Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Don't You Know That You Are A Shooting Star...

Ah, American Idol. It's like a high school talent competition on steroids. No, really, that's exactly what it's like...except maybe for the television cameras...and the high dollar production values...and the even higher dollar advertising revenues. Okay, so maybe it isn't quite like a high school talent show, but while I've been aware of it's existence since Kelly Clarkson won the first season, I've never before followed the competition in earnest until this season. Oh sure, I've watched the first few episodes of each season to view the freak show that parades before the judges before things get serious, but aside from Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, I'd be hard pressed to name any of the winners. Honestly, the only reason I am able to readily recall Clarkson's name is because Steve Carell screams it out while having his chest waxed in the film "The 40 Year-Old Virgin."
But this season I'm actually emotionally involved. The reason? Local artist Elise Testone is a contestant. Not only is she a contestant, but at the moment this is being written she is one of only seven contestants left. I don't pretend to be Testone's friend. I've interviewed her for the local paper here in Charleston and I've seen her perform a couple of times around town. She's very talented and very dedicated to her music, often going from teaching music in Mt. Pleasant to a performing gig at a local bar or restaurant. She works her butt off, and that's why it is so satisfying to see her still in the race on American Idol. Sure, she has her age working against her (which sounds absurd, as Testone is only in her mid-twenties), and there are some genuinely talented folks competing against her, but I sincerely believe that Testone has a chance of winning the whole shooting match. Even if you're like me and have never watched American Idol, I urge you to watch these last few weeks, and also to vote for Testone. She's come close to elimination the last coupe of weeks, but turned in a solid performance this week. She's put in years of hard work and it is all culminating in this moment. Here's hoping Elise goes all the way to an American Idol win and all of the benefits that brings.