What has life been like after American Idol?

Laine: It’s different for sure, but I’ve not changed as a person. Nothing has changed from where I was before. I’ve learned a lot of things. I have a lot more to learn. I don’t really know how to answer that question.

It’s very vague. How did the pandemic affect you? You won Idol right before everything kind of shut down.

Laine: We made it work. It was a little rocky at first because we had some tour dates scheduled, so we had to adapt.

For sure. I know you were doing a lot of virtual stuff. We actually did a Skype interview back in 2020.

Laine: Oh wow, Skype. I remember Skype. *laughs*

There was a period where you disappeared for awhile. What happened?

Laine: Like in the past two years?

Yeah. Musically. You were kind of just laying low.

Laine: I had to come back to myself you know. Actually stop and think for a minute to realize what I do it for and why I do it. And get back closer to God.

Nice. When you won you were pretty young and I can imagine that took a lot of getting used to.

Laine: Yes 100%.

Going from small town guy to everyone knows your name.

Laine: For sure. I was in high school at the time. It was crazy.

Yeah for sure. Why did you leave your old label?

Laine: I didn’t leave my old label. We talked. I had to turn a new chapter, and continue on in my own endeavors.

Okay so getting back to a different style.

Laine: Yeah different path. They are great people. I’m just focused on a different path you know?

Right. What has helped you to get through the rough patches? Would you say it was your faith?

Laine: Yes 100%.

What do you think is the biggest misconception people have of you?

Laine: I have no clue what the biggest misconception is because I don’t see misconceptions or anything like that. But I just know myself that I’m me and I’m true as I can get. I don’t know how to convey people if I’m this way or that.

So that kind of ties into one of your fan questions. In your heart, how do you personally see yourself? As winner of American Idol, as a rising country singer, or as a young man from Livingston, LA who enjoys riding on his boat?

I see myself as Laine. I’m just a boy from Southeast Louisiana that loves to fish. I’m country as heart.

So it hasn’t really changed you.

Laine: No, not at all.

That’s good. Have you seen any of this season?

Laine: I’ve seen little pieces of parts of it. It’s a pretty fascinating season. They’ve got some great talent.

Do you have any picks?

Laine: Let’s see. I believe the last piece I’ve seen, I can’t remember her name. There’s a few that I’ve gotten to seen. But every person that got the Golden ticket I was amazed at the skill they have.

Yeah for sure. I know there’s a handful that I’ve kind of been watching.

Laine: Oh Yeah. There’s a lot of potential on the show this year.

It’s still very early days.

Laine: Yeah. You never know.

What advice would you give other artists trying out for Idol?

Laine: Some advice I’d give is to stay true through it. Be yourself. When I was on the show Katy Perry told me something that stuck with me through the whole show and I made sure to acknowledge what she said. And that was just to be yourself and that’s never been more true.

Wise advice. So many people don’t heed that advice.

Laine: No.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Laine: My achievements aren’t my achievents, so I couldn’t answer that. But an achievement that I’ve accomplished through God is probably American Idol. My guitar skills that I’m still working on that I’m really happy that I’m able to be able to do. There’s so many different kinds of achievements.

Okay. That works. A lot of people wondering about your new album, when it’s coming out…

Laine: Yeah. So right now I’m working on the beginning stages of an album. I couldn’t tell you when the date that will be released is, but that will be coming soon. But I’m working on some singles that lead up to the album.

Do you have any idea what song your going to release first?

Laine: Dancing On The Moon is the first one that will be released. And then the other one will follow behind it. Not right behind but you get that.

Okay. Well a lot of different songs fans are mentioning. One of them is Rope Swing. Will that be on your new album?

Laine: Yes.

And Break My Own Heart?

Laine: I’m not going to answer that because then the album wouldn’t be a surprise. I want to make sure it’s a surprise.

Fair enough. Your fans know like every little thing, they are just bombarding me. *laughs*

Laine: Yeah they do. It’s close. It’s crazy. *laughs*

What is your songwriting process like? What comes first lyrics or melody?

Laine: Feeling. Then melody. Then lyrics.

I like that. Do you have any tour plans this year?

Laine: There is something floating around in the air. Once this first song comes out April 26th then we will start to probably schedule those dates.

What about doing any virtual shows for those who can’t attend in person?

Laine: I will be doing a few sparsely through the time that I have and I’m able to do that. There are some people that aren’t able to make it whether it be due to medical conditions or age or they don’t have a vehicle or something like that you know?

Okay. I do know I saw through Facebook through your PR May 11th at Nashville Underground?

Laine: Yes.

I will have to reach out about possibly coming to that show.

Laine: Yeah you should come.

Yeah. I saw you at back in the day at Brooklyn Bowl.

Laine: Oh yeah? Brooklyn Bowl. I loved that show so much. Back in the day is what it feels like.

Yeah. It was a good show.

Laine: Thank you.

If you could visit any state or foreign country where would it be?

Laine: Switzerland. Actually no, you know what? That’s the second place. I need to go to my home country. South Korea.

Why Switzerland?

Laine: I’ve seen pictures of it and it looks amazing. I’ve seen a lot of mountains and green so that’s my kind of place, snow caps all that stuff. I have no idea. I’m from a sea level of zero pretty much over here. Louisiana is very flat.

Gotcha. Well cool. What is your favorite song to sing onstage?

Laine: Hmm that’s a tough question, but I can answer it. Probably Louisiana Lady.

Why do I feel like I’ve heard that somewhere?

Laine: It’s one of my first ever songs.

It wasn’t on Idol was it?

Laine: No.

Okay. I swear I heard it. Maybe I heard it at the show.

Laine: Yeah. You might have, because I did play it over there I think.

What is your comfort food?

Laine: Hmm. Hmm. Hmm. That tells a lot about a person. I don’t think I need something to eat to soothe my feelings. There are probably things that I do. If that starts to come up I play guitar. Comfort food is my guitar.

No like Southern food that you really enjoy?

Laine: I guess you could say chicken and dumplings or mashed potatoes.

Nice. I’m still getting used to Southern food, as I’m not from the South.

Laine: Have you been to Paula Deen’s?

It’s delicious.

Laine: You liked it? Yeah me too. I love it.

We had the fried chicken and a bunch of other things. It was awesome.

Laine: Paula knows how to make a lot of things good.

Yeah, for sure. Have you ever thought of making a Christian album?

Laine: Yes that is going to happen 100% one day. Gospel.

Gospel? Okay. Do you have any Christian influences?

Laine: Traditional hymns. But I’m not against contemporary. Everyone has their own kind of listening wants and loves. But mine’s traditional hymns, gospel.

So more of a traditional album then. Cool. Where do you keep your awesome stage outfits like the Grand Ole Opry suit and Rose Parade?

Laine: They are hung up very neatly on hangers in a big closet in the house over here in Louisiana.

Nice. So you do get to keep some of it?

Laine: Yeah. I have all my suits.

Nice. So do you have your American Idol ticket and card?

Laine: Yes.

What did you do with that?

Laine: I hung it up in my studio.

Is it framed?

Laine: I need to frame it. It’s framed on the wall with a nail.

At least you have it so you can remember.

Laine: Yeah. I wasn’t supposed to take it but I did. I put it in my guitar case. Anybody going on American Idol? *laughs* I’m just joking. I did put it in my guitar case, then I told them. So they know.

Really? I thought everyone was able to take home their tickets.

Laine: At the time they just came back. I don’t think they were allowing contestants to take the golden tickets back, because they needed to use them to keep count of the ones they had or something. They all have little numbers on the back.

Gotcha. Well darn.

Laine: I did get my winning paper. Like a lipton tea sparkly thing the winner of american idol is….

Well that’s good. I’m glad you got to keep that.

Laine: Yeah. When I got home from winning a few days went by and all of a sudden a big truck came by with all my stuff and I was like my stuff! Felt like I’d moved back in or something.

That’s funny. A lot of people wondering about the website and new merch?

Laine: The website is getting worked on to be running again, and new merchandise also.

How’s Jet?

Laine: Jet is right here in front of me. He is doing well. And he’s alive.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Laine: I’m excited about what’s coming. I’m really happy to be able to do what I love again.