McDonald, Reed upbeat over 'Idol' ouster

LOS ANGELES, April 16 (UPI) -- Ousted "American Idol" contestant Paul McDonald says being voted off the show was a good career move -- at least according to his girlfriend.

McDonald told People magazine actress Nikki Reed, who he has been dating, believes "Idol" wasn't allowing him to express his true range.

"She said, 'Dude, you finally get to do your thing and be yourself and be the artist you are,'" McDonald said. "She is happy about the whole situation and has been nothing but cool to me."

McDonald said he was particularly anxious for an opportunity to show off his penchant for the piano and get back to fronting his band Grand Magnolias. People said McDonald was, in fact, penning songs for Grand Magnolias while he was in Los Angeles for "Idol."

"I probably shouldn't have been writing songs while I was out here," he said. "I should have been focusing more on learning (songs for Idol)."