‘Idol’ finalist DeGarmo planning a first album

Published 9:00 pm Monday, May 24, 2004

ATLANTA – As “American Idol” fans prepare for one more night of speed-dialing for their favorites, Diana DeGarmo says she already feels like a winner.

“It’s crazy to think that of 70,000 people, little me from Snellville, the youngest girl in the competition, has made it this far,” DeGarmo said Sunday. “I’m just so excited to be on such a great show that has helped me in my career, no matter what.”

DeGarmo, 16, and Fantasia Barrino, 19, each will sing three songs on the popular Fox TV show today night. Fans will have four hours, instead of the normal two hours, after the show to cast votes by telephone and the “American Idol” winner will be announced Wednesday night.

Last year both “American Idol” finalists – Clay Aiken and winner Ruben Studdard – released successful albums.

DeGarmo already has plans to start work on a record immediately, no matter how she fares in this week’s voting. “My plans are definitely just to keep the ball rolling – don’t stop while people know who I am,” she said.

DeGarmo completed her junior year at Shiloh High by doing course work between practices and performances in California. With an “American Idol” concert tour beginning in July and running through September, she won’t be returning to a normal schedule anytime soon.

Barrino, from High Point, N.C., and DeGarmo share southern roots as well as a friendship from early in the competition.

DeGarmo says when she and Barrino were told they had made the top 12, “We made a pact we were going to stick together to the end, no matter what, and you know what? It worked.”