Idol Chatter: Q & A With Chris Bandi

graduate and Chesterfield native Chris Bandi, a singer before getting eliminated, is back in the area for a few weeks before continuing on his musical journey. 

In case you've missed it, has played out and plans to keep on doing it after Tuesday's final performance show. In this "E-Interview", he answered questions about what his life has been like post-Idol, who he thinks should win, and what's next for him.

Q. How has your life as a musician been different since making it to the 'Hollywood Round' of American Idol?

Bandi: Life after Idol has been awesome. I met some amazing people out there who are all trying to do what I do, which is make music. So, I’ve been in touch with a number of them whether it be to play shows or help writing songs. But, aside from the people I’ve met, being one who made it to Hollywood for American Idol really gave me the faith and confidence in myself necessary to keep pushing to actually following my dream.

Q: Are you surprised at who's left in the finals?

Bandi: I was not surprised with the top three but I’m very surprised with who is still standing. I thought it would be Phillip and Joshua battling it out for the crown but I guess America and I will just have to agree to disagree.

Q: Your pick to win and why?

Bandi: I think Phillip Phillips will take home the title! He’s been amazing every week and hasn’t seen the bottom three once whereas Jessica would have been sent home earlier in the season had the save not been used.

Q: 'Idol' has slipped as far as television ratings go. Do you think it’s the show, or just the expansion of talent-themed shows like 'X Factor', 'America's Got Talent', 'Duets'?

Bandi: I feel that people are just getting tired of watching the show! I can’t begin to count the facebook statuses I’ve seen saying, “So and so got kicked off…I’m never watching American Idol again” and things along those lines. So people get frustrated or tired of seeing the same thing every season which is a shame because I think the talent gets better and better each year.

Q: Reports are circulating that Jennifer Lopez will leave Idol after this season. What did you think of her as a judge and who would you pick to replace her?

Bandi: I thought Jennifer was great on the show and not to mention she is GORGEOUS. In my audition she told me there was something about me that she liked so I guess I dropped the ball when I didn’t get her number! I couldn’t even begin to think of who could be next in line for an Idol judge!

Q: What's next for you?
Bandi: I'm going to be in the Missouri area for a couple of weeks and I have a few shows in Illinois before I head down to Nashville, TN at the beginning of June. I’ll be spending my summer there writing, trying to find a few songs and hopefully getting in the studio to record. It’s going to be a lot of hard work but when I’m done I’ll have something that I’m going to be proud of and hopefully everyone out there will love! To stay up to date with where I am or where I'll be follow me on facebook at Chris Bandi Music or on my sitewww.chrisbandi.com