Jim Verraros: Exclusive Interview
The first openly gay contestant ever on "American Idol" Jim Verraros first became a household name as one of the Top 10 finalists on the show's first season.
After appearing in the hit movie "Eating Out" in 2004 and releasing his debut album "Rollercoaster" in 2005, Verraros is back. This time as the main star of "Eating Out"'s sequel, "Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds," which opens at the Midtown Art Cinema on December 8th.
Verraros recently talked to us about what it was like growing up with parents who could never hear his music, coming out "Idol" style and of course... "Eating Out."
First off, have you been to Atlanta before?
Little Five Points, are you kidding me? We toured there at the Phillips Arena. I love Atlanta -- a lot of people on "Idol" were from there.
Your parents are both deaf. What was it like growing up with them?
A lot of times it was frustrating...I mean there were times when I wish I had parents who could hear. I never really got to hang out with kids my age. I was always interpreting for my parents -- even when they'd have friends over to play poker or whatever. And coming out was a little tricky...
Do you think growing up having to use sign language all the time influenced you artistically?
I do think so -- definitely with my acting. My facial expressions are sort of huge and over the top, and I think that does come from having to sign. When you use sign language to communicate it's mostly from the shoulders up -- and mostly in your face. It's hard to communicate a lot of things with just your hands, so you use your face a lot. That's how you show if you can really show if you're hurt or you're happy.
Are your parents able to hear your music at all?
They were both diagnosed with German measles when they were really young, so no they can't hear it. Maybe if I turned up the bass really loud they could feel it.
How did you first learn about "American Idol?"
My friend heard about the auditions on the radio and told me I should go because it was just a few blocks from my dorm. I was going to school in Chicago at the time, and I was like no I don't want to be in a boy band or anything like that.
But then when she told me it was for solo I decided to go check it out. The auditions were on Friday and Saturday.
Friday was crazy with a really long line, but when I went on Saturday
there was like nobody there. I sort of wandered in and was like "Hello?
Is anybody here?" I just got lucky I guess. So I did the audition and got
through to the next round.
Did the people working on the show know you were gay?
It was never really an issue. I mean a lot of gay guys try out for
"Idol." When they started asking I was like "yeah." Kelly Clarkson knew and Jeff
knew the whole time.
Did you ever feel pressure from the producers to be straight?
There was some speculation about that after the show started airing, because the "Advocate" kept calling our management at 19 Management but their calls were never returned. And they were also calling my house but no one told me. When I got home there were all these messages for me. So I immediately called them and explained that I never got their messages, and I promised them the exclusive.
I'm sure there were other gay contestants on the show. Why did you decide to come out publicly?
Well it's a personal choice. I mean I'm sure for you it was a personal choice like it is for everybody. I wanted to do it earlier than later and sort of show people that you can be a normal guy and also be gay. I also just wanted to be more responsible.
Was there any drama after you came out?
At first it was like high school all over again. I mean I got some emails and hate mail saying things like "a faggot can't win American Idol" and stuff like that. But not that much -- overall it was extremely positive because I could be myself.
Do you still keep in touch with any of the other contestants?
Well Season 1 of "American Idol" is now in syndication called "American Idol Rewind." We just had a launch party a few months ago and I got to see everybody so that was cool. I know Kelly is awfully happy.
Tell me about your first album "Rollercoaster."
Well "Idol" sort of cranks out these performers and then they
become sort of forgettable, so I knew I had to find a way to stand out.
I decided to do the whole rock star thing with makeup and mascara and
sexed up my image a bit. I needed to grow up and change -- and
change is good.
Who were some of your musical influences?
For the first record I was really influenced by George Michael. Regardless of his personal life, he's a huge talent. Growing up I loved Mariah Carey and Tina Turner and Madonna.
Are you working on a new album?
Yes! I sure am. "Rollercoaster" was pretty much all over the
place. I think I was still trying to find my voice. This album is a lot more
focused.
How did you get involved with the movie "Eating Out?"
The director was a huge fan of "American Idol." He wrote me an email
and said he thought I'd be perfect, and he sent me the script. But
after I read it I was like I don't know, it sounds like a porno. But
after he explained more about it I thought this is fucking hilarious.
We shot it in 10 days in Tucson, Arizona. And I really loved it. And
you know Ryan Carnes got to go on and do great things like "Desperate
Housewives," so I was really happy.
It's pretty racy -- were you worried about choosing it as your first film?
It is. But my role with Kyle isn't like that. Everyone else could be dirty and do full frontal nudity, but Kyle didn't have to. I got to be portrayed as a typical, normal gay guy who's witty and sassy and bitchy and really insecure, which I think a lot of gay guys can relate to.
So tell me about the sequel.
Well Kyle is the lead this time. When they told me that I was like wow, I have all this room to play now. And the script is 10 times better. But this time Kyle pretends to be an ex-gay so I had to do the whole butch thing -- "Hey dude, yo dude." It's all about not being ashamed -- let's fuck around, you know?
What's harder -- making a movie or recording an album?
Um kind of both. With a movie you have to rely on someone else to have the same timing and experience as you. And you can retake and retake and get it right. But with an album it's all you.
Which do you enjoy more?
I'm heading more toward the film thing. I enjoy being able to see other aspects. I'm not a selfish actor in that I'll hang around with the crew. With this film I spent a lot of time in the production office watching what they do and seeing how much hard work is involved.
So directing could be in your future?
Definitely. If I were to make a music video I would have to at least
co-direct to make sure my vision came alive. I'd like to write a script
also -- but we'll see what happens.
- For more of Jim Verraros and his music, visit JimVerraros.com and his MySpace page at MySpace.com/JimVerraros.
* For more gay Atlanta tips, tricks and insider secrets get the book ATLANTAboy: An Insider's Guide to Gay Atlanta on Amazon!
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