Karen Taylor Squires

It is not every day that someone gets to interview a Top 24 American Idol contestant. In fact, sometimes it takes going right to the source, his grandmother, Charlotte Collins. This week Roman Collins was named as a Top 24 contestant after his performance. Collins is the son of Dr. Hosea Collins and the late Terrekia Collins. His ties to Coushatta/Red River are deep.

This humble young man began the interview by thanking me for wanting to talk to him. I was the one who came away from this interview appreciative.

When asked to talk about something that everyone should know about him, he answered quickly. “I am a Believer. I know God’s Grace. If I could tell everyone one thing, it would be to not be afraid to cast your net. Reach out for what you want. I never thought I could be in this far on Idol, but look, here I am. I took the leap of faith, and it is a blessing. Take a chance, cast your net, try for what you want.”

I wanted to know more about how he got an audition for Idol in the first place. He explained that it was a whirlwind and perfect timing. “I sent a video, and they called me the next day for an audition. By Tuesday of the next week, I was in front of Lionel Ritchie, Katy Perri and Luke Bryan. I heard that I was the last approved audition before they got on the plane that afternoon. It was so quick and almost surreal.”

My next question was about his mother. He had discussed her and the influence her life and her death had on him during his intro for his last performance. I asked about some favorite memories that he might share.
“You know, growing up in Louisiana there is a parade for every season. At these parades there is always candy and treats. My mother was always thinking one step ahead. I have been diabetic all my life. Mom would always make sure that I got to participate in the candy catching moments, then she would have a sack full of sugar free candy for me to eat when all the other kids started opening theirs. That is who she was, always thinking about my needs, but making sure I got to experience everything fun.

I wanted to know a bit more about his family and what they mean to him.

“I am blessed. I have family who supports me and pushes me. I know God loves me by the family he gave me. I have grown up not only the church but in God. I feel his presence in my family. I know they are there for me. This life is hard. Anxiety is everywhere and no matter how young or how old, life is stressful. I have a support system that allows me to take chances and never feel that I fail.
I watched my dad make hard choices based on his calling from God. He moved us from the comfort of the small town of Coushatta to the unknown of a new life. It was uncomfortable for him and for us, but he kept faith and so will I.”

When asked about his faith and how church has influenced him, he responded quickly again. “I started in the church as so many kids do, singing and performing. I am still there “9” days a week.” He says as he chuckles. “ I hope the passion and fire of a believer shows in all my performances. I always do family friendly content even if it is contemporary music choices. I strongly believe that I am here by grace.”

His passion certainly caught the attention of every judge. After his performance of The Beatles, “Come Together”, Katy Perry responded that it was the best performance of the night. Collins said he was humbled, and he felt validated. “It was a gift. It helped me to understand that I do belong here. It also confirmed that I do not have to change to stay in the competition. I can learn from what they teach me and critique me, but I can stay true to myself too. I am enough! This church guy is enough.”

Roman’s next performance will be on Monday night. He says that he will be doing a classic song but putting his own twist on it.

If you want to hear some of his own music, look for his debut album entitled, “Same Gospel, New Sound”, that released on March 13. It has 13 songs and Collins hopes that everyone who hears it comes away with something.”