Colton on Jessica: ‘She’s got some flavor, I’ve got some rock’

MANILA, Philippines - Expect a “cool” combination when Colton Dixon shares the concert stage with Jessica Sanchez come Valentine’s Day.

“She’s got some flavor and I’ve got some rock. It would really be cool, you know,” the 21-year-old American Idol Season 11 finalist, said at yesterday’s presscon for his Feb. 14 Big Dome concert with the Fil-Mexican AI runner-up.

“We definitely do not have the same genre, music-wise. But I think that would be fun. Valentine’s Day is about loving each other and I think it’s cool that Jessica and I will be doing another show together,” said Colton, who first came to the Philippines late last year for a concert with the rest of the AI finalists, including winner Phillip Phillips.

“You know I didn’t know that after American Idol, if I would be doing a show with these guys (fellow finalists) again or even seeing them again. I’m just happy and thrilled to be sharing the stage with Jessica again. And as far as music goes, we shall have a party.”

Colton will be singing songs from his new record A Messenger (like Scars, perhaps, a personal favorite of his, which he wrote with the help of his fans, who sent in their personal stories and inspired the song), some of his famous covers on Idol and maybe, just maybe, a duet with Jessica.

Because it’s that time of the year, Colton was naturally asked if he’s one romantic dude. “I would say that my dad is really emotional. I got my emotions from my dad. I can’t watch a chick flick without crying,” revealed Colton, drawing “awws” from the females in the room.

When asked on the most romantic thing he has done for his girlfriend (sorry ladies, this guy’s taken), Colton mused, “That’s a good question but that’s also a hard question. As a guy, we’re just trying to get through the next day (laughs).

“For Christmas — since one of her favorite brands is Michael Kors — I bought her a Michael Kors duffel bag. I actually invited her to the Philippines, but a situation came up and she couldn’t come. That would have been really cool trying to spend Valentine’s Day with her. That was the coolest plan but it failed (laughs).”

He added, “So, I’m guessing it’s gonna be a Skype date. I will Skype her and try to make it special as much as I can on the computer (laughs) but that will be a challenge. I will let you know how it will go.”

Meanwhile, Colton’s post-AI release A Messenger is performing well in the charts. A Messenger has claimed the No. 1 spot on the Top Christian Albums and the Top Christian and Gospel Albums lists. October of last year, he already topped a Billboard chart with his single Never Gone, followed by You Are, which reigned high among the Christian Digital Songs and Christian/Gospel Digital Songs.

Colton said it was not really a conscious intention to have faith themes on his album. “Not necessarily. (When we were writing it,) it was just what naturally came out… Even when I was on American Idol, I didn’t want to come across preachy; same goes with this record. I just really want it to be an encouragement and inspiration and to share what I’ve been through.”

While he doesn’t want to seclude anybody, his music ­— a mix of rock stuff and pop elements — is “who I am. I’m not going to apologize or compromise who I am… I’m just trying to be me.”

On balancing commercialism and his artistry, he said that some writers focus on that (on how to make the songs commercial) but “I’m not like that.” He plunges into the songwriting process and “pray that it (the song) is commercial or commercial enough to be used.”

With his brand of music, he said that “I would like people to headbang with me” but more importantly, “I just want them to feel encouraged, not to feel alone…”

It’s not lost on him why his music has struck a chord with Filipino fans. “I really didn’t know (till I came here) about how large a Christian population (the Philippines) is. That’s awesome. That’s so cool. That’s really encouraging to me, too. It makes a lot of sense now.”

He feels gratified that he has a huge fanbase in the country. “I was looking at Facebook statistics, and the top three cities where my fanbases are in the Philippines. And the third (is) my hometown. It just blows my mind. I’m just happy to be back for the second time.”

And because it’s AI season anew, Colton was also asked for his thoughts on AI’s current panel of judges. “Nicki Minaj really intimidates me. I really don’t know why,” he commented.

Maybe it’s her eyelashes, the emcee joked.

“Yeah, I think it would really reach me across the table,” he joked back.

“But I think her and Mariah need to settle whatever they need to be settled so that the cameras can focus on the contestants. But I love Keith Urban and I’ve been fan of him for several years. Randy, he’s my dawg. I love Randy. I love Mariah, too. They’re all really great. But it’s just weird chemistry this year. I hate to see Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez leave. I think they filled their shoes well. It’s just that it’s different this year.”