And The Top 10 Too From Chicken Soup For The American Idol Soul
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Arts Entertainment -> subcategory Poetry.
And The Top 10, Too: From Chicken Soup For The American Idol Soul
Title:
And The Top 10, Too: From Chicken Soup For The American Idol SoulWord Count:
1672Summary:
Excerpt from Mandisa, American Idol Top 10, Season 5Article Body:
On the evening of January 17, 2006, I couldn't have been happier. It was the premiere of American Idol's fifth season, featuring my audition city, Chicago. My friends Chance and Jennifer threw a wonderful premiere party for me, complete with a delicious feast and candles illuminating their home. Over twenty of my closest friends gathered to celebrate and watch my debut.The atmosphere was magical. Chance even "crowned" me with a plastic tiara, and others wore shirts that declared, "Mandisa is my American Idol ?" All Hail the Diva," beneath a shining star. None of them even knew if I was still in the competition. Although I was aware of making it to the Top 44, I had kept it a secret until that night. When I shared the news, cheers erupted.
Though unsure if my performance would be on that night's show, I had a good feeling, especially after seeing a commercial with my triumphant exit from the audition room. We moved to the family room, filled every seat, and eagerly awaited the show.
When the American Idol theme blared, it felt surreal. Little Mandisa had found the courage to chase her dreams. Anticipation built as we waited for my audition. When the phone rang, Chance answered and signaled for my attention, breaking my focus.
"That was Kevin," he said, "Your audition was just on."
"So?" I replied.
"Simon made a comment about your weight."
It felt like a slap. Tears welled up, and a knot formed in my throat. My emotional high plummeted. I considered leaving but took a deep breath, rejoined the party, and watched as my face filled the screen. My friends erupted with cheers when the judges praised and sent me to Hollywood, but Simon's earlier comment lingered.
Once my audition ended, those who heard Simon's remarks turned back to the screen, listening to Simon ask, "Are we going to get a bigger stage this year?" Paula playfully slapped him, saying I reminded her of Frenchie Davis. Simon grinned and replied, "She's more like France."
Trying to mask my hurt, I reassured my friends, "It's okay. I'm okay."
Silence filled the room, and I looked down, feeling the weight of the moment. My joy had turned to disappointment. A friend broke the silence, calling Simon a jerk, and others hugged me. Though I appreciated their support, I just wanted to vanish. We continued watching, but the party felt somber, and the "All Hail the Diva" shirts seemed to taunt me.
Yet Simon's words unexpectedly became a blessing. Realizing that his remarks could prevent others from reaching their potential, I found a new purpose. If I hadn't been moved by his comments, I wouldn't have had the chance to impact so many lives.
Simon's words hurt deeply, and I cried that night. But I also realized I needed to speak out. Most contestants on the receiving end of such comments never make it to Hollywood, so Simon never faces them again. But I had the chance to be a voice for those hurt by Simon's words and for women who were judged by their weight.
I moved through each round of Hollywood Week, and the day came for choosing the Final 24. My childhood dream was within reach, but it was also my chance to confront Simon. Being true to myself meant more than the title of American Idol.
When my name was called, I walked down "The Green Mile," sat before the judges, and addressed Simon directly.
"Simon, you hurt me," I began. "I cried, but the beauty of forgiveness is not needing an apology. So, I forgive you, just as I've been forgiven."
Simon's grin faded. Randy raised his brows, and Paula smiled brightly. Simon uncrossed his arms, saying, "I feel about this big." He gestured with his fingers. "Come here and give me a kiss."
Countless women have shared how much it meant to them that I didn't ignore his comments but instead forgave him. Speaking my truth ensured his wouldn’t be the final word.
I stood up for women struggling with self-image and aimed to redefine beauty. This mission made the risk worthwhile.
At tobyMac's Winter Wonder Slam Concert in Nashville, two little girls approached me. Their awe-filled eyes and smiles were unforgettable. One said, "You are sooooo beautiful!" Her words confirmed I had impacted her perception of beauty, hoping it made life easier.
As they walked away, their mom whispered her gratitude for being a role model who is confident, honest, and faith-driven. That moment, along with making the Top 10, made everything worth it.
(Reprinted with permission from Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul: Stories from the Idols and Their Fans That Open Your Heart and Make Your Soul Sing).
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