Arts & Entertainment

Adam Brock Talks About 'American Idol' Experience, Pittsburgh Roots

The Washington County native said, 'Above and beyond all of it, you can't buy this kind of exposure.'

Washington County native with no regrets. He deservedly made it to the top 24, however—after one live-show performance—did not advance to the top 13.

During his last days in sunny L.A. with his family, Brock dished (in an exclusive phone interview) on his experience, his Pittsburgh roots and what's next for his career.

Patch: If you could sum up your American Idol experience in one word, what would it be?

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Brock: Roller coaster.

Patch: How was it working with Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson?

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Brock: They are incredible people. Jennifer and Steven are so personable. They go out of their way. Randy too, but those two especially. I never really followed Steven’s career too closely. He is very passionate about music. They were very encouraging and never negative. It was very nice working with them. They are fascinating people.

Patch: It seems like your group became a close-knit family. Do you think you made some of the best friends you’ll ever have?

Brock: Yes. Absolutely—some were in the bottom with me and some made the top 13. I’ll stay close with them forever. You go through so much in such a short amount of time together—you spend 24 hours a day with each other. You experience the most emotional highs and lows you can imagine. It bonds you to the point of family.

We all got along very well as a group. Aside from not continuing on the show, that’s probably the hardest part—the fact that you’re leaving newfound friends. That’s the thing. You wonder why—I got all positive feedback from the judges. You wonder, ‘Did I do something? Or not do something?’ One of the things I realized—in looking at the bottom 11 people—is that we are all artists that don’t really fit into a box very well—we all sing blended genres. Maybe that’s harder for Americans to latch onto.

Above and beyond all of it, you can’t buy this kind of exposure.

Patch: We saw that Terrible Towel on stage. What kind of response did you get from Steeler Nation?

Brock: I lost a few votes to Ravens fans [laughs]. I didn’t take the towel out for those that may not be Steelers fans—I took it out for those that are. There are Steelers bars all over the country and the world. That speaks a lot about Pittsburgh. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh and it’s a piece of me.

Patch: You garnered nearly 8,000 Facebook fans and 6,000 Twitter followers in a few short days—how does that feel?

Brock: It shows you what a big impact this show has. I went into this wondering who was going to be my fan base. I thought, ‘Where are all of these people going to come from?’ It’s affirming to me as an artist. I know my music is valid and relevant to a lot of people.

Patch: How about that ? And, how did that nickname originate?

Brock: It was very cool to see them support me in that way. I grew up going there as a little kid. I am sort of the king of spur-of-the-moment—it just popped into my head. I’ve always been told I’m a very vocal person. The highest compliment is when people come up to me and say, ‘You do not sound like a 27-year-old white boy.’

Patch: What’s next for you?

Brock: This might just mean better gigs in Washington and Pittsburgh, but I would love to have a record label. I’d love to sing the national anthem at a Steelers game. I’m returning to my position as creative arts pastor at Central Assembly of God in Houston, PA, as well as directing Trinity High School’s musical.

I always said if I can make my living supporting my wife and daughter with my voice, that’s my ultimate dream. I know God has something up his sleeve. I don’t believe I was on the show for nothing. It was the right time and the right place. I’m looking forward to the next chapter.

Are you one of Adam Brock's "Brockstar" fans? Did he have your vote? What do you hope he does next? Tell us in the comments.

This article originally was published in Peters Patch.


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