Why I Skipped Idol Auditions

As a little girl, I loved playing outside - usually by myself because my little sister was a baby and my older siblings were teenagers. I would often make up songs as I wandered around my backyard, much like a Disney princess, or seat my imaginary crowd for a full blown concert.

Now that I'm grown, I'm finally seeing that I am the one who can pursue this dream or I'm the one who can continue "sleeping" on it. I've had many people encourage me to audition for American Idol and, in full confidence, tell me that I could win. No doubt, I have the support of a lot of you.

I auditioned at a pre-Idol competition for Season 3. The winner of the local radio station's version of Idol was promised a definite spot at the Idol audition. My best friend, Julie, my little sister, and I camped on the sidewalk overnight in a one man tent - and it rained! I had the privilege of being first in line. I sang for them and that was that. Back then, I hadn't a clue who I was and had not yet had any colorful music experiences.

Fast forward to Season 9, my boyfriend at the time (now Husband) and I, and another musician friend and his girl decided to head up to Los Angeles for the Auditions. We crashed on the couches of an aspiring actress-friend the night before and were at The Rose Bowl Stadium by 4am. We waited in the 90 degree sweltering heat for TWELVE HOURS for a measly 15-20 second chance to sing my guts out for 2 producers. "You all have nice voices, but you are not we are looking for," they said.

These were amazing experiences making new friends in line and the mutual support and excitement as groups would align themselves in circles singing for one another and offering constructive criticism or praise. The comradery was so unique and special.

For Season 10, a fellow artist from my "Song for Food" album made it to Hollywood Week, and for whatever reason they didn't send him through (though they should have). And now, I'm starting to see things differently.

I was at the stadium early Wednesday morning along with several hundred others to register for AI. Another woman in line confirmed the rumor I had heard a few years back. The producers (typically ten tents set up on the field with 2 producers in each tent) have a "type" they are each looking for. One tent might be the Crazy Tent while another might be Country, etc. It is purely a God-thing (because I don't believe in chance) that these people make it through. I received my wristband and reserved seat ticket, and walked home with a funny "eyes-wide-open-probably-not-going-to-do-this-feeling."

I also began researching the in's and out's of the American Idol contract. Even if I were to advance in only one stage of the competition, I couldn't record anything for at least a YEAR! Essentially, I'd be owned by AI. And, if you do win, you most certainly get a record deal, but it is far beyond the standard 3 album contract. You'd be signing away 7-10 years and 6 albums with their production company. And, if you were to ever leak a word about AI, they could sue you for $5 million in damages! So, to be honest with myself, that's not what I want. I want to make a cd this year and in a few years, I've got to start having babies. I want the freedom to speak and sing and create.

So I cut off my wilted, yellow wristband (showering with plastic wrap covering it was a joke) last night and slept in past the 5am Idol start time. I'm heading to the studio today to play piano for an artist's Adele cover. That's a pretty big deal too because that just solidifies that I am more than a singer desperate for a shot. I'm an artist taking aim in the studio. ;)


Some References:
http://thyblackman.com/2011/04/05/why-you-and-i-shouldnt-root-for-jacob-lusk-to-win-american-idol/

http://dir.salon.com/story/ent/feature/2002/09/18/idol_contract/index.html?pn=1