Stage before the concert begins
A couple nights ago, the American Idol Season Ten Tour came to a small venue in New Orleans. After watching the entire season religiously, there was no way I was missing this show. Even though those who I thought deserved to win didn’t, (James, Casey, and Pia), I wasn’t about to miss the chance to see them all sing together. When the tickets went on sale, I was one of the first to get them. Even though I spent wayyyyyyy too much on these things, I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime show and that I’d regret missing it. (See previous blog regarding concert addiction.)
One of my favorite songs, dedicated to that "special" someone
So, after Mom finished at her office, we headed over to the show. Since the arena where it was held is so small, there’s really not a bad seat in the house. We were on the second level, directly across from the stage; a little farther then I’d like, but still not bad.
The show was pretty cool. I guess I’d say it’s what you’d expect. The Top 11 got up, each sang a song, sang some songs together, danced around, had countless wardrobe changes, etc etc. My favorite song of the night was probably when James did “Sweet Child of Mine.” That guy amazes me every time…if I had to pick a favorite, it’d be him. Not only can he sing, but he’s overcome a lot of obstacles in his life. I have a lot of respect for him. Also, I was very excited when they did Cee Lo Green’s “Forget You” as a group. There’s someone I secretly dedicate that song to every time I hear it, but that’s another story for another day.
Casey and I
Anyway, as they were doing their encore, Mom and I decided to get out before the crowd. A) I hate walking in crowds and B) there’s only one elevator in this place and entirely too many lazy people refuse to take the stairs. As we were walking out of the arena, I noticed that there was a line of barricades by the building, making a sort of hallway. There was a bunch of security back there as well. If there’s one thing I’ve learned at concerts it’s that security equals stars. I went up to one of them and quickly learned that all of the idols would be coming out to sign autographs and take pictures shortly. I looked at Mom and said, “We’re hanging out here for a while.”
It took them FOREVER to come out, but out they came! Pia, one of my favorites came out first. Lord, she is gorgeous! And she has the voice to match. Jacob and Stephano came next…And then Casey, another of my favorites. He is such a ham! He totally loves the attention and thrives off of the fans’ energy. However, he still seems like a really, really nice guy.
Scotty and I
Scotty (this year’s American Idol) and Lauren (the runner up) came out next. Wow! I actually got my picture with Scotty McCreery! If you haven’t heard it yet and like country music, his new single, “I Love You This Big” is really cute. It suits his personality well. And yes ladies, his eyes are as gorgeous in person as they are on TV.
Pia and I
Naima and Thia also came out somewhere in there. I was really disappointed that James and Paul didn’t come out, but that’s okay. It was still very, very cool.
What was most interesting about the whole experience was that only the two young Idols treated me like I was two or retarded. I had a bunch of make-up on and a low cut, black, wrinkly shirt that not two-year-old should ever wear. I did NOT look two. Casey, Naima, Jacob, Pia, and Scotty got it. Lauren and Thia just didn’t. It took everything in me to not allow my eyes roll back in my head and to bite my tongue. After all, I still wanted pictures with them and their autographs. A little bit of sucking up is necessary. I made my self just smile when Lauren looked at me and said, “Awwwww! Hi Sweatie!” *insert gagging sound here, please*
Lauren and I
We think of American Idols and stars as “bigger” people than we are, but this experience reminded me that they are still just people. As talented as they are, Lauren and Thia are still just teenagers who haven’t quite learned how to handle people who are different, like me. And that’s okay. It was just very interesting to experience.
Overall, it was a very fun night!
My ticket, signed by eight of the eleven American Idols