Lorenzo Owens was in the final three of Oprah Winfrey's Pop Star Challenge. He totally tore up Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" in front of Alicia Keys, Babyface and Simon Cowell. It's no wonder D-Town Records signed the singing sensation to s six-album deal. And the label, along with Owens' management - the famed Tony Ferguson and Lisa O - was also quick to seek top-notch producing for Owens' debut album. That came in the form of Mike J. Powell, the 25-year veteran who has produced hits for Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Patti LaBelle, Peabo Bryson, Tyrese, the Winans and more.
Owens is a singer's singer. He writes as well. The Milwaukee-born multi-talent is a gutsy old-school style singer that will turn on any serious music lover, young or old. The debut single off his album. "After The Show," is "Inseparable," a soulful soliloquy that showcases his heartfelt vocals. The smoldering yet poignant "Inseparable is steadily moving up urban AC charts (Top 30 at press time). There will be more - the 11-track CD is chock full of solid R&B tracks, from the rollicky "Wanna See You Smile" (reminds me of an Al Green cut) to the passion-packed "Love's Not Enough." Another select cut includes "Light N' Darkness," which showcases his range. Owens soaks every note with emotion, soul and the steady storytelling of a good song. And it's not all about love - some of the tracks ring tales of social struggle and significance, much like Marvin Gaye did with tracks such as "What's Going On?" Owens is serious about his craftsmanship, evident is his music as well as his conversation.

Star - What important lessons did you learn from the "Oprah Pop Star" experience?
LO - Stay true to your craft. Stay dedicated. I didn't learn that from the show, but being in the business so long and finally seeing it come into fruition after doing the show, it was a blessing.

Star - Milwaukee native, huh? Are you a cheese head (Green Bay Packer fan)?
LO - No. Not at all. I can appreciate the Packers, but I'm not a really big football fan.

Star - Oh no! Well, talk about your background and how you came to be an "Oprah Pop Star" contestant.
LO - I grew up singing as a kid around the house. Never thought it was anything special until I got a little older. I just did it... it was

natural for me, but I didn't think of it as a career. I did enjoy performing so much, that then I did start looking at it seriously. I got passionate about it and started doing back up for Tina Moore. I also sang in the choir in the church coming up.

Star - Did something happen or at one point did you say, "I want to sing for a living"?
LO - It's an artist thing. When I'm on the stage I am a different person. It was a gradual thing for me... going to school part time, working and singing background. Then I went on the road with Tina Moore and it changed my mind. The touring overseas and all the travel and experience, it grew my passion for singing.

Star - You have such a classic R&B voice. Who were your influences coming up?
LO - Aretha. Gladys. Donnie. The list goes on... the greats. A lot of them are still around and still doing great. It's unfair to say they were - they are still doing it.

Star - At times you may have felt like quitting or giving up... what would keep you going?
LO - My spirituality. It's probably the only thing that truly kept me going. I knew I had a gift and if I used it to the best of my abilities, I would come into good fortune.

Star - What's the best advice you can give to those still trying to make their way into the music industry?
LO - Study your craft and be persistent. Doors will close, but you gotta hang in there. There's