Elise Testone

PERFORMANCES

- Selected Song: Bold As Love
"For me it wasn't the right song. Once again you were boxing with the song."
"You slayed that song so hard. You're one of the best singers in the competition."
"You gotta do songs that people know, but I loved it."

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Elise's Q&A

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Question: Who has influenced your personal musical style? Answer: BB King, Tori Amos, Erykah Badu, Michael Jackson, Bonnie Raitt, Jewel, Lauryn Hill.

Question: Who is your favorite male artist and why? Answer: Michael Jackson: Showmanship, creativity, vocal tone. Jimi Hendrix: Raw, natural talent.

Question: Who is your favorite female artist and why? Answer: Bonnie Raitt: Her vocals are effortlessly flawless. She's one of the best guitar players, has a big heart and emotion in her performances. She's chill, but super charismatic.

Question: What was the first concert you attended? Answer: Bush (With Veruca Salt opening).

Question: If you could perform in any venue? Answer: I've always loved shows at PNC Bank Arts Center in Jersey. It's large, but intimate

Question: How has music inspired you? Answer: It is the best way I know how to communicate. It is my outlet. It brings me to life and helps me connect with others the best way I know how.

Question: Do you have any formal singing training? Answer: Yes.

Question: What album would your friends be surprised you own? Answer: Pantera

Question: If you could perform with any person or group, who would it be and why? Answer: I wish I could have performed with Michael Jackson! He is a brilliant musician and I could learn a lot from him.

Question: What do you do to unwind after a performance? Answer: I usually like to find a quiet spot and chill by myself for a bit.

Question: Which theme week would be most challenging to you and why? Answer: Opera. I am out of shape. Ha.

Question: What theme week would you love to have for Season 11? Answer: Singer/Songwriter, or the Funk, or Zepplin!

Question: What's your dream song to perform? Answer: ('Time to Say Goodbye': duet with Will Ferrell. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!) 'A Change Is Gonna Come' with back-up singers and full orchestra.

Question: What makes a great performer? Answer: A combination of heart and skill.

Question: How do you combat stage fright? Answer: I remind myself that when I am onstage people are looking up to me and I want to make them proud and get lost in the moment.

Question: How do you plan on differentiating yourself in the competition? Answer: I want to be versatile and unpredictable.

Question: If you could model your career after an artist, who would it be and why? Answer: Not sure.

Question: If you couldn't sing, what other talent would you most like to have? Answer: I love working with kids artistically.

Question: What has been the most unique job/chore you've ever had? Answer: I worked in a dog grooming shop. So fun!

Question: How would you define success in life? Answer: Always doing your best and what you love.

Question: What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever seen or experienced?? Answer: I made a fool out of myself in front of Bill Murray because I was so pumped to see him!

Question: What's your proudest moment in life outside of American Idol? Answer: Before I graduated college, I organized a big show

Question: What would people be surprised to learn about you? Answer: I can juggle! I opened for Snoop (not sure he remembers).

Question: If you have 24 hours to do anything you wanted, what would you do? Answer: I would hang out in Italy and meet my musical side of the family I never met.

Question: Who is the person that you would most like to meet? Answer: I would hang out in Italy and meet my musical side of the family I never met.

Question: Do you have a favorite quote, phrase or personal motto / words to live by? Answer: 'I ain't complainin'. I'm just explainin'' and 'Don't search for a better moment, enjoy the one you're in.'

Question: What's been the most surprising part of the Idol experience so far? Answer: How cool everyone is! Contestants, employees, band, producers. Awesome people!

Question: What have you learned about yourself by going through the Idol audition process? Answer: That I am a beautiful person and I should be more secure.

Question: What are you hoping to get out of your Idol experience? Answer: I want to make America proud and share my gifts!