American Idol

In case you all didn’t know, I’m a huge American Idol fan!  I’ve watched it since the very beginning, and can even call a couple of “Idols” my personal friends; not like bffs, but if I saw them in public, they would say, “What’s up, girl?”

So, last week I went to Disney World on vacation with my husband, Jake’s, family. We woke up Monday morning; I threw on some sweat pants, put my hair in two ponytails, covered that with an Old Navy cap, and coated my face in spf 30 sunscreen.  I had no idea that when we got to Hollywood Studios my sister-in-law would announce that I was trying out for the American Idol Experience.  So, dressed like a hobo, I auditioned, really, because she made me.

I have to admit, it was really fun!  First I sang a capella for one guy. I chose “Open Arms” by Journey.  I “made it through” to the next round and got to choose 2 songs from a list of 120. These would be performed for 2 producers who would decide if I made it through to “Hollywood”.  I chose “Alone” by Heart and “RESPECT” by Aretha.  After I sang both, they decided I would go through. Little did I know, that meant acting like a crazy person in a video that would be publicly displayed at my concert and on the huge screens outside the concert hall for all the on lookers to see.  They had me dance crazy, pull a Golden Ticket from a sign, jump up and down screaming, “I made to Hollywood”, and a few other goofy things.  Then they made an insane video out of it and played it right before I sang.  I had a profound realization that night: I am a huge dork!

So, my first concert consisted of 2 other contestants.  They gave us a make-up artist and time with a vocal coach.  We also got a dress rehearsal.  I had a blast! I did notice though, that while myself and one girl were hanging out and having fun, the third contestant was in it to win it.  She took it very seriously and I don’t think she appreciated that we didn’t.  They warned us that the judges were just like the ones on tv, so the guy who was like Simon would purposely go for the boos, and not to take to heart anything he said, but thankfully, he was nice to me.

So, I actually won that first concert and moved to the final round where I found out I was up against 6 other singers who had won their first competition that day.  Again, I sang “Alone” and again, there were a couple of girls that were there to take home the prize.  The second show, they didn’t show my crazy video, but they did want to interview me.  Before I even entered the contest that day I disclosed what I do for a living, and that I was a signed artist, and they were totally cool with it.  They said it was all for fun. But they didn’t want to talk about it on stage, so they talked about how I work for an insurance company on the side, and how I’m obsessed with office supplies; again, HUGE dork!

But dork or not, people were awesome and they voted for me.  After all the performances, every audience member got to vote for the winner and I won.  I wish there was a better way to say it that doesn’t make me sound like a jerk…  Anyways, I’m SO excited about the prize I won.

The reason those other girls wanted to win so bad, is because the prize is a Golden Ticket that the winner can use to go to any American Idol audition in the country and cut to the front of the line! That means no camping out, or sleeping on sidewalks; they can walk right in and audition.  The coolest thing about it is that since I don’t qualify, because I’m too old and a signed artist, I can give it to anyone I want.  I’m so excited to be able to gift someone with that ticket.

Overall, it was a super fun experience, but I have to be honest…it didn’t compare to being in Selah.  People kept asking me how it felt to be on that stage, and I hated to tell them, that it felt a little empty.  My hubby and his family were so proud, they cheered me on.  Random strangers stopped me afterwards to congratulate me.  People were chanting my name as I entered the stage, and all I could think was, “This is nothing compared to what I get to do for a living.”

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking mainstream music. I have many friends who have chosen that path and are smack dab in the center of God’s will for their life.  This experience just reminded me that I am too.  I feel like Selah is everything I never dared to dream for myself.  Ministering with Todd and Allan has literally been the highlight of my life.  They are two of the most Godly, honest, amazing men I’ve ever known (next to my husband, of course), they live what they preach, and truly honor God with their lives.  It is a privilege to call myself a member of Selah.

Thanks guys for making me feel like your little sister!  I love you both so much!

amy

Last Saturday we had the opportunity to sing at a benefit concert for Haiti.  The concert was held at Brentwood United Methodist Church.  It was part of the Point of Grace/Mark Schultz Spring tour.  They have been touring since last fall, and when the earthquake occurred they wanted to do something.  They organized this concert and invited us to be a part of it.

Some of the other artists taking part were Ginny Owens and Larry Stewart of Restless Heart.  On a side note Ginny, Allan, and I went to college together.  We used to write songs together.  Fortunately, Ginny struck out on her own and writes amazing songs by herself.

Allan was sick so Amy and I sang to tracks.  We sang Unredeemed and Michael Passons, formerly of Avalon, joined us to sing Allan’s part on You Raise Me Up. I brought my daughters Ellie and Abby along. They were angels the whole night.

The money raised went to benefit UMCOR.  The United Methodist Churches relief division.  They have a section devoted to Haiti. We did two concerts and the people were amazing. They donated over $50,000!

Thank you Point of Grace and Mark Shultz.  Thank you Brentwood United Methodist Church, and a special thanks to all the wonderful people who gave from their hearts… Todd

On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, two weeks ago, an earthquake shattered the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in Haiti. As a Christian, our first thought is usually to pray for the people, for the rescue efforts, for healing.  But sometimes when something like this happens so far away, we can feel disconnected from it, like it isn’t really happening because it’s not happening to someone we know. Well, I have the privilege of knowing a sweet little boy from Haiti named Jonas, and was blessed to meet him and his adoptive mother, Rebekah, several months ago while on tour, and this is happening to them, to their friends and their family.

Rebekah adopted Jonas from God’s Littlest Angels Orphanage in Haiti.  Prior to his adoption, Jonas was cared for at the orphanage by a sweet woman named Anna Kagstrom, she took care of him for 9 months.  Since Rebekah and her family met Anna she has become a part of their family.  Originally from Sacramento, California, Anna has spent 15 years in Haiti and calls it her home.  Currently, Anna home schools the children of Licia Betor, a woman who runs Real Hope For Haiti, a rescue center and clinic that treats hundreds of malnourished children daily.

In the last two weeks, we have received several emails containing a link to Licia’s blog and we wanted to share it with you.  On January 15, 2010, Licia posted a blog entitled “I Am.” She spoke of the earthquake, of people in her life and what they were doing in Haiti right at that time, and she ended her post with this:

“This CD below has been playing everyday non-stop since the earthquake in the office.  It gives me so much peace to listen to it. I have no idea how to contact this group to thank them for their music.  But it has been a true blessing to me.”

We are so blessed and honored to know that our music has served as spiritual healing in this horrible time.  God is so great, and he shows up wherever and whenever we need him. Please take the time to read Licia’s blog, it will inspire you.

If you would like to help the people of Haiti, here are two great places to donate:

CLICK HERE for God’s Little Angels Orphanage

CLICK HERE for Real Hope for Haiti

Sincerely, Amy

Last night Angie and I met with about 20 other bloggers, artists, and Compassion staff for dinner.  Being that I have about 40 people following my blog, I fall into the tagging along with my wife category!! We got to see many old friends and made new ones. Among them were Shaun and Becky Groves, Pete and Brandi Wilson, Brad and LisaRuggles, Chris and Anne Jackson, Randy and Chris Elrod, Spence Smith, Ryan Detzel, Tad and Robin Dance, and Steve and Patricia Jones.

We ate at Saffire Restaurant in Franklin, TN. I had never eaten there before, but the food was incredible. If you’re ever in the Nashville area go there and order the Fried Artichokes! You will thank me.

It was so great to be around so many incredibly gifted people. People who are excellent and passionate about what they do. People whose faith is real and lived out in practical ways.  Many of these people have been on Compassion mission trips. Many are going for the first time in the next several months. I came away tonight excited for the “Church.” Excited for Compassion. It was inspiring to hear what God is doing in their lives.  I’m so excited about what my group Selah is going to get to be apart of with Compassion!

Click on their names and find out who they are and what they are up too.

Todd

GREAT News! The “You Deliver Me” songbook officially hits stores next week but we were given special permission to start selling it on Selah’s online store Today!.

CLICK HERE to get your copy now and don’t forget to browse around for some great Christmas gift ideas!

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