Interview with American Idol’s Natalie Burge

Natalie Burge, at only 17 years old, made it into the semi-final round of American Idol by being one of the top 30 contestants. She impressed many with her maturity and her talent along the way. RealityNewsOnline wanted to talk to her about the show, the process, and how her life in the fairly small town of Morton, Illinois (just outside of Peoria), would be affected.

RealityNewsOnline: We’ll start off with the easy one: What did you think of the overall process of American Idol?

Natalie Burge: I thought that the whole process what pretty true to real life. I mean this is what we really go through in auditions. Competition is hard and it's a lot of rush to get somewhere and wait. It has been such a wonderful experience though, I wouldn't trade it in for anything. All in all I had the time of my life and if I had the chance I would do it again in a heartbeat.

RNO: What do you really think of Simon? And the others?

NB: Oh everyone wants to know about Simon! Ha! To be honest I think he is pretty good. The man has been in the business for years. He knows what he is doing and he knows what he has to do to make the show stand out. Paula was more amazing than I ever could have dreamed of. The women has such a kind heart and is so willing to talk and listen. She is amazing to me. For a women such as herself who has been in this business this long and still has the passion and drive to help those of us who want to be in it professionally is awesome. She cares so much. She has been in our shoes; she knows what we are going to go through. Randy is an amazing producer and a really cool guy. He has done everything in his craft that a producer could do. Being able to work with them as been a pleasure and an honor.

RNO: Was your question to Simon about whether he regretted anything he’d said planned or spur of the moment?

NB: I don't think I had ever asked Simon a question directed just to him. I was asked to ask Ms. Paula, Mr. Randy, and Mr. Simon whether or not they felt bad about the comments they had made to any of the contestants. In response to that question Simon and Paula did a little spin off. It was a joke. I think people thought I was bitter about Simon's comment to me about how I shouldn't be singing older music. I asked the question because I'm sure people wanted to know. Plain and simple.

RNO: So, just to clarify, was it your question or one you were asked to put forth? Who asked you to do it, the producers?

NB: The contestants were told to ask questions. Some may be controversial in a way, some might feel mine was. I did want to know whether or not they felt bad about their comments towards some of the contestants. I was asked that if I felt comfortable to add a little bit more to the question. Just a word change here and there. It worked.

RNO: Why do they keep bringing Tamika back?! (Yeah, I know you probably don’t know the answer to this, but it’s a particularly annoying feature of the show that I hope is over now.)

NB: Tamika was a hit with the viewers. She made people laugh, why not have her back!

RNO: She was a hit? With whom?! All of the feedback about her that we received here at RealityNewsOnline has been negative.

NB: I'm sorry to hear that. Tamika was funny! At least I thought she was. This is her time to shine with her funnies.. or lack thereof.

RNO: Where have you sung before? It seems like there wouldn’t be much opportunity in the Peoria area.

NB: I have been performing since I was 4 years old. If you would like to read my resume you may. Check it out on www.natalieburge.com. You can read all sorts of stuff about me there. And even hear a few snippets from some demos I have. But, to name a few umm... gosh Ii feel rude talking about me me me! There was the White House candlelight walk, MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas, Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Disney World. Oh gosh I could go on and on.