CJ Harris Interview: American Idol Exit, Nashville Album Plans, and the Summer Tour
After his elimination at sixth place on American Idol Season 13, CJ Harris spoke with the press during a satellite conference call. He addressed his plans for an album, moving to Nashville, his experience on the show, and how he’s working through pitch issues. Below is a clear, edited version of that conversation.
What will his album be like? Will it be all country? CJ says his debut record will blend styles rather than stick to a single genre. “There will definitely be country elements, but it will also include country blues, soul, and southern rock. I haven’t locked into one genre yet, but I’m leaning toward the country music market.”
What was the best advice the judges gave him? “Stay true to who you are and keep working hard. Hard work pays off over time. It isn’t about one moment but about building a career. I plan to keep grinding as an artist.”
How did he meet fellow contestant Dexter Roberts? CJ recalls meeting Dexter on the beach. “I was playing acoustic and he walked up and asked if we could play a song together. We hit it off immediately. Later we discovered we lived about thirty minutes apart and started playing gigs together back home. We became good friends.”
Does the upcoming tour soften the blow of being voted off? “Absolutely. The tour is a big deal for me because it lets me perform without worrying about cameras. I can just get on stage, have fun, and be the artist I want to be. It’s going to be a great opportunity to show a different side of myself.”
What’s it like competing alongside other Alabamians? “It’s been incredible. Dexter, Jess, and I all come from Alabama, and we support one another. We’re artists trying to make it; sticking together helps a lot.”
Were the bottom-two and bottom-three placements frustrating? “They were a little frustrating, but they pushed me to work harder. I believe everything happens for a reason—those moments motivated me to improve and keep going.”
What did Randy Jackson whisper to him in the bottom two? “Randy told me not to give up. He said I had incredible talent and saw big things for me, but that it would be up to me to make them happen.”
How did having his young son in the audience affect him? “Having him there motivated me a lot. Seeing him in the crowd made those performances into memories I’ll look back on in five or ten years. It meant everything to have my family there.”
What’s the hardest part about leaving at the Top 6? “You always want to see how far you can go, so leaving at Top 6 is tough. But I’m proud of how far I came. I’m not bitter—I wish the other contestants well and I’m excited to perform with them this summer.”
What’s his favorite memory from the show? “Getting in front of the celebrity judges for the first time was unreal. I hadn’t met famous people in person before, and that moment really stuck with me.”
Has he been on the American Idol tour before? “No—I’ve never been on it. I don’t know exactly what to expect, but I’m really looking forward to it.”
Could he have afforded tour tickets before Idol? “No. Before the show I was just getting by, doing everything I could to make it in music. American Idol really changed my life.”
Did he know about his pitch issues before the show? Has he been working on them? “I didn’t realize I was singing sharp until professionals pointed it out. Back home I was self-taught and people loved my singing, so I never got that direct feedback. I’m grateful they told me because it’s something I need to work on.”
Was the coaching he received on pitch adequate? “I did get help, but maybe not enough in the time we had. I don’t read music or know keys as well as I’d like, so fixing things properly will take time and steady learning.”
Why did he choose “American Woman” and “Whatever It Is” for the live show? “I thought ‘American Woman’ fit my voice, but I had trouble remembering the lyrics and felt like I was overthinking. The Zac Brown song has a great melody, but the key was too low for me, so it didn’t capture the emotion I wanted.”
Would he duet with Dexter on his album or the tour? “Definitely. Dexter and I have a strong friendship and musical chemistry—I’d love to record or perform a duet with him.”
Will he perform on the Idol finale? “I’m not certain yet, but we’ll likely return to perform. I’ll also get a day to go home before coming back.”
Is he excited for the New York City media tour? “Yes. I’ve never been to New York, so I’m excited to see the city and meet the media. This whole experience has been amazing.”
Does having family in the audience give him confidence? “Yes. Seeing familiar faces gives you a sense of peace, like performing on your couch at home. Having my mom and sister there made me proud.”
Would he choose different songs if he could go back? “Yes. I might skip ‘American Woman’ and pick a different Zac Brown song or another country selection that better fits my voice.”
How is he feeling after the Idol journey? “My mind is racing and I’m running on little sleep, but I’m doing great and proud I made it this far.”
What is he most looking forward to now? “I’m eager to tour with the other artists, then record an album and keep the momentum going with more touring.”
What was he thinking in the bottom two with Jess Meuse? “I thought it could be me or Jess—it comes down to votes. If I went home, I would hug her and show respect. Jess is talented and I admire all the contestants.”
Does he feel he’s following in the footsteps of fellow Alabamians like Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard? “I watched them and learned a lot. I’m proud to be from Alabama and hope to build a successful career like they did.”
What advice would he give to future Idol hopefuls? “Stay true to yourself and prepare a wide variety of songs across genres. Don’t use all your best material at the start—save some for later rounds.”
How did he adapt to the weekly pressure of performing? “I kept telling myself I could do it. I believed I was there for a reason, so I tried to relax, prepare, and trust myself.”
What will he miss most and least about the competition? “I’ll miss the routine of Wednesdays—getting ready and performing for the judges. I also miss home and the quiet. It’s been an amazing experience.”
What will he tell his son about this experience? “I’ll tell him to follow his gut, stay true to himself, and be prepared—life is coming fast, and you’ve got to be ready.”
What was his favorite performance on the show? “’Can’t You See’ stands out. It’s a song I’ve sung since I was 13 or 14, and it means a lot to me.”
How did guest mentors who were former contestants help him? “They offered practical advice. Adam Lambert told us not to read YouTube comments because they can be hurtful. That was great advice to stay focused and avoid distractions.”
Does he write songs, and will he move to Nashville? “Yes, I write. I have enough material for an album and plan to move to Nashville to work on recording and build my career.”
When Taylor Hicks visited the set, what did they discuss? “Taylor told me he was proud and understood the stress of competition. He encouraged us, especially fellow Alabamians, to keep positive energy and represent well.”
What did Jennifer Lopez say to him after the show? “She told me she was proud of me and urged me to keep pushing for my dream. She said I have the capability to do something big if I keep working.”