You're Not Going To Hollywood... ROCK ON!

American Idol:  You’re Not Heading To Hollywood …

So, perhaps I am a little behind the times.  American Idol is in its’ 7^th season and I am just getting around to watching it for the first time.  Yeah, well – perhaps I have had better things to do for the past 6 years.  Regardless, for the past 3 weeks I have been viewing this program – initially, it was because Mr. Tyler of Aerosmith fame would be one of the judges.  I could not resist the temptation to watch him.  It was not long before he moved to the back burner and my focus zeroed in on the contestants of the show… but not the contestants that you might think.

I appreciate music.  In fact, I love it.  I admire those who can sing, I envy those who can pick up a guitar – or any instrument for that matter – and make a sound that is pleasing to the ear and brings joy to the hearts of those who listen.  I would love to be able to do that.  I have ‘performed’ in my living room to an audience of animals, working on every move and inflection of my performance.  It is amazing… until I start to sing along.  One by one, my audience begins to pick off and fade away.  The oldest, a Jack Russell terrier, will remain until the end of my show – but he shakes wildly with anxiety throughout my performance.

“When will this ever END?”  – His eyes seem to say.

So, it’s safe to say that I am not a polished, pretty performer.  I know that.  For that reason alone, you will never see me on American Idol.  I would never audition for something that I knew I would fail – fail, miserably. 

For the past three weeks, I have been in total disbelief… astonished at what my eyes are seeing and what my ears are hearing.  I’m not talking about the beautiful people – those who carry a tune to perfection and keep a perfect pitch.  Those fortunate souls who leave the stage of third degree, clutching a “golden ticket” in their hands, and exit into the joyful screams and loving embrace of their loved ones.  I’m talking about the ‘other’ people… those who are so far off the mark, one would wonder – “What were they THINKING?”  – And yet, while they perform… they have no idea how truly bad they really are.  At first, I snickered.  I chuckled.  I even asked in total amazement – “What were they thinking?”  …  Then it happened.

Something switched.  A light went on.  I quit laughing.  I started to cheer for them.  Secretly, at first.  Now, I am a one-woman cheering section for those who will not go to Hollywood.  I’m not cheering for their off pitch, tone-deaf performances… although I do have to applaud their courage.  I am cheering for people who believe.  BELIEVE!  They want something so badly that they are willing to put themselves out there – to stand on a stage and do something they want to do… they may not make it, they even might make a fool of themselves in the process – but they are gonna give their best shot!  They believe they can.  That to me is inspiring.  I may not watch American Idol ever again.  But if I do…  I’ll be rooting for the “other” people – the people without the golden tickets who will not get to Hollywood.  That’s MY team.  Those are MY people.  I believe. 

The dogs have gathered in the room for a nap.  My friends, I must step on the stage – for I have a concert to perform, off pitch and out of tune.  Yes, indeed - I believe!  Rock on.