Stefano Langone Says He Purposely Held Back on American Idol, Saved "Swag" For Solo Career
Stefano Langone was voted off American Idol this week, but he says he's proud of how far he got and looking forward to what's next in his career.
In fact, he says he purposely held back on Idol because he wanted to save some of his patented special "swag" for fans to hear on his debut album.
"It's hard to really show your chops on the show," he said. "One thing I wanted to keep to myself was my original music and my piano playing. It's something I want to bring out and really show the world, and I think it will be very, very special."
Saying that he purposely chose to not showcase his full range of talent on the show, Langone said he has big plans to carve a unique niche in music.
In the vein of Justin Timberlake and John Legend, he says he wants to focus on his piano playing, writing his own material and collaborating with rappers.
"Right now, there is a market for what I do and what I can do," Stefano Langone said. "The producers know it, my management knows it, I know it."
"I'm ready to pounce on it. I'm ready to attack."
Curiously, Langone said not only did he choose to keep his piano talents under wraps, but he also picked songs that weren't necessarily the best.
For the show, that is. He says his choices were geared toward what happened once he left American Idol. His rationale for that is simple:
"When I get on that piano, I don't want to be remembered as getting on the piano and having 20 million-plus people see me do a cover."
"I want people to see me sitting on a piano and singing my songs, my heartfelt, real songs that came from my soul."
Asked whom he might compare himself to or want to work with, Langone listed Bruno Mars, Legend, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Usher and Ne-Yo.
Though he wouldn't reveal who has been in touch, Langone promised he's already heard from a number of rappers ready to get in the studio.
Stefano also admitted that he was conflicted by lasting longer than his pal Pia Toscano, a singer many thought would finish higher than him.
"When I came out for [the show], I was never wanting to be the American Idol; it was getting that foot in the door in the industry," he said.
"I knew how bad Pia wanted to be the American Idol, and I almost wanted it more for her more than me."
What do you think? Does this guy have a chance to make it big?
Related Posts
- Phillip Phillips vs. Jessica Sanchez: Who Will Win?
- Phillip Phillips: Urged to Seek Medical Help
- Joshua Ledet on American Idol Elimination: Sad, But Relieved
- American Idol Results: Who Made the Finals?
July 16th, 2011 8:33 AM
o my ! Im from Philippines. I really like stefano langone!! awesome voice !!
April 30th, 2011 2:15 PM
I was sad when he left yes he should make it big go Stefano!!!!!!!!
April 27th, 2011 7:39 PM
He will now join the others from years past on AI, that keep on trying for careers on singing and it never happens. He just does not have that special something and please if he had some "swag" he would have used it. He was in the bottom three on three different results show. America does not get him, plain and simple. But, keep on Stefano year after year chasing that dream. It is sad.
April 27th, 2011 2:30 AM
I am a big fan of Stefano.. Yes! I felt sad when I read this.. But, I still love Stefano though. :) Go on Stefano LangONE! Much love :'>
April 26th, 2011 3:27 PM
I was a fan of stefanos from the beginning but honestly after reading this it makes me mad he even made it onto the show if you not there to win your just taking a spot that someone else could have had! There were ubber talented people that didn't make it this season and Im sure they wanted to win American idol not just get there foot in the door. I hope his debut bombs!!!
April 26th, 2011 12:53 AM
WTF??? What's the use of joining this competiton if you will not show what you really have. and besides as for what I have observed he is so into winning the competiton. Why is that all of a sudden he already have a different view...I think you are just sourgraping. Be true to yourself stefano.
April 25th, 2011 3:51 PM
I have to disagree. Stefano is very talented and he is really sexy. People just hate on him. He has swag and you better believe he's going to make it. He's way way better than Haley and Jacob. Whether he held back or not, he deserves a great career.
April 25th, 2011 12:04 PM
U were the best.. Mind all the critisism.. And i cant wait for ur 1st album. God bless you .lotsa love
April 25th, 2011 11:53 AM
He was not my favorite, but he's an ok singer. I wish them all well, whether they win or not. I thought he had a pretty high voice for a 22 yr old guy. Seems like a nice guy.
April 23rd, 2011 11:40 PM
He literally prostituted himself on twitter to keep the tweens voting for him each week. Of all the arrogance to suggest he held something back. Goodbye Stefano!