Live Like We're Dying

In 2008, I auditioned for Season 8 of American Idol.  I traveled all the way to Kansas City, Missouri, with my loving and supportive husband right by my side, just to see if I could be the... next…American…Idol!    

Well, to make a long story super short, I did not make it past the first round of auditions.  That left a little scar on my heart, and my ego, if I’m being honest about it.  After that experience, I was pretty bitter towards American Idol.  I was bitter not just because I didn’t make it, but because I heard so many other incredible singers that I just knew for sure would make it to the next round, but I was completely shocked when I found out they didn’t.  Then, I’ll never forget seeing these two girls dressed as cheerleaders – they didn’t even sing, they just did a cheer in front of the judges table, and voila!  They got a yellow ticket which secured their spot in the next round of auditions.  It just didn’t make any sense to me.

Later on, after the whole audition process was over, I came to the conclusion that this was not just a simple show about finding people who can sing, but this was a show that was only on the lookout for certain types of people that they believed would make American Idol successful.  I can't really blame them for that, but there was one thing that I could do....boycott!  As part of my boycott of American Idol, I chose not to watch the show that year.  I’m aware that me not watching the show for one season really didn’t hurt American Idol in any way, but I had to do it for me – part of my healing, I guess.  After that season ended, I felt free to start watching American Idol again, and I haven’t missed an episode since.   

(By the way, not long after I got back from the American Idol auditions, I discovered that I was 12 weeks pregnant.  So, I guess it worked out that I didn't make it any further in the competition because I probably would have had to drop out anyways!)

Season 8 is when Kris Allen won American Idol.  Even though I didn't witness his musical rise to success on the show, I remember hearing his song, "Live Like We're Dying", which he released not long after he was declared the winner of the show.  Just the title of this song is pure inspiration to me.  It means exactly what it says – you gotta live like you're dying.  Looking back, that’s actually what I was doing when I decided to audition for the show.  I knew that the chances of me making it were very slim – considering there truly are thousands of talented singers out there – but I had to give it a shot, and I’m so glad that I did.  Enjoy this song.  Peace!