Are you finding that you and Clay have a lot in common?
The other day (we were) talking about how we can be onstage singing, and through the show you can be thinking of something totally different than the song. I could be thinking about dinner that night, or just anything.

What about any pet peeves? You're in pretty close quarters.
Clay likes to find whatever pushes your buttons and run with it until he gets knocked down. We'll be having a discussion and he'll take the devil's advocate part and it will press my buttons.

Are you getting the celebrity treatment on tour?
Well, people try and I won't let them. They try and carry my stuff and put it in my room, but I try to keep it as low-key as possible and make everyone comfortable. I'm just not really into it.

But what about onstage? Do you go for the full star wardrobe?
I do my own style. I like to keep things simple. My ritual of getting up every day is I wake up on the bus, I'll slip my contacts in, I'll put the makeup and hair on with my makeup artist, then I'll put my jeans and shirt on and go onstage.

Any other rituals?
I just pray to God that everything goes according to His plan. Other than that, I am not real superstitious or anything.

So what's next for you?
I am already planning the second CD. I've already written most of it, I'm working with a couple of producers right now. I plan on having (it) out at the end of this year.

Finally, any advice for this season's American Idol finalists?
Be yourself and have fun. Pick great songs, as song choice is everything.