Interview with "One Tree Hill" Star Bethany Joy Galeotti

By Sandy Lo Grasso
Editor-In-Chief
October 2006

Sandy (StarShine Magazine): Thank you for doing this interview, Joy. Since the 4th season of "One Tree Hill" is starting soon, what can fans expect this time around?

Bethany Joy Galeotti: This year on OTH I think the fans should expect lots of drama, some new twists and turns in the relationships in town and, of course, baby news!

Sandy (StarShine Magazine): At the end of last season, there were a couple of cliffhangers. Do we get any answers in the first new episodes or do we have to wait it out a little?

Bethany Joy Galeotti: As far as the cliffhangers from last season, you'll probably have to wait it out a few episodes to see everything unfold--but stay tuned!!

Sandy (StarShine Magazine): For those who watch the show, they know your character; Haley James is a singer and even toured with Tyler Hilton on the show. What are some of the differences, if any, between your music and Haley's?

Bethany Joy Galeotti: It seems that Haley's music is a little more "pop" than my personal music...I think I have a more blues/folk sound.

Sandy (StarShine Magazine): I was sorry to hear that you won't be releasing your album on Epic Records. Have you presented yourself to any other labels yet?

Bethany Joy Galeotti: Unfortunately I can't sign with a new label until my termination contract with Sony is all signed. Just legal stuff, you know...but, don't worry, I'll be getting my music to you guys soon enough. ;)

Sandy (StarShine Magazine): What's your favorite song of yours so far and why?

Bethany Joy Galeotti: It's hard to pick a favorite song from my record, because there's always something I would change on every song, depending on what's happening in my life when I go back and listen to the master recordings--but I do have an affinity for "Desperate Gown".

Sandy (StarShine Magazine): You have said that music is your first love. If acting ever came in the way of your music, how would you handle that?

Bethany Joy Galeotti: I think acting and music go hand in hand--I don't get to sing in every scene I do, but the same emotions that cause me to burst into song are still there. I can't see music really "getting in the way" of my acting career because I think they really do work together.

Sandy (StarShine Magazine): Does being in the public eye and being on a show like "One Tree Hill" put pressure on you to be a role model? Do you ever feel like you have to hide pieces of yourself?

Bethany Joy Galeotti: As far as being a role model goes, there IS a certain amount of responsibility that comes with being in the public eye, and especially when you have a demographic, like we do, of so many young girls. I have a passion for people and relationships, and sometimes that gets me into trouble because it often keeps me from playing the Hollywood "game" which is such a huge part of working in this industry...but I really feel that to reach people and move their hearts, they have to find something relatable about me and I have to maintain a sense of reality. Yet, as much as I care about relationships, there's definitely a line that I draw between my fans and my family. There are people in my life who are so dear to me, who know everything about me--my strengths and weaknesses, my joys and fears--and those people are who I call my "family". My fans do not really get more than occasional glimpses of that stuff because I'm not in a personal relationship with them. So...it's not so much that I feel I have to "hide things" as much as it is that I can't let everybody in the world all the way in.

Sandy (StarShine Magazine): What can we expect from you in the future with music, acting and other avenues you wish to pursue?

Bethany Joy Galeotti: In the future, I really hope to keep working and find projects that will really move people and encourage them. I also have "someday" plans to open a bakery and a florist in my hometown. Additionally, I'm composing a musical for stage.

Sandy (StarShine Magazine): If you could dedicate any song in the world to your fans, which song would you choose and why?

Bethany Joy Galeotti: I think I'd dedicate "If You're Missing (Come On Home)" to my fans...this is the song I get the most mail about. It really is just a dialogue between me and God. It's what I think His heart is for everyone.

Sandy (StarShine Magazine): Thanks again for speaking with us, Joy. We know the StarShine readers will keep a look out for your music and will be watching "One Tree Hill" every Wednesday night!

Bethany Joy Galeotti: Thanks for the support, you guys! HAVE A WONDERFUL AUTUMN!!!