An angel like Angie

Angie Miller, one of three finalists in the twelfth season of “American Idol”, made her first trip to Thailand last week taking part in a fan activity meeting organised by Z Pay TV.

First though, the 20-year-old Massachusetts native was treated to an authentic Thai meal at The Local by Oamthong, which she appeared to thoroughly enjoy.

Talking to an impressive number of fans in the GMM Grammy auditorium, she affectionately called them dreamers and told them always to, stay focused and do their best, then their dreams would come true.

She also entertained them with a selection of tunes that included a cover of Rihanna’s “Diamonds” and her self-penned track “You Set Me Free” then sat down for a brief chat “The Nation”.

 

What was your main reason for wanting to take part in “American Idol”?

I have been watching American Idol since I was eight or nine, since Season 2 in fact, and I remember thinking ‘I want to be on the show one day’. When I graduated from high school, it seemed like the perfect time so I did.

 

You made it to the top three and were one of the most popular contestants on the show but were then eliminated in the final. That came as a surprise to everyone. Do you know why you were eliminated?

I don’t know really know the reason. I guess I just didn’t get as many votes as the other contestants. Maybe people didn’t like one of my song choices or something. It just worked out that way and I have to say, it was definitely for the better.

 

Did you have any surprises during the American Idols Live! Tour 2013?

Well, we rehearsed for a whole month and that included choreography and all kinds of stuff I wasn’t expecting, so that alone was a surprise. I loved the tour. It was incredible going out there performing every evening for so many fans.”

 

What do you think about the multitude of reality singing competitions around the world? Is the reality show really a channel for stardom?

I think shows like American Idol help people build a fan base. I don’t think it turns them into superstars simply because there are so many TV reality shows so it is hard to be a person that really stands out. But if you are a true artist and genuinely show 100 per cent yourself while performing, then you will gain a fan base.

How do you start writing songs? Which songwriter or artist has influenced you the most and what kind of stories do you focus on?

“I start differently every time! Sometimes it’s a melody, sometimes it’s a lyric, sometimes I’m at the piano, so it really varies a lot. I don’t really focus on a story. I focus more on what I’ve lived or what I’ve seen other people go through. I love writers who really pour all of themselves into a song. Off the top of my hat, I’d say the songwriters I admire the most are Noah Gundersen and Tori Kelly. I just love their lyrics and how they show their lives and what they have gone through their music.”

 

Tell us something new about yourself – for example, your new single, the concept of your debut album or even a show.

Well, I am currently writing a ton of music and meeting other incredible writers with whom I am co-writing. I’m also in the studio a lot making demos and sending them out, which I hope will get me signed for a future album.

 

Do you think social media are good or bad? And which one do you use the most?

I think social media is awesome. There are so many fans around the world that I can’t meet because I’m not on tour right now and I don’t know when I will be. But social media is a great way of reaching everybody at once and connecting with them. I love that. The social media I use the most is Twitter.

 

How will you behave when you become a superstar?

I hope to behave exactly the way I do now. I have a tattoo that says ‘remember’ and that’s to remind me who I am now and to never change into a diva.

 

What do you know about Thailand and what are you looking forward to doing in Thailand?

 

I hadn’t really tried the food or learned about the culture before coming here and I’ve already learned so much. It’s really beautiful here and the people are so nice and I’ve tried a ton of food some that I love and some that is very interesting. I really love it here so far.