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Michael: Tell us about your album.
Jim: "Rollercoaster," is a definite mix of different types of music. I'm influenced by so many artists that I could never just make a record of one solid genre of music. That wouldn't be me at all. I think that if you can pull it off, you should be able to do an album of whatever you want. To me, it's really refreshing that artists sound completely different from one track to the next; it shows their versatility. So that's what I wanted to do. It's definitely more sexy and edgy than any other idol has put out, and I did that for a reason.  I think that, with the exception of Kelly Clarkson, most idols put out records that really isn't them, that's more safe and sweet. I wanted to get people talking and be controversial about my music. I wanted to stand out above all the idols that put out albums because it's easy to get lost in that shuffle. So to me, the album is exactly what I wanted; and each track is a part of me. I wrote seven of the eleven tracks, so even the songs I didn't have a hand in writing in mean something.
Michael: and the movie?
Jim: "Eating Out," is definitely a genre film. It's a College/Sex/Comedy that parallels "American Pie," to some degree. It's a lighthearted, campy fun film that anyone can enjoy. Plot line is this: Guy meets girl. Girl only likes gay men. Guy plays gay to get to the girl. Girl hooks him up with her gay best friend. How far will he go to play gay just to get the girl? Something to that effect. Just rent it or Netflix it and you'll know what I mean. (www.poshpictures.com or www.jimverraros.com for more details)
 QUOTE FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES:
The one surprise in the cast is Mr. Verraros, a former contestant on "American Idol," in his first acting role, as the queeny, scheming Kyle. Despite the limitations of the role as written, he has a scrappy energy that sets him apart from the bland and vulgar proceedings.-- Dana Stevens, The New York Times
QUOTE FROM 'OUT' MAGAZINE:
Maybe it’s damning with faint praise, but the adorable Jim Verraros (of American Idol fame) gives the film’s best performance as a fourth side to this quirky love triangle.-- Gary Kramer
Michael: What really inspires you to achieve your very best as a person and actor?
Jim: I don't take on projects that I don't 110% believe in wholeheartedly. It's important for me to be a credible actor and very real person. I like communicating through what I do, and if it makes someone feel something, than I've done what I hoped to do. There's no better feeling than someone coming up to me and telling me that they appreciate what I do or have done. It means the world to me. I just never settle for less than what I deserve or want. If I do, than this isn't living. I never, not just for one second, want to look back on my life and think to myself, "Only if I...". You only live once, so live it how you've dreamt your life to be.
Michael: Who have been some of the great guiding influences in your life?
Jim: Musically speaking: George Michael, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, Christina Aguilera. I think they're all incredible artists and I always feel something when each of them sing.
Artistically speaking: Steven Spielberg, Edward Norton, Haley Joel Osment, Natalie Portman, Meryl Streep all for obvious reasons.
Michael: Jim, you decided to 'come out' as a gay person. Would you please share how you made the decision to do so with us?
Jim: I came out after I toured with the nine other idols because I just felt that I was in a really great position to change the world. I know that sounds a little "out there," but I truly wanted to make a difference and help gay and lesbian youth realize that no matter what your sexuality you could achieve anything. I couldn't name one person who was in their late teens or early twenties who was doing what I was doing, so I thought that I would take responsibility and pave the way for others to come after me. I just want to be a person that people will remember in 20 years and say, "Hey, Jim Verraros was openly gay during his career. So if he can do it, why can't I?"
Michael: What projects are you involved with in 2006?
Jim: I just wrapped the sequel to "Eating Out," called, "Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds." I have reprised my role as Kyle, and am the lead in this feature. It's absolutely hysterical and in this one, I play straight to get the guy I want because he's confused about his sexuality. So, in being buddy-buddy with him and doing some straight male bonding, I lure him in to trust me enough to want to sleep with me. It's in post-production as we speak, and will be ready for film festivals next month. I'm also in talks with another record label to release my second album. I've written about half of the new record, and it's still along the lines of being incredibly sexy, edgy and in-your-face. Just how I like it. So watch out for those this year, and for more details, my website is www.jimverraros.com, or my Myspace which is: www.myspace.com/jim_verraros.
Michael: How important are your fans to you?
Jim: Like I mentioned earlier, they're like family to me. I still think it's weird that I even have fans sometimes. I'm just doing what I love to do, and people are starting to take notice and get what I'm doing. There's no better feeling than someone being inspired by you. After all, it IS what I set out to do, and to have people follow in your footsteps? Just incredibly gratifying. I love them with all of my heart, and hope they continue to follow my career.Thank you so much.All my best,
Photos provided by Jim Verraros and are copyright 2006. All rights reserved. Be sure to visit www.jimverraros.com
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