Wayne's World! Party Time! Excellent!

Casualties of Idol Strategy!

Tonight’s episode of American Idol showed the true & brutal, cut throat reality of the competition… Probably for the first time throughout the entire season so far.

Before I left Los Angeles after my elimination, as well as my confrontation with the Judges/Producers, I said in an interview, “Good luck to the other contestants. Because once you get up there, you get one shot. All the rehearsal & practice means little once you hit that stage & the music starts.” Having been there for Hollywood Week, I found myself amongst some of the most incredibly talented people I had ever met. But in the midst of those genuinely gifted people, were those “over the top” contestants who were obviously there for the sheer entertainment value. After all, it IS a TV show & FOX needs to increase the ratings for it’s 10th season, so that means “increase the crazy & dramatic”. So the job of standing out was a lot harder than what viewers even get to see every Wednesday & Thursday night.

As you’ve seen, some of the “Early Favorites” (as Ryan puts it) lost their chance of progressing in the competition after their performances spiraled out of control. Whether it was a lack of confidence, a moment of doubt and insecurity, or simply nerves getting the best of them, their fate was decided in mere seconds. The unfortunate part of this is knowing the mindset the Judges have when making the cuts: Jennifer Lopez stated in a press conference, “We’re going to be working with the contestants differently this season; giving them more of a chance to prove themselves. We don’t want to send someone, who could’ve been great, home prematurely because of their nerves. And then wonder later on what they could’ve become if we had allowed them to stay.” Hearing such words of grace & seeing the lack of compassion for some contestants almost seems insincere and confusing. Especially after seeing the Judges come their decision after shuffling through a deck of contestant’s pictures. Maybe it’d be better understood if they gave more of a glimpse behind the scenes, into the lives & talents of some of the people America DOESN’T get to see on camera. If they COULD show more than just the same ten contestants each episode, I’m sure they would. But it’s impossible, so America is forced to see what Idol Producers allow them to see. But “Hey! That’s show biz!”

It was comforting to hear the Judge’s comments to those rooms that did not make it through the second Solo Round of Hollywood Week though. Jennifer said to one room, “As performers, we’ve gone to countless auditions where we were told ‘No’, but you keep going! Consistency is key. I may not have made the cut, but I made them a fan!” Even during my confrontation with the Judges, Steven Tyler said to me, “This isn’t the end of the road, Wayne. You took two steps forward & one step back…” So it’s encouraging to see a sense of humanity in the midst of the “glitz & glam” of the American Idol charade.

Nevertheless, its still unfortunate to see so many people, destined for superstardom, sent home because of a moment of weakness. But let’s not forget those who’ve fallen short of the American Idol title in the past: Jennifer Hudson, Daughtry, Clay Aiken, Katharine McPhee, David Archuleta & Kellie Pickler. Like I’ve said before, it may be the road to success for some, but not for everyone. After all, it is a “competition”, so there are bound to be ‘Casualties of Idol Strategy’ for TV entertainment & America’s viewing pleasure.

Thanks for taking the time to read. Much love. - W

American Idol? The Jig is up!

So Hollywood Week is still underway (according to the viewers) when in reality, it was filmed almost two months ago! “The jig is up!” LOL Needless to say, I did NOT make it through Group Round.

So here’s what really happened during Hollywood Week: Solo Round was pretty much true to TV. Contestants came forward in their groups of 10 and sang a snippet of their individual song & were eliminated afterward. Groups came together as you saw on TV as well. We were able to pick our own songs & fellow group members, however, we were given rules for Group Round: we had to maintain vocal harmony, choreography & (like Randy said on TV) we “HAD TO REMEMBER THE WORDS”!

After making it through Solo Round, I was fortunate enough to end up in a group with some incredible people, some of whom are current Semi-Finalists Jerome Bell & Tatynisa Wilson (Love & Miss u guys!). Our group literally fell into place and we named ourselves “Still Debating”. While other groups were still remembering lyrics & figuring out who was part of what group, we had our choreography down & harmonies tight! So after rehearsing through the night, we showed up confident to auditions the next morning.

Flash forward: my group just finished our song, “Forget You” by CeeLo Green, and my four fellow group members & I stand before the judges anxious to hear their criticisms & decision on which of us will be staying or going home. Jennifer Lopez calls three names, none of which are mine, and I’m standing in the back line alongside another girl. ”Front line, you’re staying. Back line…” Before Jennifer could finish her sentence, my microphone was to my mouth.

SIDEBAR: Before Group Round began, we were told “If you don’t agree with the Judge’s decision, you have a microphone for a reason. This is your one & only shot. Fight for it, make it count & show us why you belong here.”

Let me continue: I stepped forward and told the Judges I was not going home & that I was confused as to how they had come to their decision. We were told as contestants, that our fate did NOT solely rely on our group performance, but that our previous performances throughout Hollywood Week would also be taken into account. So hearing that I was going home, knowing that I had made it through Solo Round with ease, didn’t make sense to me. And having seen other contestants completely forget lyrics, perform without a stitch of choreography & stumble through their song and STILL make it through, thoroughly confused me.

Long story short, the Judges had no criticism or response for me. Other than a few encouraging words from Steven Tyler, there was nothing. I asked numerous questions regarding the competition & their decision, which all went unanswered. Now don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t one of those annoying contestants that argue & beg to stay. I actually made a point of saying, “I will not make a scene for ‘television’ & be dramatic for ratings. If I stay, I want it to be because my voice & my talent keeps me in this competition.” Yet still, I was left empty handed. At that point, I got frustrated & questioned the Producers, Ken Warwick & Nigel Lythgoe, about the integrity & sincerity of the show, which also was left unanswered. At that point I had already known that continuing my journey on American Idol was not something I wanted for myself anyway.

During a “Farewell Interview”, alongside my group, with Ryan Seacrest, I said, “I’m proud of those TRULY talented & gifted singers who made it through, they deserve it & I wish them all the best of luck & success! Some of them have become very good friends of mine & I’ve developed relationships that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life! No disrespect to those contestants that come on the show & say, ‘I NEED to win this! I have nothing else!’, but that’s not me! I would be a fool to bank my musical career on winning a title that hundreds of thousands are also competing for. And I would be a fool to come into this competition without a ‘back-up plan’. Of course I’m disappointed & frustrated with the Judge’s decision, but I’m also motivated to get back home & continue to work hard for the career & life that I want for myself”. And I still stand by that statement. Although I’m thankful for my experience on the show, I can go home proud, knowing that I made it to a group of less than 100 people throughout the entire country (some of which, truthfully, did not deserve to be there - simply based on the caliber of talent you would expect for such an acclaimed show).

American Idol is not a talent competition like it may have started out. It has now become a reality TV show ABOUT a talent competition.. A competition which urges one to question, “Are they really looking for genuine talent anymore?” I’ve admired the concept of a show like American Idol for years: a nationwide, televised platform for otherwise unknown singers, artists & performers to finally get their “big break”. But the social phenomenon it has become is something I’m grateful to have been spared from. It may be the road that some others may have to take to get to their musical success, but it’s certainly not mine. I get people asking me all the time, “Are you going to try out again?” … Here’s an answer: even if American Idol survives this 10th season and continues on for another 10 seasons, you can count me out of that list of hopefuls.

To those of you that have been wishing me luck & promising me your vote, I appreciate the support & encouragement, but I’m on to bigger and better things! I’m now working on my own musical journey! I’m currently in the process of writing & recording my first album, which I’m hoping to have out by this Spring. And I’m working on starting a line up of performances & appearances throughout the Tri-State area by this Summer. I’m also working on a children’s book, as well as a few other projects! So keep you’re eyes & ears open! Even though they only featured me during commercials & previews, my experience with American Idol was inspiring & totally worthwhile, regardless of the amount of televised airtime I received! The people I met, the talent I was able to witness, and the confidence & capability I was able to discover within myself is truthfully worth more to me than any “Golden Ticket”.

Thanks for taking the time to read! Much love. - W

I got a tumblr…!

Not quite familiar with this thing, but here goes..

I’m sure most, if not all, of you know that I sing and a career in music & the arts is what I’m working towards.  You probably know about my experience on American Idol by now.  If not, I’m here to talk about it, as well as keep my friends, family & followers updated on my musical journey, as best I can.

I appreciate all the love and support, even in my obscurity.  Check back for new blogs & posts! And feel free to ask questions or comment!

Much Love. - W