Sunday, May 20, 2007

Okay, so I'm a fan

Before I talk about last night, I have to admit something. No matter how famous I ever get, if I ever get any more famous than now, I will always be a fan. I have people that I respect and love and I've gotten to meet some of them. When I meet people I still am a fan. What's crazy is when famous people know my name.

Last night was really, really cool because I was able to meet some really really cool people of whom I am huge fans.

After rehearsals were over yesterday, I rushed back to the hotel, took a shower and got dressed for a night on the town. Gina, Haley, Phil, Rich, Brandon and I had the chance to go see the Dan band, which is an awesome comedy band. Basically they do a bunch of cover songs (and a few originals) and do them with cheesy choreography and a really tight live band...it really is incredible. Anyway, we saw them at the Avalon.

As we were walking into the Avalon to get to our seats, Gina, Haley and I got asked by some fans for photos, so we stopped. One lady didn't have her camera ready, so as we waited, I see Kyle Gass (KG from Tenacious D) walking in. He stopped and called me by name! I was blown away! Then the lady with the camera turns to KG and says, "Can you take our picture?" I just about laughed, but held it in - I mean, she's asking KG to take our picture. The lady got her picture then Gina, Haley and I got our picture with KG. More on KG later.

We walked to our table and talked to several people in our area...we took a lot of pictures and then the show started. It was freaking hilarious. The band was super tight and Dan can really sing. The background dancer/singers were dressed like nerdy businessmen, but the dance routines and bgv's were awesome. It really was a great show. Gina is a huge fan of the band, so it was cool watching her get excited about stuff she had seen before (she's seen the band 4 times).

After the show, we were all able to go hang out backstage with the band, so that was a ton of fun. While up there, celebrities started to pour in. I got to meet Anthony LaPaglia (one of my favorite actors - you might know him from Without a Trace) - he was really cool. Dan is married to Kathy Najjimi (you might know her as the cute chubby nun from Sister Act or from Hocus Pocus), so we talked with her a good bit. Helen Hunt came up and knew our names! It was crazy. Gina went nuts because What Women Want is her favorite movie. Then KG came up and we hung out with him, just talking and hanging out while the Dan Band met everyone. KG suggested jokingly that I should form a Tenacious D tribute band and he'll come and be the guitar player. I thought it was hilarious to think of a tribute band with 1/2 of the original band. Then I told him he should break up his band and then hire me as his lead singer. He said he could probably do that. It was awesome just to joke around with KG. I am huge fan, so that was really freaking cool.

We left the Avalon and we were all invited to go to Ryan Cabrera's house for a party. Gina, Haley and I took a taxi to Brandon's house because Brandon took the guys to go pick up Blake. We met Brandon's roommate Steve, who apparently is a fantastic standup comedian. We hung out at the house, then Blake and the guys arrived. They proceeded to play several rounds of guitar hero as we all sang along to the songs as loud as we could. It was awesome! Then we loaded up the cars and headed to the party.

I'm not a big party person - I love to hang out in small groups of close friends and with low enough noise to hear each other talk. This party was not that. It was like 200 people with music blaring. Ryan's house is awesome. You walk up his very steep driveway to the house and you walk up these steps at the top to reach the back yard. The back yard is simply one huge pool and jacuzzi area, complete with a huge tile paved bar. He has a ping pong table and a pool table out there, as well as a lounge area. The pool, by the way is heated and the jacuzzi waterfalls down into the pool. Seriously, I was in awe of the house.

I'm not a huge fan of Ryan's but I always thought he was a really good songwriter with a great voice...his music just isn't my cup of tea. I remember thinking, though, while he was on the Ashlee Simpson show, what a cool guy he seemed to be. He didn't disappoint. He was awesome. And hilarious. Brandon and he are really good friends, so there was connection there that superceded any awkward stuff.

I got to meet the bass player (Bryce) and guitar player (Ben) from Lifehouse. That was awesome - they were really freaking cool guys. I hung out talking with them for like 30 minutes. Phil and I then met the lead singer of Yellowcard. That was awesome, too. He was a really cool guy and super nice. Side note here: it's so freaking cool to meet really famous people who are actually freaking cool people....you always wonder if someone's gonna be a butthole, but they're just normal people like you and me....they just happen to be more famous than you and I. Tony Romo was there and I got to meet him - he actually knew my name (that is freaking crazy!). He at one point was actually bartending...that was hilarious. Jesse McCartney was there, too...we said hello. He seems cool....I didn't get to talk to him much.

The best moment of the night, though, was meeting Gavin DeGraw. I'm a huge fan so meeting him was awesome! I think he is seriously the best songwriter to come out in the last 5 years. He's amazing. I can't wait for his next album - I know it's going to be great. He was super nice, too, so it was nice to see him in that light.

One of the things that was really cool to watch was how people reacted to Chris and Blake especially and even Phil. Those guys are stars and people love them. And you know what I can't wait to hear records by all 3 of those guys. I am a huge fan of all 3 and all 3 of them do different things and I can't wait to cheer them on. It's a weird thing to have friends who are stars and knowing that very soon they are going to be the hugest stars in music. It's a really cool feeling.

Anyway, the night was incredible. It just solidified in my mind, though, how much of a fan I still am.

67 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a cool night..You are having so much fun. Thanks for sharing. It feels like we are right there with you.

Anonymous said...

Freakin' hangin' with Rage Cage...(KG), that's awesome...did you see JB on leno giving you his support? you could totally do a tribute band for the 'D'...

rawk on, chris

HstryQT said...

Sandy had a good question in a recent Sligh Ku - is it weird going from Greenville to LA? Do you feel like you act differently or is the whole scene just surreal and you're just you in this new random place?

Interesting thought.

Keep having a blast!!
:) Lori

Shelley said...

Keep on being a fan! That is what I love about you!

I love this "new" version of your blog. Its like an inside track without gossip, and drama only comes reading comments.

Anonymous said...

That's great! Sounds like it was a really fun night!

Anonymous said...

That is so cool that you get to experience all that Chris! You definately deserve it like the rest of the idols!

Anonymous said...

Chris,

I hate to hear what a drudgery your weekend turned out to be, ha! Enjoy every minute, this is what you have worked so hard for.


About you being a fan at heart,... so now you should have insight as to how Chris Sligh fans feel.

Have a great week!

steve-o-meter said...

Whoo hoo! I didn't recognize half those names, but I'm not too cool.....You meeting Kyle Gass was the most exciting part for me! Did you tell them all to buy Fro Patro T-shirts? ;-)

I would LOVE to see you singing with Tenacious D.....that would be hilarious!!!

Anonymous said...

Now that was one AWESOME story! You sound so excited! It's amazing how our lives can change so quickly! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible stories! ;-)

Anonymous said...

Hey Chris,
It's so cool to read this stuff - just your thoughts on your life...love the blog being back to the way it was...kinda...before you became a household name!rockon!

Anonymous said...

Great blog entry, Chris, on the whole Idols as demigods experience. On the "mortals" side, you're starstruck over all these incredible people you're rubbing elbows with and thrilled to find out they're "just folks" at their Hollywood mansions. On the "god" side, you and your fellow Idols are yourselves the celebrities. I love the part where, to the woman with the camera, the Idols are her stars, not KG. You seem to be relishing the best of both worlds--what a fantastic time for you, and thanks for giving us a peek. ALthough I don't know half the folks you mention, I love the imagery, and I adore Anthony LaPaglia--his portrayal of Jack Malone is heartbreaking half the time (see? I can get my mind off of Sanjaya for a split second at a time).

So, what is Brandon doing when he's not throwing parties or going to them? is he working on a debut album, performing regularly, somewhere, or just soaking up the whole Hollywood scene? (not sure whether he's tied to AI in the same way top 10s are). Feel free to ignore if I'm being too nosy.

Carrie said...

Gavin DeGraw AND Lifehouse? Okay, now I'm jealous.

Christi said...

Wow! You are hanging with the celebs now! how awesome is that?!

I'm probably going to end up buying all of this year's finalist CDs. This has been the first season where I've liked nearly everyone's music style... It's great.

I'm so glad you're having such a great time :)

risalea said...

Well, fame is relative, cause I sure didn't know a bunch of the folks you mentioned. Which probably just means I'm old. : )I'm so glad you got to meet some folks you enjoy, and I'm sure they were glad to meet you, too.

Wish I could have seen that house. Cool!

Risa R.

Anonymous said...

Chris Sligh!

Your blog is amazing.

I just started reading it..but I'm already hooked.

I love to hear any behind the scenes info about Chris Rich & Blake!! :0)

Hopefully I'll get the chance to hang out with them someday..they seem like AMAZING guys.

Anonymous said...

We are vicariously living our fame dreams out through you and this blog.
Face it Chris .....you are like the Borg in Star Trek...the collective consciousness for all of us. Rofl
Resistance is futile!

Michelle said...

That all sounds incredibly amazing! I could only wish to meet the people who are influential to me. I'm glad you had a fun time! :)

bmorebamma said...

sounds like everyone had a good time. iam just praying that the sillyness does not start, like something you said gets taken out of contest.and what you get lambasted for expressing that you hung out with certain people ;)

Unknown said...

Ooo, you should share some of those photos! ;) Especially the one of you and KG!

And I can't wait to hear records from those three too!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update, Chris. I can't wait to hear some of the behind the scenes once the tour starts?

I would like to know though, is Blake able to still have fun at stuff like that? Or is he super stressed about the finale?

Anonymous said...

Hi, Chris! It's great to know that you and the other Idols have so much fun after you're off the show. It must be really cool to meet so many famous people. I love your blog; it's cool to know how your life is after AI. Are you guys all pretty good at Guitar Hero? I can't wait for you all to release records! Good luck with everything!

cynrama said...

I Love lifehouse!!! Good for you, Chris! I really enjoy reading your stories.

Nique's Nana said...

Chris, I know your fans have said this before, but I'm gonna say it too - thanks for sharing all this info with us. I love reading about what you guys and gals are up to. It gives me/us a feeling of being there. Your writing is fantastic, always interesting, never boring.

I taped TV Guides American Idol Final 12 last night. I haven't had the chance to watch it. I know you're on it.

I'm looking forward to seeing you Wednesday night.

God bless and keep having tons of fun!

Anonymous said...

Kudos to you for not being discouraged to continue blogging despite the sometimes senseless questions you have been getting. I always believe in the general freedom of speech (blogging in this case), and that should apply to celebs/semi-celebs/commoners. So I applaud you for your guts.
Now, pardon me while I go bang my head against the wall at you being able to see so many stars.

elvensorceress said...

That sound so fantastic. It's always unreal meeting people I've listened to and admired for so long. I guess I'm quite the fan, too.

Can't wait to hear your album. I'm sure it will be amazing.

Glad you had fun!

Anonymous said...

congrats on meetin all those people! but i am sure they were more excited to see you!!!

Anonymous said...

Are they having the top 12 on the tour this year? Last year, it was only the top 10.

Thanks for the great posts
Jeff V

Tom in ATL said...

Dude -

Sounds like you're having a big time - what a great opportunity. One of my all time favorite songs is by Lifehouse - "Take Me Away" is freaking amazing. I bet you guys had some interesting conversation.
It's got be a bit surreal to be included in the Hollywood scene - just stay grounded and take it for what it is - a chance to walk in someone else's shoes for awhile. And realize that alot of people now know who you are - and you have that much more of an opportunity to be an influence in their lives (which I'm sure is weird - but true.)

Peace -

Tom in ATL

Anonymous said...

You sound like you're having the time of your life. Good for you!

Anonymous said...

Wow! It's awesome that you and your friends are getting to hang out with celebs that you're fans of. I bet that seems pretty surreal.. and even more insane when they know YOUR name. That must be pretty sweet. Thanks for continuing to share info on your life with us, I love reading everything.

Finale in 2 days! :D

Love & Hugs,
-Tawny

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a whole lot of fun :D

Anonymous said...

OMG, you lucky man!!!! I LOVE Gavin DeGraw! His was the only CD in my car for like 6 months! Not because I didn't have any others, but because I love his music!! Congrats on getting to meet him!

I can imagine how people react to meeting you guys! I am hoping to meet some of you on tour and am really hoping not to go completely fangirl on you. lol

Kevin said...

You met the lead singer of Yellowcard? Lucky. Sounds like you're enjoying your time!

Anonymous said...

hey can you talk more about sanjaya because he's amazing

Brenda Covert said...

I'm not going to admit to being old like some here have (!!!), but I didn't recognize many names, either! I prefer to think that it's because I do more reading than listening to music. I have to grin at your enthusiasm!

I've been to a mystery writers convention twice in my life, and it was thrilling to meet some favorite authors and discover that they were "real" and good company. So I know how you feel - it's incredible!

Anonymous said...

Love Guitar Hero...who would you say was the best at this game? I'm sorry I like trivial things. Thanks for the wonderful blog.
cc

bmorebamma said...

btw i saw ace from last year getting interviewed by a female reporter @the fox affiliate (fox 45) station here in bmore. she's in hollyweird gettin the low down on things. or getting the inside scoop, ace said that he talked to chris but he didn't say weather it was you or chris. r the reporter seems really nice and so does ace.he was also here promoting the ai ice cream. a couple of weeks ago.

Anonymous said...

Okay, no living breathing Texas female (even though not a Cowboy fan) can not ask this question.

Was Carrie with Tony?

awilliams

Nique's Nana said...

Chris, I watched the TV Guide "Top Twelve" that I taped last night. They put your interview in the "pimp spot" - LOL! It was good to see you again, you looked like you were having a lot of fun. I love your humor.

TimeYUPunishMe said...

Hi Chris,

Sorry about my post the other day.

Anonymous said...

Aw, that's so cool that y'all went to a party at Ryan Cabrera's house. Wasn't expecting to see that name when I came to your blog. Haha-I've met him twice...he does have quite the personality! Or did have...it's been almost a year. SOunds like that hasn't changed though reading your blog.

His [probably most well known] song, "On The Way Down" is about being saved. Well, to him...he likes to leave the lyrics open for others to interpret in their own way. But if you read the CD-booklett, the word "You" is always capitalized. Don't know if you knew, but since you seem to blog about being a Christian often, thought I'd share.

Congrats on meeting Gavin!...I've seen him live...never met him though.

Glad y'all had a fun night out. Best luck with the finale. I'll be watching, haha.

Anonymous said...

A TD tribute band...that would be "The greatest and best band in the world"...

Guitar Hero is a great time killer...i have beaten every song on expert except Free Bird...how about you???

Anonymous said...

"Side note here: it's so freaking cool to meet really famous people who are actually freaking cool people....you always wonder if someone's gonna be a butthole, but they're just normal people like you and me....they just happen to be more famous than you and I"

Don't read INTO what i'm about to write but somehow once i read that, it got me thinking that maybe those really famous ppl are actually freaking cool because you are equally really famous too. try meeting someone like me. :D. as i said, that was what came instantly...as i'm sure no basis whatsoever. i mean...you are really famous (coz i'm ur M'sian fan) and you are freaking cool ;). I've met famous ppl and they are genuinely freaking cool as well.

Anonymous said...

i love Maroon 5's 1st album. And so far, i've only heard the first single of the 2nd album. They remind of Duran duran.

Anonymous said...

Chris, have you met Jack Osbourne? If so, what did you say/do?

Anonymous said...

honey, trust me, your not famous.

Anonymous said...

Oh, my. Gavin DeGraw? That's fantastic. And KG and Yellowcard and....I always wonder how famous people manage to stop being fans, anyway. Maybe if you're Lauren Bacall and you're 80 and you've seen everything.

Just judging from what I've seen and read, it doesn't seem as if there's ever been a group of AI finalists that became as close or as fond of each other as your group. It makes me all the more a fan of all of you to read how much support there is among you.

Anonymous said...

Was Carrie Underwood at the party at Ryan's???

littleladybug said...

Chris,

You must have been in your glory, I had goose bumps just reading your blog. I am so excited for you. Can't wait for the finale tonight. You must be excited to get the show on the road and get on with your life. I can't wait for the next installment of your life.....

God Bless You and your family.

risalea said...

OK, Chris, we just got to see a snipped of you tonight. Saw a side view at the end in an audience shot. Did they have you in the montage? I missed it if they did. Looking forward to seeing you on stage tomorrow night.

Hard to tell who will win....IMHO, Blake is the most unique performer. OK, got to go vote.

Take care, Risa R.

sandmoran said...

We're fans of a fan
you're fans of those who are fans
all fans of someone.

ChrisSligh said...

Anonymous 1:28pm,

I find it ironic that you, an anonymous blogger whose name I don't know and have never met would tell me that I'm not famous. Apparently famous isn't a word whose definition you actually know.

Being famous does not neccessarily translate to a career, and your fame can be short-lived, but don't fool yourself. People who I've never met know my name. That's famous and I owe it completely to American Idol.

How long I'm famous is up to me now. If I put out a great record and a great one after that and a great one after that, my fame can turn into a career. Hopefully, that's what will happen. If not, then I can be satisfied that I enjoyed more fame than I deserved and more fame than 99.9% of people ever get (I mean I was on the cover of People Magazine). Then I will produce records behind the scenes and simply do what I love.

American Idol has fulfilled a lot of dreams for me. And will continue to do so.

Anyway, sorry to comment on negativity but I wanted to turn it around to something positive.

Chris

TimeYUPunishMe said...

Anonymous

Are you famous? You don't even have a name. LOL You're just jealous, aren't you.

BTW, it's you're not YOUR. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Chris,

Was Carrie Underwood at Ryan's party?

Anonymous said...

You and phil= hottest ones at the AI show tonight.. .good seein you and phil there! well along with everyone else of corse

risalea said...

Mr./Ms. Anonymous is being a bit contradictory. If you hadn't made a name for yourself, I doubt he or she would have ever found your blog.

Just please, delete those folks, and when you choose to respond, make it to one of your loyal readers and supporters.

Take care and enjoy your remaining time in Hollywood! Risa R.

bmorebamma said...

hey i just saw blake. melinda. and chris r. get interviewed by the local fox 45 affiliate here in bmore, blake was really cool and when she asked milinda who was goning to win she said that she like them both , and was not goning to predict who was goning to win. and as paula said that winning ok but you don't have to win to be get a record deal, and to the anonymous poster why come in here and be neg???.ahhgeez these are the kind of people who never acheive anything in their lives, but are quick to try to put others down. i see these types of people everyday.

Anonymous said...

Well Chris I always find your blog to be quite down to earth and real.

I agree with you about Chris, Blake, and Phil. You too have a bright future1 Congratulations.
Phil is going to be Big in country. Blake is a natural entertainer and I expect his will explore a few different avenues. But I believe that Chris Richardson will have the greatest success in the music business. But then I'm partial to poets.
Hope you guys have a ton of fun on tour.

Unknown said...

I am so on the same wavelength as you when it comes to Gavin DeGraw. His music is fantastic and the lyrics just hit home. Glad to know he's as nice a guy in person as he seems. I kinda figured so, but good to know for sure.

It's really cool that you can still be a fan even when these people are likely fans of you too. Don't ever lose that. :)

It was also really cool to see all of y'all tonight. I doubt he's gonna win (*sigh*), but I voted my tush off for Blake.

Anonymous said...

I saw you in the audience last night on the show. You looked like you were having a good time. I can't wait to see you, Phil, and Gina on the show tonight.

Unknown said...

Chris, everybody knows your name. You can stop being surprised. :-)

Anonymous said...

Chris, Ryan will let anyone into his parties, lmao. I've been to like 20.

risalea said...

Chris! Loved you at the end! Loved they gave you the solos! (unfortunately, missed the first hour cause I was at church....have to go watch my daughter's DVR)
Wonderful, wonderful!

Risa R.

Anonymous said...

Chris,

Don't know where to leave this, and figure it will be awhile before you have an opportunity to blog, but wanted to tell you how amazing I thought you were on the finale show. You looked great, I thought you got more than a fair amount of exposure-go you! I know you are probably disappointed that Blake didn't win, but we all know that winning Idol won't really matter to what I'm sure will be a great career for him.

The Finale was IMO the best AI has ever done.

Hope you are having a blast, and hope you will check in with us soon and tell us all about it!

P.S. Couldn't help but thinking it should have been you up there in the final two. Your vocals are as good or better than any of the top 6!

Anonymous said...

Chris,
Can you tell me more about Tony Romo???

What about him and Carrie Underwood?

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

What is with everybody and who is dating Carrie? Get a life, would ya?

By the way Chris, did you see Katherine? Did she dress hot? Who was she with?

Just kidding (not).

Anonymous said...

Chris What makes you think you won't be a big star too? I would buy and see you in concert before any one of the other idols. That is including the rest of the seasons. Your cd ROCKS!!! I can't wait to see you in your solo tour!!! Keep the faith!