While thanking "Canadian Idol" for getting her where she is today -- with a four-time platinum disc under her belt and a new record on its way -- Season 3 Idol Melissa O'Neil says she's glad to pass the title to Eva Avila and take the reigns to her own career.
In an Eye on Idol interview the day after handing off the figurative crown, O'Neil said she sees the Idol journey as a series of phases. The crowning of a new Idol means her formative phase is over, so now she's ready for the next challenge.
"I am proud to be from the program. It is a phenomenal program that gives people a chance where they might not have had the chance. Now I'm ready for the next thing."
"I had a moment of clarity a couple weeks ago," said the down-to-earth songstress. "I know I'm 18 and people expect this kind of pop/rock thing. One thing I learned on tour was that's not my niche."
Currently in the writing phase of her sophomore album, O'Neil is getting ready to showcase a new sound featuring a pared-down band and her own lyrics.
"It's very important for this next CD to take off," O'Neil said, noting her first album without the Idol title will either establish her as a legitimate artist or be her final hurrah.
While looking forward to a bright future, the show's first female Idol paused to offer some of what she learned over the past year to her successor. She cautioned Avila to stay true to herself, make her own decisions as much as possible and not get too caught up in the glitz and glam of celebrity at the risk of her music.
"When there are people speaking into every possible orifice that you have about what you should be, you should just take it with a grain of salt," she warned. "Make your own opinions about people because you never know. One bad experience for one person could be the best experience for you."
After going public with her relationship to Season 3's Top 2 competitor Rex Goudie, and experiencing the ensuing media frenzy, O'Neil also offered this year's Idol (who recently disclosed her relationship with Top 4 competitor Chad Doucette) some tips for dealing with the press.
"Stay focused when you're in interviews," she said. "Make sure you have a key point you want to get across and that you hit that message... I learned about myself that I appreciate honesty. I hate censoring myself. It's a really bad thing."
After moving from Calgary to Toronto to launch her Idol career, O'Neil said she knows how isolating it can be to have to start a new social life while also starting a music career, and that she hopes to take Avila under her wing.
"I know if it weren't for Rex being there, I'd have been very lonely," O'Neil said. "It's good to be able to vent to people who understand. I hope (Eva) gives me a call."
