While she may have been the youngest X Factor USA contestant at only 13 years old, Rachel Crow wasted no time making her mark on the singing competition from her very first audition. From her admission that she wanted to win the $5 million recording contract in order to have her own bathroom to taking on some of the biggest songs in music during the live shows, the teen was a huge hit with the judges and audiences alike. Unfortunately, in one of the show's most upsetting live eliminations, Rachel fell into the bottom two alongside Marcus Canty and, after panellist Nicole Scherzinger sent the vote to deadlock, she made an emotional exit from the competition just one week short of the semi-finals.
We caught up with Rachel to hear her thoughts on the experience.
Your elimination was incredibly emotional. What was going through your head at that time and how are you feeling now?
"It was heartbreaking. I was very sad, but I'm doing much better now. I feel good today, I'm fine. I left the competition on top, I felt like, and it wasn't Nicole's fault. It's just how things went."
Speaking of Nicole, it was reported that she cried for 30 minutes after your exit. Did you speak to her?
"Nicole did not cry for 30 minutes, she cried for an hour and a half! She was devastated. I love her. She has the biggest heart and is beautiful on the inside and out and I will hopefully always have a special place in her heart as she does in mine."
What did the other judges say to you after the results were revealed?
"Paula told me I'm going to be huge. I love her very much and she gives me a lot of support. I'm very happy to have her. My mom supports me all the way and said it would be okay. Simon also said he has my back 100%, which is great."
How surprised were you after hearing your name announced? Did you expect to make it through?
"I wasn't surprised, it was just the feeling of fear and wondering what I'll do now. But I'm feeling much better."
You gave two amazing performances this week. How hard was it going out on such a high note, especially?
"It makes it a little bit harder - I love performing, it was the highlight of my week every week."
You often said it was important for you to serve as an inspiration to other kids. Why was that?
"It's important because I know how kids can feel sometimes and I want them to feel special like I do."
This week, you chose both of your own songs. Do you think you should have done anything differently?
"No, I definitely don't regret anything. I'm very blessed that I had the experience. If I did the songs Simon wanted me to do, I would have gone up and regretted it. But I did what I wanted to and I'm glad!"
Simon alluded to your comedy background. Can you tell us a bit about that?
"I used to do stand-up when I was about 11 or 12. I love making people laugh and smile. I loved that about being on stage on X Factor, as well, so it was great."
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What will you take away from the experience?
"It was an experience of a lifetime! I learned so much at a young age. I learned so much about being an artist and staying true to who you are. I've learned how to control my vocals now and that friends are made on TV shows. It's just how it had to go."
What was your favourite performance throughout the competition?
"My best was probably the last performance I did, because I put my all into it. I love being up there and just pouring my heart out and that's what I did."
The judges alluded to some possible acting roles. Have you heard anything about it and would you be interested in pursuing that avenue?
"Acting is definitely something I'd be interested in, it's exciting. And have I heard anything? I don't know, maybe!"
You developed a close friendship with Drew Ryniewicz on the show. Have you talked to her since your elimination?
"We've spoken and we just had girl talk. She called me last night and we talked for a while. It was nice to hear from her. She said that it was okay and she felt the same when she left. We had a nice heartfelt girl to girl talk."
You really matured and held your own with some of the older singers. How did the show change who you are as an artist?
"The show changed who I am because now I know, finally, that I'm not a nobody anymore. I'm very happy to share my light with the world now."
Do you feel like LA Reid maybe threw you under the bus a bit by talking about other possible showbiz opportunities?
"I don't think he meant it that way. He just wanted to let everyone know that I was exciting or something, I don't know. He's a very nice man and I don't feel bad about anything he said about me."
Who would you like to see win?
"Honestly, I'd be the worst judge ever because I looked at the Top 4 to try and figure who I wanted to win but I couldn't, because they all have an equal shot!"
The X Factor USA airs Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox
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