'American Idol’ Star Uché Loves Jesus, Goes Commando and Would Like to Thank the Academy

'American Idol’ Star Uché Loves Jesus, Goes Commando and Would Like to Thank the Academy

POP ARTIST Uché "Walter" Ndubizu, who goes by simply Uché on stage, is well known to American Idol fans, who watched him chew up the stage as a Top 10 competitor in 2019, with memorable, animated covers including an audacious interpretation of "Play that Funky Music White Boy." The Sugar Land native continues to ignite stages around Texas — and to light up social media, where he's racked up an even 100,000 followers on Instagram. He hit some interesting notes answering our 20 questions!


What accomplishment are you most proud of? I'm proud of that I graduated university while simultaneously keeping up with my music career. Also proud of making Top 10 on American Idol, too, right out of college.

Name three things on your bucket list. 1) French kiss someone in France. 2) Headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show. 3) Master manifesting.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A pop star.

If you weren't doing what you currently do for a living, what would you do? Probably be a therapist or serial entrepreneur.

Don't be modest: What's something you love about yourself? My lips, my huge personality, my ability to really connect with almost anyone.

What do you appreciate most in others? Authenticity. Like, be yourself, your whole self, and nothing but yourself.

What's something you can't go without for more than a day? God.

You have an unexpected day off in Houston. How do you spend it? Lying in bed, then going out.

Is there a new restaurant or bar in town you're loving? Yes, this new spot called Unicorn Disco is badass.

Finish this sentence: Skinny-dipping is… A team sport.

Name-drop time: Who's the most famous person you've ever met (and how did that happen)? Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan. I was on a show with them. I'd say it went pretty well.

Tell us about your closet. Something new you love, and also something old? It's messy. I love my performance statement pieces and my gray sweatpants.

Your porn-star name is your favorite thing to cook plus your where you want to go on your next vacation. Go! I Don't Really Have Time To Cook Anymore Miami

Your alternate porn-star name — they have those, you know — is your favorite Houston restaurant plus the label on the undies you're wearing right now. Kau Ba None

What would you choose as your last meal? The entire McDonalds breakfast menu.

The dinner party question: Name three people, from now or any time in history, you'd invite as your perfect guests. Jesus, Rick James and Madonna.

Is there a charitable cause you support, and why that one? Black Lives Matter. Period.

What's something about you people would find surprising? I'm obsessed with God. People tend to think otherwise, but nah, I'm a little Jesus nerd.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? Me, 100 percent. Let's get this mf Oscar.

In five words or less, what's your advice for living a happy life? Prioritize positive self talk.

People + Places
Thrive & Inspire: Alchemy’s Arquella Hargrove ‘Inspired by People Making an Impact in the World’

Arquella Hargrove, Chief Culture Officer and Owner of the Alchemy Consulting Group

WHAT IS THE secret to running a successful business? The secret to a successful business is a rockstar team. With a rockstar team, clients experience the transformation within their culture. This also is connected to other success factors — a commitment to relentless change, communicating courageously, and collaborating to win. The ultimate goal is to be the change for our clients and to create a culture where team members thrive and grow exponentially.

Keep Reading Show less

Paella Valenciana at Mi Luna

THOUGH IT'S BEEN in Houston less than a decade, Sof Hospitality has made major inroads with foodies and critics alike. Its concepts include Doris Metropolitan, Hamsa and Badolina Bakery, all of which deliver the rich flavors of Israeli cuisine in complex, photogenic and delicious dishes. Its newest, Októ, opened earlier this year, one of several energetic restaurants to bow in the Montrose Collective, just in time for the holidays.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Bill Viola’s ‘Ascension,’ on display as part of ‘Living with the Gods’ at MFAH

THE ARTIST WHO ushered in the expressionist movement in the early 20th century was not, in fact, Picasso or Matisse. It was Paul Gauguin, whose career spanned the decades just preceding the turn of the century. The French painter is the subject of the Museum of Fine Arts’ latest exhibit, Gauguin in the World, which was organized by Henri Loyrette (formerly of the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, Paris). The show, just one of the museum’s diverse winter season shows, debuted in Australia in June and will be on display through Feb. 16, 2025, at the MFAH, the only U.S. venue for the survey.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment