“Dawg, that was a bit pitchey“: My life as an American Idol audition

by Carol of A Different Nest

A couple of weeks ago, I watched the first night of this season’s American Idol auditions with teenage son, Jacob, and I found myself paying particular attention to the words Simon, Paula, Kara and Randy used to tell rejected contestants that they wouldn’t be moving on to the next round. Interestingly/scarily, some of the judge’s words resonated with me.

We all want to be rock stars in our own way. My goal was to be a Sociology Rock Star – get my Ph.D. and become a qualitative researcher. Although I have an M.A. in Sociology and have been involved with some research projects, numerous obstacles have interfered with attaining Rock Star status, as I define it.

Recently, I considered going back to school to get that Ph.D. but after looking into the logistics of graduate school in middle age, I’ve come to the conclusion that – gasp! – I am longer young. The world is not my oyster, damn. I don’t want to be that outlier older student the age of her cohort’s parents. Not to mention the stress, oy. And when I’m stressed, we’re all stressed. Me thinks that ship has sailed.

Instead, I mother, blog, write grants, advocate for my kids, support my husband,volunteer for meaningful organizations, try my best to wrangle away from commitments that aren’t meaningful, manage my Ipod, ponder whether or not to “Twitter”, exercise, and too rarely clean the refrigerator.

So what would Paula or Simon say to me? Hopefully, not that I sound like a drowning cat (Simon, I’m talking about you). But, some of what the judges say to contestants who are NOT going to Hollywood would apply to me, as well:

” You have a great personality”

” I think it’s great that you came out and gave it your all”

“Go back home and be the best you can be”

“Continue to work hard”

“You’re lucky you have so many people behind you”

In all the AI audition shows, some contestants handled their rejection with grace; they were polite, and appreciated constructive criticism while others – not so much. Some contestants put down the judge’s own talent – not so smart – or refused to leave the audition room until the mean ‘ole bouncer dude takes them away by the arm.

Likewise, we can accept with grace the perimeters of our achievements and redefine our success. Or, we can rage and say “It’s not fair” or the equivalent of “I can try another song; just wait….how about Killing Me Softly?”

Most times I opt for the former, but we all have our days and moments. Luckily, for such moments we have our friends, significant others and support mechanisms–such as this Facebook group I was invited to join: ““OMG I so need a glass of wine or I’m gonna sell my kids.”

Are you an aspiring Rock Star, and what kind? And what would the American Idol judges say to you? What helps you the most when you feel confined by your family and personal responsibilities? And just WHEN do we party like rock stars?!