Patterson, 18, is one of six stars to advance to the third round on Fox TV’s new reality show “Celebrity Duets,” where celebrities pair up with singing stars and advance in competition based on call-in votes from the television audience.  Fox TV will donate $100,000 to a charity of the winner’s choice.  

In 2004, Patterson became the first U.S. woman to win the gymnastics all-around Olympic gold medal since Mary Lou Retton in 1984. She is now focused on pursuing her singing career and says she would love to someday perform with Christina Aguilera and Teddy Geiger.

Tune in Thursdays at 9 p.m. Eastern for the live performances and then vote for Carly by dialing the toll-free number displayed at the end of the show. You can vote -- as often as you'd like -- during the two-hour window immediately following the show. The results show airs live Fridays at 9 p.m. 

Q1. How did this opportunity with “Celebrity Duets” come about?

Carly - The opportunity with “Celebrity Duets” came about when my agent, IMG, was contacted and asked if they had any talent that could sing. I had to come to L.A. to try out and was picked by producers, FOX, Simon Cowell, etc. It was pretty nerve-wracking.

Q2. How has your experience been so far on the show?

Carly - My experience on “Celebrity Duets” has been awesome and I'm learning so much. I don't want to go home because it is so much fun and such a great experience for me to have. Everyone has been great and I will miss them all when it’s over.

Q3. Are there any similarities to competing in gymnastics?

Carly - There are some similarities like getting a little nervous before performing, but in lots of ways it’s a lot different because I don't have the same experience in this that I had in gymnastics. I trained for years to be the best and compete in the Olympics.

Q4. Which is tougher - singing on a stage or performing on a podium?

Carly - They are both very hard but in different ways. I realize how much experience and practice/training helps you to be prepared for something. I had 10 years in gymnastics and it’s only been two weeks for singing in front of millions. It's kind of like doing the Olympics without training. You have talent but haven't developed it yet.

Q5. How has your competition experience in gymnastics helped you with the show?

Carly - I think my competition experience has helped me in the show by preparing me to perform in front of large crowd, noise, TV cameras, etc. Although I have done this many times, I was a nervous wreck week one, but now that I understand everything it is getting easier. It's still a different stage because I had years of training in gym and only weeks in music.

Q6. What’s it like singing with the stars?

Carly - Every artist here has been incredibly nice and helpful. I have worked with James Ingram,  Lee Ann Womack and Anita Pointer and they all gave me such valuable advice that I am taking into each show. All the artists I haven't worked with are so friendly and loving. I feel as if I've know them forever.

Q7. What is your schedule like in preparing for each week?

Carly - I get my new music and performer on Saturday each week. I practice my songs on Sunday and Monday.  I meet my artist on Tuesday and we practice. We do a run-through on Wednesday, then show Thursday and Friday.  The days are pretty busy because there is lots to practice - dance, singing, wardrobe, etc. I am also taking singing lessons on my own since the second week of “Duets.”

Q8. What have you learned so far to help you in your singing career?

Carly - I have learned to try to relax and realize it’s all about having fun. I have learned better singing techniques. I'm learning new things everyday now and trying to put them into effect.

Q9. How do you pick your music and outfit?

Carly - “Celebrity Duets” picks your artist and they pick the songs as well. You have some say on which song you will sing on which day but it depends. They pick outfits to coordinate with the other singers, etc. I'm trying to give more input now so that I have my own personality come out. I want to wear more clothes that are my personality and youth, so we are just working the kinks out.

Q10. Do you miss gymnastics and training in the gym? Do you have to practice singing as much as you practiced gymnastics?

Carly - I loved gymnastics and it will always be a part of my life!! I accomplished everything and more in the sport. There comes a day when you have to move on and try other things. I'm ready for a new challenge in my life and very excited about this one. What I love the most is that I feel the same passion for music that I did when I first started out in gymnastics. They are truly both a love in my life. I haven't had to practice singing as much yet, but we will see what the future holds. I am up for the new CHALLENGE and I hope everyone in the gymnastics world will support me, as I will always be a part of the gymnastics world and support it.

Q11. How can the gymnastics family help you?

Carly - The best way the gymnastics community can help me is to watch “Celebrity Duets” every Thursday on Fox. There is a two-hour window to vote after the show ends. If everyone will call in over and over and over my ratings will increase. All the celebs on the show have a huge fan base and many fans are voting for the full two hours after the show. I need my fans to get behind me and do the same thing.

Q12. What is your charity of choice that you’ve designated?

Carly - My charity is going to be a children’s hospital that works with kids with cancer. I have chosen this because after the Olympics I was asked to be a model for the Troy Aiken/Roger Staubach charity for children’s cancer held in Dallas. I met a little girl named Lauren Newman (and she happened to love gymnastics and talk at the other WOGA in Dallas). I was her partner and she was so excited when she found out. It was a total surprise for her. We absolutely fell in love with each other. It was incredible to have someone look at me as their hero when she was really the hero.  She was an awesome kid, never sad, never negative, always upbeat and happy. It helped me realize just how blessed I really was. I have stayed in touch with Lauren. We have been to the mall, gone to eat, etc. She has been at Sloan Kettering in N.Y. over the last 3 months getting a bone transplant and still dealing with her life-threatening cancer on a daily basis.  I have a real soft spot and passion for this cause because of Lauren. She holds a special place in my heart and always will!!!