By starrymag | January 7, 2014

Cori is the 2nd Eliminated Contestant in the episode that aired Wednesday,
January 12, 2005

ROAD TO STARDUM, airs Wednesdays at 8 PM ET/PT on UPN

 

 

Q) Who are some of your favorite music artists?

 

A) My favorite musicians are Janet Jackson, Madonna, Aerosmyth and I grew up listening to Queen. I like Sublime, Candlebox and things like that.

 

Q) Why did you decide to apply for the show?

 

A)  I have been doing music about 4 or 5 years now and I heard there was an audition. I was a little unsure of it all because it was hip hop and what I do is more rock, but I went anyway. I wanted to explore all opportunities and I did it! I went through the whole audition process and I was very surprised I made it. I was very thankful and grateful and really excited that I got the chance to do this.

 

Q) What was your audition process like for the show?

 

A) It was definitely grueling. There were open calls with thousands of people from all different cities. They make you sing and dance on the spot and ask you questions. I was up against a lot of people and it was very competitive, but a really good experience.

 

Q) What is it about rock music that captivates you?

 

A) I just love the feel of live music, the drums and the guitars and being on stage with people is exhilarating to me. I love that whole scene. For someone like me in the music business I’m not going to go out there and be the pop girl. That’s not me. I would not be taken seriously and that’s something that I value. I value being taken seriously.

 

Q) What was it like meeting Missy Elliott?

 

A)  It was really cool. The first time was definitely surreal. When you see celebrities, they are just real people. It was definitely a cool experience and everything, especially after being a fan for so long.

 

Q) What was it like on the tour bus?

 

A) It was stinky and cramped. I brought everything I had and then when we got there they said we could only bring one backpack on the bus. So, there wasn’t room for much of anything. And, I have allergies so sleeping on the bus was an interesting experience. The bathroom was disgusting. Any time anyone would flush the toilet it was probably the worst smell I’ve ever smelled in my life.

 

Q) Who do you plan on keeping in touch with anyone from the show?

 

A) I am sure we’ll all keep on eye on whatever we’re all doing. I still plan to talk to Matthew and Melissa from the show and I talk to Frankie and Akil.

 

Q) What did you learn about music and the entertainment industry from being on the show?

 

A) I learned that you always have to be on your toes. I learned about hip-hop and it as a culture. I was a fish out of water on the show, but it was a learning experience.

 

Q) Do you feel that you are better at adapting to all kinds of beats now?

 

A) I think I definitely learned a little bit more now about writing that sort of music.

 

Q) What are you going to do now that you are no longer on the program?

 

A) I am still working on my own stuff and putting together new songs. I’ve got a band and hopefully sometime in the near future I’ll have a rock album.

 

Q) Do you think you put your foot in your mouth by saying that you wanted to stick to one genre?

 

A) No, I don’t at all. I really think that it was a smart move on my part. I don’t rap and I’m not an R&B singer. On the show, all I did was what I do. From the very beginning I was like, “I can do the best I can. If they like it, they like it. If not, then whatever.” I think I stayed true to what I believe in and what I want to do.

 

Q) How did you feel performing in front of music legends Dallas Austin and Tina Marie?

 

A) It is a very humbling experience and it was really incredible to be in the presence of their musical talent. It was great! I couldn’t believe it. I had no idea it was going to happen the first time. I was even more thankful to be on the show after that.

 

Q) What advice do you have for future contestants?

 

A) Be ready for whatever is thrown your way. You’ve got to go for it. You can’t hold back. Be yourself and do what you do. They don’t want the same old thing.

 

Q) Who do you see winning?

 

A) I don’t know. Everyone is just really talented.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

 

A) Thank you so much because what I’m doing isn’t easy and all the support I can get is needed and appreciated. Without fans and without the support of other people, what I do would have no meaning.