Ever since his epic, swoon-worthy audition back in July, singer and out, gay America's Got Talent finalist Brian Justin Crum has captured the hearts and minds of fans everywhere, and we can't really blame them. Not only is he a total heartthrob, but he's also extremely talented, has the voice of an angel, and talks openly about helping raise visibility for LGBT people in the music industry. And for that, he totally gets our vote!
PRIDE got the chance to chat with the San Diego native just before tonight's highly-anticipated AGT finale, and we asked him about who his fave artists are, what his other dream job would be, how he feels about the current state of LGBT representation in music, and which AGT judges he would totally love to marry if given the chance.
PRIDE: What artist(s) influenced you the most?
Brian Justin Crum: Freddie Mercury, Sia, and Adele.
P: If you could collaborate with any musician, who would it be and why?
BJC: Sia. She is such an incredible story teller. I love her style and her advocacy for the LGBTQ community.
P: What is the one song you wish you could sing (i.e., "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston)?
BJC: I wish I could have sang "Alive" by Sia on the show.
P: What are the challenges of being openly gay in the music industry?
BJC: It's becoming more and more accepted, but the challenge is to not to go "too far," I'd say. I'm going to be me, and hopefully it all works out.
P: Do you consider yourself a role model to young queer people and musicians?
BJC: It's been so amazing to hear from gay/straight/queer/questioning youth. I hope I can be a voice for ANYONE that has felt that they weren't accepted or enough. You ARE enough and you are LOVED!
P: How do you feel about current LGBT representation in music?
BJC: I feel it's not strongly represented. We need an artist who knows the history of this community. I know how lucky I am to be doing what I'm doing in this day and age. So many people fought and died so that my life might be easier and I might be more accepted. I will never lose sight of that.
P: What do you sing in the shower?
BJC: Show tunes!
P: Marry one, fuck one, kill one: Nick Cannon, Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel.
BJC: Sleep with Nick and marry Simon. I wont kill Howie, though! I love him!
P: How has your life changed since America's Got Talent?
BJC: Being recognized or getting messages from all over the world. My life is forever changed. Sharing my story and being vulnerable on TV was the best decision I have ever made.
P: Besides being a singer, what is your dream job?
BJC: Personal shopper.
Catch Brian Justin Crum on the season finale of America's Got Talent tonight at 8/7c on NBC!
