I'm not THAT bad of a singer!

American Idol Recap:

Just kidding. I'm not going to start doing that until we actually hear people sing more than 10 seconds and I can critique everything they did. Or wore. Or said. Because I'm judgemental like that. Of people on a show where America is judging them...and the judges are judging them...yeah.

Anyway.

But here's an interesting story:

David Osmond was in my freshman ward at BYU. One time, we sang together in a musical number for a fireside (or was it Sacrament Meeting?). There were about 6 of us singing? Maybe 4 --could have been 8. I can't remember (I just know it wasn't a duet, thank goodness!). But I do remember this: While we were rehearsing in the basement of Wells Hall (Heritage Halls), I was having trouble with a part. And David Osmond told me I sounded awful. Or terrible. I've blocked most of it out, but I remember he basically said I sucked.

In front of everybody.

Sure, we all knew he was an amazing musician, and we all knew he was (at the time) the understudy for his uncle (that Donny guy) for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. We also all knew that every girl in the ward was vying for his affections (except for a few apartments that refused to get caught up in the hype, including yours truly). But why he had to insult somebody who didn't sing as well as him in front of people, I'll never know why. I just know it was humiliating. And others commented later how shocked they were (and thought it was insulting, too).

Oh, sure, I forgave him eventually. But first I had to sing a solo at Easter, embarrassed the whole time I would mess up because David and his smirk was in the audience. I did okay, but I'm sure I would have done better without the memory of his insult.

When I didn't get into the School of Music, I once again remembered his insult. I know my inability to get in had nothing to do with what he said (I'm really not the best singer, people. This is why I'm a pianist), but it still stung a little. I'm not the WORST singer out there, and his insults truly were unfounded. Should I be a singer, though? No, way. But I knew that way before David ever told me I sucked.

(And just for clarification, I was auditioning to be in music education --not a vocal major. BIG difference.)

So, although I forgave him, it's kind of obvious I never forgot it.

While I was watching him on the AI auditions last week (and last night), I was surprised to find myself rooting for the guy --and not because he's an Osmond, but because I've heard him sing in real life (when he was 19), and he was just as good back then. Whether or not his style is your cup of tea, the guy has a great talent. Also, I figure he probably doesn't even remember his remarks to me. And he'd probably be so embarrassed to know what he said. I heard his mission was good for him, too --his ego came down a bit (although I'm sure being diagnosed with MS might have done that, too. Not that I'm glad he has MS! I actually didn't know about it, and when I heard, it broke my heart. MS is not fun; I feel for the guy).

But I still tell this story to people. Why? It kind has to do with this post I wrote. It's about burning bridges and how we need to be careful what we say to people. Of course, one could call me a hypocrite and say I'm gossiping about David (touche!), but at the same time, I think it shows some important lessons:

1. Be careful what you say to people. Especially if you plan on being famous one day.

2. Have compassion on those who may not have your specific talent. That doesn't mean you can't be honest (and holy crap, who are these family/friends telling these AI contestants that they can sing!? What liars!), but do so with some tact. And never do it in front of other people!!

3. Learn to forgive people who have insulted you. Even/especially if they might be semi-famous.

4. Don't ever think that the past will always stay in the past. It should (and may?), but things have a tendency of coming back to bite you in the butt.

5. Just be nice to people. In general. And forgive. And love. And all that crap.

So, there you go. Be nice.

That is all.