I met George Lovett at the SCAD Museum of Art, where he was rehearsing with his pianist, singing “Fly me to the Moon”—the Sinatra version of course—”What a Wonderful World” and other classic crooner songs.
“I am happy to be back in Savannah,” he smiled.
Originally from Baltimore, Lovett calls Savannah his second home. Since his graduation, the singer started his own band and has been gigging around, performing in weddings and such. In 2014, Lovett succeeded in reaching the top 20 finalists of “American Idol.”
This year, SCAD welcomed the alumnus back, now as a graduate performing art student, four years after the end of his undergraduate studies.
“There is always more to learn,” Lovett said. “A lot of things have changed at SCAD in performing arts. It used to be theatre-based, but now everything is in front of the camera.”
SCAD receives plenty of media attention for film and television, so it was natural for him to come back and further his craft.
“I am trying to learn more that aspect of performing now,” said Lovett. “I love learning; I love taking in information, I love growing!”
Lovett would like to focus on building his career and reputation further than American Idol.
“Right now, I am working on covers; I am going to starts releasing those covers in March when my episode of “Apollo” airs.”
He laughed, promising to also have a viewing party when the episode is released.
Meanwhile, the singer is working on his bands, one of which has SCAD origins: The Bees. Previously called “the HoneyBees,” the band was recently reformed by the office of the president.
“We sang for the president’s office,” he said. “For SCAD President, Paula Wallace. She is my only president.”
The singer spoke fondly of President Wallace, who supported him at different stages of his career.
“It just transformed my life; President Wallace showed me new ways that I could use my gift, and I am really grateful for SCAD, for being a student here,” said Lovett. “As an artist, it made me realize the value within myself.”
Lovett is back on television not only on “Apollo” but also hoping to audition with The Bees for American Got Talent.
“I love being here; I am treated like the artist I deserve to be treated. The world needs artists, in every aspect, because we keep the light in the world, we tell the truth in the world.”
Lovett left me with that wisdom for students, and I wished him good luck in the future. I also asked him to be famous quickly so I could brag about interviewing him. Lovett promised he’ll do whatever he can to make that possible.
Written by Scarlett Ruggiero.
Scarlett is a writing major, wine lover and cheese enthusiast from Paris, France. When she isn’t busy writing, she likes to wander around District’s quarter in search of new articles to write.
