Name: Joanna Martino
Career: Singer
Age: 19
From: Michigan
Where you know her: She was a top 80 finalist on 'American Idol 2'
Review of 'My World': Here Official Website: joannamartino.com/
Myspace Page: Here

Hi! Could you please each start by introducing yourselves to our readers?

My all time favorite thing to do is to sit around the table with my family and friends and laugh so hard that we can't breathe. I grew up in a small town in southwest Michigan where all five of us kids showed animals at our county fair. Coming from a long line of pastors in the family, I've been blessed to grow up in a wonderful Christian home with loving parents who have been the most awesome example of Christ in my life that I've ever known. I played sports in high school and still love them. I was always very disciplined in my school work and graduated 5th in my class. It was a hard decision not to go to school, but this is where I felt the Lord calling me...and I love it!

I was always the one who would NEVER stop singing, which hasn't changed much. I've always had a passion for singing and Glorifying God through my voice. When I was 16-years-old, the Lord really started to use these gifts. I am blessed to have wonderful family and friends, as well as many others who have crossed paths with mine, who have encouraged me and believed in me every step of the way.

This past year has been so different but an awesome time or growth for me. Moving away from home and everything I've ever known to pursue my dreams might be crazy to some, but I've found it to be an incredible journey that Christ is so evident in.

Do you write your own songs? If so, what do you enjoy writing songs about the most?

I started writing my own songs a little over a year ago, and I love it. It is a great way to express yourself or tell a story. I journal a lot and most times take songs or ideas from there. I enjoy writing songs about real life, stuff that people can relate to.

Tell us about your debut album 'My World'.

It's my first album so I'm pretty excited about it. It was a blast to make. I do believe that God has really blessed us and has had His Hand over it. I feel it has catchy tunes with great lyrics which really speak to the heart.

Which of your songs on the album is your favorite and why?

This is a tough question for me-I have a few favorites. Not to be biased, but I guess I would have to say that my favorite is "Lay It Down." My producer and I wrote this song together, it totally comes from my heart over the past few years. I would give it to God but then pick it right back up again. While I was going though these struggles, I didn't understand why but knew that God had a purpose in them. Even though I can't see the big picture, God has allowed me to see a little one which is how He has used those times in my life to impress upon my heart something that I want to share with others that would touch their lives. Just to see and hear of the effect that song has had on people's live already and how it has touched them is so awesome, it makes it all worth it...and it's just the beginning!

What part of the creative process is your favorite? Writing songs, recording them or performing them live?

I love them all! Writing sometimes is like wearing your heart on your sleeve and you learn a lot about your voice while recording. Both off them lead up to the best part though...performing live and sharing your heart face to face.

You made it to the final 80 contestants in American Idol 2. That's really impressive. Did you enjoy the experience?

God had a plan. He used it to really begin my music career. It was a great experience and I learned a lot though it while having a blast. Definitely priceless. When I look back on it, I smile.

Would you ever consider entering a similar competition?

I feel like God had me do American Idol for a specific reason that He has already accomplished. Competitions are fun but it's not my focus right now. I just want to do what I love and live. Sharing what God has laid on my heart is most important to me right now.

You're currently independent. Are you looking for a record label or would you like to continue on the independent route?

I'm looking for someone who will come along side of me in this ministry. Someone who believes in me and what God has called me to do and has just as strong of a passion for doing God's work. Whether that be a record label or someone else, we are still going forward with this calling.

Tell us about your faith.

I accepted Christ into my heart in my kindergarten class at a Christian School. I grew up knowing God's love for me and all He has done. However, it wasn't until I was about 15-years-old that I really started to follow Him whole-heartedly. I remember praying one night that He would use my life to do whatever His will may be, that I would follow Him wherever He wanted me to go. It was then that I really began a personal, intimate relationship with Christ. It hasn't always been easy, and trust me, I have stumbled and failed. But, God picks me up and in my weakness He is made strong. It's been hard for me to come to grips with the fact that I'm not in control, and in the past I've tried to fight it. Only to realize the hard way, that He wants what is best for me, I just need to follow and trust Him. I'm thankful for all He has given, but also for all that He has taken away.

What countries do you most hope your career will allow you to visit?

I've always wanted to visit my roots in Italy.

What are some current musicians you admire?

Jeremy Camp-his life story is incredible and his music rocks, Adam Watts, Building 429, Kelly Clarkson, Martina McBride, Rascal Flats and Cold Play.

What one thing achievement is the most important to you in your future career?

To have known that I followed Christ and His will, no matter how hard it may be or how many times I have to die to myself, that He will receive all of the Glory and honor and praise forever and ever.

What's next for you in the foreseeable future. Are you touring? Are you working on another album?

I am really excited about getting out on the road to visit churches, youth events, conferences and festivals to share the music from this record. I have some great dates an opportunities in 2006 including being asked to participate in Celebrate Freedom 2006 in Dallas, Texas. KLTY radio hosts the single largest FREE Christian outdoor festival of the year with more than 200,000 people!

Portrait Magazine is an online teen magazine. Are you a big internet fan? What are some of the websites you most enjoy?

I enjoy checking out other artists websites, hearing more music and learning about other people. I spend a lot of time on myspace.com and invite you to join my group and get a chance to interact with me on a regular basis. (www.myspace.com/joannamartino)

Thanks for your time. Is there anything you'd like to say to the people reading this?

Thanks for spending time getting to know me! Hope you check out my new record and drop me a note so I can get to know you! 1 Timothy 4:12-16