By Markos Papadatos

On November 11, 2010, Suite101 was afforded the privilege to speak with Season 2 American Idol fourth place finalist, country singer Josh Gracin.

 Josh Gracin Discusses Musical Influences, American Idol and the Marine Corps

Josh Gracin has been influenced by various genres of music such as Motown, R&B, rock music and as he indicates "Garth Brooks got me into country music."

Gracin remarks about his American Idol experience "I miss going out there and improving myself; putting myself out there every week to showcase what I can do."

Gracin’s eponymous debut album was certified gold and scored three Top 5 singles, one of which, "Nothin' to Lose," went to #1 on the Billboard Country Charts. Gracin remarks “it felt great to have success that quick. I didn’t expect things to come that quickly, but they did.”

The hardest aspect of Gracin's job is "being political," he laughs. "Learning to adjust to everyone and anyone and their personalities as far as colleagues, fellow singers and songwriters, and some people in the business."

As a former U.S. Marine Corps member, Gracin states that "the Marine Corps had a huge impact on my life since it gave me what I needed to succeed and the will to keep moving forward."