'Idol's' No. 4, LaKisha Jones, carves out a new career

Two years ago LaKisha Jones was working as a bank teller in Maryland. These days, the only money notes she deals with are the ones she belts out eight times a week in Broadway's "The Color Purple."

Jones' ticket to Broadway was that golden ticket to Hollywood she got last season on "American Idol." Her place in the top 12 was sealed after she sang "And I Am Telling You" from "Dreamgirls" during the initial Hollywood rounds, a performance that caused judge Randy Jackson to gush, "You laid it out on that stage. Jennifer Hudson, watch out!"

Though Jones finished fourth on "Idol," she's not complaining. She spent all summer with the other top 10 finalists on the "American Idols Live Tour" and then joined "The Color Purple" as the church soloist in December.

Jones, a 28-year-old single mom, these days calls Houston home. She's hard at work on her debut album, which is set to come out in the spring. Jones recently spoke about how tough Broadway can be and how Simon Cowell isn't as tough as he appears.

Q: Fantasia was in "The Color Purple" and now you are. Clay Aiken is in "Spamalot." Tamyra Gray did "Rent." It seems like "American Idol" has taken over Broadway. Is this the direction you saw yourself heading in?

A: I did not. I had seen "The Color Purple" after I got pulled off "Idol," and I thought I'd love to be in it. It's been a great opportunity for me. . . . This is really, really totally different from "Idol."

Q: How so?

A: On "Idol," you're pampered and well taken care of. They take care of you here, but this is just so much more grueling. And then on my days off I'm working on my album. It's going to be R&B, soul and will have some inspirational songs. . . .

Q: Now that you've done Broadway, do you have plans for other shows?

A: I got a call to possibly do something in Vegas in the next few months. I have an audition, so I hope that works out.

Q: A lot of celebrities mentored you on "Idol." What was the best piece of advice you got?

A: Actually it was from Simon. He told me, "Believe in yourself, you can do this." Simon is nicer than what people think. He offers constructive criticism and he's being real, and a lot of times his comments are right on.

Q: Simon also kept accusing you of shouting your songs. It seemed almost like you became a target.

A: I know. In the beginning the judges were giving me great comments, and then as we got closer and closer to the title, no more great comments. I didn't quite understand it. But then I thought, if God meant for me to win, it would happen. . . . Hey, I'm getting to live out my dream, to travel and to sing. And I can say I've been on Broadway. *