Open Talk with Nashville Star Winner, Chris Young

Mary: What is something you will HAVE to take on the road when you go out on the NS Tour?
Chris: Books I read a lot, and although they take up a lot of room, I'm sure I'll be carrying some along with me each weekend.

Mary: What has been the toughest piece of criticism to take from someone who may be interviewing you or from someone you run across in public?
Chris: For an artist, the hardest thing to hear is that someone doesn't like what you're doing. It isn't necessarily a criticism, but it is always hard to take.

Mary: Is there another life dream you hope to accomplish besides your singing career?
Chris: Music is really all that I've ever wanted to do.

Mary: Do you remember the first country song that touched you, that gave you "goose-bumps"?
Chris: "That's My Job" as done by Conway Twitty

Mary: What does your answering machine or voice mail say? Do you sing your message or do you just talk on it? LOL
Chris: LOL - It just says "This is Chris Young, please leave me a message." I just talk, but when I was younger, my mom would have me leave (singing) messages to suit the holidays on our answering machine at home.

Mary: What was it about your grandfather that made such an impression on you?
Chris: He was my idol when I was little, because he could sing AND play long before I knew how. Not only that, but he was also a great person. It was just great to have a role-model like him.

Mary: We all know that you wrote "He's My Dad" for your step-dad Michael... How do you get through that song without tearing up?
Chris: Because it's basically just the way I feel about him. He is my father - biological or not - if you've ever seen the quote that says "anyone can be a father, but it takes a man to be a Dad", you know how I feel. He's always been there for me since I met him 11 years ago when he started dating my mom, and we couldn't be any closer.

Mary: What are three CDs that you are listening to right now?
Chris: "Kentucky Bluebird" (Keith Whitley), "All Because Of You" (Daryle Singletary), "Greatest Hits" (Marty Robbins)

Mary: We know you are very busy right now, is there any book that you are currently reading?
Chris: Not right now - I haven't had time, but I'm sure I'll take some on tour with me.

Mary: Who is your favorite Disney character and why?
Chris: Mushu, the dragon from Mulan.

Mary: And the last question comes from our lil' buddy Andy in Kansas... he won a contest with his question. Okay straight from Andy's mouth... Chris, when you were little what was your all time favorite song you used to sing? (From his mom: I think what he is wanting to know is if Chris had a favorite nursery rhymes that he sung over and over. LOL.)
Chris: I started singing "Diggin' Up Bones" (Randy Travis) when I was really young (2 or 3) but I loved "This Little Light of Mine" from Church too.

*A special thank you to Chris for taking time out of his busy schedule to do this before leaving on the Nashville Star tour.

Article Written & Submitted by Mary Maggart