In light of American Idol announcing its ending with just one more season remaining, I couldn't help but reminisce about the amazing memories that American Idol has given me. Amidst the nostalgic recollection of a myriad of fond, frustrating, emotional memories, I realized that American Idol has given me so much more than just memories. It has given me life-long lessons that I would like to share with you.
1. Always believe and strive for my dream.
No matter how crazy or outlandish it may seem, dreams truly can come true. Just look at the Season 5 winner, Taylor Hicks. No other gray-haired, 40-year-old looking man (who was actually 29 at the time) would have been able to achieve the minimal stardom he had if not for American Idol shining light on his singing talent.
2. No matter how many times I fall down, success is getting right back up and trying out again.
I mean, just take a look at the hundreds of people who were told no and came back six, seven, eight times just to be told no again. They deserve respect and admiration from America for having the guts, motivation, and thick skin to endure the answer “no" too many times.
3. Nothing is ever too embarrassing in life, especially when it comes to your dream.
If you think you're a good singer, then gosh darn it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. Have you been told that you have no voice? Has someone ever scoffed at your dreams? Then have no fear, American Idol is here! The countless auditions that had America “ROFLing" and “LOLing" proved to be some of the best forms of entertainment found on TV.
TBT to the time when some hit songs came out of ridiculous auditions. Like this.
4. No matter how weird, insecure, or uncomfortable some of our individual traits may be, each and every one of us has the ability to achieve success.
Just look at the Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood. Carrie was just a small-town girl with a big-city dream. She tried out for American Idol like any other ordinary person with a singing dream. America fell in love with this girl from Muskogee, Oklahoma. What they did not realize, however, was that this girl was one of the few suffering with a third nipple. It's hard to imagine living life like this, but Carrie was. Carrie was the epitome of strength, showing us that no matter how strange or crazy some of our quirks are, our talents and strengths will shine through. Thank you, Carrie, for giving us the motivation to live life regardless of our body mutations.
5. The importance of sitting down and spending quality time with family.
In a time of constant rushing and a hustle-bustle atmosphere, American Idol became a show where my family could unwind and share stories from the day. It became a ritual to put all our worries and cares aside during those two hours of singing and just enjoy the company of each other.
American Idol was not just a show that gave us the original, dynamic trio of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. It was a pioneer of its industry. Most importantly, it is a time in television history that will never be forgotten.
