LINKWe caught up with Young during a series of phone interviews. Here's his Idol scoop.
• What he's listening to: "My favorite band of all time in terms of creativity is Led Zeppelin. It's venting. I listen to stuff right now that's up. I'm just hitting that old rock 'n' roll. I even listened to an old ZZ Top song, Sharp Dressed Man."
• What he's reading: Rich Dad, Poor Dad. "I thought it was a really inspiring book as far as realizing your upbringing helps decide who you are, but it doesn't define you."
• What he's watching: Chicken Little. "I watched it because I was hanging out with Kevin Covais . . . I thought it was brilliant . . . for children with adult humor. We hung out and watched his movie and I had him sign it 'from one thug to another.' "
• On being called a heartthrob: "It's funny because I think that's more based on the physical. I am a very deep person, and what you see is your first impression. I think once you get to know me, you'll see I'm a family guy, I'm a role model for my nephews and my nieces, I love music and I love people with drive. As far as being the heartthrob, I am flattered, but if you see me on the street and you're voting for me, I want to know you, as well. I want you to come up and say hi."
• On women: "I'm dating. My only girlfriend right now is music."
• On nerves: "I have butterflies. But I'm just going to go out there and have fun, enjoy the moment. My motto is, you've been given this life, so live it."
• On performing: "Being the youngest of five, I've always had to do things to stand out ... I love the pressure. It allows you to see how you're going to handle a tough situation in your life. You've got to pick the right song, the right outfit. You don't want them to say, 'That was great, but what was he wearing?' "
• On being recognized: (While mobbed by hundreds when shopping for jeans with Chris Daughtry at the Beverly Center) "They asked for autographs, for photos, they were really nice. It was cool to meet some of the people voting for us."
• On being an early favorite: "I think a lot of people are going to change throughout this process. We're going to see who people really are. All I hope is when I'm out of this competition, I'm the same person as when I started."