American Idol Makes Me Cry
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 8:54PMI probably cry more when I watch American Idol more than any other show.
I don't know whether it's the people who are traveling from near and far for the opportunity of a lifetime to realize their biggest dreams.
Or.
If it's because they are willing to go through this experience in front of thousands of thousands of people and possibly face rejection in front of said people.
Most likely, the personal stories shared by American Idol hopefuls are what turn on the tears. Witnessing their journey to the Golden Ticket, their key to Hollywood, is often moving and always inspiring.
My favorites so far:
- Maddy from Bluemont, VA who is sister (and clearly best friend) to four brothers with Downs Syndrome.
- Tyler from Nazareth, PA, a drummer who has always longed to be the front man. Not only did he break both wrists just days before his audition, but he broke the hearts of judges Kara DioGuardi and Victoria Beckham.
- Vanessa from Vonore, TN, the bridge jumper from a small town with big dreams and a relationship with her mom that makes my heart smile.
All three of these beautiful people brought tears to my eyes, not of sadness, but through the sheer emotion of witnessing people put everything they've got out there with all their heart and soul.
It used to be that American Idol was one of the few ways we could see this kind of phenomenon happen. Now, with our world becoming one of social sharing and accessibility we can witness this in real time almost every day. Sure, a lot of times it is on a much smaller scale. But not everyone's definition of a "golden ticket" is the chance to get a record deal.
What do you think?
Was there a story on the American Idol premiere that touched you in some way?
Looking at the broader lens, is there an instance where you've seen someone go for their dreams and make themselves vulnerable on social networks?
Reader Comments (10)
I didn't see the first 2 you mentioned, but I did fall in love with the Vanessa "the bridge jumper" ... I definetly love the back stories that they share!!
And on a side note - hope your running's going better than mine. Some of the neighborhood roads are still iced & up & I just haven't gotten after it yet in fear I'll slip & land on my rear!!!| Or maybe that's just an excuse!
'...the sheer emotion of witnessing people put everything they've got out there with all their heart and soul.' - you have hit the nail on the proverbial :)
This is exactly why people are glued year in year out to Idol all around the world. Great post!
I love Tyler. He sounded and looked fantastic!
The stories move me too. All of the people are inspiring, even the ones that don't sound that great. It's moving to witness them going after their dreams...
Okay, we seriously have the same taste. I loved the girl with the Down Syndrome brothers (perhaps because I also have a brother with DS). I loved the way they hugged her after she came out, the way the one brother was 'kickin it with Ryan Seacrest'. I could go on.
The drummer boy. Too cool, seriously and the fact that he 'fell out of a tree' cause he likes to climb trees just made me smile.
Small town girl. I get her and am cheering for her too.
Needless to say, my 11 year old daughter and I are suckers for Idol and I love the auditions on so many levels.
Susan
I am so glad to hear I am not the only one. While I have yet to start this season (it's sitting on my DVR waiting...welcome to my life) I always enjoy it, even when it makes me cringe.
Those were the 3 people who stood out for me as well, not because they were the best singers of the bunch, but because they were REAL people that had a deeper sense to them. THIS was the biggest day of their lives. You could tell they were nervous and just wanted a shot. It's really cool when the underdogs get a shot... And they all made me smile, and they all made me cry. I though I was the only one! My husband thinks I'm crazy when I'm sobbing on the couch watching American Idol. But, that's why I watch!
In terms of taking risks on social media, I think it's pretty rare. Most blogs are similar. Just like in other areas of our lives, most people want to fit in and hide the parts of ourselves that make us stand out. I just recently met a woman on Twittermoms who asked if she should blog about the abuse she dealt with in her life. She thought it might be too touchy of a subject. I believe that if she's passionate about sharing her story to help others then she should do it. I WISH more people would take risks in social media(and in other areas of life) like this woman.
-->American Idol ropes me in with those heart-felt stories as well and I was in tears too. I was so worried that the bridge jumper wasn't going to be a good singer.
~deb
WebSavvyMom.com
I rarely watch this show, but I get what you are talking about. Of course I can't stop singing Pants on the Ground.
I loved those two and the bridge jumper as well.
Maddie's mom is a long time blogger and freelance writer at Mommylife.net
The whole family of 12 kids is an inspiration!