Photo/American Idol
[dropcap]C[/dropcap]J Harris, 23, was eliminated from American Idol on Thursday after making it into the top six of the competition.
When asked how he felt about being eliminated this far in the competition, the Alabama native said that everything happens for a reason.
“You come so far in the show to get cut at the top six, but I’m happy for the other ones and I sure do wish the best for them and their careers,” Harris said.
Harris performed “American Woman” by The Guess Who and “Whatever It Is” by the Zac Brown Band on Wednesday night’s show.
“I thought ‘American Woman’ would be a great song for my voice, but I had a hard time remembering the lyrics and getting up there without thinking too much,” Harris said. “The Zac Brown Band song’s key was too low for my voice. I feel like I could’ve done better.”
Earlier in the season, the judges had mentioned to Harris that he had a slight pitch problem.
“I never knew that I sang sharp before the show,” Harris said. “I never really got a straight-forward answer before I got in front of some professional artists.”
“I would have picked different songs but I think I couldn’t have picked a better song (than American Woman) to fit my voice. I made it this far and I have no regrets because I believe everything happens for a reason.”
Harris will take part in the American Idol 2014 summer tour, launching on June 24 in New York.
“I’ve never been to New York before, I can’t wait to see the city,” Harris said. “The tour is going to be huge for me. It’s going to show a different side of me knowing I can just get up there and perform without having to worry about the judges.”
Harris said that his brain is still going “100 miles per hour,” but that he is happy to have made it so far in the competition.
“I do miss home and the quietness, but (the experience) has been amazing,” Harris said.
When asked what he wanted to do when he got back home to Jasper, Al. Harris said that he was looking forward to seeing his family, his little boy and eating some barbeque.
Harris then offered up dome advice to future American Idol hopefuls.
“Always stick to who you are and prepare a lot of songs, not just one genre. And don’t bring all of your good songs out in the beginning.”
To keep up with CJ, check out his Facebook page, or follow him on Twitter @CJHarrisMusic.
