Jason Yeager 'American Idol' Interview
How did you feel about being voted off?
Disappointed, just kinda let down. It's just hard, you know -- a lot of things were going through my head, song-choice wise. I just kind of felt like the odds were really against me.
How did your 10-year-old son react?
He called me right after I got off the stage; he was the first person I talked to. He was kind of quiet, didn't really know what to say. I think he was feeling the same things I was feeling. But he just said, "I love you Dad and I'm proud of you," so that meant a lot to me.
Do you think lack of screen time hurt you?
You know, that's been one of the big questions. [My family and friends] were all really disappointed that America didn't really get a chance to get any kind of background story or interviews, really get to know me as a person. Simon complained that I didn't stand out and all I could do was just laugh at that moment. You know, I don't want to be sour about it, I was just kind of disappointed. I felt like I have a lot to offer to the show.
Was Simon was too negative toward you?
It was hard to take, in a public platform like that, in front of so many people. During Hollywood Week, I had really great auditions and I got nothing but rave reviews. It felt like he just wasn't into me anymore. We can't take too much of that to heart. Once you get to the Top 24, it's not about them anymore. That's where my flaw was -- I tried to please them. You've just got to worry about your fans out there and who's voting.
Who were you closest to in the competition?
Michael Johns and I were probably the closest. We became really, really good friends. We were roommates from Hollywood Week, day one. Our personalities just really clicked; he's the funniest guy that I've ever met. He's a dedicated songwriter and musician, and especially a singer, and we just really encouraged each other. We always helped each other out with our song choices, giving each other advice and criticism. Gosh, I'm really gonna miss that guy a lot, and I hope he does really well.
