In between finishing up a new album and preparing for a nationwide tour, inspirational Christian rock artist Colton Dixon graciously found a few minutes to sit down and talk with BREATHEcast:

How are you enjoying life, now that your debut album "A Messenger" has finally been released?

The holidays were relaxing. It was nice to be able to spend some time with my family. Besides that time, it has been so crazy, so busy but at the same time so amazing. I've had so many opportunities thrown my way, but I'm so thankful I get to call music a job. When I go to work I'm going into a studio.

What is your favorite song off the record? Why?

The first single [You Are] is one of the favorites, such a great worship song. There are so many I really enjoyed. "Noise" was a blast to records and be creative with. "Scars" was one that's meant a lot because it's really based off my fans' stories. "Rise" was originally supposed to be a bonus track but after recording it we knew it had to make it on the record. Those are both fan favorites.

The last one really "Let Them See You" explains "A Messenger" so well. About how God is so much bigger and greater than I am, and ever will be. I want people to know and realize I want him to get all the glory. I just want to be a reflection of him, to strip everything away, all the lights, the production. I want them to see God and me. I felt that was a great way to close out the record

Who is the messenger from your album title? Is it you, Jesus, all of us?

I had some suggestions to call the album "The" messenger but I realized I'm just "A" messenger, one of many. That's what I'm trying to do. Encourage those who need encouraging. Point people in a direction they need to be pointed in. With every record that I put out, it's always going to be positive encouraging music. I want people to realize we're all messengers. John 13:16 says "no servant is greater than his master and no messenger is greater than the one who sent him." I really want God to get all the glory.

A lot of people were shocked when you were eliminated from Idol. Any regrets?

I'd probably think twice before wearing red leather pants again

Idol isn't exactly a Christian show. As an outspoken inspirational/Christian rock musician, how do you reconcile secular television success, with a spiritual message?

Just be your self. You recognize you have a huge platform. You don't necessarily tone down but play by the rules but if you have an opportunity to shine some light, you take it. Even if it's just Ryan Seacrest asking what I was doing before starting "Piano Man" I told him I was actually just finishing up a prayer. My faith is all that I really am so when those opportunities arise you take them.

There were rumors the producers of Idol wanted you to tone down the Christian "stuff." Is that true?

They had simply just thrown out a general warning about religion and politics. To just be careful what you tweet about because it could affect the voting system one way or another. I agree with that statement, I just didn't care. I was there to shine a light on the gospel and the Lord. It was definitely over exaggerated. But you could tell with editing and TV time that they didn't like Jesus being thrown around all over the network.

What advice would you give future seasons of Idol singers, Christian and non-Christian?

It's really easy and really hard to remember. But just be your self. People think that they need to change once they make it to a certain point but that's not true. Challenge yourself, make yourself better and sharpen all those skills you come in with. You know yourself best and you need to make decisions based on that.

Out of all the finalists, you and Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips are the only two artists to have released a CD. Why do you think that is?

I don't know why, I'm going be honest with you. But I won't dare ask the question, I'm just going to run with it. I know that I worked my butt off, writing any chance I had and really going at it, treating it like it was a job, and I know Phillip was doing that as well. But sometimes it's just not the right time for some to put out the record.

How do you think life would be different if you would've won Idol? Would you still be a Christian artist?

I definitely think it would be different. I know that you're signed to Interscope records immediately and they are definitely not a Christian label. Lifehouse is signed to Interscope records though and they do a fine job of putting out really inspiring positive music and reaching a larger audience, so I probably would've just tried following in their footsteps, or Switchfoot even.

What was it like working with Lifehouse front man Jason Wade? Dream come true or just another day in the life?

It really was a dream come true. I remember hearing "You and Me" on the radio for the first time and I had to go and pick up the record because I liked it so much. He's [Wade] such a genuine guy and wanted to help out any way he could. I hate the songs didn't make the record but hopefully we can do something with them soon for a future project.

Now that the first album is finished, have you started thinking about the next one?

I've had a couple concepts. There were a couple songs that didn't make the record that may make the next one. Obviously nothing's set in stone yet. I'm still really enjoying the first record so we'll see. For the next record I'd really love center it around "love" and how we can apply that to our lives. God is love, which is ultimately what I'm singing about.

What's next on the horizon for Colton Dixon? Tour?

I'll be touring with Third Day. We start Feb. 21^st. I'm really stoked about that; great guys all around. I'm really excited and honored to be sharing a stage with them. Beyond that I have no idea.