Idol FAQs: From Paula and Corey to Randy and "Dawg"

I'm running out of things to say. This isn't exactly a recap, nor should it be and there are only so many times I can talk about their clothes or hairstyle, who they looked like, how I can or can't relate to them and the whole Idol experience, etc. before it all sounds the same.

Hmmm, maybe I could start answering some FAQs. Everywhere I go, it's always the same questions, so I'll see if I can get some of them out of the way for you. If you have any other burning questions you want to ask that I don't cover today, feel free to leave a comment here or on my Web site.

Is Simon really mean?
No. But, that might depend on your definition of mean. He'll definitely tell you what he's thinking but not just to be mean to you. In fact, every time I've talked to him he's been really cool.

Does Randy really say "dawg" in private?
Surprisingly, yes. I thought it was an act before I was on the show, but I've never heard him talk any other way.

Is Paula really drunk all the time?
No clue. You know as much as I do on that one. Sorry if that doesn't satisfy you. I will say that she was always really nice to all the contestants. If you ever notice any of the contestants wearing a necklace with a star on it, most likely it came from her.

Did Paula ever try to pick up on you?
No.

Did Paula and Corey Clark really have a "thing"?
How should I know?

Was there any behind-the-scenes love during your season?
Not that I'm aware of. Sorry, we were a boring group. But hey, we weren't cast for behind-the-scenes drama.

How has Idol changed your life?
I hate this question -- freakin' bland. However, by way of an answer, I think we all go through a series of defining moments and being plucked out of college to be on a national TV show would have an effect on anybody. For me, that translates into so many things -- from having a career path to suddenly having painfully transparent high school crushes calling to say "hello."

I'll leave it at those for now, but I'll try and save room to answer a few in each blog from now on. Like I said, feel free to ask away. I'll most likely respond to the extremely overused questions and the most interesting.

Before I finish up, I want to add my small voice to what others have said more eloquently before me and convey my deepest sorrow and condolences to the families and friends affected by the tragedy in Virginia. God be with you.

Jon Peter Lewis was a finalist on the third season of "American Idol." His newly released debut album, "Stories From Hollywood," is available everywhere online and can also be downloaded at americanidol.com. Visit Jon's Web site for more.