Marisa Joy

When did you first start to sing?
As a kid. It just came naturally.

Do you have any formal singing training?
Not really. I was involved with youth choirs as a kid. I also went to one professional singing lesson in San Francisco.

What other talents do you have?
I was a cheerleader/songleader in high school, so I can dance, sort-of. I also like to act.

If you don’t make it on AMERICAN IDOL, what will you do?
I am planning on moving to the Los Angeles area and attempting to further my career in entertainment, whether as a singer or behind the scenes. I hope to be living with Heather, who is also a Top 32 finalist, or with my boyfriend Daniel.

What are your personal goals in life?
To be happy and successful! And to truly love and know love in my life.

What album would your friends be surprised you own?
Well, my friends know that I’m pretty unpredictable, so I don’t think anything would really shock them. Maybe Hansen, but they know I’m kind of cheesy.

What is the first CD you ever bought?
2Unlimited, “Hits Unlimited”. I listened to that thing NON-STOP! It was sooo tight back in the day, I’m serious.

What is in your CD player right now?
Foreigner, Alice in Chains, John Mayer, Def Leppard, Imogen Heap.

Who is your AMERICAN IDOL?
My twin sister, Jessamyn. She’s in the Army. She is going to Iraq soon, and she is just so brave about it. I don’t know if I could handle that, but she is a really strong person and will do whatever it takes to fulfill her duties to this country. She’s risking her life just to help protect her country and fellow Americans, and that makes me so proud. She’s amazing. I miss her and love her very much.

What is your favorite type of music?
EVERYTHING! I love rock, rap, R&B, country, old school, etc. My absolute favorite would probably be all forms of rock. Also anything that came from the 80’s!!!

What is your favorite song to sing?
“Lean on Me” or Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Going Down.”

Favorite male pop artist?
Michael Jackson.

Favorite female pop artist?
Jaci Velasquez.

Favorite album of all time?
A Perfect Circle’s “Mer De Noms.”

Who in the music world do you think your style is most like?
Bonnie Raitt, vocally. Blues, country, soul. She combines different styles to make her own style, and that’s me.

Most embarrassing moment?
My most embarrassing moment was when I forgot the words to the national nnthem at a televised college basketball game! Talk about a singer’s nightmare.

If you couldn’t sing, which talent would you most like to have?
I’d probably focus more on dancing or acting.

What has been your proudest moment in life so far?
My proudest moment in life was winning a singing contest out of thousands of people and getting to perform in front of 20,000 people as my prize. Also, making the top 32 of American Idol Season 3.

What is your definition of an AMERICAN IDOL?
Someone who people want to watch, listen to, and be a part of. Someone who people admire or hate or both, but can’t get enough of. And someone who has true, pure talent.

Why do you want to be an AMERICAN IDOL?
Because I am all of the above. I want this.

Who is your favorite judge and why?
Simon. Ever since I first auditioned in San Francisco, he has seen and supported my talent. He’s the most critical judge too, so it means a lot that he digs me. He knows I’ve got it.

Who is your least favorite judge and why?
I don’t have a least favorite. They’re all different, they’ve all got their cool little vibes going on, and that’s what makes them who they are.

What advice do you have for other hopefuls?
Be you. That’s all you really can do. And keep singing. Like they say, a thousand nos to every yes.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m an identical mirror twin.