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HeatherDavis
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 Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 2:41 pm |
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Hey All!
I did in fact get enough money together to go to SF and audition- and holy crap I am so grateful that I got to go.
I was all by myself, and made lots of friends that supported me all the way through the process- I overslept a little Monday morning (wristband day) and got down to Cow Palace to get in line a little before 7am- the line circled all the way around the parking lot and down to the stadium itself- I was in awe of the people!!
I didn’t stand there for very long before they got us pretty much all moved down to the lines directly in front of Cow Palace, and from there I waited until around noon when I got my wristband. After we got those we had to go inside and get our tickets for seating in the stadium. I had met two girls at this point who ended up being my "line mates" so thankfully the line went by pretty fast chatting with them and just watching other people in line- everybody there was so ELECTRIC! After I got my ticket I wandered inside a while and just ABSORBED everything going on around me. I felt surreal- and I could NOT believe I was there. People were getting comfy in sleeping bags in the hallways, and groups of people were waiting on a list to sing karaoke (EEK- the whole time there was only ONE good vocal!). I walked into the actual arena and got all misty eyed that I was really there, and silently prayed to at least make it to round 2 the next day.
I left and decided to go to a local mall, as I still didn’t have anything to wear the next day for the producer auditions, and my hair, which is naturally wavy, was freaking out on me because of the humidity. So I shopped a little, ate, and then went back to my hotel room where I passed out promptly at 8pm- I WAS SO TIRED  .
I woke up at 4am, showered (GOD I WAS GRATEFUL THAT I HAD A ROOM- I cannot EVEN imagine singing on NO sleep- EEK) and primped, and got back over to the lines. We got in pretty quick to our assigned seats, the biggest bummer was that I needed hot water for my chamomile tea and you had to BUY it at $2 a pop- FOR WATER!!! *rolls eyes* They took my section and a couple others back outside after a bit for some filming, then did quite a bit of filming inside and kept telling us to stand up and scream and wave at the camera- I "faux" screamed- wasn’t losing my voice for anything ! They had us all sing the National Anthem together a couple times, and Nigel came out after a short while and gave us a quick "go get em, it could be you" speech. And a short while later, the 1st round began.13 or so tables (I cant remember how many exactly- I'm sure you guys will know) were lined up with black cloth, and lines of people in groups of 4 behind them. They started on the far end of the stadium seats, and moved towards the other side in sections- I was on the far middle end so it would be a while for my turn. I watched as people were unceremoniously turned away, wristband cut off at the table and ushered out a door in the front- it was all barred off and everything- you couldn’t even go back to the lobby! Finally a couple people got the coveted orange papers and camera crews were running over for quick interviews- they got about half of them I think from what I saw throughout the day.I never got nervous the whole time I sat there. Very weird that I hadn’t been tying my stomach in knots yet- I just felt like I was where I was supposed to be and everything was COOL. My "line mates" were steadily nervous and pretty wired, and I kept yawning . I did scales quietly and chatted up my neighbors, ran through my song a couple times, ran through other peoples songs . Then finally, around 2pm, our section was called to go down to the floor. My calm facade shattered and was replaced with nerves. I jumped up and down and ran up my line smacking high 5's - I was trying so hard to rid myself of that energy- I know that the nervous feelings I had were my worst enemy! I had been really hoping that I wouldn’t go to the first table- that woman had hardly put anyone through all day!! I was placed in a group of four at table THREE. *sigh of relief*
I waited in line smiling, so excited to just BE THERE, breathing slowly and bouncing slightly on the balls of my feet, clearing my throat, sipping water.
My judge was a petite British woman - her name was Bonita, and had 2 assistants with her –one on each side.
I was last in my group of four to sing. I listened to everyone sing, smiling and waiting my turn, then moved up and sang as sensitively as I could my version of "Open Arms", making sure I really nailed those belted notes and runs. And I did. I felt pretty good about how I sang; my worry was that I wasn’t "sparkly" enough to catch the producers eyes- especially when one yawned while I was singing. I could practically FEEL the air whooshing from the guillotine at that moment.
After I finished, Bonita whispered to the men on her left and right, then looked at all of us straight faced and told us all to come forward. I was quite sure I was going home in about 5 minutes- I even started to put out my wrist to cut my band off. Without even glancing at me, she pointed at the other three and said, " I am not going to put you through to the next round," then pointed at me and said, "You I am going to put through to the next round." I nearly fainted. The only thing I could do was cover my face and shake. After she dismissed the other three, she pulled me towards her and said, "I am putting you through, but you are borderline- you don’t believe in yourself enough- you have an amazing voice and have nothing to worry about- you are a great singer. You need to smile more!" Then she asked me how I got there from Alaska, and I told her my story about the emails going out and all the people donating money to get me here blah blah blah, then she asked me what was under my poncho (where I can no longer hide my growing belly), and smiled HUGE when I told her I was 4 months pregnant on top of all this. She laughed and said "Look at this I have goose bumps all over me that’s wonderful!" She then said that she was so glad that she was the one that put me through and hoped I did well. She handed me my ticket and squeezed my hand, and I went through to fill out paperwork for the next round.As I walked through I saw my "line mates" walking the other direction- I yelled "GIRLS" at them, and they turned around and saw my orange paper and squealed and hugged me and told me to keep them posted.I nearly skipped all the way to the door waving my paper to the crowd- I was so excited! The hardest thing was having no one to share it with me! I got over it pretty quick though .
I filled out my ppwk, they took a couple Polaroid’s, gave me directions to the next round at the Regent, and then I went back to my hotel room, AND GOT ON THE PHONE. And wouldn’t you know it, almost none of my family was around the phone- ARGH. So I took pics of my tickets, ate some food, took a nap, and vegged out for the rest of the night.The next morning I arrived, on time at 7:30, at the Regent in downtown SF. There was a good size line from the door and around the corner, so I just hopped to the back and parked it, drinking water and trying to get focused. I met some more awesome people in line that became my new line mates, and we chatted until we got inside about 45 minutes later.Once inside we were assigned a number sticker to put on a easy to see spot on our clothing, and then ushered into a big room with Production assistants running around like crazy. They called us up one at a time to do short interviews, and my producer was quite excited with my story and glad that I was friendly and talkative. They put us back in our seats in numerical order. I was 5th to go THAT DAY. EEEK. They took us downstairs in a group of 10, and we sat outside the door were they were auditioning in holding hands and trying to feel like the biggest fish in the pond.The first guy through came out with the yellow sheet to go to round three- He was a guy that sang EXACTLY like a girl- and was GOOD too- be watching for him- I wish I would have got his name.
Then the few before me went and all came out with the same disappointed look on their faces. It was very scary. I had resigned myself to going in there and standing straight and looking confident and singing my butt off, I couldn’t show fear or Nigel would eat me alive!
It was my turn, and I walked in just like that. Smiling and saying hello. Nigel asked what song I was going to sing, and when I told him he said dryly "Well I hope you sing it better than the boy before you did," and I said well i hope I do too since you didn’t like it- EEK - ever want to shut yourself up? Augh.
So I sang my song- nailed every part of it til they stopped me, after a verse and chorus. The first words out of Nigel’s mouth were "I can see you as the next American Idol," and then he went on and compared me vocally to Clay Aiken and said my appearance was horrible but a makeover could help and that I WAS cute, "BUT, I am worried that, with you being on the far end of 28, and having a husband and family, and a baby on the way, that you wont be able to relate to the people in the age group that buys the records." He then asked if I could sing something more modern and wanted to know what the other song I had prepared was. I sheepishly told him I had prepared "Fame" and he said, "Well do you know something top 20 right now that you can sing? I want to be able to hear that you can sing something modern." I was so caught off guard that all I could do was stare at him and say, "Can it be from the last couple years? I mean right now? Cause I am a total blank (OMG HEATHER SHUT UP!!!)!" He then said "I am giving you an opportunity to save yourself here- You're a great singer" and the only thing I could think of off the top of my head was "Toxic" *inward scream*- So I sang it, already knowing it was all over for me, and Nigel looked at me and said " I really am sorry, but I just cant see it right now." I thanked him for the opportunity and prepared for my walk of shame. As I opened the door, the people waiting had heard me sing and were all looking at my hands, and when they saw no pretty yellow paper all had the same shocked look on their faces, eyes huge. I gave them the thumbs down sign and smiled, hugged a few and walked up the stairs, camera following behind me. When I got upstairs they did a quick interview with me and then I left and called a cab back to my hotel.All the way back and when I arrived I felt ok- disappointed of course, but proud of the comments I had gotten and how far I had come. Nigel never said anything bad to me- never said I wasn’t what they were looking for or anything- but when I got on the phone and relayed the experience to my family I was suddenly devastated- Not because I hadn’t made it, but because I felt OLD. I felt like they handed me a key to this really amazing life altering room and then said well never mind your good enough but you have this older mommy thing going. I have to laugh about it now, since I am NOT old, but for this show I kind of am, and I would have looked absurd up on stage shaking it with a belly hanging out. They were right to cut me; they kind of saved me from myself! ! And now I get to relax and EAT for the next day that i was there. I had nothing but proud to be of myself.
I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world. The things these producers said to me were things I had been waiting my whole life to hear- HOPED to hear. And I feel vindicated that I did indeed HEAR it.I never met such supportive people in my life, and for those I met, I hope I see them again someday!
My husband and I are planning a move to the LA area in May, hopefully I will have lost some baby weight by then- Keep watching for me guys- I am down, but not OUT.I will be posting some pics REALLY quick, just have to get them all up. l should have them posted on my by tonight.
Be watching for JR Aquina- fellow Alaskan and he made it to Hollywood- I am SO proud!!
HUGS AND SMOOCHES!
~Heather/Pippi
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Tom Eaton
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 3:30 pm |
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That's a great story. In a way, it's even better that they cut you just because you were too old and too pregnant, because nobody ever told you you weren't good enough. And you'll never have to wonder what MIGHT have happened if you had tried all this. Now you know.
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wannabe
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 3:52 pm |
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WTG Heather!!!!!!!
It sounds like you have a good attitude and that's a plus if you want to keep your dreams alive. Now you will always have this experience to draw on and experience counts for more than most people believe.
KEEP ON DREAMING.....We'll be behind you all the way.
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Too soon old......too late smart.
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MC Krusty
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 4:01 pm |
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I'm sorry you had to come all the way down from Alaska to have your event at the Cow Palce. 
That old barn has been there for waaaaay too long. The Golden State Warriors basketball team started playing there before they moved to Oakland many years ago. Since then it's been used for other events. About 6 years ago a friend and I ventured out to SF to watch the Giants play the Reds in an afternoon game at Candlestick Park, then we had a room nearby and dropped off our bags and stuff and then went to the Cow Palace for a WWF (wrastlin') event.
The next morning we went to another Giants game, then went home. Between yelling at all of the events, I had no voice when I got home.
But yeah, the Cow Palce is pretty ancient.
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ritisroo
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 7:23 pm |
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YAY!
Finally got to read the whole story! I have been waiting for a week to hear all the juciy details !
Too bad they did not let you through for that stupid reason! They should be shot !
It just goes to show that they are not looking for talent for these shows, they are looking for people who they can turn into singers, and make over into someone pretty and relatable (as I have been there, done that, and seen that, as have my friends in their Canadian Idol Auditions).
You deserved it all they way! If they are going to change the age of the show to 28, they should be prepared for "mommies" like you!
I would have put you through, and I am glad that you got to go!
You will always be our American Idol !
Roo!
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NashvilleSinger
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 7:58 pm |
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What a great story Heather....
It was very well written! Sounds like you had a great time! And what about your experiance with singing with the live band the day before? I seen the pics woman!! That was great!! I hope you had fun!! It sure sounds like you did!!
Be proud of yourself! I know I am!!!
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BeachHeadBum
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 9:34 pm |
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Heather,
That is the best AI account I have read or heard... My hat is off to you!
I wish to encourage you to STILL keep your dreams alive, Keep singing AND Auditioning for the Industry if that is really what you want.. If you made it that far... There is a good chance you will make it in the recording industry as either an indie or major artist. 
My best wishes and support to you, I mean the following 100%...
If you would like my assistance at all getting in the Nashville industry as an artist, Let me know I'm sure I can assist with some connections.
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Brian D.
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JazzyBaggz
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 10:45 pm |
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Heather!! I am so very proud of you hon.. I knew you would do well.. I'm only sorry that Nigel didn't see past those stupid notions of his, and do what he must have known in his heart was right and send you on to the next round... As you know, that was also where I got stopped in the competition.. I was pretty upset for a while, but I'm am happy for the experience, as I know you are.. He also said nothing negative to me.. (which i'm really grateful for) And i'm happy to hear he was just as cool with you (even if he was stupid ). We are so glad to have you back, and I can only say that you are extrememly talented and a lovely person.. you are going to go far.. just don't ever give up!!
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[font=andalus]We Are the Music Makers, and We are the Dreamers of Dreams...
We are the Movers and Shakers of the World Forever it Seems...[/font]
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NashvilleSinger
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 12:03 am |
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Hey BeachHeadBum....
I see you live in antioch.... HOWDEY Neighbor!!!
I like meeting people who live in my area! Im in Joelton (15 mins north-west of downtown!)
Let me know of any good karaoke places out by you... I know Conrads is out that way and that place is pretty cool. When i dont have a gig, I like to check out new karaoke places! So, hook me up!
And Heather, dont even worry about not getting through on AI.... it was a blessing in disguise! You have the talent to have an actual "career" in music and not just end up a flash in the pan like the other AI winners or top 12 contestants...
Think about it, even if you made it to the top 12... how many of the previous years top 12 are doing much of anything these days? Not many... they come out with something, but mostly it flops! And honestly, the only one who really got herself out there was Kelly from season one...
Season two... wheres Ruben? Wheres Clay? Yes, they have albums out, and Clays did better then Rubens, but still, they are becoming more and more of just a memory! And after this, no one will touch them... not one record label wants a former AI contestant....
They will never get the respect in the music industry that they are looking for because they never paid their dues. Thats an important part of making it in the music industry.
And as much as I loved Fantasia...where is she????
See what I mean?
You have a gift, you can do something with it.....hey, it may not be absolute stardom, but you can have a career in music so dont give up!
Enjoy your pregnancy and your baby and then when you have the time to focus, start reaching for it... get yourself a band, and start doing it! Its the only real way to make it in this business... you will get respect, build a following and make it further in the long run... and you will see how much more fun it is to say "I paid my dues" and to have that respect is a better feeling then winning some teenie bopper contest!
You're better than that crap!
Open invite to Nashville ANYTIME to sing with my band! Instead of wasting money for AI.... come to Nashville!
But Im glad you had the experiance and Im glad you do realize that you are a great singer and deserve the best! You had to experiance it, you walked away from it knowing now that you have what it takes, but maybe AI isnt good enough for YOU... not the other way around!
When your ready to find musicians, let me know, and I can help you dig some up from your area im sure. And since your moving to LA, then you will be in an even better area.
Well, im done now...
Peace!
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BeachHeadBum
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 1:16 am |
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I echo Nashville Singer's setiments.. Although I don't sing Karaoke in the metro anymore.. or in the clubs anywhere for that fact... But the same invitation to come and play live and showcase is open here too! I know of many acts and venues with house bands that is easy to do, just by walking up and talking to the band there, as they don't mind showcase artists.
{off-topic}
(Note to Nashville Singer) I work full-time with an Indie here (again) so I'm busy almost everyday with my own band and writing and rehearsing. I'm suprized that I can find the time to sub in the showcase and I don't put much effort into those subs at all. It's all in the fun there. Nothing serious at all...
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Brian D.
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dumbdrums
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Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 2:44 pm |
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cmere pippi and put your head on mjy shoulder and have a hot bowl of jello...(patting pippis head) you did good girl ....we are all as proud as parents (at least me and sheraoke cause we are old teehee)of you...you are number #1 today with me bad (@$%&#!) mama !!! take a bow....
you rock !!!!
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Gladly helping Kappy to become cyber immortal !!
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Sheree
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Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 3:21 pm |
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dumbdrums wrote: (at least me and sheraoke cause we are old teehee)
Who are you callin' old????????????? I'm STILL younger than Cher ya know?? 
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BeachHeadBum
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Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 3:29 pm |
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You children make me laugh...
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Brian D.
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karaokemeister
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Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 4:05 pm |
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Based on the response (or lack thereof) it's a good chance that one of the five people that won the contest in Anchorage will be in next seasons idol. Big article in today's paper on the auditions and people that went from the local contest (didn't see Heather mentioned though  ).
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HeatherDavis
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Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 4:13 pm |
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JR Aquino I bet MONEY on will be in the top 12- just have a feeling- I have been wrong before, but that kid's got something!
I know almost all of the reporters at the ADN - they didnt know I was competing until today! I just wrote Josh Niva(author of the article you mentioned) and let him know what all went on down there- they didnt even know I was pregnant I havent been down there for so long !
FOR ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE SO GRACIOUSLY SUPPORTED ME- Thank you! I have nothing but good memories and even better comments to work with for a possible career- I'm glad to say that I was there! It's so nice to have my little cyber-family there to offer me hot jello and hugs whenever I need them!
Oh and Crystal, funny you should say that- I am a journalism major and write freelance for a couple papers here locally- so i'm glad you shared the experience with me like you were there! Means i can still do my job!
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
If you go under my profile and click on the link, there are TONS of pics- some sideways, I havent mastered the whole album thingy yet- anyone who wants to help out with that is more than welcome!
SMOOCH AND HUGS! _________________
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ritisroo
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Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 4:45 pm |
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Very cool pictures! It looked like you had a lot of fun and met a lot of people!
Those people in the stands....that is crazy! And the funny thing is I was so amazed at the 1,200 people that showed up in Edmonton for Canadian Idol....lots were actually from other provinces that did not make it the first or second time and were trying again!
I am glad you enjoyed yourself, and thanks for sharing the photos 
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HEADS TOGETHER
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Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 8:22 pm |
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Thanks so much for sharing your story Heather....You did a great job on it...I promise you are not old, cuz old folks could never remember it that well... ...
I am so bummed by the talented folks I know who didn't get anywhere with Idol this year that I don't even know if I want to watch it again...
I am very impreesed with your singing, your story telling, and your attitude...I commend you respectfully on all three..Thanks for sharing with us...and Welcome home..
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When I was young, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend, then I became an adult and realized that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends...
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Crystal
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Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 8:40 pm |
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loved your pics!! Looks like you had a blast!!! it's cool to see all that "behind the scenes" stuff!!
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Welcome back Pippi... ya young little whipper snapper! Sounds like you had an awesome experience... I've just finished chapter 2 and gonna finish chapter 3 tonight hehehe... kiddin' 
