No regrets for Elliott Yamin

BY DOUGLAS DURDEN
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
May 26, 2006


HOLLYWOOD The show, as in "American Idol," may be over. But the work, as in a three-month concert tour that starts in July, is just beginning.

We caught up with Richmond's own Elliott Yamin yesterday for a few moments and asked him about the final days of his "Idol" odyssey.

Times-Dispatch: How did you feel during Wednesday's finale? Was it like a graduation?

Yamin: Yeah, it felt like a graduation in many ways. It was good being back with the group and rekindling those friendships. We worked awfully hard. We were up until 1 a.m. a lot of nights rehearsing.

T-D: Did you get to meet Prince, Wednesday's big surprise guest?

Yamin: I only got to shake his hand. But that worked for me.

T-D: So, now that it's all over, who were you rooting for to win?

Yamin: Taylor [Hicks]. We've been good friends since this whole thing started. He's going to be my friend for the rest of our lives. We thought we were going to battle it out for the crown. He said I deserved it. He's my dawg.

T-D: When you were watching Taylor and Katharine McPhee on the stage for the final time Wednesday, did you have a twinge of "That should have been or that could have been me"?

Yamin: I'd be lying if I said I didn't, especially Tuesday night when I was in the audience. There were a few moments [during the competition] when I thought I came really close. But that's a good feeling, not one of regret. Everything happens for a reason.

But, of course, there were flashes that it could have been me.

T-D: What did you do after Wednesday's finale?

Yamin: We went to a wrap party. Everybody and his mother was there -- including my mother. I got to say goodbye no, see you later -- to a lot of people. I've had so many jobs. Now I'm starting a career. And I've never worked with a more awesome set of people.


T-D: There's a rumor that you have your own album in the works.

Yamin: The only album in the works is the "American Idol" compilation album that went on sale Tuesday.

T-D: How did Wednesday's duet with Mary J. Blige come about?

Yamin: Initially, they asked Stevie Wonder. He agreed, then something came up and he went on tour. Then, Lenny Kravitz, but that didn't work out. She agreed at the last minute, and I couldn't have been happier.


Contact staff writer Douglas Durden at ddurden@timesdispatch.com or (804) 649-6359

AAwww... I love E....

sad about Stevie....but glad that Mary came through especially at the last minute.

I just want everything to work out for E....:)

The interviewer's name (it's actually a woman) is at the bottom. I sent her an email thanking her for the update. Others might do the same?

"He said I deserved it." :woohoo:

"The only album in the works is the "American Idol" compilation album that went on sale Tuesday." :cry:

Here's another article on the same day. Read to the bottom to see that Mary Blige didn't even know what the "Soul Patrol" was!

http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satel...s=1045855936229

I think Mary J. Blige was the perfect person for Elliott to perform with. Also, reading this article shows what a good person he is...aww did anyone see during the performance near the end, with Dionne Warwick when they were singing that friends song *can't think of the title right now, sorry!...and Taylor & Elliott kinda hugged each other while performing..it was adorable..

Darn it,

Elliott & Stevie Wonder? They'll bring the house down for real!!!

That's like my DREAM to have them perform together. Imagine, the Idol and his lifehood role model singing TOGETHER in a big stage?? bounce:

Awww...E is so REAL! :cheerleader:

he almost got stevie wonder to perform with him... awww... still, i enjoyed his performance with mjb. at least he got someone still at the top of their game at the last minute.

but getting stevie would've made elliott's whole year!

He didn't get Stevie to perform with this time, but how about at the Grammy's? That would be the ultimate - to see Elliott perform and WIN at the Grammy's.

In this particular instance, it probably worked out better for his career for it to be MJB - and I have NO DOUBT that Elliott will be performing with Stevie Wonder on national television in the next year or two! Stevie was really impressed with E and I think he would do it anytime E asked. I think the grammy awards would be great! Hey maybe Stevie can be a guest artist on E's first CD!