Homeward bound: But Taunton native Nick Pedro refuses to slam ‘Idol’
By Lauren Beckham Falcone/ Television
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Simon Cowell said he lacks charisma, but ousted “American Idol” contestant Nick Pedro is a class act.
Despite good reviews from the judges for his performance of “Fever,” the 25-year-old Taunton native was sent packing Thursday, something Cowell blamed on his personality. Pedro refused to bite back.
“I just wanted to seem very appreciative,” he said during a telephone interview yesterday from Hollywood before boarding a plane for Boston. “I wanted to leave the show with honor. I can understand how people are taken aback, and you kind of want to say harsh things.”
There’s been a petulant attitude running amok at “Idol,” with some contestants rolling their eyes at the judges and challenging their criticism. But Pedro would have no part of it.
“I wanted to be like an American idol,” he said. “I want to be someone kids can emulate and be a good role model, because that’s lacking in the entertainment business.”
Pedro, a local favorite who made it to the Hollywood rounds last season before quitting, tried out again this year and landed a spot in the Top 20, a feat of which he’s still proud.
“I made it down to the Top 20 over 100,000 contestants,” he said. “It’s very satisfying. It was bittersweet. I’m bummed to go home. I really hope it’s not the end of things. But I would never trade the experience for the world.”
Pedro was as surprised as his fellow contestants that he was voted off and still isn’t sure why.
“Maybe they assumed I was safe because the judges said good things. Who knows?” he said.
Pedro, who earned a reputation as the season’s crooner, fared better with the judges than several of his fellow contestants, but he doesn’t think he’s better than anyone else on the show.
“All of us on that show have a great degree of talent for singing,” the ex-salesman said. “I am just honored to share a stage with them. One day I might be able to say to my kids, ‘Hey, Daddy was on stage with that guy back in the day.’ There are great voices on this show.”
Though Pedro wanted to stick around Hollywood for the whole season, he’s looking forward to being home.
“I can’t wait to see my family, my sister and mom, and friends,” he said. “I haven’t seen anyone in over a month, and before that, it was limited. And I really want some home cooking, some good Portuguese food.”
One more thing.
“If someone reads this, I’m still pursuing a musical career,” he said. “I want to make an album.”
http://www.americanidolrumors.com/american_idol_season_6/american_idol_news/nick_pedro.html
