Savannah College of Art and Design alumnus and former member of SCAD’s performance ensemble the Honeybees, George Lovett (B.F.A., performing arts, 2011) recently sang his way to the Top 30 of “American Idol” Season 13. George is no stranger to Idol’s stage, having auditioned and made the show in Season 11. He told us between tapings that this time he's doing things differently. Read what George had to say about his new approach and pursuing a second degree in sound design. Then watch Idol on Wednesdays and Thursdays and vote for George.
Thread: What's your reaction to your success on Idol?
George Lovett: I've always imagined and dreamed of having success through “American Idol.” Now that I'm gaining that success slowly, it just goes to show that if you can dream it you can achieve it.
T: What are you doing differently this time around?
Last time I was too overwhelmed and was just having fun being around all the singers. This time around I'm focusing more on my artistry and on reaching the hearts of people at home watching.
T: How do you spend your days while you're competing on the show?
GL: Playing games on my phone. I try my hardest not to think about it too much because I get too in my mind. I want each performance to be raw in-the-moment emotion.
T: What's going through your mind when you perform and stand before the judges?
GL: I honestly never remember anything when I'm performing. I always say I feel like I'm elevating on a cloud. I try to do everything I can to make sure the judges have no reason to say “no” to me.
T: Of all the judges, who do you identify with the most?
I love watching Keith's reactions when I perform. They seem so authentic, as if he is really in the moment with me and appreciating my gift and not necessarily judging me.
T: How did SCAD's interdisciplinary environment prepare you to succeed on such a visible stage?
GL: SCAD showed me how to audition, how to be presentable to an audience, how to get into a lyric of a song, how to be subtle, how to work hard under pressure and how to take care of myself as a performer.
T: Why did you choose performing arts and then sound design as academic areas to pursue?
GL: I chose performing arts, obviously, because I love to sing, and I wanted to have as much practice and opportunity to stay active in the arts as possible. After I graduated, I realized that I wanted to record and make music. What better place to learn how to manipulate sound than at SCAD? I’ve had a lot of time to figure out my sound as a recording artist.
T: Anything else you'd like to share or for the SCAD community to know?
GL: Be as much of an individual as possible. As performance artists we try so hard to please and to fit in, when the things that make us so special are our differences and our singularity. The main thing is to believe in your dreams so much that people around you can't help but to believe with you. Then, in time, watch it become reality.
Thanks, George. It’s a pleasure watching your reality unfold.
Kimberly Lopez is the executive director of Career and Alumni Success at Savannah College of Art and Design. Her passion is helping students land their creative careers.
