Name: Jose Manuel Gonzalez

Style: Blues/Soul

Song: “First Love"

Age: 19

When did you first start to sing: Since the first time I opened my little mouth to speak. :]

Do you have any formal singing training? Yes. On and off since the 9th grade.

Who in the music world do you think your style is most like? It’s like a compilation of Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway and Beyonce.


What is your favorite song to sing? “To Zion” by Lauryn Hill and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered: by Stevie.


What is in your CD player or MP3 player right now? Elmo and Big Bird do the ABCs


What is your favorite song of all time? It’s always changing. “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James


Who is your favorite artist? Lauryn Hill and Stevie Wonder


What other talents do you have? I style hair and I’m good at it! :] There is other stuff but I’m pretty mediocre at it.


What are your personal goals in life? Ooh there is so much! First and foremost I want to be a singer/songwriter/producer/entertainer! I want to have all my albums on the Rolling Stone 500 Best Albums of All Time list! I want to be known as an Icon, not just a singer. I want to branch out, sing, dance, act and write! I want to open a franchise of hair salons, a clothing line, make-up line for Hispanic women and I want to be an activist! I want to give back as much as possible to people around the world. People less fortunate than me. That is VERY important to me!


If you could not sing, what other talent would you most like to have? I would love to be able to make pancakes! No matter how much I try, I always manage to make them taste undercooked and burnt at the same time! :/


What is the proudest moment in your life so far? I lost a hundred and something pounds, just by dieting and running! :] I have never felt better about myself, not just because of my appearance, but because it took a lot of self decline and motivation! I am so much healthier and happier! :]


What is one quirky fact people may be surprised to learn about you? When no one is home, I jam out to Beyonce and use the broom as my mic stand! Haha! I can do it for hours!