ERNESTO RODRIGUEZ

What was the first album/CD you ever purchased?

Yourself or Somebody Like You by Matchbox Twenty.

Who is YOUR Pride Idol and why?

My Dad. Never has the world seen such a good hearted, down-to-Earth and loving man as he. Hope I turn out to be just like him.

Who is your favorite singer or musical influences?

Clint Black, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Rick Trevino, to name a few. Influenced greatly by country music. It's what I grew up on.

How and why did you start singing?

Since I was a kid, It's all I could ever dream about. Me on a big stage, backed up by a great band and supported by loads of fans -- a vision that is both clear and achievable.

If you win, where would you go with the airline tickets?

Somewhere I've never been and as far as the plane will take me. It's about time for me to get out of Texas and see what else it out there.

JeanNicole RIVERS

What was the first album/CD you ever purchased?

Sadly enough it was probably something like Ice Ice Baby Vanilla Ice :(

Who is YOUR Pride Idol and why?

My Pride Idols are definitely my grandmothers, because they have always encouraged me to follow my heart, go after anything that I want and as long as I do my best to be proud of the results.

Who is your favorite singer or musical influences?

By far my favorite singer is Ella Fitzgerald. The era in which she sang was full of deep-rooted blues, sultry jazz. I like to think that I would have fit right in.

How and why did you start singing?

I have been singing for as long as I can remember, but my musical foundation was birthed in the church. Everyday I thank my creator for the gift, with which, I have been so graciously blessed. For me, singing is the deepest form of meditation, and I would not have a chance of getting through the day without it.

If you win, where would you go with the airline tickets?

If I win I would go to Miami with my airline tickets. I moved from Miami 5 years ago and have some friends and a new godson that I would love to see.

CHRISTOPHER PLATA

What was the first album/CD you ever purchased?
Mariah Carey‘s #1's.

Who is YOUR Pride Idol and why?

Mariah Carey, because after all that she has gone through, she has never given up and has always stayed strong in God. And because of that has come out stronger and better every time. And she is THE diva.

Who is your favorite singer or musical influences?
Mariah Carey, Josh Groban, Michael Buble, David Archuleta, Carie Underwood, Rascal Flatts. I also love musicals.

How and why did you start singing?
I started singing when I was little. I don't know why I was since no one else in my family does, but since I was a little boy, I remember putting on shows for my family. I sing because it help me express how I feel.

If you win, where would you go with the airline tickets?
I would go to New York or Washington D.C. during Christmas.

HOJA LOPEZ

What was the first album/CD you ever purchased?

My first CD was, and I don't mind admitting it, the Spice Girls! My favorite was always Sporty Spice. The signs are always there. That and the whole plaid shirts phase.

Who is YOUR Pride Idol and why?

I really admire Matt Flannery, the CEO and co-creator of a company called Kiva, the first person-to-person micro lending website. It totally empowers individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs around the globe. It connects people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty. You are helping a real person make great strides towards economic independence and improve life for themselves, their family and their community.

Who is your favorite singer or musical influences?

I absolutely love Radiohead, the Smiths, Sigur Ros, MGMT, Imogen Heap, Massive Attack, Bjork, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Albert Hammond Jr, Devotchka, DCFC, Blonde Redhead, Dolly Parton. I could go on and on. No, really. Animal Collective, the Faint, Ghostland Observatory, Stevie Wonder, Dan Deacon …

How and why did you start singing?

I first started singing in elementary school with my choir. There was no stopping me after day one. I would sing in class, during recess, at home, in the shower, at the park. I had 80 people a day telling me that I needed to be quiet because I had been singing Oh Happy Day for six hours straight.

If you win, where would you go with the airline tickets?

New York City. I hear they have dirty snow, pickpockets and Tracy Morgan. He makes my insides clam up and flicker. I'm not sure if that’s good or bad yet. I wanna go so I can find out.

AJ CABRERA

What was the first album/CD you ever purchased?

The first CD I purchased was probably Britney Spears’ … Baby One More Time. I love Britney and was excited to buy my first CD by myself. I listened to it every day and learned all the routines with my little sister.

Who is YOUR Pride Idol and why?

My stepmom Kristi always been the most inspirational person I know. Not only has she been there every time I have needed her, she is a big part of who I am today. I remember growing up and listening to her sing and play piano at church and thinking to myself, ‘I wanna be just like her.‘ I owe being in the top 10 to her!!

Who is your favorite singer or musical influences?

Hands down I look up to Carrie Underwood and Judy Garland Carrie has a wonderful voice and always seems to be very humble and grateful for everything she has. Her music has the ability to touch people, and I hope to someday master that as well. Judy Garland has one of the most recognizable voices, and I love how she overcame tragedies to become one of the most successful live performers of all time. Her music still influences people today generations later!

How and why did you start singing?

I remember one of the first performances I had was in second grade. It was Christmas, and my stepmom had me in a turtleneck and a "lovely” sweater. I had to sing the first verse to Go Tell it on the Mountain. I was so nervous but I managed to get through it. After that, I loved being onstage and singing and making people smile.

If you win, where would you go with the airline tickets?

Probably Nashville. It is somewhere I have always wanted to go. I would love to see a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry! I love that place, and there is so much tradition and amazing people that have come from there. I would love to one day get the opportunity to sing onstage there as well.

ANTHONY MAGEE

What was the first album/CD you ever purchased?

My first album ever purchased was Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam.

Who is YOUR Pride Idol and why?

My Pride Idol is my best friend John Shafer. He is one of the most honest, sincere, genuine, caring and giving guys I have ever known. No matter what was going on with me, or anyone, he is always there to offer moral support and a big smile. He is an angel, and I love him dearly.

Who is your favorite singer or musical influences?

My favorite singer -- PRINCE!!!! My musical influences - Earth, Wind and Fire, Chicago, Prince, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Patti Labelle …

How and why did you start singing?

I started singing in the church choir as a lil boy. My mother is a singer, and she made me get up there. I am glad she did.

If you win, where would you go with the airline tickets?

There are so many places I would go with the airline tickets. Maybe back to Canada.

SHAUNA WOOD

What was the first album/CD you ever purchased?

That would have to be -- and I'm definitely showing my age with this one -- Paula Abdul's Forever you Girl album -- because who didn't love Opposites Attract. Come on, the video with the cat? AWESOME!!!

Who is YOUR Pride Idol and why?

My Pride Idol would definitely have to be my mom. Now that I'm in the grown-up world, with my own bills to pay and no children, how in the world she did it by herself I will never know. She raised me and my brother with such passion and dedication. She managed to pay the bills, be the best PTA mom ever and still have time for that special McDonald’s trip when the chicken nuggets and playgroud were calling. She gives me the strength and drive to get up every morning, and all I can offer is my eternal gratitude and devotion to pay her back for making me the independent woman I am today.

Who is your favorite singer or musical influences?

Right now I would have to say that P!nk is tipping the scales as my favorite singer. Besides the fact that her voice is never-ending, the passion that she puts into her songs definitely brings the goose bumps.

How and why did you start singing?

Weekends of the Supremes, Lena Horne, anything else that made the chores easier to do just soaked in. In elementary school, I was told I would never make it singing, and of course that made me try harder. By junior-high, I was yop 10 in the state and just never stopped.

If you win, where would you go with the airline tickets?

I would take my beautiful wife to Washington D.C. She is very involved in gay and lesbian rights and would love to go where all the regulations and real fights are happening.

BEN MONTES

What was the first album/CD you ever purchased?

Heavenly Place by Jaci Velasquez

Who is YOUR Pride Idol and why?

My Pride Idol is anyone who has the self-confidence to be themselves, no matter what that may be or no matter what people may say.

Who is your favorite singer or musical influences?

My favorite singer at the moment is Ella Fitzgerald. She really used her voice as an instrument, and it was chock-full of emotion. When I listen to her sing anything, it really, really inspires me as a vocalist.

How and why did you start singing?

As soon as I could walk, my mother had me behind a microphone, singing in church.

If you win, where would you go with the airline tickets?

San Francisco!!!

RACQUEL REFUERZO

What was the first album/CD you ever purchased?

The first few CDs I purchased must have been the Lion King soundtrack, followed by many more Disney animated movie soundtracks.

Who is YOUR Pride Idol and why?

My friends and family who support me in this endeavor. You guys rock my world!

Who is your favorite singer or musical influences?

KT Tunstall, Sara Bareilles, Janet Jackson, Sia, Billie Holiday. The list could go on.

How and why did you start singing?

I come from a long line of musicians. It was an instant passion.

If you win, where would you go with the airline tickets?

I would let my girlfriend choose the destination.