It's a very gratifying experience, it's humbling and I am honored to be in this position. I just love the fact that I am able to sing and that people can cheer me. This is the time where I can do what I love.
How have you grown on the X-Factor?
It has been very scary for me! (laughs) The fact that I had so many people around, but it also built my nerves and it gave me courage to sing more. I was very nervous when I did that, and also very scared, sometimes, but now I know that people liked it and they wanted to hear me and I don't have to be afraid when I go in front of them anymore.
Do you really think that reality shows are the future of music business?
You know, it's a very difficult thing... Yeah, reality TV influenced the music scene, because many music stars popped out of it, like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and so many stars that came out of the reality TV. But the fact that I've been noticed now is because of the show itself, because American Idol and X-Factor are much bigger than the artists that actually come out of the shows. I think people like to see the competition that comes from it, they like the aspect of competition, whether there is drama between two people, whatever! The public loves that! But it's energetic and interesting to watch.
You have just recorded "Purple Rain": why have you decided to start with that song?
I decided to do "Purple Rain", because I had so much great feedback from the fans. Many fans said that was their favorite song I did on the X-Factor. It was a shorter version, just two minutes long, and I decided to do a longer version of it. When I did that on the show, there was no way for the fans to buy it, so I put it on iTunes, because I never did "Purple Rain" during the live shows. During the live shows the songs that I sang could be found on iTunes, but I never did "Purple Rain" during the live shows, I didn't have the chance. So, I decided to do a longer version of it and I did that with this producer called 1500 or Nothin'. Besides, people around the world really wanted to buy that song, to have it, so I just recorded it.
Is there any other cover song you would like to record in the future?
No, I don't think I will do any other cover this time around. I think it's time people get to know me for my voice, for my style and music. I've been doing a lot of writing and singing my music in my way, I've been singing my message to people. I did a cover on YouTube last week, as a tribute to Donna Summer, and people told me I should do a tribute to Donna Summer, because she was so amazing. I don't think I will do any other tribute, because I think people really want to know me and my own voice, what I have to say.
After the release of your first single, are you planning to record a new album? What kind of album can your fans expect you to make?
I was thinking about that, and I think it will be something like R ‘n' B, pop genre. So many people find my story, my struggles and all I went through inspiring, they say I've inspired them. I want to do that, I want to do music, there is no other reason to live for me. I can't do music if I can't help other people. It has to be that kind of record.
Are there any particular artists and producers you would like to work with in future?
I really love R. Kelly and his songs, for example "I Believe I Can Fly", he definitely that kind of vision in his writing and in his music. I would like to work with him.
Stacy, you are the daughter of an Italian American father: have you had the chance to visit our country and what do you think about Italy?
(laughs) I love Italy! Italy is beautiful! I've been to Venice, to Florence, I visited Milan. I love it! It has a great culture, I just love it, and I love the idea of the Italian family, the fashion, the art. And Italians are very passionate, and I am very passionate too. I am really proud to have some Italian blood in my veins.
There are some rumors about a world tour being planned. Can you say something more about that? We hope there will be a show in Italy...
I can't talk about that a lot, because I don't know much about it. I am definitely passionate about coming over there, I know that there are a lot of fans. It's definitely a must! I want to come and sing for you, we're planning it, but I don't know the cities yet.
You had one of the best voices in the competition - in your opinion, which are the differences between you and the winner, Melanie Amaro?
Our voices are very different. Melanie is a lot younger than me, but other than that, I sing with the voice of my soul, of what I have been through, I sing thinking about my experiences. That's the difference between me and any other singer younger than me. The way I sing comes from experience, the age, life challenges. Melanie is a phenomenal singer, anyway.
Ok Stacy, how about your next dreams to fulfill?
Oh, a TV show, a reality show we're working on, based on my real life, so that people can see me and know me. I am very excited about that.
(talking about "real life" and reality shows, while talking on the phone, there is a child crying close to Stacy, perhaps one of her two children. She has to calm down the kid for a while).
... Hello? I am sorry about that!
No problem, that's real life!
Yeah! I was talking about this reality show I am working on. I am very excited about that, because people will be able to know me as a performer, as a singer and the reason why I started this project.
Ok, Stacy. Thank you so much for your time. Anything else you wanted to say to all your Italian fans?
I love you! I love you so much! You guys are honest, cheerful, loyal and I love that. It's so important for an artist, loyal is important. Italian fans are so loyal and I really love that. So, thank you for your support, I really appreciate it. I really do.
