Naima Adedapo of "Idol" fame showcases new sound at Summerfest

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Naima Adedapo, of American Idol fame performed on a Summerfest stage on Wednesday, June 26 -- the first day of Summerfest 2013. This was Adedapo's second straight year performing at the Big Gig, and this year, she has a new sound on a new stage.

Adedapo's name is familiar to many in the Milwaukee area, after she placed in the top 11 on the 10th season of American Idol.

“I walk five feet and I know everybody. So it’s just awesome. This place is always like a homecoming for me. It’s always exciting," Adedapo said.

Last year, when Adedapo took the stage at Summerfest, her music had a reggae vibe. This year, she has a new style.

“I grew up listening to old school music and I love that soul. So, really for me, it’s about having the soul and being able to again, display who I am as an artist," Adedapo said.

Adedapo's new genre of soul and pop came from her manager, who asked her where her voice was in her music.

“It’s just singing from the pit of my soul. And that’s really just the only difference is that I get to really showcase who I am as an artist and incorporate the things that really influenced me growing up," Adedapo said.

On Wednesday, Adedapo used her influence to help a Milwaukee-area high school student, as Adedapo brought her on stage.

Adedapo had the chance to perform on a new stage this year -- the BMO Harris stage.

“It’s really awesome to be playing on the BMO stage which is like the second best stage outside of the Amphitheater. I’m working my way up to the Amphitheater," Adedapo said.

Adedapo says she has been spending a lot of time in Nashville, recording and working on her new sound.

As for Summerfest, Adedapo says she plans on spending a lot of time seeing different artists -- many of whom are friends, and of course, eating the food!

Adedapo will take the stage again during Summerfest's run on July 6th.