Well, I know I am making a huge deal out of nothing, especially since nothing came of it, but it was a huge task for me at this stage in my life. Last week I decided I would audition for the NBC show, "The Voice" which took place this morning in Houston.
Practicing for my audience...(Lucas and Olivia)---Didnt end up wearing heels...felt more comfortable in my flip flops lol. I would've looked (more) like an amazon woman with heels anyway.
John and I watched the premiere of this new show earlier this year. I liked the idea--if you haven't seen or heard of it, it's a singing talent show that in the beginning allows celebrity judges to pick a team of singers, based on what they hear of their voice--not seeing them. It was pretty interesting, even though I rarely agreed with any of the song choices. The show seemed different than American Idol because it claimed to focus more on technique and tone, rather than whether you had a young 'pop' sound. As the show progressed it seemed to be more about projecting a liberal image/agenda (at least for some of them) and not their singing talent. The winner (Javier Colon) was a good singer, but I was sort of rooting for the shy 16 yr old Xenia, and sorta liked Dia too.
This is me during my "dress rehearsal" lol yesterday--John was a good sport.
When I decided this last week, I practiced and practiced and tried to pick good songs. They really wanted a current song, and I was stuck...The only songs I really like to play on guitar or sing are old...I know pretty much NOTHING new/mainstream. I'm a stay at home mom---I could've sung the Yo Gabba Gabba song. Current music to me, is still like, the 90s lol. I worried so much about this audition. I read so many people's accounts of their auditions in other cities...people who were really good singers, but didn't even get a call-back. Then I looked up the people that actually made it far on the show, and saw that most of them had recorded multiple records or toured the world with their bands etc...I thought they were a little more inexperienced and fresh.
Well, I was initially going to sing an old country song called "Too Far Gone", but they really stressed to be authentic; to sing the genre of song that you would be if you made an album. Since I am not really a country singer and know NO current country songs, I decided to change the song 2 days ago...to "Aint No Sunshine", Eva Cassidy's version. I had a backup of "Destiny" by Zero 7 if I was asked to do another one. I wore the only dress I own, fixed my hair by Iris' tutorial vid, put my fake lashes and makeup on and thought I had a slight chance.
Here's a 4 yr old video of me doing "Ain't No Sunshine"--don't have a more recent one..I hope I've gotten better over the years though...can't believe this was before I became a mommy:
This morning I got up at 4:30am and got ready. I am so grateful to John for helping me out and volunteering to drop me off so I wouldn't have to drive through Houston alone. We put the babies in their seats and they eventually went back to sleep. I got there around 6:30am. Thankfully since John was dropping me off so we didn't pay for the parking at the stadium. lol. I brought my guitar thinking we would have time to practice like on Idol. (You were not allowed any accompaniment during auditions)
Sorry for crappy pictures...my camera was really fogged up this AM...the line was pretty long. Glad I got there when I did (before the sun was blaring on my part of the line)
I met a lot of nice people in line and shared experiences. From my appearance no one could believe that I am a 27 yr old stay-at-home mom lol. I said I should've worn a mumu lol. It was probably best that I went alone, because family and friends were not allowed once inside the building. We were herded upstairs to turn in our passes and be seated in one of 2 rooms full of chairs too close together to even allow practicing..I met more nice and interesting people. Then row by row we were taken to a smaller waiting room with chairs. Then 10 at a time, we were taken to the audition rooms, which surprisingly only had one producer/judge in each. While waiting, I was approached by a camera crew and asked to play some guitar. They interviewed me about my audition and then had me sign some forms/waivers. I thought it was a local tv station, but it was NBC--filming for the voice! I guess this season they are going to show some of the interview process. So I at least have that--hope I get on TV :) (I think the show airs later this yr)
Anyway, I got called to sing first, and man I wanted to bring my guitar...lol..my crutch. I screwed up a word out of nervousness, but kept on going. My voice echoed in the large room. I gained a little confidence half way through, but when you're that nervous after waiting for 4 or 5 hours, it's hard to really hold a note. Everyone clapped for each other. The other 9 people went up--some of them really good. After the last person, the producer guy (young redhead guy--very polite) said, "Thank you all for coming, I am not sending anyone through from this group." Sad and surprising, but it was the same story for everyone else who exited--NO ONE from their groups got through. Since Houston was one of the last cities, I think they may have filled their quota already. The only 2 girls who anyone saw get a callback, were these really funny big black girls with mohawks--I was told they were backup singers for Beyonce. This led me to think maybe this show really only wants people who are sort of established in the industry. But the girls did compliment me on my hair---I got A LOT of compliments on my hair (Thanks Iris!--I let people know about your Youtube to look it up!) AND they loved my George Washington bag--not sure if they get it, but they liked it :) thanks mom!
I waited outside with the other people waiting to be picked up--I talked with a girl from my group who ironically lives pretty close to me. We decided we might come back next week to do the American Idol auditions (it's at the same stadium). Who knows what either show is looking for, but I'm almost passed the age limit and I'm close by and John has the day off, so I think I will give it a shot. IF THERE ARE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR SONGS (OLD OR NEW) LET ME KNOW!
So it was a fun experience, but I hope I can be a little more prepared for the next one. I wish they would allow instruments. I also wish I had played more music and sang for the past few years. I know I've been a busy mom, but I wish I had kept up with this hobby..maybe I would have been significantly better. The only other audition I ever went to was in 2005 I went to NYC on a train with Susan to audition for Beyonce's all-girl band. My guitar playing sucked, but it was cool to see her :)
Here's the only pic I got inside--they weren't allowing video or pics so I only got this. I was glad to go in with the people I did--they were all very nice. This guy sang Amazing Grace.
There were so many people I've read and met that are very talented and didn't get the call back, and that makes me feel a little better. I hope I can do better next time around :)
6 comments:
OMG how exciting!!!! Bummer you didn't make it, but I think it awesome you tried!!! You are so talented samantha and i think it is great that you are still purusing your dream and not letting being a stay at home mom hold you back like it does so many (me). lol! I will put my thinking cap on for Idol. They seem to not tell you what to sing, so maybe you can pick something you are really comfortable with!
I'm so happy you did this!!! wow you look amazing, love your hair and makeup! YAYAAYA!!!! REALLY REALLY GLAD YOU ARE GOING BALLS OUT FINALLY! I will be trying to think of good songs for you to do, in fact i thought of one recently that brought a tear to my eye the first time i heardd you sing it, "you belong to me" and also, "the street where you live" is a favorite of mine. this was a great blog. really enjoyed going on that journey with you. keep that spirit, I love it! LOVE IT!!!
oh thanks guys! You made me feel good :) I prayed about how I would feel afterward if I didn't get a callback--that I wouldn't be pouty or spiteful. And oddly enough, although disappointed, I was really happy to be home with John and the babies tonight. I am happy to be a stay at home mom, but there's always some part of me that thinks I could impress John and make money for us via my music lol.
Thank you both for your valuable support! gotta get these babies in their bath...I'm glad you liked reading my long-winded account :) It makes it worth it that you enjoyed it too! Love you both.
I read your blog last night as I was putting my lil one to bed. I couldn't comment, but was so excited for you! I smiled when you mentioned me! You look very pretty. I am so glad that you went out and did this. Good on you and John for being so supportive. Can't wait to see where you can get to. You have a lot of drive, so it's fun to watch you go. I really do enjoy your singing videos, so keep them coming please. I will have to think of some songs for you too....
Thank you Iris! I predictably caught a cold from the babies so i am not able to practice...not sure about the audition. Thanks for the encouragement and yes i am so grateful John supported me :)
I just noticed that you had left a 2nd comment on my blog referencing this post and came on over to read! Your hairs sho' do look lurvely in the pictures! I'm sorry that you didn't make it through; I listened to the "Aint No Sunshine" video and you have a lovely voice. Blessings to you!
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