Anwar Robinson, whose rendition of "What a Wonderful World" during the semifinals stands as one the season's great performances, was once a favorite to win. However, the 25-year-old music teacher from East Orange, New Jersey, lost his momentum in the finals and was eliminated Wednesday.
MTV: "American Idol" fans are always theorizing why singers are voted off. Do you have any theories?
Anwar Robinson: At this point it's that you lose a good singer each week. America chose the top 12 and now you have to lose singers that you put in the pot.
MTV: You are a classically trained singer and list gospel as your favorite genre. Were you worried about winning over fans in what is largely a pop contest?
Robinson: Not necessarily. Pop comes from the word "popular," which means that it could be anything that appeals to any group of people. When you talk about general masses, I think there's elements in every kind of music that can reach a broad audience.
MTV: So were those dance moves Tuesday night influenced by Paula? And do you regret them after the heat you took?
Robinson: Um, no. I was just having a little fun onstage. And I don't think I took heat, it was just different than what I'd presented, and anytime you have change, questions are gonna be raised. But I think it's good to offer up something different every once in a while.
MTV: Before being eliminated you got to play an instrument on the "Idol" stage, something no other singer had done until Wednesday night.
Robinson: It was making history in the "American Idol" competition, and I'm glad I was able to be a part of it.
MTV: "American Idol" has its own music coaches. Was it interesting to be back to where someone is teaching you?
Robinson: It was great because you look for people who know more than you to mold and shape you. It's something I've been looking for since I left college, and I finally got that opportunity by getting on "American Idol."
MTV: Will you return to teaching or try to get into the music industry while the oven is hot?
Robinson: I can't go back to teaching right away, which would be the ideal thing for me at this point, so I'm gonna see what else is out there because you only get this opportunity once.
Comments