Jim Verraros

Jim: There's something about salsa and Latin music that is so addictive and makes you want to dance. There's a lot of sexual energy that comes from songs like that. Again, it's just me trying to stand out from the crowd, as far as Idols are concerned. I think a lot of reviewers have said things about Idols still coming into their own or trying to find their voice. I think that I, as a musician, cannot be boxed into one genre. I'm influenced by so many different people, ranging from Tina Turner to Janet Jackson to George Michael.

Jim: I needed to be true to myself and embrace the reality that people are just people, and no one should ever be judged based on their sexuality. I knew of the risks associated within the music community for being true to my fans and myself. But, this disclosure does not define me, my music, or my career, as I am a human being first and foremost.

Jim (on his film 'Eating Out'): Eating Out is a college comedy, similar to that of American Pie. It's about a guy who has to play gay to get the girl he wants. I play Kyle, who is a gay musician who lusts after Marc, played by Desperate Housewives' Ryan Carnes. He's the guy who isn't so attractive, kind of nerdy, but vulnerable.

Jim (about going on the American Idol Top 10 tour): We did a 30 city tour in 40 days. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I was able to interact with the crowd in ways I couldn't on the show. The crowd definitely saw a different side of us rather than what just the cameras showed. The crowd was really responsive, and had a great time.

Jim (on how he came up with his second album's title): "Rollercoaster" is just a one-word description that encompasses my life before Idol, after Idol, and present-time. It's been a time of ups and downs, twists and turns...very unstable. It also describes the album as well. There are high points, low points...and I felt as though "Rollercoaster," was the word to truly define my life and music.

Jim (on having parents with a disability): Yes, both of my parents are deaf. They weren't born deaf; both had contracted German Measles at six weeks old. And their loss of hearing was a result of high fevers. I grew up fluent in sign language and was given an enormous amount of responsibility at a very young age. It allowed me to be very close to adults, rather than children my own age.