Exclusive: Jackie Evancho Talks To WPXI At Kean Idol Vocal Finals

PITTSBURGH,None — Before she captured the heart of the nation on the "America's Got Talent" stage, Jackie Evancho wowed the crowd on the Kean Idol stage. On April 15, Jackie returned to the Kean Theater to present an award named in her honor and she talked with me one-on-one.

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Jessica: It's pretty exciting to have an award named after you. Tell me about the Jackie Evancho Award.

Jackie: The award is being given away to the people who have worked really hard but didn't get first place.

Jessica: That was very much your story when you did Kean Idol, right?

Jackie: Yes.

Jessica: So how does it feel to be presenting an award to someone just like you?

Jackie: It feels really good because it's never happened to me before, to have an award named after me, and it makes me feel special to know people will actually appreciate it.

Jessica: Did that bring back some memories to see those performers up on the stage? Do you remember what it was like?

Jackie: Yes I do and I told my mom that I wish I could do it again because it was really fun when I did it and it looks like they're having fun when they sing.

Jessica: Well I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you wanted to get up there to sing. So you just turned 11. Did you do anything fun for your birthday? Get any new pets?

Jackie: Well I got tons of cool stuff for my birthday but no pets. I did get a [Nintendo] DSi which I've been wanting for awhile. And I went to my grandma's house for my birthday but that's pretty much it. My favorite birthday cake, that was the best part.

Jessica: What was it?

Jackie: It was white with blue flowers and it had a picture of seals on it.

Jessica: That's great, seals, your favorite! Now we have to talk about your new CD coming out in June, "Dream With Me," and we've heard a lot about the CD previewing it, but what do you really want people to know about this CD?

Jackie: I think I just want them to know there was a lot of hard work that went into it and there's some original songs in it that are very special to me, like my uncle's song, and there's also duets so that's cool.

Jessica: The legendary Barbara Streisand was one of the people you got to sing a duet with. So tell me what she was like and what it was like to work with her.

Jackie: It was a lot of fun to work with her. She was kind. I don't easily get star stuck but she was very nice and I actually was a little nervous because she is known as "The Legendary Barbara Streisand."

Jessica: Lastly Jackie, summer is coming up so do you have any fun plans? I heard you're going on a trip with some of your "America's Got Talent" friends.

Jackie: Well I do have a tour in June, and my CD comes out in June. Other than that and going on a trip with some of my "America's Got Talent" friends that's it.

Jessica: Who do you still keep in touch with from "AGT?"

Jackie: I try to keep in touch with everyone but some of them I don't have their numbers so I can't keep in touch with them. But I usually try to keep in touch with a lot of them.

Jessica: Thanks Jackie. We can't wait for your CD to come out so congratulations on getting that out and I look forward to talking with you again soon.

Jackie: Thank you, I enjoy this so much.

The 2011 Kean Idol Talent Contest benefited the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, which in 2010 provided nearly $4.7 million to poor and low-income residents at St. Barnabas Nursing Home, Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas and The Arbors at St Barnabas who otherwise would not be able to afford their care.

Previous Stories: February 7, 2011: Pittsburgh's Jackie Evancho Gets 2nd Place On 'AGT' February 7, 2011: Pittsburgh Girl, 'America's Got Talent' Star, Jackie Evancho Talks To WPXI November 27, 2010: Jackie Evancho Performs In Pittsburgh's Holiday Parade November 26, 2010: Jackie Evancho Youngest Solo Artist With Top 10 Album October 21, 2010: Jackie Evancho Featured On 'Oprah Winfrey Show' September 30, 2010: Jackie Evancho's 'AGT' Tour Dates Limited To 10 Cities September 2, 2010: Pittsburgh's Jackie Evancho In 'America's Got Talent' Top 10

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