American Idol Journey

Manassas native Travis Tucker was online Monday, March 14, at 11:45 a.m. ET to talk about his experiences making it to the semifinals of TV's "American Idol" and his plans for the future.

Tucker is currently studying math education at the University of Virginia. He enjoys playing sports, breakdancing and beat boxing. He has two brothers and one sister. Travis describes his vocal style as R&B/hip-hop.

A transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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washingtonpost.com: Travis Tucker, welcome to washingtonpost.com. Glad to have you with us.

The big Idol news today is that Mario Vasquez withdrew due to personal reasons. They put Nikki Smith back in the competition lineup.

What do you think about all this?

Travis Tucker: I haven't talked to Mario but I'm sure whatever it is, he's got a good reason for it and I just wish him the best.

Mario is a great performer and great entertainer and he knows what he wants so I just hope he's going out and getting it.

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Travis Tucker: I wish Nikko the best. I'm glad he got a second opportunity and I wish him the best.

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Lorton, Va.: Your style is reminescent of Usher (Usher) Raymond. Did you consider doing one of his songs, or artistically did you feel you wanted to create your own niche?

Travis Tucker: I definitely admire Usher and I like his style and what he does but at the same time there is no way I could do an Usher song and not be called an imitation.

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Manassas, Va.: Travis,

My friends and I cheered you on when you rode down Center St. in Mike O'Meara's pick-up this weekend during the St. Pat's parade ... What's next for you?

Travis Tucker: I'm not sure. I'm going to lay low for a little while but I think I might be interested in getting into TV, film, modeling, radio. That's what I have to decide while I'm fresh in the minds of the public.

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Washington, D.C.: Travis, do you think Simon's comments about you being more of a dancer than a singer were fair? You looked good-natured about the defeat, and that resilience should serve you well in the future. Good luck!

Travis Tucker: I don't pretend to be one of his favorites. I think that I probably should've put more emphasis on the vocals and so I understand where he's coming from there, but I like to think of myself that I can sing better than I can dance.

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Anonymous:
How do you go about picking the right song to sign?

Travis Tucker: It's tough. That's probably the hardest part. There's so many great songs. To find one that showcases your vocal ability and personality ... It's hard to do, especially with so much great talent there. It's hard to find something that makes you stand out.

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Washington, D.C.: What was it like going from Manassas to national TV? Did you like being in the spotlight? Was it easy? Were you nervous?

Travis Tucker: I was definitely nervous. I wouldn't say it was easy. It's like night and day. It's definitely new to be recognized by strangers. I like the spotlight. Obviously, that's why you do something like this. It was fun and enjoyable. At the same time it's nice to come back and slip into being a normal kid again.

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Silver Spring, Md.: You seemed very composed and confidant when performing, how did you deal with the enormous pressure that the show placed on you. Best of luck on your education and future singing goals.

Travis Tucker: If you just try to drill your performance into your head so it's a motor memory. I'm a pretty spiritual guy so I do a lot of praying and then you just try to have fun. That's the biggest thing.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey Travis, sorry it didn't work out for ya bud. I thought you did very well and I voted for you. What has this experience been like for you and when you first auditioned, did you ever think you'd make it this far?

Travis Tucker: It's been just the emotional experience of my life -- excitement and nervousness. I like to think you always hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

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Manassas, Va.: Hi Travis,
Any chance you will be performing in Manassas or anywhere else locally anytime soon? We would love to come see you in person!

Travis Tucker: I really don't know. Nothing as of yet.

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Washington, D.C.: I think you did a terrific job and you are still D.C.'s American Idol. Keep your head up. Travis Tucker: Awesome. Much thanks to everyone who has been supporting me and I appreciate every word of encouragement. Northern Virginia, D.C. the college community, everybody.

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Oakton, Va.: Travis, I noticed you transferred from NYU to UVA and switched majors ... was this a conscious decision to be "more practical"? Has your success on A.I. changed your view of what is achievable for you as an entertainer?

Travis Tucker: Definitely a practical thing to switch. Obviously cheaper since I live in Virginia. I really think American Idol has opened some doors. I think, yeah, it has expanded my belief in what I can do.

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Harrisburg, Pa.: You are majoring in math education. Do you plan on teaching mathematics and, if so, at what grade levels would you like to teach? Would you also like to teach music or work with students on their singing?

Travis Tucker: High school math teacher. I don't really know the theory of music to teach it but maybe an after school a capella group or something.

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Enfield, Conn.: Travis, you did such a great job on the show. Which contestants were you closest to? Who was your roommate?

Travis Tucker: Scott was my roommate. I was closer to Nadia, Nikko, Mario and Anwar.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hey Travis! Congratulations on making it so very far in the competition! Where do you think the competition is headed from here?

Travis Tucker: I don't have any predictions.

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Vienna, Va.: When going through the dress rehearsals for the live show, etc., do the judges offer any advice to the contestants beyond what we see live on the show?

Is the atmosphere among contestants cut-throat competitive?

Travis Tucker: The judges aren't there for the dress rehearsal so their comments are fresh. And everyone actually gets along very well. There's no animosity at all.

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Bristow, Va.: The last song you performed, "If It Isn't Love", by Bobby Brown seem to be the deciding factor to whether you should stay or go. Do you agree? What made you chose that particular song? Are the contestants given any guidance in choosing songs or are you on your own?

Travis Tucker: It's our say. We choose the songs. They don't force us to do anything we don't want to. The song was called "Every Little Step I Take" by Bobby Brown. It was upbeat. It was a fun song and I really liked the beat boxing section in it. It was a little more vocal than my song in the second week ("All Night Long").

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Washington, D.C.: You rule man! You brought a lot of pride to this city. What did you learn most from the other Idol contestants?

Travis Tucker: The importance of being who you are because we're all different. Just be true to yourself. That's very important.

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Fairfax, Va.: Have you received any endorsement offers? If so, can you mention some these offers?

Travis Tucker: Endorsement? No, I haven't.

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Rockville, Md.: Did the producers of the show force and/or "strongly suggest" that contestants or judges behave a certain way? Much has been written about the tiffs between Paula and Simon being scripted. Do you think there's any truth to that?

Btw, you're already a star: good-looking, talented, and intelligent, so the world is your oyster, AI or no AI. Good luck to you and be happy!

Travis Tucker: Not that I know of. It's as real as it gets.

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Upper Marlboro, Md.: Greetings -- how old are you? And do you have a significant other?

Travis Tucker: (LAUGHS) I'm 21 and very single.

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Washington, D.C.: Did they give a a song list to choose from, or was it wide open?
Also, what do you think about the complaint of some other dismissed A.I. contestants that they were gone due to lack of air time?

Travis Tucker: You can practically sing whatever song you want. It's not that easy but almost that easy.

I think when it comes down to it, we are all given a chance to shine in the Top 24 and you really just have to make the most of what you're given.

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Wahoo-wah!: Hey Travis! I'm a UVA alum and a friend of your older sister--my little sister is also a friend of yours from UVA's club soccer team. You were a great representative of UVA--articulate, intelligent, and lots of fun. Do you expect to return to UVA next semester?

Travis Tucker: I'm not sure yet. Good possibility.

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White Plains, Md.: Do the contestants find out how many votes they actually got each particular week?

Travis Tucker: I wish. All we know is who's in the bottom two.

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Washington, D.C.: Is there anything that you would have done differently? If you had the chance, would you have chosen different songs?

Travis Tucker: I think everyone has 20/20 hindsight. So yeah, if I had a time machine I would do things differently but I think I made the most of each moment.

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Washington, D.C.: Is the American Idol experience harder for the younger contestants or about the same for all contestants?

I have a daughter, age 15 but will be 16 in August, who is greatly increased in trying for American Idol the next time around. She has a very strong and mature attitude.

Let me know what you think about the wide age differences.

Travis Tucker: I personally think that the older contestants have the advantage. Just because they're more experienced in performing. But I mean, look at Mikalah, she's doing a great job and is only 17. I think it's harder but it can definitely be done and I say, go for it.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: There's speculation that Mario may have dropped out because he's already received a deal somewhere else. When you're in the top 12, are there any contractual obligations to finishing out the show?

Travis Tucker: I wouldn't know that.

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Washington, D.C.: Are you allowed to audition next year?

Travis Tucker: I'm not unless they change the rules. Once you make the Top 24, you're done.

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Travis Tucker: I just want to extend my gratitude because I know people back home were really working hard for me and I appreciate it.

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