Interviews
Brian Justin Crum – America’s Got Talent: The Champions
By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) Can fans expect some new music from you soon?
A) There is going to be a lot of music coming out over the next couple months. Some covers, but my first single will be out at the end of February – beginning of March.
Q) What made you want to return to the stage of “America’s Got Talent?”
A) There is no place like “AGT.” It’s really incredible what they do – the talent pool they put together. So, when they called me and asked me it was a no-brainer for me. It’s such a great opportunity to get back into the eyes and ears of the world and share my progress and share where I’m at now two years later.
Q) How did it feel getting that invite to return?
A) It’s amazing. I have a story to tell and I’ve been so grateful that I got to tell my story on the show last time. It’s nice and we’re covering more of my history this time of being a Broadway performer and all of those amazing opportunities that I had before the show. So, I’m just happy to get to share more of myself and more of the music. I’m happy that the audience is going to see a different side of me.
Q) Nick Cannon and Mel B were such huge fans of you and your music. Did they keep in touch with you at all?
A) The judges…I can only speak from my own experience, but once the show is over that’s kind of it. You don’t really hear much from them. [laughs]
Q) It must be so gratifying knowing almost three years after being on “AGT” that you still have such a huge international fanbase.
A) Yeah, it’s really amazing. My fans, they have my heart. I’m so grateful that they’ve stuck by me through this time as I kind of find myself as an artist and find my sound. So, I’m really excited to give them what they’ve waiting for so long for.
Q) What have you been up to the last two years?
A) A lot of traveling and a lot of touring! I’ve been all around the world. I’ve been making a lot of music. I’ve not felt like it was the right music for me, so I’ve really taken my time to hone in on what I want to say and how to say it.
Q) How did you select the songs you will perform on the show?
A) It’s a collaborative effort. I wanted to show a different side of myself than I did on the show before, which was a much more dark, mysterious side. This time I wanted to go back to my roots of musical theater and give more theatrical performances.
Q) Were there any songs you wanted to perform, but didn’t get to because of clearance?
A) I really got to choose and pick the songs that were going to serve my voice and serve this moment best. The music team and the producers were all very on board for what I wanted to sing. I feel like I got to pick some of my favorites.
Q) What did you initially think of the new process to getting to next round?
A) I think it’s interesting. This is the first time that “AGT” is doing this so it’s a bit of a trial and error thing. I know a lot of the fans out there are a little upset that they are not able to participate in the voting process, but I think as they do this season and go on to the next season (if they do decide to “Champions” again) they are going to work on those kinks.
Q) What did you learn or take away from your first time on the show that carried with you into this second chance?
A) I was very green before and I didn’t have the right team in place. I didn’t have the right music in place. It was all very reactionary. I think when people go on these television shows they think that you’re going to be plucked from obscurity and they are going to make you a star. That’s not how it works. They give you a platform and it’s amazing, but that’s really up to you what you do with that platform. So, going into it this time I feel much more prepared for the aftermath of what is going to come. I have a really great team in place, and I have some fun pop music ready to be released.
Q) Who would be your dream person to collaborate with?
A) Demi Lovato is up there. Lady Gaga is definitely a dream. Sia. Those are three of my all-time favorites.
Q) Did you keep in touch with any of the performers you met on your original “AGT” appearance?
A) There have been a couple I have kept in touch with here and there. Sofie Dossi and Edgar Family Band. Nicki from Edgar – she and I have kept in touch. It was really nice to see some old faces when we went back to film “Champions.” It was a nice reminder of the experience we all shared together. It bonds you in a way that not many situations bond people in. You’re very exposed in a very scary way with a group of people. So, it was a nice to see them and catch up.
Q) You are a supporter of those who have been bullied. Why is this such an important cause to you?
A) When we have a platform like this it’s really important that we use our voice wisely. I think a lot of people out there are wasting such an amazing opportunity. I went through a really hard time growing up and if I can ease someone’s pain or someone’s worry about what they are going through…If I can be a voice for the voiceless and be a friend to them, then that is my responsibility and my duty as an artist to let them know that they are not alone.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you?
A) First, I would like to say thank you so much for sticking with me. I know there have been so many eager people out there who are so badly wanting to hear from me and I’m really, really excited to share what I’ve been working on over the past year with you guys. Thank you. Stay tuned. Get excited! I’m excited!
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