Some might remember him for his comebacks to acerbic judge Simon Cowell on Fox’s hit show, American Idol. Some, however, may have recognized at the time what Kevin Covais seems to prove today: those comebacks were merely his sarcastic and dry sense of humor, perhaps the very humor that helped land him a starring role in a mainstream Lionsgate picture to be released a mere two years after his “Idol” run ended.
“College” – a teen comedy set to be released nationwide on April 11, 2008 – focuses on three high school students who enjoy a wild weekend away while looking at a prospective college.
Spending a significant amount of time during his own senior year of high school shooting the film in New Orleans, Covais admits – without a hint of arrogance – that the role actually came pretty natural to him.
Though becoming a household name for his singing, acting was an activity that the young star devoted an equal amount of time to while growing up, even performing in various musicals while still in school.
Acting was put on the backburner as Covais was selected as a finalist on the #1 show in America, American Idol, when he was only 16 years old, and looking it. He laughs as he tells a story of showing his library card to assistants on American Idol, as they doubted his age.
Few adults who make it on Idol probably realize what they’re in for, and that pressure can only be magnified for a teenager trying to balance school and the grueling T.V. schedule all at once.
Like most young singers on the show, Covais endured endless amounts of criticism, both from the judging panel on T.V., as well as the viewing audience at home. Branded with nicknames such as “Chicken Little,” Covais seemed to take it all in stride, proving his ability to laugh at himself.
Speaking with him even now, the young star shows no hint of bitterness or regret about his time on Idol, even admitting that the criticism he endured on Idol made him develop thicker skin. Joking that some of the harsh comments he received two years ago has made him numb to everything else these days, it’s clear that his positive attitude and healthy perspective has only made it easier for him to navigate through this oftentimes crazy industry.
Once eliminated from Idol Covais went back home to Long Island, New York to finish high school. While disappointed fans hopefully awaited news of a record deal, Covais was mature enough to realize that putting an album out was something he should do only after he feels he’s grown and he feels ready. Despite the “strike while the iron is hot” mantra associated with reality show stars, he was adamant about not putting a mediocre record out “just to put something out there.”
He did, however, make good use of his time back home, beginning to speak to young kids diagnosed with diabetes, something Covais can relate too all to well as he was diagnosed at age 11. Taking time to speak at Schneider’s Hospital in Long Island, he hoped to leave the kids with at least one very important message: to remember that they are able to still live life and do all the things they want to do. Kids were given a chance to speak with Covais personally, sharing their own stories, while their families were given the opportunity to speak with Covais’ own parents about dealing with such an illness and coming out on top.
Still re-adjusting to his life as a normal high school kid, it was in Long Island where he eventually sent in a videotape audition for “College” while live auditions were being held in Los Angeles. The rarity of landing a role this way doesn’t escape Covais, who admits that he was told, “it might not happen again.”
Grateful, however, that it had happened at least once, Covais set out to New Orleans for a good part of his senior year, filming alongside Drake Bell, Andrew Caldwell and Haley Bennett.
While acknowledging how much work goes into making a film, Covais gushes about how much he enjoyed the entire process – from his character, to the film, to his co-stars and director, Deb Hagan – that he can’t even pinpoint just one favorite part.
Asked whose career he’d most like to emulate, Covais barely has to think for even a second before stating simply, “Tom Hanks.”
With his multiple talents, Covais also admits another career that he’d one day love to pursue: a sports analyst, possibly on ESPN. An avid sports fan, many would be surprised to know that he still enjoys playing basketball and enjoys watching all sports. His hero in this field? Bob Costas.
Curiously enough, his own idol in the world of singing was one he had think a little harder about, before answering “Usher and Justin Timberlake.” Though not necessarily fitting the same image, Covais admits to admiring their artistic approach to their careers, as well as the career of Kanye West.
With music on the back burner for the moment, however, Covais admits to seeing more acting roles in his future, hopefully in a range of genres, from comedy to drama and even to horror films. Though he says, undoubtedly, his only chance of doing a horror film would be to play the victim, as he realizes that no one would ever believe him to be the villain.
With a multitude of talents and a healthy perspective on ups and downs of the entertainment industry, Covais – who continues giving back by performing at fundraisers and diabetic support groups across the country – will no doubt continue to entertain audiences for years to come.
Check out Kevin Covais when “College” hits theatres on April 11, 2008. For more information on Kevin Covais, visit www.kevincovais.com.
