So how has life changed for this 22-year old? “Life has changed a lot since American Idol. I am getting a lot more recognition than I did before. Just today I was at the airport signing autographs. It was a lot of fun.” says Anoop. “I never had any concrete idea about all this even when I was studying. I was just busy getting my degree. But this is like a dream come true for me. I have always wanted to pursue music and be appreciated for it. I am pursuing my dream right now.”
The show, which is in its eighth season this year, saw the addition of another judge Kara DioGuardi and also a 13th finalist as opposed to the 12 finalists as was the format till last year. And the 13th and lucky finalist this year was Anoop who proved with his performances that he deserved to be there. And what was it like singing on the famous, much-envied American Idol stage? “Its just amazing standing on the American Idol stage and performing… an experience unlike any other I have had. It’s so nerve-racking and exciting!”
Anoop, having been born and brought up in the US, doesn’t have any qualms about admitting the fact that he considers himself an American first and not an Indian. In fact, he doesn’t even hesitate when he says that he isn’t as keyed into Bollywood. “At least not as much as the whole of India”, he laughs. “I have grown up listening to Indian music. My parents would listen to singers like Anup Jalota, Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar. So yeah, I have been influenced by those kinds of musical sensibilities. If I do come to India, however, I would like to sing my type of music there.” And what is his type of music? “Pop music, with a bit of R&B feel to it,” says this Michael Jackson fan who would love to collaborate with artists like Kanye West and M.I.A.
As a contestant on the show, Anoop was simple and minus any pompous airs. No over-the-top performances for him. He played to his strength - his voice. But did this simplicity and lack of flamboyance cost him his Idol title? “No, I don’t think so. But yeah, I could have done a better job performing on stage… I don’t think you need to be flamboyant on stage. But yes, I am trying to put in more energy into my performances.” The wonderful part about being a contestant is the opportunities it opens up for its participants, often life-altering ones. Does he plan to join Hollywood and try his hand at acting à la Jennifer Hudson? “Yes, it is an opportunity. However, music is my first avenue and I am happy pursuing it.”
Among the things that Anoop has to look forward to this year is the Idol Tour which will happen over the summer. “I am just excited to sing and perform on the stage. I am waiting to spend time with my friends,” says Anoop who counts the time spent with the other contestants backstage as one of the best moments of his journey. “I learnt a lot on how to better myself from them.”
So, what is he like on his day off? At the library…perhaps? “No, not the library for sure.” he laughs. “Maybe at a restaurant, having coffee, having a conversation. I am the kind of person who likes to be in the moment, enjoy the moment and appreciate it.”
