Jasmine Murray: Balancing school and rehearsals on 'American Idol'

Jasmine Murray, one of the youngest American Idol contestants, has to juggle schoolwork and preparing for Idol every week. Find out how she balances that, plus other insights in her post-Wild Card Show interview.

People were really impressed when you used the big voice. What made you decide to really go for it last night?
Well, I just like to explore different types of music. Christina Aguilera is one of my favorite artists and "Reflection" is a beautiful song and really age-appropriate for me and I just really thought it'd be a good choice to do. I just tried to do the best I could last night.

Have you done a lot of public singing before?
Yes, I have. Not a lot, a lot, but I've gotten a lot of experience on the stage before. I actually got to sing for the Miss American pageant and that was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Being on the Idol stage is different because you've got people judging you, but I really like it a lot.

How are you managing to balance your schoolwork and Idol?
I basically do my schoolwork that is from my school. My teachers will send homework and assignments to me. I do about 3 hours a day, sometimes longer. I have a great teacher.

Do you think having to study puts you at a possible disadvantage?
No, definitely not. Education is so important and that no one can take away frm you and that's so important for you to have in your life. If anything it's an advantage, so I'm blessed even to be able to go to school.

Do you have any kind of strategy forming for song-choice in the coming weeks?
You just have to pick the best song that suits your voice and shows who you are. We're all doing songs by other artists, so we're trying to make sure the songs are us.

Who out of the contestants are you surprised didn't make it as one of the Wild Cards?
I honestly can't say. All of the Top 36 were amazing. I don't even know how the judges made that decision. It's so hard because this group of people, they were all so talented. I'm happy for the people that made it and I know the people that didn't make have big futures. They're so talented.