I just found a Jesse interview

Being both a teen heartthrob pop singer and actor is nice work if you can get it.

Jesse McCartney has that enviable occupation, smoothly alternating between a recording career that has garnered him a couple of Top 5 hit singles (“Beautiful Soul,” “Leavin’ “) and prominent acting roles on television (“All My Children,” “Greek”).

The 22-year-old New York native will be performing tonight at the Big Dance, the free weekend concerts on Detroit’s riverfront in conjunction with the Final Four.

QUESTION: So are you excited about coming to Detroit for the Final Four?

ANSWER: Yeah, man, it’s going to be great! I’ve played in Detroit a few times and the crowds have been really cool. I’m bringing a buddy and will also be watching the games on Saturday. I think North Carolina’s going to win.

Q: What’s different about “Departure: Recharged” (out Tuesday) from the original “Departure”?

A: There are five bonus songs on the album, including four original songs that I wrote in the studio a few months ago. Plus there’s a remix of the song “How Do You Sleep” that features Ludacris. It’s a way to rejuvenate the record a bit, and it also includes some new art and packaging.

Q: Did you enjoy working with Ludacris?

A: It was amazing. I grew up listening to him; he was my favorite rapper. … I was freaked out by how great it sounded. It was kind of surreal; a week after he recorded his part we were shooting a video together in the desert in Palmdale (California). Now the song’s in the top 15.

Q: Earlier this year you gave up a role in a new film by “Sixth Sense” director M. Night Shyamalan to stay on tour. How tough was that?

A: Those choices do happen often when you have a dual career; it’s a balancing act. At the time it would’ve really stopped the momentum of “Departure.” For a few days I was bent out of shape about it, but I had to move forward and just go “whatever.”