Franny: Between new American Idol auditions coming up, the Morris - 9 Lives Million Cats Rescue, and I'm sure dozens of other commitments, how do you manage your busy schedule?
Randy Jackson: It's tough. But I'm blessed to have it, blessed to be given so many opportunities. I also have two albums coming out this year.
Franny: What are your thoughts about this season's American Idol finale and that Jordin Sparks is the new American Idol?
Randy Jackson: She's a great champion and deserved to win. It was a good season, and it was difficult to judge because there were so many great singers with different styles and kinds of voices.
Franny: I was a little disappointed that my favorite didn't win, but she came in third.
Randy Jackson: Melinda is an amazing talent. But you know, with the voting, sometimes people don't bother to vote because they figure their favorite already is winning. And the votes really do count.
Franny: I see you had a double major in music and psychology. Did psychology play a part in your judging American Idol - as far as being a buffer between Simon and some of his pals?
Randy Jackson: Laughs. It's funny, I never thought philosophy and psychology had much to do with each other, but I think they must go hand-in-hand.
Franny: Can you tell me more about your two albums coming out?
Randy Jackson: Well, one of them is with Boyz II Men. And the other is a solo album - me doing a sort of Quincy Jones thing, titled "Randy Jackson Presents the American Music Club, Volume 1" Coming out in September.
Franny: That's fantastic, Randy. I'll definitely be looking for it. How can my readers learn more about the Morris Million Cat Rescue?
Randy Jackson: That's an easy one. Go either to 9Lives.com or Catster.com
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Before I could ask my last few questions, we were interrupted by the 9-Lives contact person and asked to wrap it up, because Randy had another interview coming up. We said our goodbyes, and I reflected for a few minutes on our conversation
Randy Jackson is undoubtedly one of the nicest people I've ever been privileged to meet. He's honest, candid, down-to-earth, and really a nice man. I'd done my homework before our interview, and checked some more facts when we were finished.
Randy was not exaggerating when he said he likes to give back to things he's passionate about. The charitable events he's participated in over the past couple of years reads like a Who's Who of advocacy. Just a sampling:
- Ronald McDonald Hall Carnival (10/22/2006)
- Race to Erase MS Disco Fever Show (5/12/2006)
- AmberWatch Foundation Launch Party (4/25/2006)
- McDonald's World Children's Day (11/15/2005
- ReAct Now: Music and Relief (Hurricane Katrina Benefit) (September 2005)
- Disney's Make-A-Wish Fundraiser (7/16/2005)
Did I mention I like this man? I do - very much! I know Randy would be VERY happy if readers of this interview would flock to the Million Cats Rescue when it comes to a nearby city and adopt one or more shelter cats or kittens. That would be very cool, man!
