Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Grace Leer performs on the American Idol Top 11 show. (ABC Photo)

Grace Leer was eliminated from American Idol Sunday night.

But not before advancing on the show twice based on fan voting and making it all the way to the Top 10.

Grace, you’ll recall, was part of that Hawaii showcase round voting showdown with fellow country artist Lauren Mascitti.

She then performed “Cry” by Faith Hill on Top 20 night, the first of two “at-home” Idol performances she had to record because of the pandemic. That’s the performance that earned her a spot in the Top 10 based on fan votes.

Grace, a California native and 27 when she auditioned, had moved to Nashville in 2017 to pursue music.

She’s been performing as The Grace Leer Band and has released two singles under that name, “Oh Night” in 2017 and “Old Songs” in 2018. She released a new song, “Goin’ Back Home” around the time her Idol audition aired.

Here’s what Grace told Idol Chatter about her time on the show and the original music she’s planning to release.

Idol Chatter: What do you consider your biggest takeaway / lesson learned from the American idol experience?

Grace: My biggest takeaway from American Idol would be the amazing people I have met. Not just the contestants but everyone involved in Idol. I have now formed some amazing friendships. Musically, I have learned to stay true to who I am even if I get criticized for it. As long as I am “me” the whole way through I will not have any regrets.

Idol Chatter: Which was your favorite American Idol performance and why?

Grace: My favorite performance on Idol was definitely Natural Woman in Hawaii. Singing my favorite song, on a beach, on a huge stage, with a live band, and thousands of audience members screaming up at me and wanting to grab my hand was the coolest thing I have ever done. That performance was electric and it was a huge moment for me getting a taste of what it would be like to go on tour and play to thousands of fans every night. I want that to be my life because it is my favorite thing to do.

Idol Chatter: What was the experience like, performing for American Idol — and fans around the country — from your own home?

Grace: Performing from home was very different. It was always very quiet before and after I would sing which is a weird feeling! Especially coming off of Hawaii and also what I am used to doing in Nashville. It was an adjustment and I tried to treat it as if I was recording in a studio because the most important thing for me was making sure people connected to me every time I sang to that iPhone camera.

I was also very inspired by the people on the front lines who are protecting us right now with the virus going on. I was able to do what I love safely from my home and bring entertainment to people’s homes while people like my mom (who is a physician assistant) and my brother-in-law (paramedic) are helping to keep people safe and healthy.

Idol Chatter: Obviously lots of plans are in limbo because of the pandemic, but what are your post-Idol plans musically? Where are you hoping this opportunity leads?

Grace: I plan to head back to Nashville as soon as it is safe to do so. I am excited to get back to my life there. I quit my 9-5 sales job, so now it is time to music full force! I am hoping Idol lands me enough recognition to now make some income with every show that I do in Nashville so I can make a full-time living off of music. I have some songs ready to go so will be releasing music very soon!

Idol Chatter: Do you plan to release music anytime soon? If so, what can you say about the sound, the timing, etc.?

Grace: Yes! I have some songs that are ready to go and I am super happy with. The sound is throwback country with some modern hints and it was recorded all live band so it is a very raw sound. I cannot wait for my fans to hear it!

Idol Chatter: Finally, is there anything else you’d like to add about the Idol experience?

Grace: I just want to say thank you to every person who believed in me the whole way through. Getting to Top 10 is not easy and I never expected it. With the support of family, friends and new fans I have met along the way I was able to do it. To those of you who have doubts and fears of going after a music career: tackle those fears head on and do those things that scare you. The reward is so sweet. Believe in the timing of things and believe that everything is meant to be.

I, of course, like every contestant, would have loved to win American Idol, but I know there is a reason I did not and I can’t wait to find out what the reason is. I love you all! Please continue to follow my journey post-Idol as well as all the other contestants. Idol is a great launching pad, but it is what we do after that really counts.

See also …
Grace talks about her Idol journey began

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