Legal or not - American Idol contestant gets ready to marry his same-sex partner
Before there was Adam Lambert, before there was Clay Aiken, before there was Danny Noriega, there was another gay contestant on American Idol. His name was Jim Verraros, and he was in the top 10 of the show's first season. Jim didn't fall off the face of the earth like some of the other American Idol contestants did. In fact, after leaving the show, he released an album called Rollercoaster spawning a single that hit #21 on the Billboard Dance Chart, starred in two movies (Eating Out & Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds), and had a cameo with Perez Hilton in Another Gay Sequel. Now Jim is ready to move on to his next big milestone this weekend, marrying the man of his dreams. I got a chance to catch up with Jim to discuss his work, his wedding plans, and marriage equality.
Examiner: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I know you're very busy right now getting ready for your big wedding this weekend.
Jim Verraros: Well things are a bit crazy right now, but I haven't reached the point of turning into Bridezilla yet.
Examiner: (laughs) Well, that's good. Let's start with your work. You've released an album and you starred in a couple of movies. What do you like better, singing or acting?
Jim Verraros: I like both, but there's just something fun about being in front of the camera. The cameo I did with Perez Hilton in Another Gay Sequel movie was so much fun. Yea, I'd have to say I probably enjoy acting a little more.
Jim Verraros & Bill Brennan - Engagement Photoshoot (Photo
courtesy of Jim Verraros).
Examiner: Do you find it hard to get work as an out artist?
Jim Verraros: Yes, it's hard because I was kind of pigeonholed as a gay dance artist. I'm more than that, and I want to show that to people. I'm happy with who I am though, and it's great that I don't have to hide it.
Examiner: Who would be your dream duet?
Jim Verraros: George Michael. He's a great artist, writer, and vocalist.
Examiner: Let's talk about American Idol really quick. What do you think about Paula Abdul leaving the show?
Jim Verraros: I think it's terrible. She's a necessity to have on the show because she's the perfect balance between Randy and Simon. She was always nice to me, and she knows how to counteract the negative with the positive. Everyone could use a little Paula life.
Examiner: Who do you think would be a good replacement for her?
Jim Verraros: I think it would be great to have someone funny. Maybe someone like Jack Black because he's funny and a good musician. Maybe even someone like Lindsay Lohan. She'd be sitting there, lighting a cigarette and talking on her cell phone. It would be great (laughs).
Examiner: What about the other contestants from when you were on the show. Do you still talk to them, and will any of them be going to your wedding?
Jim Verraros: Yea, I'm still friends with some of them like Christina Christian, EJay Day, and Natalie Burge. I invited a few of them, but I'm not sure if they can make it because of the logistics of traveling here. Natalie Burge will definitely be coming though.
Jim & Bill teach Max how to fly like a superdog (Photo courtesy of Jim Verraros).
Examiner: Tell me a little bit about your husband to be, Bill.
Jim Verraros: We've been together for 4 years and we seem to have parallel lives. For example, Bill was a figure skater who placed 12th in the country in pair skating, and I placed 9th on American Idol. We both know a lot about dedication and hard work. He's the most caring, honest, funny, and personable guy I've ever met. He's the first person I've ever wanted to stay with, grow old with, and have children with.
Examiner: So is that what's next? Are you planning on having kids?
Jim Verraros: Well, we'd like kids, but not tomorrow (laughs). Maybe in 2 ½ - 3 years.
Examiner: Maybe you can wean yourself into it by getting a dog first (laughs).
Jim Verraros: We have 2 dogs and a house already so we're good for now.
Bill & Jim kissing in front of cake (Photo courtesy of Jim Verraros).
Examiner: That's a good start. So let's talk about your wedding music. What made you choose "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley?
Jim Verraros: Bill really likes the song and he played it for me. I heard the Michael Bublé version before and I thought it was ok, but the original version by Elvis just gave me chills.
Examiner: I noticed your other wedding song is one that you wrote, "You make it better". Does this mean that you're working on new material, and will you have another album out soon?
Jim Verraros: Yes. That song was about my partner, and I do have an album coming out soon, but there isn't a release date yet. It will definitely be released by the end of the year, but I'm a bit of a perfectionist so I'm taking my time with the album.
Examiner: Same-sex marriage isn't legal in IL, so why did you decide to get married there as opposed to one of the other states that do recognize it?
Jim Verraros: We love each other and want to get married, and we want to have some sort of ceremony to show our friends and family how beautiful and traditional it can be. We'll also be going to Iowa later to make it legal, but the great thing about doing it here is that some of the guests might not be 100% OK with same-sex marriage. Those people might get more comfortable with the idea after coming to our wedding, and they might go and tell other people how beautiful our event was, and those people might tell other people. It's a great way to create change.
Examiner: I think that's a great idea. Have you been involved in any of the marriage equality activism lately?
Jim Verraros: We haven't been as involved as I would like us to be, but we just joined a group called Equality Illinois and we're making a conscious effort to do more. It just boggles my mind why the Mormon church would spend all that money on Proposition 8 to take away gay marriage, when they could be using that money and putting it towards a good cause like helping the homeless or feeding starving children.
Examiner: I agree. Well I know you have lots to do, and I don't want to keep you. Is there anything else that you would like to say that we haven't yet covered?
Jim Verraros: I think it's our responsibility to bring awareness to it. If you love someone and want to get married, do it. Even if it's not legal where you live, do it because it's important.
Examiner: Thanks Jim for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with us. Good luck with your wedding this weekend. We hope you and Bill have a long and happy life together.
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Together, we can change the world, one mind at a time.
Have a great day,
Tommy
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Together, we can change the world, one mind at a time.
Have a great day,
Tommy
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