The impossible dream

It’s certainly nothing new to say that people in our society take great pleasure from watching the misfortunes of others, particularly those that qualify as hilarious or embarrassing (if this is not redundant). So it is no surprise that every season of American Idol begins with several episodes highlighting painfully untalented "singers" trying to impress the judges.

It’s also no revelation to say that people in our society esteem the famous; we idolize them. So I suppose it should also be no surprise that the producers of this show are able to find so many who are willing (if not able) to put themselves on the line for their shot – however long – at glory.

And yet I can’t help but wonder: where do they find these people? And how can they possibly believe that they have a legitimate shot at a record deal? Some of them are incredibly bad.

Some will posit that these folks know they aren’t up to snuff and are merely looking for their fifteen minutes, content to live with William Hung inspired infamy. And for some, I buy it. But for most I listen to their pleas, and I look into their eyes.

They believe.


There’s one thing in particular that strikes me about all this. When asked why they should be the next American Idol, the most common reply of the hopeless is, “because I’m different.” Not, “because I’m incredibly talented musically and have the kind of beautiful voice that would inspire millions to pay to listen to it.”

“Because I’m different.”
(This reminds me of one of my favorite one-liners: Always remember that you are special and unique, just like everyone else.)


So here it is: I’m not looking to tear you down. You do have great worth as an individual. I’m not being insincere when I say that God loves you for you and so do I. But it’s going to take more than that to convince people to shell out fifteen bucks for a recording of your voice to play over and over again while they drive around. You’d have to be really good at singing (to say nothing of being very lucky to catch your break). And you’re not. There’s no shame in that. Be you.

Go ahead and believe you can fly if you want. Just don’t go jumping off any buildings.