When You Meet One Of Your Idols....

By Meg Hodson

Disclosure: American Idol covered my travel expenses for my recent trip.  All views expressed here are my own.

Music has always been a part of my life.  When I was in preschool, I treasured my Elton John and Carpenters records.  I knew all the words to all the songs; I vividly remember the record player at my preschool when I brought a record for show and tell. 

Passion for my favorite music continued throughout high school.  My bedroom didn't need wallpaper; I created my own out of Duran Duran posters.  In college, I loved a diverse mix of music.  I went to Aerosmith concerts one week, David Bowie the next.  I suppose you could say I had a love affair with music.  

It should come as no surprise that I would become a fan of a show like American Idol.  The funny part is I didn't watch the first season.  My sister and cousin were so in shock at this news; they wouldn't take no for an answer for season 2 viewing.  I was instantly hooked.  The music, the singing, the competition, picking your favorites.  It was a good fit. I loved it.  

As we fast forward to that famous tweet I received from American Idol, asking me to go behind-the-scenes, I, of course, was more than happy to oblige.  I could have never imagined I would be writing this blog post for you now, with 3 trips under my Spanx  belt.  

Maurice, Spencer, and Caleb hanging out and practicing

My most recent trip was with 2 fellow #IdolTweethearts as we got exclusive access to Idol's version of "boot camp" for the Top 31 contestants.  The contestants were participating in workshops perfecting their voice, stage presence, style, make-up, fashion, and  interviewing.  To help with the mentoring, American Idol brought along Randy Jackson, Adam Lambert, and Chris Daughtry.  I'm sorry, what did that say?  I was going to possibly have the chance to see/meet/touch Daughtry?  Word has been out for a long time (I suppose since season 5) that I am a BIG fan of the man.  I guess the modern day version of my preschool experience would be me bring my iPod to class with his music, ready to play on a wireless speaker.  

With the ocean as our office for the day, we had martinis for lunch, chatted with top level Fox producers, stalked chatted with the Top 31 contestants, and were interviewed by Adam Havener of Vevo for their exclusive Idol Insider series. Somehow, I was cool as an ice cold Diet Coke amidst all of THAT.  And then (drum roll.............), the moment arrived. No big deal, time to meet Daughtry.  I will admit to a few butterflies; thankfully it was a cool coastal California day, otherwise I might have needed a few extra swipes of Secret.  I am happy to report that he is a most gracious rock star. He happily chatted for a few minutes and took some photos.  You could say it made my year; I don't think that's overstating it. 

I'm honored and blessed that I get to take this journey and give THE FANS a behind-the-scenes look from another fan. Stay tuned for more sneak peeks.

Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Be Wild About Harry

My recent trip to American Idol during Hollywood Week to get a sneak peek backstage and a preview of the premiere was a-m-a-z-i-n-g.  No surprise, right?  We were warmly welcome by the production staff. During the early session of our trip when we saw a screening of the season premiere, we were cautioned that there were no guarantees that we would get the chance to meet the judges, due to the full schedule of Hollywood Week.  

On the big day, we were escorted to the Dolby Theatre and treated to a fantastic lunch.  We waited patiently, yet anxiously, for our backstage tour.  But as we waited,  in walked this guy:

What followed was a nearly 30 minute chat and Q&A with Harry Connick, Jr. that was unexpected and exciting..  I have met a few famous people before, but Harry Connick, Jr. might be the most famous.  I'm backstage at the Dolby Theatre, a thrill in and of itself.  But then I get to meet Harry?  I mean, I've been a fan since I read about him in "Elle" Magazine and on that buzz alone, I was compelled to buy his debut album, "20".

He openly spoke about a wide range of topics, but most of them related to music and American Idol.  So, what's the dish?  Here's my top ten of things you might not know:

1.  He's got biceps.  Well, let's start with what's the most important surprising fact.  It's widely accepted that Harry is a cutie with a capital "C".  Little did I know he's been working out. And yes, I'm working on finding out who makes his white tees.

2.  He likes to spin his wedding ring on his finger and gush about his wife. A fellow Idoltweetheart asked how his wife dealt with the "girls" he is constantly surrounded by.  He quickly quipped back with "Have you seen my wife? She's the strongest woman I know."  He followed this up with a twirl of his wedding ring, stating that "I worked really hard to get this.  It's gonna stay there. You're gonna have to pry it off my finger".  Sorry ladies, he is definitely taken. 

3.  He never actually lived on his own in New Orleans.   He grew up in New Orleans, but as an adult, only has gone back there to visit and stay with his Dad.  He spoke fondly of his father. And he's a big New Orleans Saints fan!

4.  He's taking his job as an Idol judge very seriously.  And we are so happy about this!  It's not that I ever strongly disliked previous judges on the show, but there was a level of professionalism and expertise that was not being displayed by prior judges. According to Harry, Idol is a show you can root for.  He noted that American Idol is a show that creates the next big music superstar; that's a huge responsibility and he's not taking it lightly.  

5.  He's pretty much exactly the same off screen as he appears onscreen. I've always loved Harry Connick, Jr.   He has always been perceived by me as a genuine musician and celebrity.  Meeting him confirmed his gracious and truthful nature.  I was nervous as I asked him how he balanced celebrity life and family life so well.  He keeps his family grounded.  

6. He loves selfies!  Being a part of this group of social media mavens, the Idoltweethearts, of course we were snapping pictures like true paparazzi.  When asked if he would take selfies with us, he quickly said "yes".  I kid you not, everyone in that room that wanted to got a shot with Harry Connick, Jr. 

7. He likes social media.  Harry is relatively new to being active on social media.  And he is one of those celebrities that really is the one that is doing the tweeting!  Fingers crossed he will enjoy this post and share the love.  

8. Word on the street is the talent is B-I-G.  Harry shared with us the level of talent that we can expect this season....and it's big.  He admitted to us that there's at least 10 people that can win! The talent that came out was huge and really good singers, across many singing genres, had to be cut.

9.  It's American Idol, Not American Singer.  American Idol is a great talent show that you can root for. Harry agrees that it is a great piece of family entertainment, and he is going to be a big reason for the show's shift back to safe entertainment.  When analyzing the singers, Harry doesn't want to hear the back story on the contestants.  He wants to hear the singing and gauge the performance.  You can be a good singer, but not have the charisma it takes to become a superstar.  Sometimes constructive criticism is needed.  It sounds like Harry is going to bring a perfect balance of critique and humor needed on the show.

10. Do you need a 10th reason?  Not really.  Just know that American Idol is back to it's roots of solid entertainment and the judges, with the addition of Harry Connick, Jr., will critique accordingly.  

Season 13 premieres this Wednesday, January 15th.

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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.  

If you like what you're reading, I invite you to follow my blog.  Cheers!

Stick With The Original, Stick With Idol

By Meg Hodson

Disclosure: American Idol Productions treated me to Hollywood Week and covered my travel expenses.

We're just a few weeks away from the season 13 premiere of American Idol.  I look forward to American Idol every year.  I love the music, I love the singing.  But I wouldn't say I'm a reality t.v. show junkie.  I'm selective about the shows I watch.  And quite honestly, in my opinion, there aren't that many top notch reality shows out there.  

That's where American Idol has it made.  They're the creme de la creme, the dog's tuxedo, the BEST.  They set the bar high from the start.  A classy show seeking great talent.  The format of the city auditions, leading to Hollywood week and eventually the top 12 works well.  It's suspenseful.

As is the case with a lot of successful reality shows, they are often copied.  I'm actually a bit dizzied by the number of singing and/or performance reality shows out there:  X Factor, America's Got Talent, The Sing Off, The Voice.  I can't really keep track of them all!  I can't say I've watched any of them for any significant length of time.  And that might be because they all were lacking something:  judges' chemistry, fluidity, cohesiveness, suspense, authenticity, that "real life" factor that American Idol possesses.  

That authenticity and trueness was validated on my recent trip to the show.  I got a few glimpses of nervous contestants, rehearsing their songs as they waited for their turn on stage during Hollywood week.  I saw the contestants on stage, singing clear and passionately.  The production of the show, from the crew to the attention to detail during the portion of the taping I saw, honestly made me starstruck.  This was the big time, the Dolby Theater.  It was even a bit raw and unchoreographed, yet planned perfectly.  It was Idol.

Season 13 premieres January 15th!  

If you like what you're reading, I invite you to follow my blog.  Cheers!

American Idol: The Trip, The Access....and Ryan Posing!

Disclosure: American Idol Productions treated me to Hollywood Week and covered my travel expenses.

As many of you fans know, we are on the cusp of a new season of American Idol.  As a fellow fan, I am excited, too. This post still finds me in the shock and awe of being chosen for an experience I'll never forget. I was one of a small group of bloggers and social media mavens, now known as the Idol Tweet Hearts (#idoltweethearts), chosen for an exclusive tour and backstage access to all things Idol.   What we were in for?  We didn't know precisely. But we were guaranteed it was going to be life-changing.  

I've been a fan of American Idol since the second season.  I love the music. I love the auditioning process, leading up to the top 24, and ultimately the top 12.  I love what I will call the "celebrity draw" of the show: we are drawn to the singers wanting to make it big, we look forward to see the judges, we revel in the sheer spectacle of the show.  

My visit proved that excitement over American Idol is still there.  Although some viewers have been dismayed by the show's direction and choice of judges in recent years, my visit proved that American Idol is relevant, still has that "celebrity draw", and still showcases amazing talent.  There was a point in our exclusive backstage tour that proves this perfectly.  As a group, we were at a paused point in the tour and one of us gals shouts out, "There's the judges!". Sure enough, in a nearby hallway, to what to our wondering eyes appear, but 3 judges and a host, for all to peer.  Harry Connick, Jr. quickly pointed us out to the other judges (we had met him earlier that day, stay tuned for a follow-up article).  They were having a jovial conversation.  They all waved and said "hello". In true form, Ryan Seacrest made a point to turn around and strike a pose.  I mean, isn't that true Ryan Seacrest form!?  And we, in true form, reacted as most paparazzi would (and should).  

  

What I'm getting at ultimately here is that American Idol still's got it.  I was a little starstruck.  Walking backstage and onstage, I was struck by the enormity of the show and it's production.  Our sneak peek of the talent proved that they are truly seeking the next great American pop star.  The staff was warm and welcoming.  Everyone is truly, genuinely dedicated to the cause of the show.  

Want more of all things American Idol? Be sure to follow along and stay tuned for more articles, more coverage, and more exclusive access to your favorite show!

If you like what you're reading, I invite you to follow my blog.  Cheers!