Seventeen-year-old performer and Lake Nona native Alyssa Raghu on her recent stint on season 17 of American Idol, admiring Elton John and her newly released single “Criminal.”

1. I never really had that “aha” moment of wanting to become a singer. It was always just a part of me. It grew as I got older into what it is now and I’m so grateful for that.

2. My most memorable experience on American Idol was probably performing in front of a huge crowd in Hawaii during the sunset. I was the happiest I’ve ever been—hitting every note, dancing my life away. It’s like eating chocolate cake after being hungry.

3. When I first introduced myself to Katy Perry on American Idol, I said, “You can call me by my last name Raghu, like the sauce,” which she ended up really liking. Anytime I performed after that when she wanted me to ramp it up even more, she’d tell me to give her more “sauce.” The makers of Ragu saw that it was trending well on the show and gave me a care package with coupons, aprons, shirts, etc., all branded with their signature sauce logo. I was so surprised and thought it was amazing that they recognized who I was!

4. If I could perform a duet with any artist in the world it would be Elton John. Not only is his music powerful but his story hits your soul. I love how he performs and would want to join him one day to sing his greatest hits.

5. From appearing on American Idol for two seasons, I’ve learned that nobody’s opinion should affect you because the only one that matters is your own. It’s OK to express your personality, for a while I was afraid to do that. But now that I’m making my own music I can fall in love with it the way I did when I first started. That’s all people want to see, just a genuine you.

6. The support that I’ve received from the residents of Orlando and Lake Nona means the world to me. When I see that support, it helps encourage me to do even better. The Orlando/Lake Nona community has done a lot for me out of the kindness of their hearts and I will never forget that.

7. Someone I look up to is my mom because she is the epitome of all things a strong woman should be. I think I get my drive from her. I also look up to my dad for his constant support; I don’t know anyone else in this world who would risk their entire life to see me smile the way he does for me. Those are two very important people in my life that I love more than anything.

8. Right now, I’m picking up some casting calls for TV shows and writing music. Acting is my second love and I’ll keep going with it. I’m also planning a tour that picks up very soon.

9. When I wrote my newly released single “Criminal,” I was inspired by the teenage boy’s mind and their genuine thoughts when falling in love for the first time. During a relationship you really see when a guy starts to open up with his feelings and trusts you. He’d do anything for the girl he loves and that’s what this song is about.

10. What I love about singing is the way it makes me feel. There’s something about it that gets me excited every time I’m on stage. I feel like I’m the best version of myself when I make people dance and smile—it’s forever my calling.

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s August 2019 issue.