In our exclusive live chat with Anoop Desai today, several things immediately became very apparent. First, it's clear that Anoop has a plan. He's not sitting at home hoping things just magically come together for him. Instead, he is actively writing and recording songs, tracking down a management and PR team, and considering his options for releasing new music. Second, it's clear that Anoop has every intention of becoming a very successful artist. His high octane and encouraging attitude prompts even the skeptics to have a little faith that we might just be looking at a huge star here.

Right out of the gate, well after warning us that the "dogg" might disappear from his twitter name if he gets his way, Anoop talked about his upcoming performance at the Macy's Tree Lighting event later this week. He'll be performing "Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire" and "All I Want For Christmas Is You" with the great local gospel group from San Francisco called Glide. The event will take place in Union Square on Friday. And, the celebration benefits UCSF's Children Hospital.

Right now, Anoop has several priorities. Finding the right PR and management team might just be the most important objective on his list. He hopes to have it all settled out by December of this year or the early part of next year. A very encouraged Desai said, "I'm surrounding myself with the best so that we can achieve the best results." Also, Anoop says he is writing and recording as much music as possible. "I've been writing music every day with a lot of people. Right now, I'm defining my sound, getting songs down, and recording them."

While Anoop is still holding out hope of scoring a deal with a major label, he said he won't be discouraged if things don't come together immediately. "You know, I'm still trying to get a major label, and having songs to shop that represent me will only help. But I'm going to get this music out for you guys no matter what. Right now, it's looking like the independent route is how I'm going to start. This business is a series of mountains, and I'm at a base camp right now. But I'm climbing and working every day!" In addition to getting his music out sooner, Anoop explained another benefit of going with an independent label, "I also keep more control over my music and how I represent myself. Take Eliot Yamin- he released all his stuff independently and was a huge success. I'm definitely following a model that will lead to great things with enough energy from me."

Anoop talked about working to "define his sound," so what kind of sound can we expect to hear on his album? Anoop answered, "My genre has always been pop/R&B. I love that R&B right now, at least what I love to listen to, is almost leaning jazz. I want to combine that with a definite pop production value. But I'm taking a lot of inspiration from people that are in the game right now. Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo, Chrisette Michele, Mario, the Dream, etc. I'm not any one of these people and their style doesn't define me, but it's inspiration."

Anoop is thrilled to be working with one of his long time friends, David Mikush, on his album. In fact, Anoop explained that it's quite an advantage to be working with someone who knows you. "Because David and I are so close, he understands my voice and my sound. So on the songs we've been working on, not just the two we've debuted, it's a very smooth process," Anoop said.

Anoop has also been working with fellow "Idol" alum Brandon Rogers, and it sounds like the sessions are turning out great. "I love the stuff we've come up with. Just finished recording a song called "My Name" that has a lot of bhangra influence, and another called "Not Like This" that we're recording with Russell Ali. Russ, Brandon and I will be working together a lot I think. It's a great vibe."

Writing is a constant process for Anoop, who has already worked with five different co-writers, including John Merritt. But, the best might still be ahead for Anoop's album. He explained, "At the end of the day, the best songs are going to make it. I might not have even found the first single yet!" In January, Anoop plans to head to Nashville to work with more song writers.

Although, if Anoop had to pick a single at this point it would likely be an original song called LUVR. He said, "[It] could definitely be a single- it needs some work, but Mikush and I both love that song, so glad to hear y'all do too!...LUVR is an acronym that we use in the chorus of the song, just talking about how the girl I'm singing to should be my luvr and what she's missing out on...There isn't anyone I have in mind for that song, but I've definitely been in that situation before. So the message resonates!"

When pressed further about his upcoming music releases, Anoop gave some encouraging news. "I'm definitely trying to incorporate y'all in the process. I'm working on my website right now- when it's up, it'll be anoopdesai.com The website, twitter, myspace, and facebook are going to be key in getting buzz around the new tracks. I want y'all to help me out with that. At the very least, I'll leak some clips!"

Of course we had to ask Anoop about Adam Lambert's controversial AMA performance. Anoop said, "I did see it! It's not for everyone, I'll give you that... But Adam knows exactly who he is and what he's trying to do, and I think the performance was successful-- I mean, we're talking about it today, aren't we?...He's there "for your entertainment" that was the point of the performance and it was definitely entertaining!" Does Anoop think ABC's decision to cancel Adam's upcoming performance is a big deal? "Not really haha, Listen, he's going to be huge, there's no doubt about that. And his fans will keep him on top, not GMA."

Finally, Anoop talked about the vital lessons he has learned since his time on "Idol." He explained, "Most importantly [I learned] that the music industry is not American Idol. There aren't rounds that you advance past. It's all life all the time, and sometimes you're disappointed. My friends have helped me keep my head above water by reminding me that it's not about if it happens, it's when it happens. And that's the mentality I have going into each day, even if it doesn't seem like it. Thanks to you guys and your support, I have a huge step up in this industry. I have a lot to prove though...I'll leave y'all with this: giving up is not an option for me, and neither is failure. We're going to get this going together! I love you and thank you!"

There was so much more covered in this chat that you have to see, including: Anoop's favorite "Idol" moment, his thoughts on Kris' and Adam's albums, his explanation of the songwriting process, what turned Anoop against his love of politics and much more. To view the entire chat transcript, click here.

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