The interviews with contributors to Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul continue today, with Idol Kevin Covais, who made it into the Top 12 during Season 5. Kevin has been a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Live with Regis and Kelly, The Today Show, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Heīs also starring in a new movie that will hit theatres this summer.
Thanks for joining us today, Kevin. Itīs great to have you here!
Thank you, it is great to be here!
Letīs start by finding out more about you. How long have you been performing? Whatīs life like at home? What do you like to do in your spare time?
You know, I havenīt been performing as long as people might think. I know most of the time performers will say that were singing at 4 or 5, but I didnīt discover my love for it until about age 10. Life back at home in New York is great, but I am actually spending most of my time out in Los Angeles right now. I use my spare time the same way any 19-year-old would really, except that I am not much of the party animal. I prefer just having a good time with friends and playing video games or something. Sorry, that was a pretty strange second answer on that last question!
When did you decide to audition for American Idol? Did your family support you?
I decided to audition for Idol when I was 16 years old. That is the youngest you can be to audition, so I was anxious to try to say the least! And yes, not only did my family support that decision; they actually encouraged me quite a bit in the process. My mom and I were huge fans of the show from the start, and I just always remember watching as a kid and wishing I would be lucky enough to experience something like that one day. It is still weird to me that it actually happened.
Where did your audition take place? What was it like?
I auditioned for the show in Boston, Massachusetts. It was the closest audition to my home in New York, so my parents and I made the trip up there. The whole process was a little overwhelming at first, because I remember like 6000 people auditioned on that first day in Boston. I started to get more comfortable as I advanced a little further in the competition, but the whole thing was a bit daunting for a 16-year-old.
By the time you auditioned for AI it was already a cultural phenomenon. Why do you think this show is so popular?
I have no idea! No, in all seriousness, the show has a real formula to it. They have taken a singing competition, and turned it not only into the most popular television show, but more importantly a show that the entire family can watch. There really arenīt many shows like that left on television, and I think it means a lot.
Tell us about your nickname on American Idol.
What nickname? What in the world could you possibly be referring to here? No, I am just playing again. So my good friend and fellow Idol finalist Paris Bennett founded the name "Chicken Little". The show found out a little more about Parisī personal nickname for me and decided to surprise me with a split screen comparison to Chicken Little during dress rehearsal of the second week of live performances. Right after, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe assured me that the show wouldnīt go through doing it during the live show unless I was comfortable with it. I just wanted to have a good time, so I said I was all for it. Little did I know that it would become what it has!
What is your fondest memory of your time on AI?
I would have to say that my fondest memory on Idol was becoming a finalist, and making the Top 12. I remember feeling like I was going home, just because of how talented all the guys were at that point. When Ryan called my name, I was more shocked than I had ever been in my life. Just giving it my all for three weeks of performances, and then hearing your name called is an amazing feeling. I will never forget how cool that moment felt.
How has your life changed since your appearance on American Idol?
Wow, my life has changed so much since Idol. But whenever I get asked this question, I am always quick to tell people that I was such a blessed, happy guy before Idol. But doing Idol has given me opportunities to do things I could have only dreamed about before. Between getting into acting now, and getting to do incredible charity work with the ADA (American Diabetes Association), so many great things have come about as a result of being on the show. I am very thankful for my time on Idol, also because it was such an exciting experience to go through at such a young age,
How did you get involved in the Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul project?
Well, I really didnīt want any involvement, but they just kept begging me to be a part of it! (Iīm sorry, the jokes end here, I promise!) I was actually contacted by those associated with the book, and they told me about it, and asked if I was interested in doing a story. Being a fan of the series, I was hugely honored and so excited to be a part of it. So without hesitation, I told them my story. I was very happy with the way it came out in the end.
Iīve read the story that you contributed to this collection. Itīs very funny. Are you a closet comedian? Do you always make fun of yourself?
Why thank you. You know, I really donīt consider myself to be funny; I just donīt take myself very seriously. I try my best to tell it like it is, and have fun in the process. Sometimes that means making fun of myself too. But I do love trying to make people feel good and laugh, and I was just happy that my story could get that across.
Letīs talk about your new movie, College. Whatīs it all about?
Well, "College" is about three high school seniors who visit a nearby college as prospective freshman. From that point on, mayhem ensues basically, and the guys end up having a crazy weekend to remember. I get to play one of the main three guys, and my characterīs name is "Morris Hooper". This movie is going to be wild, and it might surprise some people, in a good way hopefully!
Youīre working with Drake Bell and Andrew Caldwell on this film. Whatīs that like?
Working with Drake and Andrew was an awesome experience. Drake plays a great leading man, and as a newcomer to the acting scene, it was cool just to watch someone as experienced as he is and learn from him. Andrew Caldwell is easily one of the funniest people I have ever met in my life. I messed up on quite a few takes during scenes because Andrew would have me cracking up. It was so cool working with both of those guys.
My daughters—ages 6 and 4—are huge fans of Drake Bell. Any chance you can get us an autograph? Just kidding, but you canīt blame a mom for trying.
Well, I guess I could try. But I am a little disappointed that you donīt want my autograph! Excuse me while I go and cry about this!
I read online that you are considering careers in singing, acting, and journalism. Those are three fiercely competitive fields. Do you consider yourself a competitive person? Would your family agree or disagree with that assessment?
Oh yes, I am definitely a competitive person. When I am doing something, I always strive to be the best, or at least to do as well as I can. I think that at least for me, it is a great way to stay motivated. I always tell people that years from now, I want to tell people that I put out albums, made movies, and was the main broadcaster on the Superbowl and the World Series. Maybe it wonīt all happen, but it never hurt anyone to dream. And Iīve got plenty of dreams.
What else is going on in your world? Where can Kevin Covais fans find you next?
Well Kevin Covais fans can find me in "College" in theaters nationwide on August 29th, 2008! Go check it out! I also just got a part alongside Lindsay Lohan in the new comedy "Labor Pains", which is shooting in LA right now. So that should hit theaters at some point next year! As I mentioned earlier, I am also keeping up with my work with the ADA as a diabetic of 8 years now. So keep a look out for me!
Is there anything you would like to add?
Well, we certainly covered a lot! I guess I should just plug myself some more by telling the good people to check out my site: www.kevcovais.com. Or if you prefer the MySpace thing, hit me up at: myspace.com/kevincovais.
Thanks for spending so much time with us, Kevin. I look forward to following your career. Good luck!
Thanks so much!
You can find Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, and your local bookstore.
Thanks for joining us today, Kevin. Itīs great to have you here!
Thank you, it is great to be here!
Letīs start by finding out more about you. How long have you been performing? Whatīs life like at home? What do you like to do in your spare time?
You know, I havenīt been performing as long as people might think. I know most of the time performers will say that were singing at 4 or 5, but I didnīt discover my love for it until about age 10. Life back at home in New York is great, but I am actually spending most of my time out in Los Angeles right now. I use my spare time the same way any 19-year-old would really, except that I am not much of the party animal. I prefer just having a good time with friends and playing video games or something. Sorry, that was a pretty strange second answer on that last question!
When did you decide to audition for American Idol? Did your family support you?
I decided to audition for Idol when I was 16 years old. That is the youngest you can be to audition, so I was anxious to try to say the least! And yes, not only did my family support that decision; they actually encouraged me quite a bit in the process. My mom and I were huge fans of the show from the start, and I just always remember watching as a kid and wishing I would be lucky enough to experience something like that one day. It is still weird to me that it actually happened.
Where did your audition take place? What was it like?
I auditioned for the show in Boston, Massachusetts. It was the closest audition to my home in New York, so my parents and I made the trip up there. The whole process was a little overwhelming at first, because I remember like 6000 people auditioned on that first day in Boston. I started to get more comfortable as I advanced a little further in the competition, but the whole thing was a bit daunting for a 16-year-old.
By the time you auditioned for AI it was already a cultural phenomenon. Why do you think this show is so popular?
I have no idea! No, in all seriousness, the show has a real formula to it. They have taken a singing competition, and turned it not only into the most popular television show, but more importantly a show that the entire family can watch. There really arenīt many shows like that left on television, and I think it means a lot.
Tell us about your nickname on American Idol.
What nickname? What in the world could you possibly be referring to here? No, I am just playing again. So my good friend and fellow Idol finalist Paris Bennett founded the name "Chicken Little". The show found out a little more about Parisī personal nickname for me and decided to surprise me with a split screen comparison to Chicken Little during dress rehearsal of the second week of live performances. Right after, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe assured me that the show wouldnīt go through doing it during the live show unless I was comfortable with it. I just wanted to have a good time, so I said I was all for it. Little did I know that it would become what it has!
What is your fondest memory of your time on AI?
I would have to say that my fondest memory on Idol was becoming a finalist, and making the Top 12. I remember feeling like I was going home, just because of how talented all the guys were at that point. When Ryan called my name, I was more shocked than I had ever been in my life. Just giving it my all for three weeks of performances, and then hearing your name called is an amazing feeling. I will never forget how cool that moment felt.
How has your life changed since your appearance on American Idol?
Wow, my life has changed so much since Idol. But whenever I get asked this question, I am always quick to tell people that I was such a blessed, happy guy before Idol. But doing Idol has given me opportunities to do things I could have only dreamed about before. Between getting into acting now, and getting to do incredible charity work with the ADA (American Diabetes Association), so many great things have come about as a result of being on the show. I am very thankful for my time on Idol, also because it was such an exciting experience to go through at such a young age,
How did you get involved in the Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul project?
Well, I really didnīt want any involvement, but they just kept begging me to be a part of it! (Iīm sorry, the jokes end here, I promise!) I was actually contacted by those associated with the book, and they told me about it, and asked if I was interested in doing a story. Being a fan of the series, I was hugely honored and so excited to be a part of it. So without hesitation, I told them my story. I was very happy with the way it came out in the end.
Iīve read the story that you contributed to this collection. Itīs very funny. Are you a closet comedian? Do you always make fun of yourself?
Why thank you. You know, I really donīt consider myself to be funny; I just donīt take myself very seriously. I try my best to tell it like it is, and have fun in the process. Sometimes that means making fun of myself too. But I do love trying to make people feel good and laugh, and I was just happy that my story could get that across.
Letīs talk about your new movie, College. Whatīs it all about?
Well, "College" is about three high school seniors who visit a nearby college as prospective freshman. From that point on, mayhem ensues basically, and the guys end up having a crazy weekend to remember. I get to play one of the main three guys, and my characterīs name is "Morris Hooper". This movie is going to be wild, and it might surprise some people, in a good way hopefully!
Youīre working with Drake Bell and Andrew Caldwell on this film. Whatīs that like?
Working with Drake and Andrew was an awesome experience. Drake plays a great leading man, and as a newcomer to the acting scene, it was cool just to watch someone as experienced as he is and learn from him. Andrew Caldwell is easily one of the funniest people I have ever met in my life. I messed up on quite a few takes during scenes because Andrew would have me cracking up. It was so cool working with both of those guys.
My daughters—ages 6 and 4—are huge fans of Drake Bell. Any chance you can get us an autograph? Just kidding, but you canīt blame a mom for trying.
Well, I guess I could try. But I am a little disappointed that you donīt want my autograph! Excuse me while I go and cry about this!
I read online that you are considering careers in singing, acting, and journalism. Those are three fiercely competitive fields. Do you consider yourself a competitive person? Would your family agree or disagree with that assessment?
Oh yes, I am definitely a competitive person. When I am doing something, I always strive to be the best, or at least to do as well as I can. I think that at least for me, it is a great way to stay motivated. I always tell people that years from now, I want to tell people that I put out albums, made movies, and was the main broadcaster on the Superbowl and the World Series. Maybe it wonīt all happen, but it never hurt anyone to dream. And Iīve got plenty of dreams.
What else is going on in your world? Where can Kevin Covais fans find you next?
Well Kevin Covais fans can find me in "College" in theaters nationwide on August 29th, 2008! Go check it out! I also just got a part alongside Lindsay Lohan in the new comedy "Labor Pains", which is shooting in LA right now. So that should hit theaters at some point next year! As I mentioned earlier, I am also keeping up with my work with the ADA as a diabetic of 8 years now. So keep a look out for me!
Is there anything you would like to add?
Well, we certainly covered a lot! I guess I should just plug myself some more by telling the good people to check out my site: www.kevcovais.com. Or if you prefer the MySpace thing, hit me up at: myspace.com/kevincovais.
Thanks for spending so much time with us, Kevin. I look forward to following your career. Good luck!
Thanks so much!
You can find Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, and your local bookstore.
