American Idol’s John Stevens swings back with his debut disc.
By Brandon Voss
As his rabid fans count down to his upcoming 18th birthday à la Mary Kate and Ashley, American Idol contestant and Sinatra enthusiast John Stevens recently had a very good week: He graduated high school and released Red, a collection of smooth covers of his favorite jazz, swing, and big band classics. I caught up with the precocious teen crooner while he played it cool in his hometown of Buffalo, New York, following a well-received five-day engagement at Feinstein’s at the Regency.
HX: Before we discuss the new album, let me ask the question on everyone’s mind: Did you ever hook up with Paula Abdul?
John Stevens: [Laughs] No. Can’t say that I have.
Too bad. Now, Red — may I call you Red? — Red, why record an album of standards?
This is the greatest music that’s ever come out of the United States. Back then, songwriting was a craft — they took time and put their heart and soul into each song they made. Today it’s just slapped together; they’re just trying to make a hit. I’m introducing a lot of these tunes to a whole new generation. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard through fan mail or from someone coming up to me on the street, “You introduced me to this and now it’s my favorite type of music. Thank you so much!” That’s the biggest thrill for me.
I was pleasantly surprised by your swingin’ cover of Maroon 5’s “This Love.”
That was Guy Oseary’s idea — the head of Maverick. I was a little nervous because I didn’t know how I was going to do that in my style, but it came out great. I’m very curious to see what [the Maroon 5 guys] think.
On the track “Let’s Fall in Love,” you duet with actress Erika Christensen from Traffic and Swimfan. That’s pretty random, isn’t it?
Another Guy Oseary idea. He heard her sing in some jazz club or bar or something. I didn’t know she sang.
I don’t think anyone does. Did you record together?
Separately. I hadn’t met her until about a month ago.
Did you hit it off?
[Laughs] We didn’t hit it off, but she’s a very nice girl.
Fair enough. Got a girlfriend?
I have someone special.
Older woman?
Younger. Well, a couple months. She’s a grade below me.
Scandalous! Now that your album is out, do you expect feedback from the American Idol judges? A little congratulatory note from Simon, perhaps?
I went back to American Idol for the final four. Randy had heard it, and he loved it — my publicist had sent him a copy. Simon hadn’t heard it yet.
Did the best woman win this past season?
I didn’t see all of it, so I can’t really judge.
You’re kidding me!
Well, I didn’t have time! School and everything...
TiVo, Red!
I don’t have TiVo. But of what I saw, I thought Carrie was fantastic. Everyone was really talented this year. I thought Bo was going to win, but both of them deserved it. But Bo’s going to record an album, too, and he’ll be fine.
You didn’t place in the top five of your season and you’re succeeding. Does that dull the competitive edge of the show?
American Idol was a stepping stone for all of us. I don’t think it’s a competition because we’re just facing ourselves. It’s about going up there and doing your best. And if you don’t do your best, you get voted off. It’s not about you versus someone else; it’s about who does the better job.
Do you want a Kelly Clarkson-sized career?
I would love that type of career. But I would also like just gradually getting more popular, gaining more fans and growing every year. And I’d love to get into acting.
Any dream roles?
I’m into The Godfather and that type of movie, so anything with Al Pacino or Robert De Niro would be beyond belief. And I would love to do Broadway.
Like Rent?
Probably not.
HX, July 2005.