I was thinking of putting this under the heading of Entertainment as it does have a lot to argue for that. But then I started listening to the Radio and the results of the day and decided to expand it.
American Idol (who Jamie Burnside has been following closely and very well) is down to 3. America was shocked when Chris Daughtry was voted out as most thought he really was the best (along with the judges). But that is what happens when you allow America to vote. Sometimes the best do not get enough votes. But this is not about Chris (a native Virginian), but about Elliot Yamine.
He is still in the running, even tho he was in the bottom 2 - 2 times so far. WHy?
Fox, in order to hype the show, flew the last 3 contestants to their home town. So Elliot came home today (although technically, he has never lived in the city, he is from the burbs). And the city went Ape sh*t! His day started at 6am with an interview on one of the local morning news shows, then to a radio station, and then to receive a key to the city. 4000 people turned out! And as the talking heads on the radio said "A politician would have been jealous of this crowd". Nary a word of protest was spoken. And the weather was perfect. This city is backing its favorite (step?) son!
But my thoughts wandered to the boy (man I guess, he is in his 20s). He is getting the red carpet treatment. Oh, I have heard him sing, and he is good! But does he have a career? I dont know. The music business is notorious for chewing up people and spitting them out. But today, Elliot Yamine was the toast of the town. He got the key to the City (Dont use it Elliot!), and is now throwing out the first pitch at the local triple A teams home game. And as I indicated before, there are thousands of screaming fans.
This is very heady for a young man. I hope he understands what it means. Too often, this stuff goes to the head, and they lose perspective. Fame is fleeting. SHould he somehow win? Ok, other than Kelly Clarkson, where are the other winners?
It is like the lottery winners who are in the news one day, and bankrupt the next. To suceed in life, one has to accept the accolades, and then forget them.
It is nice that this town (and burbs) are honoring him. But I hope he does not base the rest of his life on this moment in the sun. He can make a living at singing as he does have a great range, and is good. The Best? hardly. But he is good.
I was glad to see the city come together today to honor him. It always does a city good to have something to be happy about, and narry a word of discontent was heard. But tomorrow, or the next day, they will go back to their petty bickering. If he understands that, he will go far in life. But that is wisdom learned through living. And for someone so young, I dont know if they know it. I hope he does. He is a good kid. I hope he stays that way. For his sake.