American Idol

After he was eliminated from “American Idol: Season 4,” Anwar Robinson wanted to use his newfound fame for a different reason.

“I thought it was more important for me to serve,” Robinson said, referring to giving back to his community instead of immediately putting out a CD and asking others to support him by buying it.

He served as co-chairman of the United Way of Essex/West Hudson County Celebrity Read Program, and he still makes many appearances at schools. It’s something that’s close to the heart of Robinson, a former music teacher from New Jersey who returned to his home state after the show.

“I do quite a few appearances just as far as schools, I do sing in churches quite a bit,” he said. “I absolutely love gospel music.”

The music still has been a focus for Robinson, who completed a CD of cover songs and also lent his voice to a compilation disc, “inSpiration.” A sophomore effort is in the works.

“I’m actually working on some original songs,” Robinson said. “I don’t have a record deal, so all of this is being done on my own. This is basically just music I’ve been working on on my own to make sure I have the right package to represent myself.”

Like many others who have been on the show, Robinson said he took what he could from the experience and has tried to make it work in his favor. He finished in seventh place on his season, which Carrie Underwood won, after performing Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September.”

“‘American Idol’ takes you from zero to 180 miles per hour in like two seconds,” Robinson said. “It’s like being in a Porsche and stepping on the accelerator.”

Aside from his music and other appearances, Robinson also is dedicating his time to starting a business that is a supplement to the arts in school. He, for one, knows the importance of integrating artistic teaching into everyday education and how it benefits students in other subjects, including math and science.

“There’s a push for better test scores with No Child Left Behind, so I just want to make sure the arts don’t get left behind,” he said. “Music especially helps some of the other disciplines.”

Bonding with other “Idol” finalists is something Robinson also has been able to do since wrapping up the post-show tour across the nation. He said he has met and/or worked with finalists including George Huff, LaToya London, Justin Guarini and Ruben Studdard, among others, in the last couple of years.

“I talk to Vonzell Solomon almost every other week,” he said. “It’s just really cool. There is a sense of comradery.”

So, is he watching this season?

“As a matter of fact, I made it my business to watch more this season than I did last season,” Robinson said. “I wish them the best. I make sure I always try to remember what it was like for me, going through those emotions, when I watch.”

Sometimes it’s a little tough, especially during the elimination rounds.

“It is quite a path,” he said. “There are so many different dynamics and a lot of good singers that go through the process.”

FIVE QUICK QUESTIONS WITH ANWAR ROBINSON
1. What word or phrase do you catch yourself saying far too often?
“I think it’s the word hmmm.”

2. If you had to survive on just one food, what would it be?
“On one food? I’m thinking about what’s healthy. That’s a hard one. They say you can survive on potatoes and milk alone, but that’s not a very pleasing diet. I’d have to say smoked salmon.”

3. What CD have you been listening to the most lately?
“I think it’s ‘Songs in the Key of Life’ from Stevie Wonder.”

4. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?
“Dreamgirls.”

5. Who is the musician you most admire?
“It’s a tie between Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin.”

FIND OUT MORE: Keep updated with Anwar’s career at his fan site, or check him out on MySpace.

Anwar Robinson, American Idol, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin