'American Idol': Jorge Nunez's law-school plans are on hold
Jorge Nunez says he soured on music a few years ago after missing the cut for a televised talent competition in his native Puerto Rico. He's feeling a little better about it these days now that he's an American Idol finalist.
What made you want to audition for American Idol?
I had always wanted to try out, and since they came to Puerto Rico this time, I was like, "Why not?" Also my great-grandfather, he passed away a year ago now, he wanted me to audition. So like six months after he passed away they announced they were coming to Puerto Rico, so I figured I should come.
Tell us a little bit about what kind of musical style you want to show to the fans and the judges.
I just like to make beautiful music. I like to let people relate to what I sing, so basically it's going to be beautiful songs that can actually get to people's hearts. I'm more of a pop artist right now.
Was Simon saying "I think you should keep your accent" frustrating at all?
Actually, when they told me to change my accent, what they wanted me change was my accent when singing. I can understand, because it [can be] distracting. But if anything, it helped me be a little more relieved, because that's me. That's something that even if I try -- I'm already 21 years old. That's not something I'm going to be able to change.
Can you talk about the evolution of your performances since Hollywood week?
That's a good question. The first performance to me was my best during the whole week. I did Jon Secada's "Angel," and to me it was the best performance; I got great comments from the judges. The group performance, however, didn't go as great. We were a mess, we were horrible. Not vocally, but the choreography and the rest of the number was a total mess. But luckily when I sang "Closer" for the third round, I redeemed myself. The judges seemed to like it, because they put me through to the top 36, and here I am now.
Is there a chance you'd ever sing in Spanish?
Actually I was hoping to get to a part of the show -- there are a lot of songs that are really known here in the United States that have translated to Spanish. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" has a version in Spanish. "Killing Me Softly" also has a version in Spanish. ... I would like to integrate a few verses in Spanish so I could show how my voice sounds in Spanish. I think that my voice sounds best when I'm singing in Spanish. So it would be nice if I could get to do a song where I sing a few verses in Spanish. That would be nice.
What are you majoring in at college and what are you hoping to do for a living?
I'm majoring in comparative literature. I was supposed to finish this year, but since I'm here that's not gonna happen anytime soon. Before this I wanted to be a lawyer -- I wanted to study international law. ... But I'm really trying to focus more on music now that I have this chance.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I'm looking forward to the mentors. I would love to have Britney Spears as a mentor.
Are you worried at all about any backlash if you sing in Spanish?
I'm not worried, because it's something that's part of who I am. I'm just going to stay true to myself. If I get the chance to sing in Spanish, I'm not going to lose it. Whether it's in Spanish or in English, if it's good they're going to like it.
What a weird question; "Was Simon saying "I think you should keep your accent" frustrating at all? WHY would that be frustrating? Simon was SUPPORTING Jorge telling him that it s was OK to keep his accent while one of the other judges said they were concerned about his accent. YES!!! sing in Spanish. Why would there be a bashlash? That crazy. 13% of the USA in Hispanic and very supportive of thier own. Real weird questions.
I think you are wonderful and very talented.
Love the way Jorge sings in any language. The question about his accent is ridiculous and Paula who is by no means a great singer should gain an accent. She has some nerve. Jorge is really talented and for the first time since Jennifer Hudson left the show I will be voting this year.