Beyond my Expectations!

                                                                  BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

My son was a coach for a singing competition. One that will culminate in the winner getting a paid trip to Los Angeles to audition for a singing competition called The Voice. He had to be there a couple of hours before showtime, so I met him there in my own time.

It was a first for me….almost everything about it was a first for me. As many times as I have crossed through the entrance to bars (years and years of attending shows), I had never been scanned by a metal detector as I entered. (I have indeed been scanned at the airport lots of times, but never as I entered a bar.)

The security guy looked so young and he greeted me with a big smile, as he asked me to hold out my arms so that he could scan me. He said, “You look like you could be trouble, so we have to check you,” as he half giggled at his own words. Then he patted me on the back and said, “you are fine ma’am, enjoy your evening.” I was still amazed by the amount of security in this small country bar.

Soon I glanced up and saw an old friend, Matt. He is an awesome guy that has been a local celebrity on the radio for years in Mobile. His job tonight was to emcee, that is what he was born to do. Before Matt arrived I stood there uncertain of what I should do and where I should go, as my son was still tied up with others involved in the competition and the place was very full of anxious, excited music loving people. Matt, said “Hey, Juanita, I always have this little table for two up front that is reserved for me, how about if you join me here!” I happily took him up on that. I took a seat and even though Matt was very busy getting his ducks in a row for the show, he disappeared and returned with a diet coke for me. I have wonderful friends (actually many are my son’s friends that come to know me too and I consider them my friends as well).

The show started right away. There was a panel of four judges, three men and one woman, plus a mentor (which was my son on this particular evening…I understand there is a new mentor each week). This place has a karaoke system set up, and it must be the regular music nightly, with an occasional appearance of live music sprinkled in from time to time. 

The background music for all of the singers was provided by the karaoke machine, and that was something new for me. Live music is what I have become accustomed to over the years.

As in any competition, both the skill levels of the singers and the song choices were diverse.  The natural talent was also varied as some were subpar and others were better, still there were others that were fabulous.  I had to pay close attention to each act because I never knew when I would see and hear something awful or awesome. I remember thinking of the old saying, “you can’t judge a book by its cover,” when one duo looked like they were dressed to go hiking, yet sounded fantastic; yet another could have been stars in Hollywood on the Red Carpet (judging by their appearance), but their singing fell way short of the expectations we had for them.

That night I heard some of the worse singing and some of the very best singing. The ones that were good, were perfect with their harmonies and I could tell they felt the words they were singing. I teared up as I heard one couple sing, “Love can build a Bridge between your heart and mine.” They did their job of convincing me it was real. Their performance was touching and it was what music is supposed to be. Another standout performance was a couple that did the song, “If you see him, If you see her.” The yearning in their voices felt so real and hauntingly lonely that I was moved by the lyrics,  and their voices as they delivered those lyrics.

The panel of judges shared a love for and knowledge of music. One was loud and boisterous. He was to the point with his critiques, no beating around the bush. One spoke haltingly and seemed uncertain of his critiques. The two youngest, (which was one judge and the mentor) were professional musicians and they gave critiques and advice that was insightful and helpful to the performers. The female judge did not hide how she felt, often dropping her head in disbelief when the contestants got off key; yet standing and applauding with great vigor when they were fabulous. There was no gray area for her, you were great or you were not and that was that. It sounded sad, yet sweet as she said, “you were off, you were bad, I am sorry baby but that is how I saw it.” She also had words of praise for those who impressed her.

All of these wonderful people on the panel were volunteering their time to help others attempt to fulfill their dreams and reach for the stars. Music was a part of each of their lives whether it be they were professional musicians, or they sang for a choir for many years; they had the expertise to separate the good from the not so good.

I entered those doors half way expecting to see a train wreck on the stage. I left through those same doors with joy in my heart and after having been entertained beyond expectations for two straight hours. Those on the stage entertained and those on the panel were equally entertaining. How could anyone ask for more in one evening?