Q&A | Anthony Fedorov, who has traveled from 'Idol' to 'Joseph'

A fourth-place finalist on "American Idol" in 2005, Anthony Fedorov is currently starring in 5th Avenue Theatre's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Now 24, the Ukrainian-born, Pennsylvania-raised performer has survived "Idol" worship — and a childhood tracheotomy that almost left him voiceless — to pursue a promising career. With rehearsals under way, Fedorov (who recently sang the national anthem at a Mariners game) spoke with The Times from his Seattle hotel room.

Q: Is life after "American Idol" everything you expected it to be?

A: I was naive after I got off the show. I thought I was going to get a recording deal, and it doesn't work like that. Labels are reluctant to sign you because you've been on "Idol," so I had to go back and really understand who I am as an artist. When you get off the show you have to start from the bottom and work your way back up, so that's what I've been doing. With the help of a vocal coach my singing is better than ever. I've also been recording and writing songs with some great writers.

Q: In "Joseph" you share the stage with a lot of children. Is that a challenge?

A: I love working with kids. In this production we have 52 kids, and in Oklahoma we had 84. It's really inspiring when you see how excited they are to be onstage. When I perform the songs, I look in their eyes and try to inspire them as much as I can with the message of the play.

Q: What song do you most enjoy performing?

A: "Close Every Door to Me" is my favorite song, and not just because it's a solo highlight. I just love the message of it. Joseph humbles himself, and tells God that he doesn't mind sacrificing himself for the sake of others.

Q: You're living the American dream. Does it feel that way to you?

A: It certainly does. The beautiful thing about this country is that you can come from anywhere, and as long as you work hard, you can make your dreams come true. With determination and a few lucky breaks, you can make things happen. I'm living proof of that.

Jeff Shannon: j.sh@verizon.net