Q&A with ‘Idol’ Contestant Kristi Krause

Teen singer Kristi Krause struck gold yet again on the hit competition show American Idol, grabbing a golden ticket to the Hollywood round at her San Diego audition for the second year in a row. 

Last year, it was the 18-year-old's performance of the late that earned her a spot in the next round. This year, she took on Summertime by Ella Fitzgerald.

In last season’s competition, Hollywood was the graduate’s last stop. How far will she go this year?

Krause took a few minutes to talk with Patch about Idol, her quest to become a singer and some of her biggest music influences, including James, Adele and Mount Carmel High School grad Adam Lambert.

The San Diego auditions, , re-air on FOX at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24.

Patch: What was your reaction to the recent death of legendary singer Etta James, who’ve you said was a big influence for you?

Oh my gosh. My grandma sent me an article a long time ago (about James having cancer). I kind of knew it was happening. It was really hard. She’s actually one of my biggest influences in music. When I heard about it I was really sad because she was an amazing icon (in the) jazz scene. She really influenced me a lot. I know that the music will long live. She was an amazing singer.

Patch: How did you get the courage to come try out again after being ?

I find it was a great experience and also that it was in San Diego. I was like I might as well. Just do it for the ride and I got farther this year. It was just, you learn so much.

Patch: What lessons did you learn from Idol last year that you used to help you this time?

I think that what I learned last year that has helped me for this year is to just relax and go through the ride and not be stressed out. Going through it once, I kind of understood how the process works, what was going on. I think that helped me push forward.

Patch: How was your and did it help you at all with American Idol?

It was so fun. Amazing opportunity to get up on stage and sing. That definitely helps. I think getting any time on stage helps you, no matter what the crowd is. I think doing RB Idol was a great opportunity for that.

Patch: You sang Adele’s Rolling in the Deep at the . Would you say she has the same style as you?

I am such a huge fan of Adele and I kind of think her style fits me, but I think it's important (to define your own style). I would say that Adele is one of my influences, but I can relate to her style.

Patch: What have you been up to since competing on Idol last year?

This is my second semester at Palomar College. ... 110 percent focused on my music right now. I’ve been playing at every week in La Jolla, done some shows in the past at , doing some coffee houses. I’m really expanding my horizon. ... It’s my dream.

Patch: In your American Idol , you talk about former Idol contestant . What inspires you so much about him? And have you ever met him or spoken to him?

I think that what inspires me about Adam Lambert is he was his own artist. He was so talented. ... Every single performance that he did, I was never bored.

I’ve never actually spoken to him. He went to Mount Carmel (High School) right near my house. That would be pretty cool. He’s so talented. He was the best.

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