Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Jovin Webb performs during Hollywood’s final solo round on American Idol (ABC Photo)

The 28-year-old singer from Gonzalez, La., enjoyed a very solid Hollywood Week, getting positive feedback from the judges all three rounds.

That included a genre night performance of “Make It Rain” that ranked as one of the best male vocals we saw, a superb duet round performance of “It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World” with Faith Becnel and a solid solo round performance of Chris Stapleton’s “Parachute.”

Here’s what Jovin told Idol Chatter about his Hollywood Week experience.

The pre-taped Top 40 round episodes will air Sunday and Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Idol Chatter: Hollywood Week is notoriously difficult. How was it for you and what was the most challenging aspect?

Jovin: Hollywood Week for me was super crazy. I went into it not knowing what to expect, but for some reason I mentally prepared myself for chaos. It was different being in an unfamiliar place that long, along with being there by myself. Each day was filled with long hours of being up early singing doing interviews and preparing for performances.

I really had to isolate myself a lot from other contestants just so I could think and not be overwhelmed by the talent and noise that filled the room. The most challenging aspect was, like I said, staying focused and having a clear mind as well as performing very sleep deprived.

Idol Chatter: Can you explain your solo song choice for the final round — “Parachute”
— and why you felt that was the best song to sing in that situation?

Jovin: My whole idea and strategy from the beginning, not just the final round, was to be different but stay true to myself. So, I applied that same mindset to my choice to pick “Parachute” as well. I know my voice in what I can and cannot do and although I know Chris Stapleton’s style of music was what I’m used to, I knew it would stick out to everyone else.

There were other Stapleton songs on the board of choices that other contestants chose, but I made sure to pick a song no one was doing. Also, I wanted to change it up a little and not do a slow ballad, but an upbeat song to show my performance side and versatility. I felt it was the best song because it felt right in my heart. I try not to sing anything I can’t relate to and when I heard and read the lyrics to the song it spoke to me.

Idol Chatter: What’s been your favorite American Idol performance so far and why?

Jovin: I think my favorite Idol performance was the Oregon audition I did in front of the judges. I felt like that performance set a tone for me on the show with the judges as well as setting a mental bar for myself for every round.

Idol Chatter: That Hollywood Week duet of “It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World” was sensational. How did you and Faith Becnel wind up pairing up? I know you’re both from Louisiana. Did you know one another prior to the competition?

Jovin: Yes, that as well is one of my favorites. Just the whole process of working with Faith was so easy, fun and fluent! I met Faith in Oregon as we just conversed a little and realized we were from the same state.

When I got to Hollywood week we met up again and from that point, for the most part, she was the only person I really got to connect with aside from a few. We were sitting next to each other when we got the news that this year we’d be doing duets instead of groups. Before I could say anything, she had already demanded we were partners and I happily obliged.

She even had the song she wanted to do. When she said she wanted to do James Brown, my soul smiled because I love James Brown. A soon as we looked at the song list that was the first song we saw highlighted. It was already destined for us to do it.

Idol Chatter: How did you wind up auditioning for American Idol Season 18 (Season 3 on ABC) and what prompted you to do it this year?

Jovin: Last year I sent in a video audition of an original song I wrote and played. Well, they responded to the video in an email and asked me to come to the next auditions. Thing is, I never checked my email and when I finally did it was too late and I hated myself for it. I saw they were having an open call audition in Baton Rouge and I told myself I’d just give it a shot this year because it was my last year to try. I tried, and thanks to God and the judges, here I am.

Editor’s Note: For more about Jovin, who performed in the bands Captain Green and Bayou Bullets back in Louisiana before America Idol, head here.