Q: Who was your favorite mentor on the show?

A: Jamie Foxx. He just made the atmosphere really light and fun.

Q: What was it that you saw (judges) Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell doing Tuesday that they wouldn't show on camera?

A: He was suffocating her. He had his hand on her mouth and she said she couldn't breathe. It was the funniest thing. They were wrestling on the chair.

Q: When you go out on the Idols Live tour, how do you envision it being like?

A: Good, without a doubt. I want to show (fans) a side I couldn't (on the show). I'll have my guard down. I'm excited for that.

Q: Last night, did you still feel like it was up in the air?

A: I knew it was it for me. I wanted to go for the gold, just like they did. But it didn't work out that way. I'm a competitor by nature. I gave it what I gave it. Would I have done things differently? Absolutely. But I don't regret anything. Not only did I keep my head up, but I … saw strength in me that I never knew I had.

Q: What did Simon say to you afterward?

A: He said, "You are a phenomenal singer, but these things happen. You are one heck of a singer." He said some really nice things. I'm just glad I had the opportunity to sing in front of these judges.

Q: It looked like you wanted (last) night to be over.

A: I did. I don't want all the drama. I just didn't want my heart … (He pauses.) If it was going to be a disappointment, I just thought, "Let's just do it. Let's just move on."

Q: When the tour's over, what are we going to see from you?

A: I want to grow this foundation (Sophia's Heart Foundation, which he founded in memory of his late wife). It's the legacy of my life and my wife. I want to come out with a line of glasses and have the glasses promote the foundation.

Q: How did you feel Tuesday night when Simon was making a clear plea to vote for Adam?

A: It doesn't make me mad or disappoint me. That's who he believes is going to make money. I didn't get into this thing for the money. I didn't get into it for the glamorous lifestyle. But I feel like my goal is so different and it didn't line up with what they see as a pop star. But it's OK. It can't be what I'm about. People can get annoyed by it.

Q: You seemed a little shaken during that (duet) performance (with Kris the previous week).

A: I felt like I didn't know my lyrics. It was just a weird night. The night definitely wasn't in my favor.

Q: You've been said to be a black man in a white woman's body.

A: (Laughs) I'm a jokester. To enjoy life, I just laugh.

Q: Did you realize how big the town support was when you got home?

A: There was an official count, actually. The count came up to 25,300, some odd number. I was blown away, and at the same time, not. Milwaukee has so much to offer. It has a representation of being a beer and cheese city, but I just love it.

Q: How many pairs of glasses do you have now?

A: I started the season with 15, and now I have 50 or more.

Q: Were you surprised that you outlasted Allison (in Rock Week)?

A: Throughout the show, I was surprised that I kept going. Everyone in the world can see she's a rocker. But it just goes to show what support I have, and hopefully when I put out a CD, that'll show.

Q: Have you thought of an alternative career as an eyeglasses model?

A: I would love (that). I hope I made glasses cool for kids. That's the word I heard on the street — that kids got excited about wearing glasses again.

Q: Do you know how close the vote tally was last night? Did you hear any rumors of how close it was?

A: I just know it was neck-and-neck. I believe it was — that's all I can say. Or I hope.