Blake Lewis on Life After American Idol

(Taylor Dunfee)

It's been a year since Blake Lewis beatboxed his way into America's heart. Since his second-place finish on American Idol, the 26-year-old has toured the states with his season six crew and released his first album, Audio Day Dream. But even with all the big breaks, Blake tells OK! he's still the same old guy from Seattle.

"I think my environments change around me, but I never change," he tells OK!. "I'm trying to promote this record, which is me, not 'Blake Lewis from American Idol.'"

Blake is also quick to extract himself from another AI link — a romance with champ Jordin Sparks. While rumors abound that things are heating up between the two, he says that couldn't be further from the truth.

"Are you kidding?" he says. "I'm 10 years older than her... It's so funny. It's like [fakes a lisp], 'Oh, my god, they're holding hands, they're so dating!'"

So what does he look for in a girl?

"I'm a Baskin-Robbins kind of guy — 31 flavors, you know? I like girls who are outgoing, independent and can handle my cheesy humor."

For more on Blake, check out the newest issue of OK!, on newsstands now.