‘American Idol’ finalist and founder of SongSight The world got to know you as a contestant on the eighth season of “American Idol.” Looking back, what was that experience like? […]

1. You recently opened Luna by Giada at the new Caesars Republic Scottsdale. Why did you decide to be part of the project? Scottsdale is a great market. My cookbooks […]

1. How does a performance artist, comedian and actor become an artist-in-residence at ASU? Well, truth be told, ASU Gammage and I have been dating for a while. Back in […]

1. How did you become a fashion designer? Early on, I would reimagine what I would see celebrities wearing. I would sit with a sketchpad and reimagine what I would […]

1. You started piano lessons as a young boy. Whose choice was that? My family wasn’t musical, and they weren’t sure what to do with me. They thought, well, he […]

1. What was your “aha” moment when you realized you were meant to be a performer?   I was 7 years old and given a solo in the kids’ church […]

Phoenix Mercury guard  You’re from Columbia, Mo. How different is it living in the Valley?  I never knew I would miss the color green so much! But there’s a huge […]

Rock star and philanthropist You’re 74 and still rocking strong. Any tips to share? I got sober 40 years ago, and I never smoked cigarettes. That has a lot to […]

Describe the journey from being a contestant on a reality cooking show to becoming a culinary media star. When I was on “Top Chef,” I did it as a personal […]

Tell us about your show coming to Arizona Musicfest in January. This is the same show I often do with symphony orchestras —a celebration of theater, music and life stories. […]