Bikini Girl On American Idol Season 8: "They needed me!"
Her name is Katrina Darrell but for those of you hooked on this season's American Idol, you'll probably know her better as "bikini girl." She's a singer, model, actress, clothing line owner, student and a woman with a mission. With the AI gag rule lifted, she's speaking out about her experience, who she thinks will win it all and her life after Idol.
First for those of you who saw her take the stage wearing nothing but an itty bitty bikini and thought this was another "joke" audition, think again. Katrina is a bona fide singer and although she was eliminated during Hollywood week, she did impress some of the judges, particularly the usually cantankerous Simon Cowell. New judge Kara DioGuardi, on the other hand took issue with Katrina's style and things got snarky. If you missed her initial audition here it is in all its glory. Audition.
Music has been a part of this 21-year-old California girl all her life. "I was home schooled almost all of my life and spent my childhood growing up in musical theater, singing in a gospel choir, performing in multiple showcases and competing in numerous vocal competitions. I was a child actor, in SAG and AFTRA and I did a handful of commercials, even a Mary Kate and Ashley Olson movie. Theater opened my eyes to my intense desire to perform, loving the crowds and stage, leaving all insecurities behind and creating my own world behind the spotlight, in this realization, I discovered my purpose in life; to entertain. I began recording at the age of fourteen (with multi-platinum producer and friend Kenny Mccloud of Blackhole productions) and it was then that my passion for singing really transpired."
First, since your elimination in Hollywood, what have you been up to?
I've been doing appearances all across the US, working on an independent tour and waiting for my big record deal and perhaps a movie or a series or something. I see all of those things in my future.
Showing up for the auditions in a bikini raised some eyebrows. What made you decide to do that?
I was being spontaneous!
How confident were you that you'd get through the auditions?
I wasn't really thinking about that. I'm a good singer. Wearing a bikini helped people remember me and all in all it was a great experience.
The women judges, Kara especially, weren't very kind to you. What did you think when she was criticizing you?
When Kara was criticizing me i thought it was very stupid. There's not a lot of great female talent not even marketability left on Idol now.....they needed me.
What was life like during Hollywood week for you?
It was hectic and crazy. I loved every moment of singing and performing and meeting people.
Were you surprised you didn't make it?
Yes and no. Kara had it out for me from the beginning and the issues with my group didn't help my chances either. I think I'm still an American Idol
How did you deal with that disappointment?
I have so many exciting projects coming in my future....keep watching!!!
AI is now down to the final 5. What do you think of this year's season?
Adam Lambert took down the house. Love to do a duet.
Who is or was your favorite?
Adam Lambert and Matt Girard.
Who do you think will win it all?
Adam hands down!
Finally, what's next for you?
I'm touring doing appearances from Los Angeles to New York to Miami to Arizona...all over...it will be part hip hop and r&b with two female back up dancers, mixed with a little burlesque and a runway show with my clothing line "Pairadice Threads." Keep checking Katrinabikinigirl.com.
First for those of you who saw her take the stage wearing nothing but an itty bitty bikini and thought this was another "joke" audition, think again. Katrina is a bona fide singer and although she was eliminated during Hollywood week, she did impress some of the judges, particularly the usually cantankerous Simon Cowell. New judge Kara DioGuardi, on the other hand took issue with Katrina's style and things got snarky. If you missed her initial audition here it is in all its glory. Audition.
Music has been a part of this 21-year-old California girl all her life. "I was home schooled almost all of my life and spent my childhood growing up in musical theater, singing in a gospel choir, performing in multiple showcases and competing in numerous vocal competitions. I was a child actor, in SAG and AFTRA and I did a handful of commercials, even a Mary Kate and Ashley Olson movie. Theater opened my eyes to my intense desire to perform, loving the crowds and stage, leaving all insecurities behind and creating my own world behind the spotlight, in this realization, I discovered my purpose in life; to entertain. I began recording at the age of fourteen (with multi-platinum producer and friend Kenny Mccloud of Blackhole productions) and it was then that my passion for singing really transpired."
First, since your elimination in Hollywood, what have you been up to?
I've been doing appearances all across the US, working on an independent tour and waiting for my big record deal and perhaps a movie or a series or something. I see all of those things in my future.
Showing up for the auditions in a bikini raised some eyebrows. What made you decide to do that?
I was being spontaneous!
How confident were you that you'd get through the auditions?
I wasn't really thinking about that. I'm a good singer. Wearing a bikini helped people remember me and all in all it was a great experience.
The women judges, Kara especially, weren't very kind to you. What did you think when she was criticizing you?
When Kara was criticizing me i thought it was very stupid. There's not a lot of great female talent not even marketability left on Idol now.....they needed me.
What was life like during Hollywood week for you?
It was hectic and crazy. I loved every moment of singing and performing and meeting people.
Were you surprised you didn't make it?
Yes and no. Kara had it out for me from the beginning and the issues with my group didn't help my chances either. I think I'm still an American Idol
How did you deal with that disappointment?
I have so many exciting projects coming in my future....keep watching!!!
AI is now down to the final 5. What do you think of this year's season?
Adam Lambert took down the house. Love to do a duet.
Who is or was your favorite?
Adam Lambert and Matt Girard.
Who do you think will win it all?
Adam hands down!
Finally, what's next for you?
I'm touring doing appearances from Los Angeles to New York to Miami to Arizona...all over...it will be part hip hop and r&b with two female back up dancers, mixed with a little burlesque and a runway show with my clothing line "Pairadice Threads." Keep checking Katrinabikinigirl.com.
Posted by Holliston at 4/23/2009 5:42 PM 
Categories: Bikini Girl, Adam Lambert, Matt Girard, American Idol, Katrina Darrell
Tags: Bikini Girl Adam Lambert Matt Girard American Idol Katrina Darrell
Categories: Bikini Girl, Adam Lambert, Matt Girard, American Idol, Katrina Darrell
Tags: Bikini Girl Adam Lambert Matt Girard American Idol Katrina Darrell
Nice post,
She is absolutley amazing, makes you want to watch american idol now,
Thanks for writing about it
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