Voted Off: 3-12-03
Age: 22 yrs old
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Favorite Song: I have too many
Idol: My mom
What songs has Vanessa performed on the show?
"You Keep Me Hanging On" - 3/11/03
"Out Here On My Own" - 2/18/03
Do you have a job?
I am a chemical assistant. AKA, I do hair color highlights at Salon Carsica.
Do you have any formal singing training?
Six months of vocal training at Gwinnett School of Fine Arts in 1997.
Where have you performed before?
Eddie's Attic in Atlanta, Echo Lounge in Atlanta, Smith's Old Bar in Atlanta, Dark Horse Tavern in Atlanta, Black Mountain Music Hall in North Carolina, Monkey Barrel in Gainesville, Georgia, etc…
When did you first start to sing?
When I was 3, I used to sing "Rainbowland" on the Rainbow Brite Record.
What is your favorite song to sing?
"You're In My Blood" by Joni Mitchell and "Out Here On My Own" by Irene Cara.
What is the first concert you went to?
Janet Jackson - "If" tour.
What is the last concert you went to?
Beth Orton at Variety Playhouse. She was great.
What other talents do you have?
I do hair and make-up. I'm an actress and have done several photo shoots. I am a painter and writer and damn good person. I'm good at being me.
If you don't make it on AMERICAN IDOL, what will you do?
Anything I want!
What are your goals in life?
To be the best me I can be.
What album would your friends be surprised you own?
Nothing. I listen to everything.
What is the first CD you ever bought?
Cyndi Lauper. It was a tape, actually.
What is in your CD player right now?
Beth Orton, Ani DiFranco, Melissa Ferrick, The Pretenders, Natalie Merchant, Santana.
Who is your AMERICAN IDOL?
My mom.
What is your favorite type of music?
'80s…blues…classical…rock…I appreciate it all.
What is your favorite song?
"Into the Mystic," "Brass in Pocket," "I'll Stand By You." I have too many.
Favorite male pop artist?
Justin Timberlake.
Favorite female pop artist?
Norah Jones.
Favorite album?
Pretenders Greatest Hits.
Who in the music world do you think your style is most like?
Jennifer Nettles of Atlanta.
Most embarrassing moment?
Falling down (all the time), but especially in front of the producers of this show.
If you couldn't sing, which talent would you most like to have?
Rubbing my stomach and patting my head at the same time - while I giggle.
What has been your proudest moment in life so far?
Getting to this point in the competition.
What is your definition of an AMERICAN IDOL?
Someone who is very cool and can sing too.
Why do you want to be an AMERICAN IDOL?
Because it would be fun and I get to show my big butt and loud hair on TV.
Do you think the audition process was fair?
Yes.
Who is your favorite judge and why?
I like Simon…even though no one else does.
Who is your least favorite judge and why?
Randy…I don't know…he's always in the middle…indecisive.
What advice do you have for other hopefuls?
Be yourself. Never forget who you are and where you came from.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That despite my looks, I really do have some soul.
Who did you think was going to win last season?
Kelly.
If you could be a performer from any era, which would you choose and why?
Ragtime '20s. I love the clothing. I collect vintage!
