Robbie Carrico Elimination Interview

American Idol' Interview: Robbie Carrico

How did you feel about the authenticity criticisms?
That's kind of a strong point for me. I've spent the past six years working my tail off in grungy bars. Pulling our own trailer with our equipment and living out of a van sometimes and doing all of the grunt work that they said they didn't see me doing, because of what I did before with pop music. That was a job to me. Like I said before, this is me and you get what you see.

Fox

What do you say to the rumors online that you wear a wig?
I've been growing this hair for a very long time. I think it's ridiculous that they have to come up with something like that.

Fox

Do you think your experience worked against you in the voters' minds?
I'm not really sure how everybody is voting on that. I thought with experience, I might come out looking more like a polished musician. I'm not so sure if they [think,] "OK, well, this person has had experience, let's give someone else the chance." There are some extremely great and talented people this year and it is all going to come down to song choice.

Fox

You dated Britney Spears. Care to comment?
Honestly, it was a long time ago. It wasn't that big a deal. We went on a couple of dates, but that was pretty much it. She was always a real down-to-earth girl. I kind of wish everybody would just leave her alone and let her be. I wish her the best in the future and I think everything will work out fine.

Getty Images

Why did you pick your song? And who are your music inspirations?
I picked Foreigner because ... they've been one of my favorite bands to listen to and I like the song 'Hot Blooded.' I went with that one because I thought it would be fun to do. My inspiration that I draw from would be -- gosh, there's a wide variety, from Lynyrd Skynyrd in classic rock and Aerosmith to Rob Thomas, Korn, Shinedown.

Fox

Are you bummed to be missing the '80s and Beatles weeks?
I was really looking forward to that one. I wanted to do Billy Idol's 'Rebel Yell.' [For the Beatles,] there are a few to choose from and there are so many great ones. I've sung 'Blackbird' before.

Karl Walter, Getty Images

Who are you going to miss?
Oh man, I'll miss quite a few people. All of them really, but I became good friends with Dave Cook and Michael Johns and my roommate was Luke. Kristy Lee Cook, we kind of got to know each other and she's really cool. And Amanda. I wish them the best and I hate that I had to leave so soon. But hopefully they'll be seeing more of me in the future and I wish them the best of luck.

Fox