We hear you're a big Star Wars fan.
I am! As a matter of fact, I just watched a "How to Draw Star Wars" video about drawing stormtroopers on Starwars.com.
What was your introduction to Star Wars?
I honestly think the first thing I saw as a kid was Battle of Endor -- the Ewoks movie. I was a huge fan of that. I would emulate the voices and pretend to be Wicket. And I watched all the movies religiously as a kid; they're just so fun. I think I even dressed up as a stormtrooper when I was six for Halloween.
Which Star Wars toys did you like playing with as a kid?
I'm always a fan of the Wookiees! In society there are some people that just aren't understood and feel like outsiders like the Wookiees and I can relate to that.
Is it also because Wookiees don't have to wear pants?
Yes and that! [Laughs]
Are there any Star Wars characters you identify with?
Anakin without the evil. I can relate to finding yourself through a journey; I'm doing that right now as a musician in the music industry.
Are there any characters that you wish had more screen time in the films?
Probably Lando Calrissian because I like Billy Dee Williams. I'd love to know the story between him and Han Solo more. And of course, I wanted to know more about Boba Fett's background story, so I was glad when that got explained more in the Prequels.
Which Star Wars movie is your favorite?
That's tough. To be honest, I never think of them as separate movies, but instead as one long story.
As a musician, what do you think of John Williams' musical score for the Star Wars films?
His music is quintessential to the series. Whenever someone decides the change the composer of a series, it takes away from the films, like all the different music soundtracks to the Batman films. The great thing about Star Wars is that they stay with John Williams. George Lucas sticks with what he knows and it works. It's just not Star Wars without John Williams.
Are there any scenes from the films that you really enjoy watching over and over again?
The Podrace in The Phantom Menace is great. It was really fun to watch when it first came out during the whole excitement about Star Wars returning. And all the sound design is amazing, and I'm all about glitchy noises.
On "American Idol" you really stood out from the other contestants with your beat boxing skills. If you could pick any Star Wars character, who do you think would make a good contestant on the show?
It really depends. Is it based on Midi-chlorian count? [laughs]
You tell me! Okay, well out of all the actors from the Star Wars films, who would you like to see sing on the show?
Definitely Natalie Portman.
Who from the Star Wars universe would make a good judge?
Samuel Jackson as Mace Windu so he could swear at the contestants.
Who's more intimidating Darth Vader or Simon Cowell?
Darth Vader, without a doubt.
Really? Well, I suppose Simon Cowell can't Force choke any of the contestants. So who would fit in best in the Star Wars saga -- Simon, Randy Jackson or Paula Abdul?
Simon would do well in the Star Wars galaxy because he's such a good businessman.
He could probably have Jabba the Hutt a run for his money.
He'd probably end up owning Jabba once he was finished with a business deal.
They've influenced me quite a bit. My favorite movie is The Fifth Element and I've always loved both sci-fi and fantasy films. I really enjoy stories with a hero's journey as well as fantastical creatures. I was raised in the '80s so movies like Star Wars, Time Bandits, The Never-ending Story and Labyrinth made me a huge fan. Even now with movies like Narnia, Harry Potter and all these other cool films coming out, I'll never stop being a kid.
I can't wait to hear new sounds I've never heard before with all the new space-themed movies that come out. I love sound design and great sound quality in general.
Why will Star Wars always be cool to you?
I'm always a fan of the story and good character development. And Star Wars has all of those elements across six movies.
Learn more about Blake Lewis on his official site here. Listen to new music from his hit album A.D.D. (Audio Day Dream) on the Blake Lewis Myspace page.
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