So Ridiculous Over The Top and Awesome and Amazing!!

OK, so I have to admit, I’m being goaded into writing this post by the very persuasive ladies over at http://www.disbroads.com/. And it happened almost two years ago, so I may not get every detail right. But it’s how I remember it in my mind, and how I will remember it forever, so maybe that’s just as good? I know it’s a day I will NEVER forget. The American Idol Experience isn’t there anymore, sadly, but boy oh boy, did we have fun . . .

It happened on one of those Zippy De Doo Dah days . . . Scott and I were at Disney World to run the WDW Marathon in 2012. It was my first marathon and it was tough. Really tough. I won’t go into all the details, but I developed a blister at mile 17 and the rest was some of the most intense pain I’ve ever been in, including labor with twins. But I finished, put on some flip flops and a band aid, got a good night sleep, and all was right with the world. And I was a marathoner. And if you’ve ever been a first time marathoner, you know you feel somewhat invincible for at least 48 hours afterwards.

We got up the next morning and headed to Disney Hollywood Studios. While we were in line I mentioned how fun it would be to audition for the American Idol Experience. Because, ya know, I’m a marathoner now so why not (see comment above;)? Scott was less enthusiastic. He said, and I quote, “you know you’ll make it and it will take the whole day!” He’s got a lot of confidence in me! So sweet:).

We headed to the little stand and I signed up. There was a woman there who chatted with me for a bit and then very quickly they took me to a small office where I had an interview with her and one other woman . They asked me about my family, my trip, my life. They were VERY intrigued that I had just finished the marathon and admired my medal. They then had me sing something acapella which I did (disclosure: I used to sing in a cover band, did community theater while growing up, and have received about 7 years of formal training). After I sang the woman said “Thank God, You’re Good!! I really like you and I was so hoping you would be!” LOL! Well OK! She sent me through to the next round.

There, I had to pick from a few songs sort of like karaoke (note: go early in the day before the good songs are “taken”). They gave us recordings of the arrangements and we could prepare by singing awkwardly along with headphones in a holding room with other potential “idols”. I picked two songs and I don’t remember what the second one was but the first one I chose was “Old Time Rock and Roll”. I was ushered into an audition studio where I performed this for “the producer” – a very nice guy who made me feel very much at ease. OK, that went OK.

And then I waited for awhile. And then they took me into a room and showed me a VERY cheesy video where Ryan Seacret told me over video that I had made it to the next round! Woohoo!!

So here’s where it got fun: they gave me my show time (1pm I think) and told me to report an hour and half before for rehearsal and hair and makeup. Then they gave me this

and we went to play in the park for a bit but I was CRAZY excited so I honestly remember none of this. No, wait, I remember Scott had a stain on his shirt so we bought him a new one because they said he would most likely end up on camera;). I can’t take that man anywhere . . .LOL!

I reported back and they ran us through rehersal. It would be me and two other babies. Seriously, they were both under 18 but they were both sweet and we bonded instantly. They put these remote control things in my hair so the spot light could track me, took me out on the stage to practice once, we ran through the line up and how the show would go (very simple) and then off to hair and makeup which was pretty quick. The stage manager and crew were SO great. I felt very confident they would not let me look foolish!!

Show time came before I knew it!!! We were all SOOOO nervous but then we were out there and I gave it my best shot of “Old Time Rock and Roll”. Before I went on, the host interviewed me and had me talk about the marathon – there were a lot of runners in the audience and they were crazy supportive (no surprise there!). The two babies performed (they were very good, btw) and then everyone voted. And, this is the weird part, I WON. Which was supernatural.

That guy with his arm up cheering for me is Scotty:). Love this picture!!

 

The End of Round one – I won! Crazy Town!

I immediately sent an APB out to my running friends to tell them to come to DHS for the 7pm finale because I would be in it!! We then had a few more hours in the park and the best thing happened – people kept coming up to me saying what a good job I had done and that they had voted for me. It was truly ridiculous and Fantasy Island like (yes, I’m that old.)

Hair and makeup was more intense for the finale and the makeup lady and I chatted for a long time. The coolest part for me, since I work in the production end at our church, was hearing the background of the whole stage crew. Almost all of them came off of network TV shows and they were incredible to work with. It’s a very serious production and everything there is the “real thing”.

So here we go . . FINALE. A new group of “friends”, again, all babies, but so amazing. There were five of us in the finale and I became sort of the mother hen and since they all knew I was a pastor, they asked if I would pray before we went on. Well, of course, Babies, I’d love to!!

The show went off without a hitch and although I didn’t win the finale, I enjoyed EVERY MINUTE. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I’d do it again in a heart beat. I know the judges said mostly good stuff and that the Simon one was nasty, but for the life of me, I have no idea what they said. I just smiled and nodded!

The first girl was the one who won – she was AMAZING. Me and the babies;).

 

Being interviewed by our host:)

A few tips if you want to go for it:

1. They like old people – they try to have one non-baby for every show so if you’re older, I think you have an even BETTER chance of making it
2. They want you to have a good voice, but ALSO a good story and a fun personality so think that through. I have no doubt the marathon was what got me in the door
3. It’s an absolute blast. Even just the audition part. So go for it! I promise it will make for a fun day and great memories.

I keep thinking I’ll go back and do it again, but I had such a great experience, that I almost just want to leave well enough alone. It was my day of fame, and Scott cheered me through every minute, and I don’t regret one second of it. Oh, and they give you a photopass CD with all your photos and do a great job of capturing your amazing day!!!

Well, there you have it. A crazy day in the life. I hope you enjoyed it and that you’ll go for it! Truly one of the best days EVER.

Happy Running! And Singing! And taking chances! And if you go for it the next time you’re at Disney, please come tell me all about it!!

Jen