Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks Talk About American Idol Experience

Following the results show Wednesday night., USA Today got a brief interview in with a pair of singers hoping to be named your next American Idol.

Here's what Blake Lewis had to say first:

As a musician who puts a lot of effort into arranging his songs, will it be easy or difficult to work with record producers?
“I work really well with other people. I’ve already started writing many songs and started recording demos the whole time I was here. Before American Idol, I was already working on an album. I’ve got at least six or seven tracks right now that could be on an album."

How important is it for you to win the competition and be the American Idol?
“I just view it day by day. I’ve never thought of it as a competition. I just want to go out and do my best each time I’m out there. If I win, that’s great. Jordin was my pick since the beginning to be the American Idol.”

Were you surprised by the elimination of Melinda Doolittle, considered by many to be the favorite?
“I think everyone was surprised each week so, I mean, yeah, I was surprised.”

Did you say anything to Melinda on stage after the elimination?
“I just told her I loved her and to knock it out.”

How’s your energy level?
"Well, from going home and staying up so late and the schedule’s grueling, I’m definitely tired this week. This was the first time I’ve ever fallen asleep, like I’d fall asleep in the Ford shoot or in rehearsals. I’ve never done that in my life.”

And now, let's hear from Jordin Sparks:

Is there a previous Idol you’d like to model your career after?
“I love Kelly Clarkson. I love her attitude and that she just stays the same no matter what. She’s amazing, a Grammy winner, beautiful. I want a career like that. Hello? Give me some tips … There are a ton of other Idols I look up to. I love all of them. I can’t name any more because I don’t want to leave anyone out.”

Simon Cowell has said some of your songs seem too old for you. What do you think?
“Half of me agrees and half of me is like, what am I going to do? I can’t help it if the songs I love are older or newer. I agree with him that it is more modern-day, so I understand that he wants me to sing stuff more people known. At the same time, if a song speaks to me, I’m going to want to sing it.”

Were you surprised by tonight’s results?
“It was one of those nights where anything could have happened, so I don’t know. I was very sad to see Melinda go, but she is going to be so fine. She is amazing and she is going to reach so many people and the world is going to be such a better place with her in it and singing her songs and what she wants to sing about.”