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Dubcnn Exclusive – La Toya London
By: Jonathan Hay
www.myspace.com/jonathanhay ..........................................................................................

Dubcnn: You are currently starring as Nettie in the Broadway musical The Color Purple. Tell us about that experience… 

Playing Nettie in this musical is a joy.  She's a fun character that doesn't take any mess, and encourages her sister, Celie, to take up for herself.   


Dubcnn: It is said that when you were younger, you did frequent guest vocals for several Bay Area artists. Did you ever sing for anyone significant in the music scene? 

Well, when I was younger I sang demo's and hooks for a lot different producers, and rap artists. Through the years, I've sang on stage with many artist like D'Wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Tone'!, Goapele, H2O of "We Are Prototype", and Ledesi, just to name a few. 


Dubcnn: And speaking of Bay Area artists, do you have a favorite on the West Coast right now? 

I'd have to say my favorite is a new group to hit the scene called "We Are Prototype". They're backed by Keith Harris of the The Black Eyed Peas. "We Are Prototype" are the wave of the future. Of course, I gotta mention my crew as well and, truthfully, not because we crew, the boy Esinchill is just dope!  


Dubcnn: You finished fourth in the third season of American Idol. Looking back, did you ever feel that you were unfairly eliminated? Do you have any regrets? 

No, I don't feel I was unfairly eliminated. It was a competition where anything was bound to happen. I do regret playing it safe a lot of times and not truly putting all of me out there. I was so nervous and still growing as an individual during that time. I've grown tremendously since Idol. I've grown as an artist, and actress, and singer. Life has been a great tool for my growth! [Speaking on the judges], Paula was like our nurturer. She tried to make us feel comfortable and supported all the time. She would give us necklaces with words of wisdom engraved on them to keep us encouraged. She was extremely sweet.  Randy was a cool dude. Always willing to talk, and shoot the breeze. And Simon was surprisingly quiet off stage. He was very pleasant to talk to, which was a drastic change from when it was judging time. 


Dubcnn: Simon Cowell announced recently that he would be leaving American Idol after this season. In what ways do you think that Simon’s departure will affect the show? 

I think it will be a disappointment for a lot of people at first. Depending on how the producers continue to market and promote the show will determine people's continued interest. I think adding Ellen Degeneres was a great move. So many people love her personality, so I expect ratings to increase greatly just because of her. 


Dubcnn: Paula Abdul is known well for her uplifting comments and positive attitude towards contestants during the competition. However, because Paula’s comments are so often predictably positive, did it mean as much to hear a good comment coming from her after finishing a performance as it would coming from Simon?  

Yes, it meant a lot. When you're on the chopping block, any good word goes a long way. Just when you think you lost it all, Paula would help you keep it together. She was and is an awesome person. I feel just because you aren't necessarily a singer, doesn't mean you can't tell if someone can sing or not. Especially if you have experience in that field as a behind the scenes person, as Randy and Simon were. Paula is an all around entertainer, so she knows what’s good and what's not. 


Dubcnn: Off camera, is Randy Jackson as “boring” as he seems on camera? 

Well dog, let me think...[Laughs]. Naw, Randy wasn't boring to me. He just has a swag that some like and some don't like.  


Dubcnn: Are there any secrets you can tell us about what when on behind the scenes of American Idol? 

One must not kiss and tell [Laughs].


Dubcnn: You are planning to tour with American Idol winner, Fantasia Barrino, whose VH1 premiere of her new reality show Fantasia for Real brought in an astonishing 2.3 million viewers. What can fans expect from your live performance? 

Fantasia and I are really close. And people can see that closeness on stage when we're playing sisters. It's so fun for both of us, because it comes natural. Fantasia is a strong woman. She's endured a lot but still continues to get through it. She's performing, working out, and continually bettering herself. We all have our ups and downs because none of us are perfect, but it's our faith in our creator that keeps us believing we can overcome. Fantasia has great faith and therefore, the strength to carrying on. 


Dubcnn: You also competed alongside Academy Award Winner, Jennifer Hudson, in American Idol, who finished seventh place. Did you ever feel that she should have gone farther on the show? Do you feel the constant criticism she faced about her weight had anything to do with her not going farther in the competition? 

Yes, I was highly surprised that Jennifer didn't get further. I don't think her weight had anything to do with how far she got. She just didn't get a chance for America to really hear how crazy those pipes were. But they hear her now! 


Dubcnn: What was your initial reaction to the devastating news about the tragic loss of Hudson’s mother and nephew?

It was a shock I couldn't explain. It felt unreal. I couldn't have ever imagined something to that magnitude would happen to Jennifer and her family. I'm still baffled to this day. However, I'm glad Jennifer didn't let it destroy her. She is back and stronger than ever with her mom, brother, and nephew watching over her. 


Dubcnn: Do you have a favorite song that you’ve done thus far? 

Yes, I have a song called "Waiting For You" that I absolutely love. It was written by writer/producer/composer Barry Eastmond and me. He has produced music for Anita Baker among other greats. 


Dubcnn: Are you watching this season of American Idol?

Well, this season has  just started and being on the road, working nights, it's become hard to keep up with. You Tube, seems the only way these days.


Dubcnn: Do you write most of your songs? If yes, who or what inspires your lyrics?

Yes I do. Love inspires my lyrics. Life inspires my lyrics. I go with what I'm feeling, or by what I've been through. However, I am not opposed to being the channel for great music to flow through. My voice is a gift and I want to use it to present great music no matter how it may find me.  I hope to inspire the masses, people of all ages and backgrounds. Music is food for thought and I hope to get a lot of folks thinking. 


Dubcnn: Do you have any upcoming projects? 

I have an album in progress. It's been a slow process being that I've been on the road. I'll be able to focus fully on it as the tour comes to an end. Thus far, though, I am working with some great very musical people. A production duo called the Mekanix has provided some excellent soundtracks and Esinchill has penned a few big records. I’m very excited!  


Dubcnn: Since this is for Dubcnn’s A Woman’s Touch series, tell us how a woman’s touch makes everything better…  

A woman touch adds style, elegance, and grace.    


Dubcnn: How can fans keep up with you? 

You can keep up with me on Twitter, Myspace and Facebook.


Dubcnn: Any final thoughts? 

I'm very excited to be embarking upon my new endeavors. I'm also excited for everyone to be sharing this journey with me. I thank everyone for their love and continued support. DopeOnly is the crew!

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