After singing in the spotlight for 30 million viewers, former “American Idol” contestant Paul Kim now sits back at home in Saratoga, Calif., watching the show on his television set. 

The 26-year-old was among the first two eliminated from the hit reality show after his raspy rendition of George Michael’s “Careless Whisper.” But this is far from the end of his career, he says. He plans to get right back into the recording studio and recently held auditions for musicians to tour with him.

Paul chatted with KoreAm about his singing journey and newfound fame.

Do you get recognized now that you’ve been an “Idol”? 

Yeah, my friends and I would go to the mall to see how many people would ask for an autograph. The most, I think, was 30 or 32.  

How do you think your final performance went?

I didn’t do very well at all. I was sick. It wasn’t the right song. It was like No. 6 on my list. The other ones didn’t get cleared [by the producers]. But I made it to the Top 24, so I’m proud. 

Not too long ago, you moved to Korea to get your big break. What happened? 

I signed with EMI Korea in 2003 and it was just rough. There’s no soul music out there yet. They wanted me to do pop R&B, which I didn’t want to do. Like ‘N Sync stuff. I guess that’s what sells over there.

Have you had any offers since the show?

I’ve been getting some e-mails and calls from people saying they’d like to hear more. But I’m not going to make any rash decisions. I’m going to wait it out to see who’s the most genuine.

Do you think you’ve helped change perceptions of Asian Americans?

Yeah, I mean, for anyone who thought Asian people couldn’t sing, there you go. I got to the Top 24. In your face. But that’s not what I want to be known for. I don’t want to be just an Asian singer. I don’t want to cater to just the Asian crowd. If I ever make an album, I’m going to have to cater to America.