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Q & A with Jackie Evancho before season 7 premiere of 'America's Got Talent'

PITTSBURGH — "America's Got Talent" star Jackie Evancho has risen to the top of the entertainment industry after her appearance on the NBC summer show.

The young Richland Township native has platinum and gold records and will soon make her acting debut, playing Robert Redford’s daughter in “The Company You Keep."

I met Jackie when she was on the fifth season of "America's Got Talent." My See & Be Seen partner at the time, Jessica Fera, and I followed her journey in Los Angeles.  Since then, I've kept in touch with Jackie and her family.  I tell Jackie all of the time that I'm very proud of her.

Before the premiere of the seventh season of "America's Got Talent," I asked Jackie some questions.

Q & A WITH JACKIE:

Q: Are you looking forward to the premiere of “America’s Got Talent?"

A. Definitely. I even get butterflies when I hear the theme music.

Q. What do you enjoy most when watching the show?  Are there acts you like better than others?

A. I enjoy watching the acts. I like all types of acts. Sometimes they really surprise me.

Q. Howard Stern is the new judge this year.  What kind of judge do you think he'll be?  Tough, nice or funny?

A. I think he’ll be funny and fun. Plus, he looks really cool!

Q. What was your relationship like with Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel when you were on the show in 2010?

A. They were all great and very supportive. It has been nice being able to see Sharon on her talk show, as well as Piers. Now that the live shows are going to be closer, I want to go and sit in the audience and watch.

Q. You were the runner-up in 2010.  What advice can you give new contestants?

A. I would say, be confident in your ability and don’t do it to win. Do it because you love what you do.

Q. You’ve been so successful since being on AGT.  Do you thank AGT for the exposure?

A. Definitely! That show made me. Without AGT, I wouldn’t be touring, seeing all kinds of new places, working with such amazing people or be with a big record label. I definitely thank them!

Q. What’s was the key to continuing your success after the show?

A. I think the key is that I continue to work hard at being the best I can be and not getting full of myself.  I have an amazing team around me that finds me great opportunities.

Q. Since AGT, you've released albums and are going to be in a movie with Robert Redford.  Give me the scoop on your projects.

A. Well, I’m still doing concerts. I’ve been to Japan, met the royal family and sang for the President at the National Prayer Breakfast. I’ll be going to Russia to do a concert with two amazing artists. I’m recording new music for my new CD, and I’m now going to be the face of GUESS Kids.

Q.  Since AGT, you’ve been on a bunch of national television shows and performed across the country.  What were some of your favorite appearances? 

A. I enjoy going on all of the shows. All of the hosts are really nice. I especially like going on Sharon’s show because it’s nice to see her. I also really like Jay Leno’s show. I always have fun there. Other appearances I enjoyed were "Oprah" and most recently "Dancing with the Stars."  Now I want to be a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars."

Q. While you’re one of the most famous young ladies out there, every time I’m with you, you’re so down to earth.  Is it hard trying to be a normal kid?

A. It’s not hard being normal. The only thing I do different than any others kids is sing in front of a lot of people.

Q. What do you do for fun when you’re home in the Pittsburgh area?

A. I mainly play with my family, friends and pets.