American Idol alum Jon Peter Lewis (a.k.a. JPL) is best known for finishing in the top ten of Season 3, which included instant stars like Diana DeGarmo, Jennifer Hudson, and Fantasia Barrino. While other Idols immediately jumped at any record deal that came along, Lewis decided to take a step back and figure out who he wanted to be as an artist. Although you may have wondered where’s he’s been the past seven years, Lewis has had a successful career flying under the radar of mainstream music.
In 2006, Lewis released Stories from Hollywood, making Idol history as the first Idol finalist to independently release an album of original songs. Two years later, he released his second full-length album, Break the Silence, immediately receiving stellar reviews from Billboard Magazine, People Magazine, and USA Today. Lewis’ brilliantly written title track entered the top 30 charts on Hot AC radio and in November 2008 was 1 of only 50 songs pre-programmed into all of the new iPhones on display at Apple Stores and AT&T stores across the country.
Last year, Lewis decided to branch out and create the Internet show American Nobody. The witty and satirical show pokes fun at American Idol, the music industry, and pop culture. The show has been a huge success with critics and the Los Angeles Times even called it “the most brilliant and biting satire of Idoldom ever written.”
From the beginning of our interview, Lewis came across as confident, yet he still had a hesitant shyness about him as well. There’s an interesting moment where he admits that he doesn’t want to be a superstar but an artist who creates quality music. My initial reaction was to call his bluff but the more I dug deeper, I realized he was sincere. He would rather have a faithful and loyal audience rather than try to appease mainstream fans who eagerly await the next throw away radio pop song.
There’s a mystery surrounding Jon Peter Lewis and I like it. He’s not afraid to be himself and will not compromise to be a product of the industry. Unlike other American Idol contestants, Lewis took matters into his own hands and created the career which he felt was appropriate for himself and his brand. He saw an amazing opportunity and ran with it…on his terms.
| Posted by Josh on March 5, 2010 @ 7:13 PM |  |
the interview is like U said, very interesting. Jon shows us the differents ways that he exploded in the industry. I think it is original and respectable to the others American Idol seasons. He made his way in a different form, he`s an original creator of his destiny, and i think that it`s good, especially when you want to grow in a music career. Like 1 song say: “and when you get the chance…”, well, it`s good to see.
I suppose that is good follow 1 artist who says more than:”baby, baby, baby” (well, i listen to an artist who sings in this way, and I like it, i like it!), cause it`s a show of his own creation; i think that it`s a good contribution to pop songs, and i think that American Idols have the elements to create a success with elegance, and quality!
Congrats for your Interview, you`re in the perfect point of it!!!
Love you so much.
Dheniss.
Comment by Dheniss — March 6, 2010 @ 5:51 AM
he is adorable…so are you…
and you are a great listener and host…
love it!
Comment by Julie — March 8, 2010 @ 6:25 PM
Hi, Josh:
it`s goog, i love your new interview. Really. Thanx for show us this incredible world of the music!!
Comment by tin@ — March 10, 2010 @ 4:28 AM
JOSH!!! I´m “Belinda” from Argentina. How are you?, i´m enjoying it so much.
Comment by belinda — March 10, 2010 @ 4:30 AM
Your interview is a good. I like it.
Hey girls: we need a good class of english, no?
Comment by GaiaGirl — March 15, 2010 @ 10:01 AM
i like it!!
Comment by carodinah — March 27, 2010 @ 7:36 AM
Hello!!!
I listened his performance and i like him more than others “American Idols”, He`s creative in his art, and it takes a great work. But i´ve a litle critic to him: He`s front Josh (and all peoples know that Josh is a perfect and tasty boy) and he`s like taut. Respect you, Josh, you`re praise worthy!
Infinite Love/Tin@
Comment by tina — March 27, 2010 @ 7:39 AM
Josh:
Jon Peter Lewis seems the most “Real” American Idols. He`s a show of the potencial that American Idols saw in him. For it he´s himself and not other “Idol”. Sincerely i never watched the show, cause i dont want this reality, but his opinion about the Industry and his perspective is good to see.
GaiaGirl.
Comment by gaiaGirl — March 27, 2010 @ 7:41 AM
Josh:
Jon Peter Lewis seems the most “Real” American Idols. He`s a show of the potencial that American Idols saw in him. For it he´s himself and not other “Idol”. Sincerely i never watched the show, cause i dont want this reality, but his opinion about the Industry and his perspective is good to see.
GaiaGirl.
Comment by Emily — June 2, 2010 @ 7:33 AM
I’ve never watched this one! How did I miss it? Love it! Love you!
Comment by kami — June 23, 2010 @ 8:53 PM