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AE: There is also a Latin-pop feel to the disc, on songs such as “Forbidden Love” and “You’re Getting Crazy,” both of which include Spanish language lyrics.
JV: There’s something about salsa and Latin music that is so addictive and makes you want to dance. There’s a lot of sexual energy that comes from songs like that. Again, it’s just me trying to stand out from the crowd, as far as Idols are concerned. I think a lot of reviewers have said things about Idols still coming into their own or trying to find their voice. I think that I, as a musician, cannot be boxed into one genre. I’m influenced by so many different people, ranging from Tina Turner to Janet Jackson to George Michael.

AE: I’m glad that you mentioned George Michael, because I found “Hold On” and “One More Time” to be reminiscent of his Faith-era work. So you would definitely count Michael as a major influence?
JV: Absolutely. I have been in love with him since I was young.

AE: Have you had a chance to meet him yet?
JV: I did meet him in Los Angeles. I was in line at Virgin Records--if you bought his album you got a bracelet which guaranteed that you would meet him. I waited three and a half hours, but it was completely worth it. I wanted to be different from all of those people who were standing in line. I didn’t ask him for an autograph or a picture. I wanted to give him something. I burned him my demo at the time, before I was signed. I gave him that and told him how much he has influenced me, and although we didn’t know each other, how much he was a part of it. He was amazing; just watching him interact with all of his fans. Whether he’s listened to it (the demo) or not, I know that he has it. He was very gracious and sweet. It was surreal to meet such a legend in my eyes and so many others’.

AE: You co-wrote the lyrics for “Welcome to Hollywood,” so would it be safe to say that the song reflects the way you feel about that place?
JV: Yeah, absolutely. I lived there for two years after the show because I wanted to tackle that press attention I received from the show. I didn’t want to sing right away. I took such a beating on that show that quite frankly I felt like shit about my voice. I thought, “I don’t like my voice and I won’t ever be a singer,” and that I was out of my league in the top ten. That was my honest feeling. Reading these message boards that were so filled with hatred towards me for no reason; it takes its toll on a person.

I wanted to act and do other things, and the acting opportunity in Eating Out, this independent film that I did presented itself. All of a sudden, this (music) producer (Gabe Lopez) found me and it made me wonder what my voice would sound like on original material. I started writing with him. He said that I wanted a record deal and I disagreed with him. He insisted, and I said, “Okay,” and a year later, I was signed.

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