I’d like to share a cool experience I had over the Holiday Weekend.

I spent Thanksgiving weekend in Disney World with my girlfriend Dabney and her two kids.

This was a special trip for me not only because I went to Disney, but because I was able to spend the Holiday with my favorite girl and her children…this was our first trip together.

We had a lot of fun plans for the weekend and (if you have ever been to Disney you’ll know what I mean) a lot of activities to squeeze in over a short time.

There was one attraction that I didn’t know existed and it will stand out in my mind forever as one of the coolest things I have ever experienced.

I became a part of the American Idol Experience.

As I’m sure you are aware, the American Idol is geared toward the less seasoned adult. The age requirements for American Idol are 16 to 28 years and I’m just a little bit over that age bracket. Not that I’m old or anything. ;D

On Thanksgiving Day we made our way over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios where The America Idol Experience is a new and popular attraction.

Knowing how I love to perform and how her 10 year old daughter loves American Idol, Dabney talked me into auditioning to be on the show.

So, along with my manager (Dabney’s daughter), I was taken into the American Idol studio for my audition. I was quite impressed with their audition process. I had to sing 3 different songs for 2 different people.

I really didn’t think I would make the final three because they audition over 2000 people a day and only pick 21 people to perform at the park’s version of the show.  I know I can sing but let’s face it; American Idol is for people who are just a little younger then I am.

After I performed my third song, the producer asked me to watch the video screen where I received the news from Ryan Seacrest…I was going to be on the show!

Whoo Hoo!

I received the star treatment from the show. They set me up (and the other contestants) with a vocal coach, hair & make-up (High Def Video) and then had a chance to rehearse on stage.

I love to perform and looking out into that auditorium that seated 1000 people, I started getting goose bumps.

All I was thinking now is WOW, I wish I would have worn nicer clothes.  Really though, who knew? I was at an amusement park, right?  Who knew I’d be on stage in front of 1000 people singing on Thanksgiving Day?

After rehearsal, we had a show run through with the producer. Before I knew it, it was Show Time and I was first to sing. Here are the pictures capturing my experience.

My competitors and I really rocked the house and it was an experience I’ll never forget.

No, I didn’t win, the young 17 yr old guy did. I will say he was a good singer and a fine young man and I wish him all the best. This was his very first experience ever singing in front of a crowd. His parents were very proud of him.

So what’s the lesson here?

As a speaker and coach I am always getting people to think outside of the box and to look at life and business as one great big opportunity. The only limits we have are the ones we place upon ourselves. On this particular day,  I not only had an awesome time performing but I was able to share an experience with a little girl and show her what happens if you just take action and put yourself out there with no worries about the results.  You can achieve anything!

What a great time I had. It was kind of funny because after the show we ran right to the next ride on our list…The Hollywood Tower Hotel.  Along the way people were yelling they voted for me and telling me how much they enjoyed my song. Pretty Cool!

As for me, who knows??

I can add this experience to my portfolio.  Whatever happens, it was definitely a highlight in my life.

I can cross that off my list.

To see some pictures of my American Idol Experience Click Here

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