"I Will Not Stop Being Me," An Interview With Brenna Gethers

Anyone who has been following VFTW this season knows that our very favorite contestant was the amazing Brenna Gethers. Brenna wasn't the worst singer on the show, but we loved her because she wasn't afraid to be herself when the other Idol hopefuls were kissing butt to advance to the next round. Her spirit and personality shined through, and we were sad to see her leave us way too soon in the top 20 results show. Brenna found out what huge fans we are and agreed to sit down for a great interview for the website.

VFTW: Did you go into the show thinking that you were out to make good TV?

Brenna: Initially went into the show thinking it was just a singing competition, however when I saw how the show was crafted, I was ready to make good TV.

VFTW: Those of us at the VFTW website almost elevate our favorite contestants to cult love status, and I'm sure we'll still be talking about you for years to come. How does it feel to have so many people who are now huge fans of yourself and your music who look at you as an influential figure?

Brenna: I am very grateful for my fans! I love them all! It is an honor to have people that are genuinely interested in my music and in my well being. THANKS VFTW FANS...keep those boards filled with your ideas and opinions.

VFTW: How accurate do you think your portrayal on the show was? Were you playing up your personality for the cameras or did we see the real Brenna?

Brenna: Brenna Gethers is not just a one dimensional person, however that is how I was portrayed on the show. Reality shows craft the "reality" they wanted the viewers to see and know. I did not understand this until I participated in this show. I am naturally full of energy and competitive and for the producers of the show that equaled ratings which equaled dollars. I do keep it real, and for some people real was really uncomfortable, but I will not stop being me.

VFTW: We didn't get to see you until your famous "bling bling and shine on" quote in the Hollywood rounds. What song did you audition with and how did the judges respond?

Brenna: They held me back honey. I think the show knew once I was on the screen, others would be eclipsed. By the time I said that quote, I had been through several rounds of American Idol. When I auditioned for the judges, I sang The Drifters 1960’s classic "Up On the Roof."

VFTW: Was it hard working with your Hollywood group? Marcy seemed like a pain in the butt who just complained about you every chance she got.

Brenna: LOL...I wish I could tell you everything that happened in Hollywood. I don't mind working in a group, but I think one of the twins said it best, "This is why I don't do groups." LOL…Marcy who? I know that name sounds familiar but who is she again, j/k.

VFTW: Was there anything that happened in the Hollywood rounds that you wish they had shown on TV?

Brenna: I really enjoyed the Hollywood rounds. Until that point, I had never been to California, so although I was on business, I was seeing new things everyday. It was great! However, I wish they would have aired me singing Al Green's, "Let's Stay Together." I ripped that song, and did it like no one else! In another round, I gave Simon a stern talking to, however I think that would have embarrassed him if they showed that, it was funny.

VFTW: Did you have any other songs that you wanted to sing if you had made it to the next round, and did you have any songs that you couldn't get cleared that you wanted to sing?

Brenna: I was torn between singing Aerosmith and Donna Summer, however I am not a rocker or a disco queen. I wish I could have the chance to sing some Mary J. Blige; I really enjoy her music.

VFTW: During a few of the performances during the top 24 show, you were in the background making faces when some of the contestants would hit bad notes, and I was making those same faces while watching at home. Were you reacting to the fact that those contestants (Stevie Scott and Kinnik) were incredibly off key, or was it a misunderstanding because you were into the music?

Brenna: LOL..I am glad someone had the "balls" to ask me that. Actually, I feel music. I listen and feel it. I actually wasn't making nasty faces, I was getting funky with the music, and when I like something it's hard for me to hide how I feel.

VFTW: Had you heard of votefortheworst.com prior to going on the show? While you were on the show, did you know that you were our favorite, and do you know if the contestants on the show ever talked about the website?

Brenna: Well I had never heard of this website prior to the show. I really didn't go online when I was on the show, there was barely enough time to just relax. I might have heard the website's name tossed around once or twice. So I know other contestants have heard about your site.

VFTW: Did the producers of the show ever address the fansites? Did they ever tell you to avoid reading the message boards or give you any rules regarding what you could do on the internet?

Brenna: Well...because gossip can be so harmful and hurtful, it was common knowledge to stay away.

VFTW: Being that you were eliminated in the top 20, what kind of contract did you have to sign with the show? Are you limited from doing certain things after the show?

Brenna: I did have to sign a contract, as with any reality show you see on TV. That is how a show controls what will be offered to the viewing audience. The show wants you to buy the CD of the next American Idol, not your favorite artist from the show. That has not been stopping me from the opportunities I have been receiving. I can't get into how long I am contractually obligated, hopefully I wont have I won't have a head of gray hair by the time I am released from it.

VFTW: Paris Bennett said in an interview that she did a happy dance when you were eliminated from the competition because she really didn't like you. Of course, those were fighting words for us, and Paris became VFTW enemy number one. Had you heard about this and what is your reaction?

Brenna: Your montage put it eloquently [Dave's note: In the Brenna Gethers montage that we made, we referred to Paris as a "dumb bitch"]. In a song I wrote, entitled Coal To My Diamond, I address that issue. Honestly, she is a little kid, she's 17, and I am a grown woman. My play dates ended in the 1980's.

VFTW: In many articles, I read about the tragedy that struck your family when you were younger, losing two fathers during your childhood. I think it's awesome that you're such a strong person to be able to get through something like that, and were you at all annoyed that the show played up certain contestant's backstories (such as Kellie Pickler's father in jail) while ignoring that you didn't have such an easy life yourself?

Brenna: The show is called American Idol, which is supposed to be based on singing ability. I was not willing to or cry my way to the top or into any positions for some money. I cannot and will not do that. Pity is a strong tool, and I witnessed people do things for money that I would never consider. I could have come out with that information, or even the fact that my grandmother was dying from liver cancer (she passed away a week after I was eliminated), I chose not to. Everyone has a story. My story is not more painful than yours, pain is pain. Why focus on the pain? Why not live?

VFTW: In some post-show interviews, you talked about the fact that you're a religious person, and I read that you were a member of the church choir. Does religion play a large part in your life?

Brenna: Religion doesn’t play so much of a big part in my life as my relationship with God, and there is a difference. I am grateful that He is in my life. Without Him, nothing is possible, but with Him ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. Life is more fruitful with Him.

VFTW: I also read in an article that you were an honor student, a member of the chess club, and a black belt in karate. If you could sit down with the 3 judges and challenge one to a chess match, one to a spelling bee, and one to a karate match, which judge would you pick for each and why?

Brenna: What a great question! Hmmm…I would challenge Simon to the chess match, because I would like to see if he really can predict the future, like he does on the show. I would challenge Paula to a spelling bee; something tells me that I would win that competition hands down. Lastly, I would challenge Randy to a karate match; I want to see how fast he can move. Wouldn’t you like to see him in karate gear?

VFTW: Do you feel that American Idol's voting process is fair and that all of the votes are counted?

Brenna: I will have to answer this one like the former president of the United States, Bill Clinton: that depends on what your definition of fair is.

VFTW: What are your future plans in the entertainment industry, and will we be seeing a Brenna Gethers album in the future?

Brenna: I am currently recording two albums, a gospel compilation and my own album. I have been approached for films, theatre, and other projects. I have some important meetings lined up. Keep your fingers and toes crossed!

VFTW: Was there any other backstage drama that we would be surprised to learn about?

Brenna: People will do some nasty, compromising, and crazy things to become famous. I’ll keep it at that.

VFTW: What was your favorite moment of the entire process?

Brenna: I actually have two favorite moments. The first was the Top 24 selection. Hearing Simon Cowell say that I was selected was great. I was validated as a good singer then, and that can never be taken away. The second more infamous moment was Last Dance Encore. In my heart of hearts, I knew it was my night to go, but I didn’t practice my song at all. I like the way I spiced it up by adding, “America Let’s Make Some Money.” HA!!! Hope that makes the DVD.

VFTW: Is there a message you'd like to send to your fans who love you?

Brenna: Thanks to all my fans out there who have supported me from day one. Without you guys, I would not be in the position I am in now. I want each and everyone to know that you can follow your dreams. It can be scary and tough, but it is worth it. Keep God first and anything is possible. Lastly, never give up on your dreams its true, because if you have a plan it’s easy to do, and if haters want to hate, let them hate on you, because haters are the fuel for your renewal! P.S. Did you guys really think I was the worst? MUCH LOVE!

Thanks again, Brenna, and we wish you lots of luck in the future. We can't wait to pick up your albums and to see what you'll be doing next! We're keeping those fingers and toes crossed.