In just two days a new American Idol champ will be crowned. Many are hoping to hear Ryan Seacrest call Phillip Phillips name when the Idol title winner is announced.
We came close last year. Good Day's Karen Graham caught up with season 10 runner-up and Rossville native Lauren Alaina who had wise words of advice for Phillips.
For someone who didn't win American Idol, Alaina is doing just fine touring the country singing in front of sold out crowds. But before all the tours, Alaina says it was six months on American Idol that prepared her for the reality of being a big star.
"While I was doing it I was just trying to do my best. I didn't really think about everything, all the doors it was going to open for me and then it did and it's really awesome. It's really just a platform to launch your career. At that point I had gotten at least one foot in the door and if I worked hard enough that I could just, you know, just rise up from there," said Alaina.
Now here we are a year later and another Georgia native is standing right where Alaina stood -- as a finalist on American Idol. Alaina says she knows first hand what Phillip Phillips is feeling right now. Alaina says it's "scary."
And Alaina says win or lose, Phillip Phillips is now a household name.
"At that point you can't get anymore publicity, you know. You make it to the last show and that's what you're there for is to get your name out there," said Alaina.
Alaina says at heart she's still little Lauren Alaina from Rossville, Georgia, who just happens to be living out her dreams. Her advice to Phillips if he wins the Idol title -- stay true to himself, his music and his unique style. Don't let the industry try to change him.
What if Phillip Phillips doesn't win?
"I didn't win and I'm on tour with Jason Aldean and I get to do what I love every single day. It hasn't stopped me or slowed me down. So if he doesn't win he'll be just fine. I know he will be," said Alaina.
A concert in Atlanta was Alaina's last stop with Jason Aldean and the "My Kinda of Party" tour. She's now joined Sugarland for their 27-city tour. So if you missed her, you can check her out on July 28 in Valdosta, Georgia.
Lauren Alaina
