Friday, January 11, 2008

An Open Letter To this Year's Top 24

In January of last year, I flew out to L.A. to the dreaded Long Walk down the Wooded Floor to the judges. I was so nervous. But as soon as I saw Phil come out and making it through, I was okay. I went up the elevator, walked down the walkway and as I sat down, said, "You're probably wondering why I called this meeting" which immediately roused laughs from the judges that they never really recovered from. They tried to keep a straight face, but the smiles they had told me that my comment just solidified in their minds why they had chosen me in the first place.

I was in the top 24! One of the best days of my life. I knew that I would have a chance in front of America.

But then my thoughts were, what now?

So, this is my open letter to this year's top 24.

Dear contestants,

Since I was 10th place last year, it's doubtful I'll be a featured guest on Idol this year. So, hopefully, this will get syndicated to several Idol websites, so that you can read it, since I know, like I did last year, you're all reading all the websites, just waiting with great anticipation for the first mentions of your names! So, here we go...

In a week or so, the show will start and one by one, your auditions will be shown and people will start fan clubs for you and everyone in America will have a vague recognition of who you are. People will begin to ask you to sign autographs in your hometown; when you fly out to L.A. again and again, in airports, people will stop and stare and whisper and ask you for autographs; people will screech to a halt on La Cienega, get out of their cars and ask for your autograph; you will have people buy you free meals Soak it in, enjoy it, and make sure to journal so that you never forget all the things that happened. These will be, for many of you, the highlight of your lives and careers.

However on the other side, don't let it go to your head. Unwittingly, I allowed myself to buy into the hype. I don't think I was the typical butthole, I still cared about people and wanted to do right by people back home and my band...but I bought into the hype and my head grew and that is my greatest regret, especially since I have a large cranium to begin with. Don't leave this experience with any regret, certainly not that one. Be confident, be in control of your career and your life, but do NOT allow yourself to think of yourself as anyone or anything other than what you were before this experience...you were a wanna-be and still are. Even if you win, you are still a wanna-be. Two of the most humble people I've ever met are Carrie and Kelly...for all their success, for their winning, still act as the people they were when they started. That's the attitude America will fall in love with long-term. It's the attitude you should try to cultivate in yourself.

On the realistic side, 14 of you will not make the tour. 4 of you will be gone the first week America votes for you. And, the way the competition works, only one of you will win. Please read the next few lines and take them to heart:

The position you go out on is not indicative of your talent; it is not indicative of your like-ability...all that it means is how well you and your character worked on a tv show. The most talented person doesn't win every year, and neither does the best singer. If you go home the first week, treasure the experience and continue to plug away. I promise life will be more meaningful that way. Do not by any means second guess and become bitter. American Idol is an experience that only 168 people (plus your 24) thus far have been able to enjoy at the level you're at now. Take that and put it in your hat...of the nearly 600,000 people who have auditioned, you are part of less that 200!

Song choice is key. Do not make the mistake I made. I specifically chose songs that no one knew because I wanted to be the anti-Idol. Be yourself, but pick some freaking songs that people can sing along with. I've realized that's why people watch the show in the first place...they want to hear someone who isn't polished sing a song they like and can sing along with. Oh, and they watch to hear Randy say dawg alot, to see Paula act loopy and to hear Simon's crap. But they like to sing along, too.

Make these people your best friends in the world. Sure, they are competition, but they are also people. People always come before everything else. Make sure you act in a way that, even if you are the winner, allows you to remain friends with people who you beat out. My season's cast were all close to each other because all of us had the mentality of people coming first. We helped each other with song choice (Blake helped me feel comfortable with picking Typical, I helped him pick Somewhere Only We Know, I originally had picked the Jamiroquai song, but gave it to Blake because I thought he would do it better, I helped Phil pick out some of his songs, Phil helped Blake country week, Melinda helped Jordin) we all looked out for each other, and as the production crew will tell you, it was the most fun a cast had had. Have the same year we had! Have fun, enjoy each other. People before competition. Always.

Love your vocal coaches. Byrd and Dorian are the best. And Michael O. and Matt are incredible accompanist. Make sure you show your love to them...they will make you better. I promise.

Nigel and Ken are on your sides. It may not seem like it at times, but they are trying to look out for you. Sometimes they will do stuff that will be maddening for you, but look at it like parents...they are simply trying to help you make good decisions. And let them know how much you appreciate them allowing you to be part of the show.

Oh, and Seacrest...seriously, the coolest guy in showbiz. You are lucky to be working with him.

When it comes to the judges, remember they are trying to get people to watch the show. However, as the judges said on Oprah last year, they watch dress rehearsal because they can't hear in the performance. So, now that you know that, make sure your dress rehearsal kicks butt! Normally, Randy is pretty on. Paula is so sweet that it's hard to get made at what she says. And Simon...well, Simon goes for the ratings, but he's usually somewhat on...so block him out when he goes overboard.

Almost done...but do yourself a favor: when the producers tell you to stay off the boards, I promise you they're telling you the truth. The forums and blogs were a great way, I thought, to keep up with the pulse of what people thought. Instead it just made me attempt to please everyone I could and I ended up alienating many. Don't make the mistake I did. Do this and you will enjoy the experience so much more (It's what I did the last 2 weeks I was there): have a friend who you trust and love be the person who goes through a looks at the forums and blogs. Have that person email you either snippets of things for you to read, or links. And make a promise to yourself to only look at what your friend sends you. If you listen to anything I say here, listen to this! You will not be disappointed by the crap you missed while you were on the show.

Finally, be in control of your careers. American Idol was made to create careers in music. And not just for the winners. Being in the top 10 can be a launchpad for anyone. Look at our season and season 5...you can be successful. But, remember, this is YOUR career. Research, research, research. Find out what is going to be the best decision for your career. You don't need a major label to make a career. But you might want a major label. It all depends. Just be in control and do not believe everything 19 tells you. Remember that 19 is a business and they are looking out for number one...but if you make the top 10, they are also going to take great care of you. Walk the fine line of loving them and being wary of them.

To end, simply enjoy this...it will be the best experience of your lives!

Peace and love,
Chris Sligh

59 comments:

Cathy Storms said...

Chris~What a nice letter. I hope the finalists read this and take it to heart. That was really cool of you to write this.

Carianne said...

This is a nice letter, and a lot of it goes along with what I personally believe about the show (or course, I've never personally gone through it)...
...But one part did surprise me: "Nigel and Ken are on your sides. It may not seem like it at times, but they are trying to look out for you. "
Really? You honestly think this? I admit I am surprised. Sometimes it REALLY seems like they are on *some* contestants side, while they are doing their best to insure that other contestants leave sooner rather than later.

ChrisSligh said...

Carianne,

I've never really watched the show in depth. But it always felt to me like they are on my side, even when the judges weren't necessarily giving me great comments. But maybe it's just me...I just really like Nigel and Ken.

Chris

The Gang's Momma! said...

That was so great - and that's why Moms like me love men like you! You are the kind of man I want my boys to listen to and emulate . . . "Christ follower first" and it shows in things like this. The young people of AI would do well to take this from you - not just cuz you've BTDT, but because you have shown yourself to be a man of integrity in other dealings. We are watching you, pulling for you and praying for you!!!!!

risalea said...

One more observation for this year's contestants: Perhaps think in advance about who you give shout-outs to on national TV? lol Never mind, it all worked out for one guy I know. : )

When it comes from the heart it shows--great comments, Chris. Risa

rosalee said...

That's good advice!

I guess that once you've gone through the experience, you can distance yourself from it, look back and be more objective about it.
It would be nice to hear what type of advice the other Idols would give....

Carrie said...

Chris, that was really sweet of you to write. I hope the new batch of contestants read this and take it to heart. If anyone should know about what it's like and what to do and not to do is you as you've learned from this experience. Still, I expect a lot of contestants to come in and make their own set of mistakes as it's all a learning process. The show alone is what I see as a turning point for some Idols and what music they want to make a career out of. I honestly had NO idea Phil was a country singer until the week he sung country songs. It seemed he really found himself then and there.

Anonymous said...

I hope some of them read that and follow your advice because that'll definitely help them along during their AI journey.

Anonymous said...

This is certainly the Golden Rule in action. You would have benefited greatly from advice like this and now for you to think of them and take the time to write them, well...let's just say...my heart soars, Chris.

I think you are GREAT in so many ways. Don't let that go to your cranium. ha ha I love that paragraph. The part about being able to leave w/no regrets. Sage advice for sure.

I just recently finished The AI Chicken Soup book and the stories submitted by the people behind the scenes showed what quality people they are. So...reading your comments about them being FOR the contestants was nice reinforcement.

Blessings to you Chris for your willingness to bless those who are just coming up.

~clarissaNaz

Anonymous said...

Risalea! ROFLMAO I liked Chris from the moment I saw him but that one moment made me love him for more than his talent. I swear I laughed for two weeks straight. Some of us out here knew we would miss him on the top ten but he rose above the average Joe with talent in one swift move.
As much as we love Idol, its the contestants on Idol who we watch grow and come to know. Surely while watching this wonderful and crazy show all of you have screamed at the judges and politics coming out of that magic box in the living room, "Are you insane!" But to take a shot in a most playful and mischievous way with really no harm or endorsement intended was just classic. My very favorite non singing idol moment ever.

Chris Surratt said...

Wow - it's been a year already. That was a crazy, fun experience for your friends at home as well. I'll never you forget you singing on my voice mail on your way to The Tonight Show! Good times...

Anonymous said...

Didn't know this ... snipped From USA today article

Others have had less success. Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks and Season 2 champ Ruben Studdard have been dropped by Arista and J Records, two of the labels that take on Idol winners. Season 5 runner-up Katharine McPhee has departed RCA after her debut album sold fewer than 400,000 copies.

Carmen said...

Chris
What a thoughtful and introspective letter. The fact that you took the time to write this, reveals a great deal about your heart & soul.

I think that we can all learn from your advice whether a contestant or not. Often times it is so easy to buy into our hype when things are going well and we are experiencing success in life. Our hearts get puffed up and we let pride get in the way. We forget who we are and who really is in control.

Thanks for this letter. It made me think and it only reaffirms my belief that you are a class act.

Carmen

HstryQT said...

This really was sweet. I hope it circulates through all of this years Top 24; when it does they'll see it comes straight from the heart. The experience has got to be such an overwhelming whirlwind, that it's nice to have someone who's been there be able to enlighten them.

Carianne said...

well like I said, you've actually had one-on-one experience with these guys and probably know what you're talking about. I've just been a fan (sometimes a frustrated fan) watching at home, so if you say Nigel's helpful and has each contestants best interest in mind - I have to believe you (even if that has not been my feeling in the past)!

Ian said...

You helped Blake pick "Somewhere Only We Know"? Good move. That was his best performance in my opinion. I think giving him "Virtual Insanity" was a good move too, as I couldn't picture you singing that song.

ChrisSligh said...

You'd be surprised how many people helped each other with song choice...obviously I gave examples of me helping, but seriously every week people were helping each other...this was a really cool season for the contestants this year.

Chirs

risalea said...

It's good that y'all were friends. I can't imagine how awful it would be to be stuck with a bunch of cutthroat folks hoping to see each other fail.

Pretty much in life, when you put the other guy first, it will come back around to bless you somehow. Y'all certainly proved that.

p.s. I noticed a quote from Ryan Seacreast in this week's People (not that I buy that or anything--lol) that basically said the show was going back to focusing on the backgrounds of the contestants rather than put the emphasis on the famous mentors.

Carrie said...

"Somewhere Only We Know" is the performance that finally made me open up to Blake. Until then, I didn't like him very much, so thank you for nudging him in that direction, Chris. Or should I say "Chirs?" Haha

sandmoran said...

a year of lessons
now the student is teaching
what he took to heart.

risalea said...

Sandy, how come you can say in 17 syllables what it takes me to say in 1700 words? : ) Good to hear from you! Risa

rosalee said...

Carrie -
That must be the French pronunciation.
ROFL!

Anonymous said...

Wow, the Colts actually lost. I really wanted Peyton to have a chance to beat Tom Brady. Congrats to the Chargers, they played an amazing game. I hope the Giants can beat the Cowboys now, we'll see.

rosalee said...

Folks -

I posted a new contest, Idol Madness on the fansite. This contest is supposed to determine the best Idol ever! (from all seasons)

The contest pits the top 64 finalists (all the Top 10s, plus 4 11th and 12th place finishers) into a NCAA-style bracket where they'll face off against each other in head-to-head, single-elimination competition. Your votes determine who moves on!

The first bracket is out and voting starts today!

Cowell bracket match-ups:
#1 Kelly Clarkson vs. #16 Melissa McGhee
#2 Ruben Studdard vs. #15 Stephanie Edwards
#3 Tamyra Gray vs. #14 Chris Sligh
#4 Jennifer Hudson vs. #13 Haley Scarnato
#5 Bo Bice vs. #12 Lisa Tucker
#6 Jasmine Trias vs. #11 Rickey Smith
#7 George Huff vs. #10 Kellie Pickler
#8 Scott Savol vs. #9 Chris Richardson

Vote for Chris!!

http://americanidolamericanidol.blogspot.com/2008/01/idol-madness-cowell-brackets-seeding.html

BTW, I'm very disappointed that since I reminded everyone about the 2008 Bloggers Choice Awards, Chris has not increased his vote count, while Rosie has advanced by 4 votes. If Chris is getting about 2000 unique hits daily, surely some of you who are entertained by his blog could go over there and vote for him.....

http://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/13100

http://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/13209

DJ in AL said...

Chris,

I was very surprised to hear you say something about getting a "big head". I know you know yourself better than we do, but just wanted to say I don't think your fans ever saw it, I certainly never saw it here. And you know what, if you did, well, I mean I would think it would be easy to get caught up in all of the hype, ya know? You're human.

One of my fav moments from the show and there were many, was when you thanked Gwen S. for teaching you how to spell banana, I lma off, it was classic Sligh sarcasm. Gwen didn't seem to get it, or maybe she didn't have a sense of humor, I couldn't tell. Anyway, I thought it was funny. Some of the visiting artists need to lighten up a little and get over themselves. Some are really great to the contestants and some seem to have forgotten they were nobody once upon a time.

Like others have said, I think the lot of you really got robbed when they didn't focus on your personal lives and background more. I think it was a really bad move by the show and I hope they go back to it this year.

I gotta tell you, though no doubt I'll watch AI this year(I mean there's not much else on right now), I can't imagine being as taken with or as invested in a contestant as I am/was with you Chris. It will feel like I'm "cheatin" or something!

Anyway, hope everyone had a great weekend. Sandy, great post, and welcome back!

Sending you love from AL!

DJ

Carmen said...

Rosalee,
I can't seem to get to the link that you posted for the Idol Madness contest.

Carmen

rosalee said...

Carmen -
The link works for me. Try just using the beginning of the link:
http://americanidolamericanidol.blogspot.com/

Or google "Idol Thoughts" "Idol Madness"

gdahimself said...

To Rosalee,
From GDA,

The direct link isn't working from is location either.

risalea said...

OK, I tried to vote early and often, but it wouldn't let me! : )
I didn't get there by the first link, but I did by just putting in the blog name as you suggested, Rosalee.

Cathy Storms said...

Does anyone know who sings the song in the NFL store commerical? It goes "Lets, work together,come on come on, lets work together. Something like that anyway.
My husband has been bugging me about who sings it and I can't figure out who. I'm a little ticked at him right now cause he won the football bet. Well, technically I won, because Dallas won more games that the Chargers did. He changed the rules to who went the furthest in the playoffs and the Chargers won today and the Cowboys lost. Now instead of him having to wear a "I Love Kelly Clarkson t-shirt, I have to go to hooters and wear a I Love My Hooters shirt. He's gloating so bad right now so I'm a little ticked....
Anyway if you know who sings that song I might not have to wear the shirt. Please...Please....

Carrie said...

Cathy, google brings up "Dwight Yoakam, Let's Work Together" Not sure if that's it since I haven't heard the actual song but I'm sure you'd know by a simple itunes search and listen.

Ian said...

Would the song you're thinking of be "Let's Work Together" by Canned Heat?

HstryQT said...

The link to the Idol Madness bracket worked for me and I voted (tried voting multiple times but I don't think it counted my other votes). Tamyra's winning so ya'll gotta get busy.

DJ I agree with you that this season of AI just won't be the same - (how could it??) - I know I won't be as invested in this season as I was last year. Danny thinks I'm going to go nuts again and goes on about how he's dreading Idol. I keep telling him, did I freak out about ANY other contestant in any other season other than Sligh? No. Chris was worth freaking out about. There will be no other :). Plus, ew. I HATE the first episodes when they're all mean to the contestants. It's just horrible.

Alright. I'm going to go pout more about how the darned SNOW is keeping me holed up in the house when I have a huge grocery list and no milk or bread to make dinner with tonight. I'm beyond frustrated. Regis and Kelly might remedy my pouting though.

Happy Monday folks :)

Lori

gdahimself said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cathy Storms said...

Ian~You are my hero!!Thats it!!Thank you so much. Thanks Carrie also.

gdahimself said...

To Cathy Storms,
From GDA,

I've not seen the commerical but is it this by any chance.

Let's Work Together by Wilbert Harrison 1962

Together we stand, divided we fall ,
Come on now people, let's get on the ball and work together
Come on , come on let's work together , now now people
'Cause together we will stand ev'ry, ev'ry girl and a man...

Before when things go wrong, as they sometimes will
And the road that you travel, it stays all up hill ,
Let's work together, come on, come on, let's work together
Now now people, you know together we will stand
Ev'ry boy, girl, woman and a man...

Oh well now, two or three minutes, two or three hours
What does it matter now, if this time go round
Let's work together, come on, come on
Let's work together, now now people
'Cause together we will stand
Ev'ry boy, every woman and a man...

Oh well, make someone happy, make someone smile
Let's all work together and make life worth while
Let's work together, come on, come on
Let's work together, now now people
'Cause together we will we stand
Ev'ry boy, girl, woman and a man...

Because together we will stand
Ev'ry boy, girl, woman and a man
Well together we will stand
Ev'ry boy, girl, woman and a man... Yeah...

Let's work together, come on, come on
Let's work together, come on, come on
© 1962
notation mentions performed by Canned Heat & Dwight Yoakum

I had problems pinning it down because I know it first as "Let's Stick Together" which is Bryan Ferry's version in which he wrote the lyrics. The credit is still to Wilbert Harrison.

And now the marriage vow is very sacred
The man has put us together now
You ought to make it stick together
Come on, come on, let's stick together
You know we made a vow not to leave one another, never

But now you never miss your water 'til your well runs dry
Come on now baby, give our love a try
Let's stick together, c'mon c'mon let's stick together
You know we made a vow not to leave one another, never

Well if you're stuck for a while, consider our child
How can it be happy without it’s ma and pa?
Let’s stick together, c’mon c’mon, let’s stick together
You know we made a vow not to leave one another, never

Now if you're stuck for a while, consider our child
How can it be happy without its ma and pa?
Let’s stick together, c’mon c’mon, let’s stick together
You know we made a vow not to leave one another, never

Let's Work Together source:
Risa Song Lyrics Archive: http://www.risa.co.uk/sla/song.php?songid=13426

Let's Stick Together source:
Sing365.Com: http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Let's-Stick-Together-lyrics-Bryan-Ferry/834E8F1EF0DBF7C248256A1800267ADD

Cathy Storms said...

gdahimself~Yes that is it..You rock!!!!Now I don't have to wear my "I Love My Hooters" shirt to Hooters. You guys saved me!!
Thanks again

rosalee said...

Now that the new American Idol season is about to get started, there are plenty of articles being published about it. Something in a recent New York Times article got my attention:

"And don’t put too much stock in the record sales or concert tour of “Idol” alumni, Mr. Lythgoe added. “Just because a granny in Omaha falls in love with Taylor Hicks, it doesn’t mean she will go out and buy his record, even though she will pick up the phone and vote for him,” he said Friday in a telephone interview."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/arts/television/14idol.html?_r=1&ref=business&oref=slogin

Gee - I don't know about that - I've bought Chris's CD - and multiple times at that! I'm sure that there are other "grannies" around here that have done the same!

I see that Chris has picked up one whole vote on the Bloggers Choice Awards.

I hope that everyone is contacting their country music radio stations to request Phil's single. When Kevin Max's single was released, I contacted about a dozen radio stations, mainly by email. If you don't have a local country music station, find a city with a decent sized population that does, and email them.

So, mobilize the troops and get out the vote and radio requests!:

http://www.rallymonkey.com/oldvideo.php

HstryQT said...

Hey MJ posted Chris' letter on her site. :) I'm sure itll make it to the computer's of this year's top 24, if it hasn't already :).

Cathy Storms said...

Rosalee~I so agree with you on the grannie thing. I have also bought more than one of Chris's CD's. I have also bought multiple copies of all of Kelly Clarkson's CD's and I bought Carrie Underwoods. So it just goes to show that if a "granny" likes someone, that "granny" will support them.
I've been emailing the radio stations here in San Diego, but haven't heard Phil's song yet...

gdahimself said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
gdahimself said...

Regarding Mr. Lythgoe’s comments as relayed.

Stupid and wreckless . He should know better but apparently he buys into the popular notion that midteens to late twentysomethings are most likely consumer group to target marketing to. A group reputed to engage in impulse buying. A group also reputed for acquiring their music through other avenues, few which don’t require making an actual purchase.
They don’t take in account that older fans are more likely remain loyal longer than when their peer group deems the artist in question as no longer “cool”.

The famous furthermore.
If he really believes that mainstay American Idol audience is a group of cheap senior pensioners, why risk chasing advertisers away, to go where they can get more effective use for their advertising dollar.

I assume/hope somewhere the higher ups will have a little discussion with him about this exercise in public relations.

Melissa said...

This letter is wonderful. I hope they all read it and take it to heart.

rosalee said...

Good one, GDA.
Chris's Uncle Nigel has said a bunch of irritating things in the media recently. That's just one of them.

Risa -
ROFL!!! I just received the package in the mail. I can't believe you spent so much on shipping just to send me a can of ROTEL!!!! I'll let you know when we try it out. I have to get the Velveeta. Thanks a lot!!

Lucy said...

Nice letter! I'm not a regular reader of your blog but came across this on a fan site for my own favorite Idol contestant, Bo Bice.

Your advice sounds very wise - especially the part about not reading blogs and forums. I'd think that could be a path to insanity!

Good luck to you Chris.

Lucy said...

Nice letter! I'm not a regular reader of your blog but came across this on a fan site for my own favorite Idol contestant, Bo Bice.

Your advice sounds very wise - especially the part about not reading blogs and forums. I'd think that could be a path to insanity!

Good luck to you Chris.

Lucy said...

Ooops - Blogger is evil and posted my comment twice (or I'm an idiot - one or the other).

risalea said...

Rosalee--Priority mail was just 50 cents more than mailing it parcel post, so I thought, what the heck, let's go wild and send it priority! : ) And I hate for my friends to be missing one of the finer things in life. LOL

Enjoy! Risa

rosalee said...

Idol Thoughts - Idol Madness update:

http://americanidolamericanidol.blogspot.com:80/2008/01/idol-madness-monday-january-14-report.html

gdahimself said...

Digression

Ringo Starr's new album "Liverpool 8" is scheduled street date is tomorrow January 15th on Capitol/EMI.

It got a favorable notice from Rolling Stone: http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/17524730/review/17925160/liverpool_8

EMI Records press release: http://www.emigroup.com/Press/2007/press129.htm

gdahimself said...

Unlike the "post a Comment On" page, the url to the Rolling Stone review appears complete on the green background page.

gdahimself said...

PSA,
I got a notice that voter registration deadline is tomorrow January 15th. I assume this true in all states with primaries on February 5th.

"On February 5, 2008 voters in 24 states will be heading to the polls in the largest and most anticipated Presidential Primary Election in history. Super Tuesday is only 22 days away..."

rosalee said...

Well, I just got back from the Chicken Soup book signing with Lakisha. It wasn't very crowded, so we had time for a nice little chit-chat. She immediately noticed my American Idol PopTarts shirt. I think I was the only one there wearing one. Does that make me a fantard?

She's enjoying her run on Broadway in The Color Purple. It's due to run for a year. At the end of this month she will be appearing at an event in Arizona with Jordin, Melinda and Chris Richardson. She says she'll have a CD coming out in the spring.

I had to purchase a book in order to get to speak with her. Now I have two books and have to figure out who to give the unsigned one to. It was worth it, though, because I also got to talk with one of the writers on the book who wants to do some Chicken Soup business with Chris.

Anyway, I'm beat. Nighty-night, all!

Unknown said...

Wonderful letter, Chris. Straight from the heart and full of wisdom. That you can look back and acknowledge that the hype got the better of you at one point and then use that to advise others and blog openly about it says a lot about your character. You are a good soul. Thanks for the smile--I needed that!

Will you be an Idol viewer this season? I'm going to sit this season out--I've had enough of the cruel audition rounds, and the beating Sanjaya took for the sake of ratings last season was too much. Rickey.org will save the good stuff for me. But I hope the season 7 contestants read your message and take heed, and I wish them every success.

Kendra said...

Hey Chris-

You forgot to warn all of the spouses of the fun we get to have. My advice- be prepared to step aside. You will not be involved in the process and will have to have some fight in you to make it the long haul. You will not get to spend alot of time with you loved one and will not be included in any Idol activities except for the show itself. When you do go to the show you will be just like any other audience member - port-a-potty and all! And if you do have children - start practicing the "Let's hide in daddy's closet and be quiet until security leaves" game! But if you can make it through the short (but very long) couple of months of the show it is all worth it. The amazing support you get from not only family and friends but also fans is amazing.

Remember that this is only for a short time and not a normal way to live life! Support and love your man (or woman) as best as you can and you both will be strong for doing this together! Oh - tour is still crazy but way more fun and relaxed! If you are blessed enought to get to do this have fun and enjoy the ride!

Kendra

P.S. Have Sarah call me - us girls need to get together soon!

Unknown said...

that's a very nice thing to write. best wishes in your career, sligh. stay grounded and in the word.

Greg and Tonja Clift said...

Chris, Great insight! As an Idol fan, it's so cool to get an insider's look. Now that I'm days away from turning 40, I'd like to share an insight that I've picked up along the journey. You talked about the "highlight of your career." I used to look back on big moments in high school as the top experiences in life. We should keep looking for the next highlight in life, because in Christ, it only gets better and better. Yes there are valleys, but as believers we will be lead to new highlights all the time. At least that's my experience.

P.S. I loved the "people first" bit of wisdom.

Rebecca said...

Chris, I enjoyed reading your letter and seeing who you are and how mature your thoughts are. I hope many of the finalists this year can read your poat.

Last year you were my favorite and I was so so disappointed when you got goted off. I did my part and voted for you:)

Rebecca

Kritter Krit said...

I knew I liked you.