that influence my music are Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke and Al Green.
Being that you are local to the Nashville area, tell me one of your favorite places to go.
I love to play on Broadway and B.B. King’s is one of my favorite places to go. It’s my kind of music.
How did it feel getting that ticket to Hollywood?
The judges were critical, and it wasn’t clear on whether they were going to say yes or no. Immediately when I got the golden ticket, the only thing I wanted to do was go home and practice. I wanted to make my weaknesses my strengths.
Piper Jones (24) Nashville, TN
What or who convinced you to audition for American Idol?
I had always said that I was not going to audition for American Idol. My aunt text me a few weeks before the audition and told me IDOL was coming to Nashville. She mentioned that I should audition. I mentally responded but didn’t actually respond to her text. The day before the auditions, I was having lunch with my Mom at Jason’s Deli and we were talking about it. I thought I don’t really have anything to lose. I said “want to go with me, Mom?” We woke up at 5:00am in the morning for the auditions. It was very spur of the moment and made the whole process mind blowing for me.
Which song did you audition with?
“Mamma Knows Best” by Jessie J. I watched her videos on YouTube.com and it’s something I’m comfortable with singing, even if I’m nervous.
Who was your favorite judge and why?
I would have to say Harry Connick Jr.. He has a different musical background. He is straight up and not going to sugarcoat anything.
So tell me who influences your genre of music.
I grew up listening to the divas Mariah Carey and Aretha Franklin. I started signing in church and it has been such a huge part of my life. I’ve been singing since I was 2 and recording music since I was 14.
Being that you are local to the Nashville area, tell me one of your favorite places to go.
I love Bongo Java. It’s one of my favorite coffee shops. My favorite music venue is 12th and Porter. You can have a pizza and see a show.
How did it feel getting that ticket to Hollywood?
J Lo handed me my golden ticket. It was an out of body experience for me. I kept thinking “is this really for me?” I was speechless and then the tears came. I cry about everything when I’m happy or sad.
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