V.I.P. (Virtually Impossible Proposal)

By Meg Hodson

My American Idol adventure began about 2 weeks ago.  It truly was a "virtually impossible proposal" (aka V.I.P).  A tweet led to a journey to Los Angeles for Hollywood week.  How was I chosen? Why?  Didn't they contact thousands of bloggers and social media mavens? What were the chances?  

All kidding aside, through the course of the whirlwind trip and the subsequent follow-up afterwards, I grew to learn and appreciate that I was the real thing, a true V.I.P.  Here's why.

The fact that I was chosen was shocking enough.  American Idol was calling....and they were calling me, a relatively new blogger (a little over a year) with a decent, engaging audience via social media.  I was happy to accept and enthusiastically traveled to L.A.  

I'm a confident and outgoing person, but even I had to pause at one point and say to myself, "What am I doing here?"  I sent a quick text to my husband, seeking validation.  In that moment, I was also handed this:

Lanyards and badges are standard issue for special events, exclusive access, and validation for entry.  All us girls did a collective "ahhhh" as we received these.  We had that exclusive entry.  But unlike other badges that are bought or had through knowing someone, we had earned this!  Myself included!  And this was the validating ticket.  Yes, it could have been others that were chosen for this mission.  But I was chosen. Instead of doubting why, I embraced it.  Instead of getting too wrapped up in the enormity, I walked proud and took control.  

As we were escorted to the Dolby Theater to what would be a life-changing experience, I was buzzing.  My fellow #idoltweethearts were buzzing.  And in the now quintessential hashtag of this American Idol season, #thisisreal.  

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