ONTD

Katharine McPhee, runner-up, who battled an eating disorder, and mountains of stress, said she's not a fan of the long hours in between gigs, and the traveling, but is all about that connection with the fans and being on stage.

Like Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry and Hicks, she has a deal with 19 Recordings and BNA Records (founded by Idol creator Simon Fuller) and has decided to wait after the tour until she beings in earnest working on the new CD.

"Everyone's been pressuring me about when the album is coming out but that's only whenever I get a chance to work on it.... I've done a little bit of it, but I'm not talking about what it might sound like I really want to keep it under wraps."

McPhee said she is thrilled the show is over because of the stress involved with being judged on national TV.

Fuller has said that next season will contain a songwriting element, something McPhee said she's not a fan of since it would just add more pressure.

"I think nothing would be worse than more pressure," McPhee said. "We had enough already. I could not sing nearly as good as I can on the show. Your best was really not your best because you were so affected by your nerves. For me, at least, it was a huge impact on my performance because it sometimes really took over my body."

McPhee said her worst breakdowns came during the dress rehearsals.

"I would call my boyfriend and just cry hysterically and literally feel ill," McPhee said. "I never did overcome the stress until now that the show is over."

Hicks, who is the oldest American Idol at 29, said experience definitely helped during the show when he won over a country of viewers, turning them into his Soul Patrol with his modern kick to old-school soul.

"I've been touring since I was 18," Hicks said. "I lived in a minivan for a while and traveling and now I get to ride in a tour bus and I am not driving. I am so glad I am not driving."

Hicks, who said he and the guys threw footballs during the down time for fun, said he's been trying to influence the younger artists about life on the road.

"I have just been trying to set an example," Hicks said. "Everybody has to be cordial because everybody really is in this together. It really has to be a family unit. It's like the mentality that we are all going to Wallyworld. It's a very aggressive tour, but it can be fun."

One thing that is fun for Hicks has been showing off some of his instrumental abilities.

Hicks, who got to sit in with his old band the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra at the famous club Antone's in Austin while the AI tour was coming through, plays harmonica and guitar during the shows.

He thinks that adding an instrument element to the show is something that could make the show even more interesting as it continues.

"Yeah, of course, I think it needs to take that turn because there is not just a bunch of great singers out there but a lot of great songwriters and artists," Hicks said.

Hicks, who said he loved working with Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart and Barry Manilow, said that in addition to a CD he is working on, he will also have a memoir, "A Heart Full of Soul," that will be out in the spring.

"What you can do on the musical road in 10 years you can apply that to a lot of things," Hicks said. "It will have a little bit about the show and that story of the every-day guy who tried to make it and it happened."

Tucker, who plays piano during the American Idol concerts, said that she grew up listening to Stevie Wonder and Elton John and Billy Joel.

She said getting to meet Stevie Wonder was the best part of the show for her.

"It really was a dream come true," Tucker said. "I grew up singing 'Living in the City' and stuff like that so getting to sit at the piano with him was like, 'Oh my gosh, 'do you know who you are?' "

Tucker said she was stoked to be able to share her piano playing on the road with the fans and the teenager said it is awesome to be able to introduce great music from back in the day to her generation.

"I feel so honored to get to do these piece for the kids who may not know the songs," Tucker said. "When I make my album I want to incorporate some of the older pieces with the modern stuff."

Ace Young, of Denver said it took him about 2 1/2 weeks to get used to life on the road and all of your belongings reduced to two laundry bags.

"I feel like I'm camping out in the finest hotels in the country," Young said laughing.

Young, who is looking for a record label after getting out of a contract deal with 19 Recordings a couple weeks ago, said he's looking forward to his CD that will have a lot of his originals that he said has a Maroon 5 and Jamiroquai kind of vibe.

Young, who has four older brothers, said he really loves getting to pour his athleticism onto the stage with a couple of Guns N Roses covers he does with the other guys (Bucky, Chris and Elliott).

Already a touring veteran who had opened up for New Edition and Brian Knight, Young said he loves the sweet release that music provides when he can let it all go.

"In that three hours we don't hold anything back, they get it all -- our blood and guts," Young said.