Another throwback blog post on the way this week! This time, we're taking it back to the time that I auditioned for American Idol.
I was in high school during the mid 2000s. Before the major craziness of the iPhone and social media. I love that I grew up in that time. I loved that little pink Motorola Razr cell phone and the simpler times.
While in high school, I was the ONE who had all the knowledge on American Idol. I loved watching the show, I was obsessed with the judging panel and the contestants, I planned my entire life around the show. Nothing came between me and Tuesday and Wednesday nights. I was also a member of the choir and took private voice lessons.
While watching American Idol, I always dreamed of visiting the set and competing on the show. I wanted nothing more than to be famous when I was in high school. Flash forward to August 2007, I turned 16. I finally met the age requirement to audition for American Idol. I just needed to find someone to take me that was over 18.
I remember excitedly looking at the dates and places that auditions were going to be held in 2007. I knew it was meant to be when I saw that American Idol was coming to New Jersey to host auditions. As fate would have it, the auditions were scheduled a week after my sixteenth birthday. Score!
Being interviewed for Idol Chatter on TV Guide, August 2007
I made the decision to audition and I don't regret it one bit. My mom knew how much the show meant to me so she took two days off from work and took me to the audition at the now defunct Izod Center in East Rutherford, NJ.
On the day before the auditions, we had to go to the Izod Center for registration. My mom and I got up at the crack of dawn and headed to registration. At registration, we were given an entrance ticket, a wristband, tons of forms to fill out, and a parking ticket for the next day. I couldn't even believe I was standing in front of people who worked for the show that I loved more than anything.
I remember the weeks leading up to the audition. I worked with my voice teacher to find the perfect song for me to sing. We finally settled on Ain't No Mountain High Enough. We worked to make it sound original for my voice. We also practiced by singing it to different friends and neighbors and got their feedback.
The morning of the actual audition was a crazy one. I remember getting up super early so I could get ready, but I definitely had butterflies. I couldn't believe I was going to try out for the show that I grew up with. When we arrived at the Izod Center, the line was wrapped around the building 10 times. We were in for a long day, but I did make some friends with the girls in line with me.
The friends I made in line as we waited for our chance to audition for American Idol
When we entered into the arena, I finally saw how big the crowd was. My mom and I found our seats in the very top of the arena and once everyone was seated, filming for the crowd shots began. Part of the crowd shots was everyone singing the same song at the same time. We sang Get Ready by The Temptations. It was so much fun to be in a crowd of thousands all singing the same song. Once the crowd shots were filmed, individual auditions got underway.
Since my mom and I registered on the last day before the auditions, I didn't get to sing until very late in the evening. Before I went down to the arena floor to audition, my mom gave me a very stern talking to. She reminded me that no matter the outcome, I needed to be grateful for the opportunity that was given to me. I was reminded to say please and thank you and be kind. She wanted me to remain calm and if I didn't make it, I could cry in the car afterwards.
After a very long wait, I finally headed to the floor to audition. The process was very quick, with just a few seconds to sing few bars. I was ultimately told that I was talented but not what they were looking for. The next thing I new, a crew member cut off my wristband and took my number and I was escorted out of the arena. My experience was over in a flash.
I met up with my mom outside the arena where I was given a big hug. Ironically, I wasn't upset. We found our way to the car and headed back to Long Valley. On the way home, I called my voice teacher to relay the news that I didn't make it. She was upset for me but she gave me a lot of credit for having the courage to audition.
Sometimes I think about that experience from auditioning for American Idol. I remember how dreadfully long the day was but I also remember how proud I was of myself for simply just going for my dream. I knew there was a shot that I wouldn't make it, but I knew I needed to try as crazier things have happened.
Signing off,
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