Interview with American Idol Moms Megan and Lil

Two AI Finalists who are Setting an Example for Their Children

Aug 28, 2009

Suite101 met with Utah native Megan Joy and Memphis born Lil Rounds. Both are moms who had to leave their children in the care of family while they joined the AI tour.

On the afternoon of the live tour show, the ten finalists are kept busy, some meeting with fans waiting at the stage door and others speaking with the media. They all take part in a meet-and-greet session with corporate sponsors, do vocal warm-ups and finally, get show-ready in “hair and makeup.”

During the media hour in San Jose, CA, Megan was dressed casually for the interview and wore no makeup, but with her natural good looks, it wasn’t needed. Lil looked lovely in makeup and a flattering new hairstyle, a change from her shorter look seen during the season.

Describe the tour experience. Is it more or less rigorous than performing on the show?

Megan: “The tour is easier than the show, because now there is no pressure from the judging and we only have fans to please. I like to get up early to walk in each new city, and then hang out on the bus with the girls.”

Lil: “We are getting into a routine. It is such an honor to see people so excited and putting down their money to buy tickets. The shows have been sold out.”

Did you make it onto any TV talk shows after you left the show? Were you nervous about it?

Megan: “I was on Ellen, Regis and Kelly, Jay Leno, Jimmie Kimmel and the Today show.”

Note: When she appeared on Ellen, Megan further explained her statement made during the Idol show to judge Simon Cowell that she “didn’t care.” Cowell subsequently announced to the audience that he felt this statement would hurt her standing with voters. "He took it as meaning that I didn’t care what happened to me in the ratings, but what I meant was, that I didn’t care what Simon said in his critique of my song,"

Lil: “I liked being on the talk shows; I used each one as a learning experience for the next. It was a good opportunity for people to see us as a real person.”

What is your hope for the future when the tour is over?

Megan and Lil had similar answers to this question. They both want to record albums, do commercials, act in movies and model. They’ll consider any door that opens. Lil adds that Idol is a huge boost for her career and she hopes to record songs with her own flair.

Both women are fortunate to have close family looking after their children. Megan’s two year old boy in is good hands with her mom, assisted by a nanny.

Lil’s husband and family are helping with her 2, 4 and 5 year old kids. She said, “I hope to be a good example not only for my children, but for single mothers and everyone. Go for your dreams and never give up…the sky’s the limit!”

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