Q&A: Sam Woolf

Braden River High School senior Sam Woolf didn’t expect much when he showed up for the “American Idol” auditions in Boston last August, with his guitar slung over his shoulder.

He just wanted a chance to show the judges — Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. — his passion for music.

Making it passed the auditions into the “Hollywood rounds” on the show was his first benchmark on the nationwide singing competition.

Then came the top 30 — 15 women and 15 men — which shortly dwindled down to 25. The 17-year-old experienced performing with a live band for the first time, in front of a live audience who voted on whether he would continue on the show.

Now, after months of rehearsals, eliminations and watching co-contestants, who have become his friends, get sent back home, he enters another chapter in the show — the top 10.

Woolf will tour around the country this summer with the nine other contestants, regardless of how much further he makes it on “American Idol.”

The East County Observer spoke with Woolf about his thoughts on his time on the show thus far.

What has been your favorite moment so far?

I think Mondays and Tuesdays are my favorite. That’s when we run through songs with the band for the first time. We get to practice with the band and get to know the arrangement for the song.

What’s your favorite song/performance you have done?

Babylon (by David Gray). It’s one of my favorite songs, and definitely was one of my better performances.

What is the best thing about being on the show?

Getting to meet all the other contestants, and getting close with them, has been great. I hang out with pretty much all of them.

How does it feel to be a part of the show’s top 10 and to know you’re going on the “American Idol” tour?

It’s awesome, getting to tour with all the friends I’ve made. I think I’m ready for it. I don’t know, just, I don’t know.

How has the show changed your life?

Well, I’ve definitely gotten more exposure; I have a following now, with a lot of people who support me.

Are you homesick, yet?

No, not yet. I mean I miss my friends and family, but I’m not homesick.

Give us a day-to-day breakdown. What was your day like today? (March 17)

Well, I start with school, for a couple of hours, Monday through Friday, it (how long studying) just depends on the day. Fridays I spend about five hours, and there’s a teacher there to help me if I have questions. Then, there’s rehearsals. We rehearse three days a week, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. And later, I have some interviews.

Can you tell us something we don’t know about the show?

They let you keep the clothes.

Watch Woolf’s journey continue on “American Idol” from 9 to 10 p.m. March 20, on FOX.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].