Dear La'Porsha Renae,
You don't know me, but I know you. American Idol is one of those shows I grew up with. I was seven years old when Kelly Clarkson won the first season (and you can bet I bought her first album when it was released) and I watched Ruben Studdard take the crown all the way to David Cook. But after that, things changed. I felt like the judges switched around so frequently and the heart and soul that was always behind the show went missing.
That is until I saw you. I decided to watch the final season of American Idol for old time's sake- I figured I would just watch the audition rounds and the rest would fizzle out but at least I would have an idea of the dynamic of the season. But then I watched your audition, I heard your story, I looked at your daughter's beautiful eyes, and I was hooked. I was Team La'Porsha.
Your version of Rihanna's "Diamonds" was one of the most beautifully crafted performances I have ever watched. You sang with such passion, emotion, and talent that I was blown away. There was no doubt in my mind (or anyone else's for that matter) that you were the best singer on the season. Hands down. So when you didn't receive the winning title, I was mad, angry, and shocked. Not that I don't think Trent is talented, but because I knew you deserved it.
I was mad because it made me realize that our current society isn't as progressive as we like to think it is. That we cannot put our differences aside for one moment in order to acknowledge true talent- no matter who they are or where they come from. It made me realize that our society is as male-dominated as I had hoped it wasn't. That a young, single mother from an abusive background is less likely to be accepted into mainstream culture than professional athletes with histories of sexual assault or politicians that are unfaithful to their wives. That a television show has to be based on factors other than sheer talent.
But you're a winner in my heart and in my mind- and here's why I believe that everyone should know your name and your story. In such a short amount of time, you've become a role model to women everywhere. You are humble, gracious, and perseverant. You push your feelings aside in order to provide for your loved ones. You decided to follow your dreams and rise above all of the negativity that has been thrown at you. You gave America someone to look toward who has survived relationship abuse. Someone who had the strength to get out of the situation instead of perpetuating the stereotype. You equated survival with success instead of pity. You showed the world that women were tough- tougher than men.
So why the women of the world didn't join together to win you that title is beyond me, because we definitely should have. But I don't see this as a loss for you- I just see this as the first step. The first step to inspiring women everywhere to be strong, to fight for what they want, and to never let the bad things outweigh the good.
Thanks for inspiring me to be a better woman every day for the rest of my life, to never be a victim, and to proving us women have what it takes,
Sincerely,
Me (and every other college aged female)
