EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: 'X Factor Contestant' Johnny Maxwell

Now in its second season, there’s just one show on everyone’s mind: ‘The X Factor!’  With Demi Lovato and Britney Spears joining the ranks, this season is guaranteed to be the hottest one yet!

Last week, Johnny Maxwell blew us away by performing his original song “All These People.”  Demi was super-impressed with the 16-year-olds swag on the stage.  We got to chat with Johnny, and he dished to us all about his first week on ‘The X Factor,’ and what his life in music has been like so far!

Fanlala: Can you tell us about the road to ‘The X Factor?’  What was it like auditioning and receiving the news that you’d be performing on the show?

Johnny Maxwell: The road getting to where I am today was crazy, from the time found out there was an audition, to the the moment I found out that I got the chance to perform on the show was amazing.  The suspense was constantly building, and I was always thinking, “This is real, this is real, this is real...”

F: Was music something you always wanted to do?  When did you decide to start pursuing your music career?

JM: Growing up as a kid, music was something I enjoyed listening and dancing to.  I didn’t realize it at the time, but it became obvious that music played a valuable part in my life, it got me to come out of my shell.  For me, it was hard to make friends, it’s a hard thing to do for anyone. But when you put yourself out there, music gives an opportunity to meet people.

Before all of this, I wanted to play basketball, and be in the NBA.  I was playing it in high school, and it was cool, but I grew a love for music, about a year and a half ago.  All i wanted to do was music - listen to it, writing it, making it, I just wanted to be around music every second of every day.

F: What made you choose ‘The X Factor’ over the other music programs that are on TV today?

JM: What I liked so much about the first season of ‘The X Factor’ is that there was so much diversity when it came to the kinds of artists.  Astro, Chris Rene, at the time they were where I am now.  They were known, but not as much as they are now.  So in a way, they’re more of an inspiration than some of the biggest stars.  Right now, though, Drake is one of my fave artists of all time.

F: Tell us about your style and what you want to bring to the music industry.

JM: My style of music probably is a little different.  Not the way the music sounds, a lot of what the beats are nowadays are kinda similar.  It’s the message.  I stand for everyone who has a dream out there.  There are a lot of people who will put down anybody who successful, it’s happened to me, and it’s hurt me when people try and do that.  At the same time, though, it just gives me more motivation and inspiration to be who I want to be.

What I want to say is don’t let anyone tell you your outcome, only you are in control of that. That’s the message I try to bring to people, and I hope that people will take that message. I think it’s something different, and it’s something new that people will appreciate.

F: Demi was REALLY impressed with your swag this week, how did it feel to have all of the judges praise your talents?

JM: It feels crazy, you watch these people on shows like ‘Sonny with a Chance,’ and watch them perform.  It’s just crazy knowing about these people, but you never consider meeting these people.  I just think “This is crazy!”  You’re just really happy when you finally get to meet all of them.

We wish Johnny the best of luck.  Make sure you check him out this week, again, to see how he’s doing on ‘The X Factor,’ and stick with Fanlala, because we’ve got more interviews with all of your fave contestants from Season 2!