Paris Bennett, an American Idol season five contestant, is releasing her first album, Princess P, in March. The first single, 'Ordinary Love,' was released to radio on January 16, the same day American Idol's sixth season premiered.
Bennett said the first time she heard herself on the radio was while she was on an airplane and her version of 'Midnight Train to Georgia' came on. 'I was like whoa, that's me. It definitely was a shocker.'
She no doubt hopes to get used to hearing her songs on the radio.
Bennett co-wrote all the songs on Princess P, and says that it encompasses many of the styles she touched on while a contestant on American Idol. 'Basically it's all of me. It basically gives you an aspect of my life before and after American Idol, things that I've been through, things that I see now,' Bennett told Windy City Times.
The video for Ordinary Love has already been shot and has premiered on TRL and 106 & Park. The video is about much more than ordinary love. 'It's basically a girl that's mesmerized by this guy. They're in love, but the connection is so much stronger than just being in love. They're soul mates,' Bennett explains.
When asked about the pressure on her for the album to do well Bennett said, 'I'm more excited. I don't really get pressured. I don't really push myself to be nervous about everything. I'm more of a person that does something and I'll wait to see what it does. So I don't have any pressure. I have more anxiety actually. I'm more excited.'
Bennett seems glad to leave her American Idol days to the past and become known for her success as a performer and businesswoman.
She seems resigned to the fact that she has to answer questions about her experience on the show, and does believe the show has been a great forum for singers to gain exposure. Yet, her demeanor changes slightly from the smiling, forward leaning woman to a more reserved position when questions turn to American Idol.
'I definitely think American Idol, as far as being as big as it was, I think it ended last year. Because, what more of an Idol can you look for that you don't already have? When do you stop looking for an American Idol?'
When asked about the show's judges, she obliges, 'I don't really have very much to say about any of them. I respect Simon. Paula, I don't really understand her. Randy, I don't really understand him.'
However, Bennett was quick to address a recent comment she heard from Randy Jackson in which he addressed her age, saying that she wasn't there yet as far as a performer, she's too young at this point. 'All I have to say is that it doesn't matter how old you are. It's experience, and I believe that on American Idol I did things that other people that are older than me couldn't do.'
Sitting across from Bennett it's hard not to believe her. Even though she looked tired, her ambition and motivation were clearly conveyed.
Other Idol-related names provoked smiles. When asked who her favorite American Idol winner is, she said Fantasia Barrino. 'She's inspirational, and she's a sweet person, kind hearted, and [ she sometimes reminds me of myself ] .'
Jennifer Hudson's career has taken off since leaving American Idol. She won the Oscar for her performance in Dreamgirls, and has generated major buzz for her talents. Bennett said that she is interested in acting and has acted in the past, but she is more likely for the time being to see what roles might fall her way, rather than go out in search of something.
She has plenty on her plate right now, both promoting and touring for her new album throughout 2007. She is also hoping to launch a women's Scream Tour in the summer, the female equivalent to the men's Scream Tour. She said she would particularly like to see artists Ciara, Rihanna, Cassie and Cherish join her for the tour, and will be working to make that happen over the next few months.
Bennett has come to her role with a sense of responsibility, if not pressure. She understands the importance of being a businesswoman in the music industry and of believing in her talent despite the ageism that she's experienced.
'I just hope that people enjoy what I do this year and definitely support me.'