| | We don’t have or watch telly at home, but this past Friday did something a bit different and huddled round a laptop watching auditions from X-Factor, American Idol, and The Voice on YouTube. They were shows we'd heard so much about yet had never seen, and as someone who also sang before audiences in the past, witnessing their success resonated at a particularly meaningful level. Quite the treat it was to see then 13-year old Carly Rose Sonenclar own the stage with her rendition of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good”. Or Jannel Garcia’s cheeky performance of Grace Potter & the |
Nocturnal’s “Paris (Ooh La La)”. And who expected Cher Lloyd to get her ultimate swag on with Keri Hilson's version of Soulja Boy's "Turn My Swag On". The heartbreaking and inspiring journey of the homeless boy in Korea. However, the one who really gave me chills for days was Melanie Amaro when she blew the roof off the house with Beyonce’s “Listen”.
I hadn’t heard of “Listen” before this. Nor had I heard Beyonce sing before this year’s Superbowl Halftime Show (yes, I know…odd). But I love *everything* about Amaro’s performance and its timely appearance in my life. The song choice about finding one’s own voice, being at a crossroads, and ready to make life-changing decisions. Knowing my own child will one day thank me whilst moving on with a similar message, the one I also gave my parents.. Amaro’s family members sobbing and silently mouthing the words with her backstage as she nails it. X-Factor judges mesmerised and brought to tears. The audience…moved and cheering her on, touched by the perfection in her voice and delivery. And Amaro, on fire with the passion of a real chance to realise lifelong dreams. I’ve replayed her audition nearly a dozen times with my own young daughter, and each time it tweaks a string deep within my heart.
At the end of Melanie’s performance, she expels and you can see her return from her out of body experience. It’s exquisite, and I am choked up, tears streaming down my face, and feeling the power of every word she thrust into our universe about how necessary it is for our souls to identify home.
If you’re at that moment in time where you’re ready to take a leap, identify your X-Factor, Listen…and Just. Do. It.
I hadn’t heard of “Listen” before this. Nor had I heard Beyonce sing before this year’s Superbowl Halftime Show (yes, I know…odd). But I love *everything* about Amaro’s performance and its timely appearance in my life. The song choice about finding one’s own voice, being at a crossroads, and ready to make life-changing decisions. Knowing my own child will one day thank me whilst moving on with a similar message, the one I also gave my parents.. Amaro’s family members sobbing and silently mouthing the words with her backstage as she nails it. X-Factor judges mesmerised and brought to tears. The audience…moved and cheering her on, touched by the perfection in her voice and delivery. And Amaro, on fire with the passion of a real chance to realise lifelong dreams. I’ve replayed her audition nearly a dozen times with my own young daughter, and each time it tweaks a string deep within my heart.
At the end of Melanie’s performance, she expels and you can see her return from her out of body experience. It’s exquisite, and I am choked up, tears streaming down my face, and feeling the power of every word she thrust into our universe about how necessary it is for our souls to identify home.
If you’re at that moment in time where you’re ready to take a leap, identify your X-Factor, Listen…and Just. Do. It.
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