Holidays at the Hard Rock :: Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida and Special Guest Linda Eder

It had been several years since the last I spoke with Linda Eder, so I was very excited to catch up with one of my favorite performers just a week before she performs with the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida.

Miss Eder became a household name when she was on "Star Search" in 1988 and not only won 12 shows in a row (undefeated), but then went on to win the grand finale and the $100,000 prize. She is also well known for her portrayal of "Lucy" in "Jekyll and Hyde" on Broadway, for which she was nominated for a Drama Desk Award. It was a pleasure to sit down with Miss Eder for this exclusive Hotspots interview.

What have you been up to the last two years?

Making my own label and my own records: Tressamail records. Honestly, I wish I would have done that sooner. I have come out with three albums. I also have been teaching and giving Master Classes. I had been asked for years to teach and I had been putting it off and now it's something I really enjoy.

At what age did singing become an interest of yours?

Pretty much as far back as I can remember, but realistically at the age of 8 when I saw "The Wizard of Oz "and Judy Garland's performance.

You won 12 weeks on "Star Search" and then won the finale in 1988. How did that shape your career and do you remember how it felt to win the finale?

Before "Star Search" I was already singing professionally for about six and a half years, but there is no question that the national exposure kick started by career. My goal from day one was to win one show, so to win 12 weeks in a row and be undefeated and then to win the finale was unreal. It felt like it was just meant to be.

When did you know singing was going to officially be your career?

My first paid gig was at a Holiday Inn for two weeks. I felt like a professional after that, as prior to this gig I had always worked for free. I was 19 at the time.

Who were your inspirations in the recording industry?

There are so many, as my taste is very diverse. I loved classical music when I was younger and that led me to Barbra Streisand, as her voice was so beautiful. Now that I am on my own label (after 15 CDs with major record companies), I feel free to sing whatever I want and I have inspirations in all genres of music. Currently, I am loving Gavin Degraw, and that's a long way from Barbra Streisand.

I have been a fan of yours for years, but the one song that gets me every single time I hear it is your duet of "Crying" with Clay Aiken. How did that come about and can you tell me about the experience recording this duet?

He was planning on doing that song on his album, and he contacted me, and of course I said yes. He came into Manhattan to the studio where I record, and it was an amazing experience. I love harmony. That's the most fun I had in a studio. It was also great to perform that duet with him and then to perform it again on his television special.

On 2013 on your Christmas album "Christmas Where You Are" you sang a duet of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with your son. Tell me about that experience.

Well, that was one of the most fantastic experiences of my life. I have always known he was musical, but he is also all man and he was not very confident singing in public. I had to rewrite half of the lyrics so it could be about us and even after that I was sure he would turn me down when I asked him, but he didn't. There is not one bit of auto-tuning on the song. It's all him. It was a Christmas present to myself for the rest of my life.

You have performed all over the world. Do you have a favorite venue?

My favorite for purely sentimental reasons is Carnegie Hall, as it was the only venue I knew of growing up. I felt like I accomplished a lifelong goal. I have performed there four times. But it's hard to pick a favorite because there are so many good venues. Although, McCallum Theatre in [Palm Desert,] California is amazing.

You will be performing with the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida. Have you worked with other gay chorus'? If so how is that experience, if not, are you excited about the new opportunity?

Yes, I have, as it's always been great, as I love working with choirs. I have loved choirs since I was in school. I have many of my arrangements that include choirs; I really enjoy it.

I am so used to seeing you perform by yourself, what's the difference between a solo performance and one with a chorus?

It's not my show, I am a guest, but I usually base the performance on the vibe I get from the audience. It's still me, just a bit cooler!

Choirs actually have a special place in my heart. When I was in school, I was very shy, and my choir teacher was very encouraging. It's really the reason I became a singer. I don't get the opportunity to do it that often and I love it.

Are you excited to be coming down to the warmth of Florida and what do you look forward to here in Florida?

Unfortunately I will not be there very long, but I was just there performing at the villages and I stayed and enjoyed the warmth.

Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.

I own every power tool known to man and I know how to use them. I put up walls, et cetera, all by myself.

Also, I always have a stage door person, so I will stay and sell CDs, sign autographs, and say hello to my fans. I will stay to meet every person. I am always the last person out of every one of my performances.

Describe yourself in three words.

Honest, tough and funny.

What does the future hold for Linda Eder?

More CDs; different kinds. This has been so fun to do, and I would like to make as many as I can until I am too old to do it. I have had a lot of requests for a DVD, and I am in the process of putting that together in hopes of getting it out in the middle of next year.

Don't forget to catch Linda Eder singing alongside The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida's highly anticipated holiday concert, "Holidays at the Hard Rock!" at the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 8 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to: gmcsf.org

For more on Linda Eder, go to LindaEder.com