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Minutes after they were onstage cutting a cake to celebrate the 500th episode of American Idol, the top three finalists for season 13 sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to answer two burning questions.
THR: How badly do you want to win American Idol?
Jena Irene: I do want to win. We’re so close but we’re also so far away because there’s a lot to prepare before next week, but I want to take it home and make my hometown proud.
Caleb Johnson: I want to win really, really bad. I’ve busted my butt every week trying to get amazing performances and moments, so hopefully America will put me through to the finale because I’ve worked so hard to get to this point. It’s been three years in the making.
Alex Preston: Winning American Idol would mean everything to me. Of course, I’m not going to be disappointed if I don’t because of how far I’ve come, but it would literally be the coolest thing to ever happen. Words can’t even do that dream justice.
OPINION: ‘American Idol’ Season 13: Why Caleb Johnson Should Win
THR: How does the person you are today, May 14, 2014, compare to the person you were when you auditioned for American Idol?
Jena: The present-day Jena is a lot better at accepting who she is as a person and an artist and is more confident in her own skin. I say that because I’ve literally risked so much in every performance and received mostly positive feedback. For that I thank every single one of my fans and the judges for keeping me on this long. I’m so grateful.
Caleb: I’ve become completely in tune with who I am as a singer, a performer and an artist. I’ve grown so much and changed and evolved into something really special and I enjoy the artist and singer I’ve become. I think everything happens for a reason and I’ve had so much fun.
Alex: I have a lot more confidence now. Before I was just a shy kid who thought it would never happen. It’s happening now and it means a lot.
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