Making that decision was like having a weight lifted from her.

"Last year, when I kept feeling like I was competing with Kellie Pickler and Carrie Underwood, I was thinking, 'This is so unfair! How come my CD hasn't taken off? How come my single hasn't taken off?'"Rasmusen said. "I was kind of really bitter about it and didn't watch 'American Idol' as much and wasn't excited about it.

"And this year, because I've made some new decisions and new goals, I actually turn the TV on, was so excited to watch it. And it's magical again."

She's still in contact with some of her "Idol" cohorts from time to time.

"Clay Aiken and I text every once in a while," she said. "Whenever I'm out in California, I'll run into Kim Caldwell and we'll say 'hi.' I think we're bonded for life. Even if we don't see each other for a couple of years, if we run into each other, it's like nothing's changed. A traumatic experience like that — it just bonds us for life."

And she's been on hand for the "Idol" finals every year, where she has a chance to see the show's producers, host and judges.

"Simon (Cowell) always gives me a big hug and kiss. 'How are you, dahling?' He's really such a nice guy," Rasmusen said. "I know it's hard to believe, but he's so nice. I really like him."

And she'll always have fond feelings for Cowell because he was the judge who brought her back as a "wild card" after she'd previously been eliminated, allowing Rasmusen to make the top six.

And she has absolutely nothing negative to say about her time on "American Idol."

"I can't believe that I was on that show!" Rasmusen said. "I can't believe that I did that! That's so cool!"

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E-mail: pierce@desnews.com