'My beard gets in my way'

Sean Michel, a contestant on American Idol Season 6, says his looks were one of the reasons why he was booted out. Here, he talks about his experiences on the sets of the reality show, his beard, the swine flu scare and his soon-to-be released album

The swine flu scare hasn't affected Sean Michel one whit.

The American Idol Season 6 contestant who is touring India walked into a cafu00e9 where he was performing, without a mask and went for the sound checks straightaway. Paul Victor from Cap Stone Ministries who is organising Michel's tour makes the introductions. It's during a break and between mouthfuls of food (and holding off his beard) that he finds time to tell us about his visit to India, his experience at American Idol and more.



Is this your first visit to India?
Yes. I am on a two-and-a-half-month tour. I have already performed in Chennai, Pondicherry, Delhi and Nepal. This is my second performance in Bangalore and I will soon be going to Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.

Tell us something about your American Idol experience...
Well, overall the experience was good. I made it to the Hollywood round and the whole process took three months. Initially, one has to clear a 24-judge round before auditioning in front of Simon, Paula and Randy. I was not really keen on it but once I got in, I kept going.

Why were you disqualified?
I was voted off by the judges in the Hollywood round. Yes, my looks were one of the reasons. I used to get hinted about my looks. The other reason was that my heart was always in a band, making music, and I did not find passion in singing what I was told to sing. I did not really enjoy being famous. I am probably not cut out for it. American Idol is a reality show at the end of day and things work differently. I find passion in making music and in Season 6, we were not allowed to use instruments and I was used to singing with my guitar.

So, how did you benefit from American Idol?
American Idol definitely gave me a break. It gave me a taste for fame and it definitely taught me to walk the fine line between being real and being famous. The show is aired much after the actual performance. And my clip u2013 for 3 to 4 minutes u2013 got me the fame. A part of it was probably because of how I looked. I did not get out of my house for two weeks as people would crowd around my house, it was crazy. It has mellowed down a lot now; I guess it lasts only till the next season starts (laughs).u00a0

Idol groomed me in terms of stage presence, when you're up there you need to live up to the expectations of the audience.u00a0

Was it hard losing?
I did not feel that bad. Like I said earlier, my heart was always in making music. The person who wins the American Idol title is supposed to sign a $ 1-million contract and should work for them for many years. I don't think I would have preferred doing that. Nevertheless, it was a great experience. I got to know many people.

Tell us about your band.
The previous band was about six years old and it dissolved two years ago. We used to play Indi rock, soulful radio rock and a few numbers influenced by European music. The new band is two years' old now and there are some cool people playing in it. We play more of blues and rock. Our new album is coming in September on Amazon and MySpace.

Are you a secular band?
To me, music is music. It is my way of expressing what is going on in my heart. I do not like my music being labelled as gospel, Christian or secular. I am not really poetic, just straightforward and that's the way I like it. I am just trying to make good music and not fake it. So what if my song talks about my faith? I always have my faith up my sleeves and if that reflects in my song, it's because that is going on in my mind and heart.

Doesn't your beard come in the way? Don't you get tired of it?
My beard does get in my way sometimes, but I guess I'm used to it by now. Sometimes, I do get tired of my long hair, but the feeling is just there for a while and then it passes. Like, for example, I used to have waist length hair and once I got tired of it and went and had a haircut but the next day I felt guilty and bad about having a haircut.u00a0

How long have you had this look and how would you look with a clean face?
(Laughs) Well, let's just say I haven't had a clean face since 2002. With a clean face, I would look like a boy band or a Backstreet Boys guy.

What is your ultimate goal?
I am a musician and my satisfaction is in making good music that is accepted. If someone from the audience nods his head to my tune, then I'm happy knowing that my music has touched him. If the lyric of my song hits the person along with the music, then it's even better u2013 he's got the complete package. So my ultimate goal is to connect with my music.

How do you like it here given the swine flu scare...?
(Laughs) It's just the media, man. I'm not worried. I'm just hoping I have a strong immune system. It's really smoggy in here, but it's great being here. I have had some really spicy food and I have fallen sick only once since I came here and it was not serious. I really like it in here u2013 great food and cool people.

For more updates on Sean Michel and his music, log on to www.myspace.com/seanmichel