We watched American Idol last night. The first episode. The one that is mostly dedicated to the fools who think they can sing and show up with big dreams and little talent. Although I laughed (pretty hard sometimes), it was hard to watch. Not just because of the awful singing, but because I felt SO BAD for these people that SERIOUSLY thought they were good and had no idea how horrible they were. I felt so bad for them because I know how they feel. I had a very similar experience.
My roommate in college was a great singer. She was trying out for a musical production. She talked me into trying out with her. My voice is ok. It’s not horrible. I didn’t have dreams of getting the lead, maybe a part in the chorus. It seemed fun. Seemed like a good idea at the time.
I picked out a song. I practiced for hours. I knew I was going to NAIL this. I sounded AWESOME. I got up on the stage when my turn came. The piano starts. My part comes. I begin to sing. WHAT IS THAT SOUND?! That could NOT be my voice. Oh my gosh. Where is that note I’m supposed to hit? I swear I had this down. I can NOT find a single not I’m supposed to hit. My throat has closed up, my voice is totally uncontrollable, I have NO IDEA how I’m making such awful noise. I could hear the noise and WISHED it would stop it but it just kept going. It’s possessed.
I was SO BAD, the pianist couldn’t figure out where I was in the song. So not only was my part horrible, the piano wasn’t right either. She was just playing the same note over and over, desperately searching for where I could possibly be in that song.
I wanted to die. I actually wished the stage had a trap door that they could send me through so I wouldn’t have to look at anyone. I couldn’t get out of the auditorium fast enough. I was absolutely mortified.
And I’m so glad it wasn’t on national TV.
12 Comments
We watched too…the kids felt so bad for the people crying and didn’t understand the judges being so harsh. I kept thinking, “that’s life…get used to it!”
Oh, sis….this is why I love ya. Your humble talents–we’ll just chalk this one up on your list of funny try-out stories. (”So, do I just leave now?”)
See - I’m the one who watches the entire first episodes of American Idol either through my fingers, or completely with my head covered with a blanket. I get SOO STINKIN’ embarrassed for these people I just can’t stand it…especially when you just REALLLLy wonder if they are deaf - really - cause SURELY some of those people know they don’t sound good enough for idol? Right? SURELY these people know that?
I sing - I really can sing - and I would NEVER audition for this show, because I know I’ll never be good enough for what they need. and just think - people actually ENCOURAGE them to continue to persue their singing ‘careers’…it’s sad, really, when you think about it, huh?
EEK! STill can’t wait for tonights episode that will be tivod and watched AGAIN behind my hands - while my husband complains as I’m DYING behind the ‘curtains’ I’ve created! it’s addicting…a shame!
I’m so sorry for such an awful experience! I think I myself suffered from that American Idol syndrome for a bit — people telling me I was fantastic when it was not so much the case. Luckily, American Idol came around after I had discovered the truth so I was saved from any potential embarrassment.
I have had embarrassing experiences like that too. I need to see if I can catch a rerun of the show!
omg shannon…I can just see it!
That’s quite a story! I’m sure it wasn’t THAT bad! 
American Idol is the best show ever!
Lindsay
You, my friend, are just smarter than those people.
Oh man - you brought up tramatic memories of my 5th grade talent show where I thought I could sing. Never sang by myself in front of people again!
the part that amazes me is that these people have to have friends - SOMEONE who can tell them. No, Im sorry but you can’t sing. I’m not talking about the people who can something resembling a decent voice…I’m talking the scary HORRIBLE singers…..why hasn’t anyone told them? Spare them the humiliation.
OMG it’s painful to watch some of these people. I hate though when they are truly crushed, not the dumb ones (like the too tan Paris Hilton wannabe chick) though… those ones I crack up over.
Moriah
oh. my. gosh. I can so see this in my head. I am sure it wasn’t quite as bad as you felt it was.
LOVE american idol!!
i think i empathize with the humiliation the less talented idol wannabeeees too much
it is painful
you story sound painful
but you wrote it so funnily
i was smothering my on laughter as i read it in hopes of not waking up my family
i am not good at the singing
not a bit
there are times
when i am all alone
singing in the minivan
and i sound so bad to myself
i say out loud
wow
that was bad
just incase
somehow
someone heard me
i want them to know
i KNOW it was bad
kudos to you for tryng out
kellicrowe