Ruben Studdard may be the latest "American Idol" to capture the world's attention, but you'll hear no complaints from fellow finalist Julia DeMato.
Although DeMato, 24, was dumped back in the early weeks of this season's competition, she's discovering that missing out on the big prize hasn't been too disappointing. 19 Entertainment Group, the U.K. management collective that runs "American Idol" with the Bertlesmann-owned FremantleMedia Ltd., has been keeping the Brookfield, Conn., native busy with a number of personal appearances.
"Since I've been voted off the show, I haven't sat still," says DeMato. Who says she's talking with a few labels, recognizes the opportunity "American Idol" has afforded her.
"I went from being a hairdresser with no performance experience to performing in front of 40 million people on live television, and being recognized around the country," says DeMato. "My immediate goal is to have a single out by the end of this year. I'd like to get a recording contract, and there's talk about movies and maybe even some modeling work."
"I honestly don't believe it's going to be only 15 minutes for me, because I'm going to work my butt off when I get off this tour," DeMato declares. "But if this is my 15 minutes, then hey, I've accomplished more than most people have in a lifetime."