CELEB Q&A: 'Idol's' Iraheta brings rock edge to debut album

LOS ANGELES -- Allison Iraheta has come a long way since her awkward first interview with Ryan Seacrest.

The spunky 17-year-old singer, who stuttered and stammered when the "American Idol" host prodded her about school at the beginning of the eighth season, went on to win rave reviews from the judges throughout the competition, standing out early on with a rendition of Heart's "Alone" and leaving a lasting impression with her take on Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby."

Iraheta finished fourth on the Fox network show. Yet she still snagged a record deal with "Idol" label 19 Recordings and Jive Records. Her album, "Just Like You," was released Tuesday.

AP: It seems like yesterday we were at the finale, and now you have an album. How does it feel?

Allison Iraheta: I'm obviously excited, finally getting the album out. [It[']s] something I've been wanting to do for a very long time, just getting to work with awesome producers, doing songs that I can really relate to and just get out there, finally living the dream that I've always wanted to but never really thought I would.

AP: When you're only 17 and working with established producers and songwriters, how do you fight for your voice?

Iraheta: I think you have to come out strong and show them who you are as an artist. I think I've accomplished that. I pretty much let them know how I want to do this. They really helped me with that. It was all about getting the right songs for me.

AP: How would you describe your album?

Iraheta: It's definitely a pop record with a rock edge over it. There's just a variety of different sounds.

AP: What's your favorite song on the album?

Iraheta: "No One Else," the one that Pink and Kara [DioGuardi] wrote. ... It's just something that I really related to. I related to all of the songs but definitely that one the most. It's such a heartfelt song. You could pretty much dedicate that to anyone.

AP: How is your life different now after the tour and recording the album? Did you go back to school?

Iraheta: I'm still doing independent studies. It's a little hard. I'm trying to get it out of the way. My life is totally different. People know who I am now. Not only do people stare at me because of the redness in my hair, but they act like they know me, even if they don't remember my name.

-- Associated Press