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Asia'H Epperson'American Idol' Interview

Were you surprised by your elimination?

I was but I wasn't. I definitely think I deserved to be in the top 12. When they told me I was first [to perform], I actually called my mom and said, "I think this will be the last time I'm performing on this stage."

Do you think you were jinxed by going first?

I do believe that them picking me to go first was a kind of downfall. If I was in the audience and just got there, it's a little overwhelming at the time. You kind of want to ease into that [type of song].

Singing a <a href='http://music.aol.com/artist/whitney-houston/1003853' target='_blank'>Whitney Houston</a> song often leads to doom on 'Idol.' Did you think about that?

I consider myself enough of a unique artist -- as far as my voice and my stage performance -- that I didn't think I would really be compared to [her]. It went through my head, but I didn't second-guess myself. [Simon] said I was a second-rate Whitney, and I will take that any day!

How did you manage to get through auditions while also mourning your father?

I think that he was with me and God was with me, and my family and friends just pushed me through it. That's what he wanted me to do. I was not going to go forward with my dreams just because of that. He wanted me to do that, so that's what pushed me to keep going.

Who's your favorite judge?

I loved all the judges, but I have to say my favorite would be <a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/simon-cowell/329871' target='_blank'>Simon</a>. Everyone says he's kind of bitter, but he does know what he's talking about. He's professional and I think he gives very constructive criticism. Even though he could probably word it a little differently sometimes, he is the most harsh and he makes you do the best that you can do.

Which <a href='http://music.aol.com/artist/the-beatles/1003061' target='_blank'>Beatles</a>song were you planning to sing next week if you'd gotten through?

Oh, man, I was so excited about my Beatles song! I was going to sing 'Can't Buy Me Love.' It was going to be awesome. I took a sample beat from <A href='http://music.aol.com/artist/dj-jazzy-jeff-and-the-fresh-prince/1052713' target='_blank'>Jazzy Jeff</a> way back in the day, so it was going to have a hip-hop/R&B type of flavor to it. It was going to be fun and original. I was looking forward to that, and I know that would have scored me into the next round.

What's next for you?

I really believe the sky's the limit for me. I'm going to take every opportunity that I can. I've been in drama and stuff like that through middle school and high school. So maybe some acting, some commercials, maybe a little bit of modeling here and there. But definitely music, music, music! Music's gonna stay in that -- it's my heart and soul.