Does she look a bit familiar to you? If so, maybe you are a fan of the American Idol reality series where, in it's second season, Jesse Lee made it into the role of finalist. All who see this young rising star perform agree that she has the skills to make it to the top with her enthusiasm and energy that is seldom seen in young performers today. Jesse Lee is on her way to the spotlight, she will soon leave behind the "Opening Act" status. 

Jesse Lee has the ability to not only light up a room, she also mesmerizes many of the "Star" caliber performers and writers who see her. On her debut indie CD "Room To Breath" , Jesse Lee has already proven she is on her way. The young country singer has already co-written songs with such names as Don Goodman and Chris Anderson (Blackhawk). Well on her way, I for one am so glad I got to hear this future star from the beginning. I can't wait to see and hear what comes next for Jesse Lee. 

To purchase her debut CD at CDBaby, click the CDBaby logo 

I don't know about you, but I always like to see what performers and artists think about various subjects. I just have to know what makes their world go 'round, what makes them "tick" so to speak. Lately I had the opportunity to ask a rising star, Jesse Lee, a few questions and try to get inside her young mind. For such a young lady I do have to tell you it really seems like this girl has got her .....stuff...... together. Head not too high in the clouds, and feet firmly planted on terra firma. The following is the result of the conversation! This was a welcome surprise of an interview as Jesse Lee has, it seems, at times more going for her than some artists who have been around much longer.

Rikk: Jesse, welcome, and thanks for talking. First thing that I was wondering is, since you were an American Idol finalist, How would you say the competition changed things for you ?

Jesse: I was one of the 200 finalist to be flown to Hollywood after competing in 3 audition rounds along with 50,000 other hopefuls from around the country. It was a great experience because I got to really see first hand the competition, the great talent, and meet a few lifelong friends who share the same passion as I. I can't say that I would try out for a contest like this again because at the end it wasn't only about talent, and Simon told me that he doesn't like country music."There are too many words" Can you believe he said that? I have a very clear direction now and the contests can be very distracting.

Rick: In what point in your young life did you first realize you really wanted to pursue a career in music, and has it so far been worth the effort?

Jesse: I had always been a performer! I was born for the stage, but knew that I wanted to make singing my profession and life at about age 10. Since that day, every audition, performance, and of course every let down has no doubt taught me something, and has shaped me to become the person and artist I am today.

Rikk: There are always memorable moments in everyone's life,  Tell me some of the most memorable events or happenings (comical or Inspirational) so far in your young career.

Jesse: Wow...good question. I've had so many incredible and memorable events and moments that it's hard to pick just one or even remember them all. I could tell you one of the most memorable moments in my career that should have a caption over it saying, "Most Embarrassing moment!" haha... I was 11 years old singing the National Anthem for the Giants baseball game in San Francisco where we were then living. It was my first time in front of such a huge audience; 16,000. So I begin my song, started off great....and then the slip up happened. I forgot the words! I was mortified, the crowd was cheering so loudly I couldn't collect my thoughts until finally I started back into the song and ended it perfectly. That day has forever haunted me, but since then I have sung that song from start to finish! Another memorable event which I believe really sparked my career was going to Shania Twain's concert. It was unbelievable, we had 5th row center seats where I could watch her every move. Still to this day, that had to be my favorite and the most electrifying concert I've ever been to. During one of her songs she pulled up on stage a young girl about my age (I was 11 at the time) and that girl sang the song along with Shania. My parents looked over at me and saw tears streaming down my face and my Mom was like, "Honey what's wrong!" And I said, "I want to be up there." And we all kinda laughed. But that was really the point when I knew more than anything that I wanted to be on a big stage singing my heart out to all those people.

Rikk: A question I really never thought I would ask, until I did it once and got a great response, so I'll ask you, In 5 years time where do you see Jesse Lee and your career?

Jesse:  I think, I hope (fingers crossed!) that I will be signed to a label, have cut a record, and already have two number 1 singles (or at least top 10). Five years is a long time period when your only 17. That's close to 1/3 of my life. I'll be 22 years old and have that much more experience under my belt.

Rikk: Different artists have different approaches to songwriting, I interviewed an artist once and he told me songwriting to him was like pulling teeth, because he was a perfectionist. How would you say you approach it, and does it come easily or tough to you?

Jesse: Well, when I write, I like working with other writers, usually one or two.  So it completely depends. Gosh...sometimes lyrics or a melody can come spilling out of your mouth but other times you just sit there exchanging glances with your writing partner hoping that they'll break the silence and say something remarkable! It really all comes down to whether you have chemistry with the person that your co-writing with or whether your just on that day.

Rikk: Some great things have happened to you already musically, can you tell me a few of the high points thus far in your career?

Jesse: Well, I'm so lucky that I've been able to go into the studio and cut and work on so many different songs. When you sing for the whole day and then go into the sound both to listen and you like what you hear, a smile just sneaks on your face and you're like, "Wow, O.K is this really me? It sounds kinda good!" I'm very proud of my CD Room to Breathe, which if I may mention had such a good ring to it that Reba then titled her new album with the same name! I couldn't believe it, mine had been done for six months and then I see Reba's new album appear in the store with the same title! She's a woman of good taste, what can I say?

Rikk: You have a voice that really grasps your perception of country music, who would you list as some of the main influences on you and your music, past and present.

Jesse: I really wouldn't say that I have had many vocal influences. I've always listened to all kinds of music and really have tried to vocally set
myself apart. It's always best when people ask, "Who do you sound like?" And I can say, I believe my voice is unique, I don't sound like anyone". Now, as far as artists go and the performance side of thing, I've always loved and looked up
to Garth Brooks and Shania Twain. It's amazing how those two can just step on stage and command the audience.

Rikk: You have already shared the stage with some pretty amazing talents. Who has it been the biggest thrill for you to open for or perform with?

Jesse: Well, I've been very fortunate and blessed with wonderful parents who help me with every aspect of my career. Whether it be sending out fan mail, listening to me sing new material in my bedroom, or book me for important gigs. The three of us make an awesome team and we actually call it, TEAM JESSE LEE.  But anyway, so my dad has been managing me and doing all the bookings for all of these great big great concerts I'm able to sing in. My two favorite of those I would have to say would be opening for Willie Nelson and opening for a concert in California, with a long lineup but among them, Clay Walker. That concert had about 12,000 people and I only got to sing 3 songs-but from those three, I got such an amazing crowd response that I signed autographs and sold CD's for 6 hours! It was unbelievable!

Rikk: Young performers always have to make sacrifices in their personal life. What would you say is the hardest thing about a  life in music, and are there any things you feel you may have missed out on because of your aspirations or what do you think are some of the biggest sacrifices you've had to make so far?

Jesse: I would never say that I have missed out on anything. I think that if I felt that I was missing out on something, or making sacrifices than I would put my music career on hold. Rikk, I can't imagine what else I would rather be doing. So if I missed a bunch of parties because I had a concert that night or the next day, it didn't bother me at all. I wasn't missing out because they are both something I wanted to do, just one was more important and I decided what that was when I was eleven. I am home schooled now and love it. I went to a public school of the arts for most of high school but because I traveled a lot to Nashville I was missing too much school. I am glad that I can say that I will never be one of those people saying, "I'm sorry that I didn't have much of a childhood with more fun". I've had an amazing life and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm a happy camper!

Rikk: If you had to give some advice to other young artists who want a career or life in music what would you tell them ?

Jesse: I'm still pretty young. Ask me again in 10 years! I'm sure I'll have a whole list of things! For those other artists who would also like this career, I'd say that it's not all glamorous and easy. I used to think, "OK how hard could it really be to be famous? It seemed like a sinch for everyone who got there." I couldn't have been more wrong. The music business is tough, cut throat, and a long haul. But if you're in it because you love it and you're willing to work hard to get where you want to be, good things can happen.

Rikk: Do you think following your dreams in music has been worth the time spent so far?

Jesse: Oh, Yes! I love what I do, and it's great to bring music to people. Of
course sometimes when I'm let down with certain things I think differently. But who doesn't? but I'm a positive person, I stay focused on my goal, and then I bounce right back into the game.

Rikk: I know it's hard, but if you were asked to pick three songs that in your opinion would sum up what you would like to accomplish in music, what would they be?

Jesse: Ahhhh, hard is an understatement! Impossible more like it! Hmmmm.... I'm going to interpret this question as if you were asking me, if I could pick 3 songs that I wish I had been the artist or writer of...that would probably be, I Will Always Love You, I Can't Make You Love Me, and Heart is a Lonely Hunter.

Rikk: Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans, and future fans? 

Jesse: This interview has been fun, and making music for all of you, as well as writing songs that you sing with me Is so incredible. A very big thank you for supporting me all these years! I feel like we're all in this together... and I know that we're close! So keep lovin' the music and thanks so much again! Oh and if you don't already have a copy of Room to Breathe, and heck even if you do, buy another one! Thanks again, you guys are the best!!!