Image courtesy of FOX.
I recently caught up with Karen Rodriguez of American Idol Season 10 before finale to chat about Idol and fashion. She’s crazy #sweet! Keep reading as Karen reflects on LA, the universe and her new found love of shoes.
Q: Has American Idol opened doors for you?
A: American Idol is like a gateway. You’re presented with all these amazing people and contacts… it’s a big blessing. Who can say they have access to people like Jennifer Lopez? That’s just incredible. Some people spend their whole lives trying to build friendships w/ people like that.
Q: What do you think of Los Angeles?
A: I love LA! It’s beautiful, the culture, the food, everything. [Karen lived in LA briefly to study music when she was 17 and currently lives in New York.] [LA has] a little bit of everything [ocean and mountains] and is the perfect mix between business and pleasure.
Q: You seem like a very optimistic woman. What keeps your spirits up?
A: I’m happy and just go with the flow. I try to surround myself with people that make me happy. There’s other things that we should be aware of and that’s why I love reflecting on the universe and planets because we try to take our problems and make them so big. We’re so small compared to everything else that’s happening in the world and outer space.
Q: What are your plans for the future? An album, maybe?
A: I would love to have an album out [but] I feel the best songs that I write are when I feel inspired, not when I’m trying to write a song on the deadline.
Q: What’s on your iPod?
A: A little bit of everything. Jazz and old Spanish music. Ray J, Nas, Jay-Z and Kanye [West]. Pussycat Dolls and Marc Anthony.
Q: Have you been able to connect with your fans on Twitter and Facebook?
A: For sure! I’m always on Twitter [and] I always reply to my fans. The current group [Season 10] called me Queen Tweeter. I’m just a regular person. Musicians do get respect because they’re put on tv [but] I’m just a normal person who likes to spend time with my dogs. (Follow Karen on Twitter!)
Q: What was your favorite (personal) look from American Idol?
A: The green dress that I sang “Hero” in … classy, elegant. What you really taught me was to put my chin up and to not be scared of clothes! On the past [reunion] show I was about to go on national TV wearing [a] tiny, tiny shirt and these leather pants! [But] it’s good to show your fans that you’re versatile [and] can try anything. That’s the fun thing about clothes, switching it around. It’s just fun.
Images courtesy of FOX.
Q: Has your personal style or appearance changed post-American Idol?
A: For sure. Before I would rock jeans and Converses. I’ve always been a tomboy, I like feeling comfortable. [But now] I spend a lot more money on clothes than I ever did before! I was never obsessed with shoes like I am now. Shoes are just awesome! With Idol just looking glamorous is good and feeling pretty is really important [for] women.
Q: Describe your personal style.
A: Old-fashioned… I like the 1950’s pin-up look. Fresh ‘cause I am still young. I like wearing innovative things – back in middle school and high school I used to make my own clothes. [Also] I have to feel comfy so I never wear anything that is too tight or too loose – it has to fit just right. I’m always wearing flats… if I’m out or have to go somewhere I try to get comfy shoes that I can walk in.
(L) Fox (M) Associated Press (R) via Socialite Life.
Q: Who are your fashion icons?
A: Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian.
Q: Do you have any style tips/advice?
A: Find a good bra! That’s really important. Spanx are awesome [and] I never wore [Spanx] until you. And I always feel better trying on clothes or going shopping when I have some makeup on because that just pulls the whole look together and that gives you more confidence.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Egypt or Morocco. I’ve always liked what the women wear. All the fabrics, the different colors… are so beautiful. The type of colors they use there is amazing. The jewelry [is great], and I love how they play up their eyes a lot.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring singers?
A: Always be yourself. I stay true to my culture and roots. [Don’t] be scared. Once you show the initiative everything else [will] fall into place.
Thank you SO much for the chat Karen! You better stay in touch and I’ll miss you!
