American Idol After Party In Toronto Ontario: Part Three Of A Masterclass Memoir

The show ended with a celebratory group number, “Please Don’t Stop The Music” that left the audience clapping and cheering long after the performers left the stage.

However, for some of us, the party was just beginning. First of all, I would like to say that I felt privileged to have been invited to this wonderful “meet and greet” opportunity. And to have been able to bring along my daughters for the ride was absolutely the icing on the cake.

So, here we go guys and gals! Off to the party!

First of all, those with “meet and greet” passes were convened in one area of the ACC. And so we sat and waited and waited, looking at our watches and knowing that time was ticking away. The Idols were scheduled to leave the party at 11:00 P.M. and it was shortly after 10:00 P.M. and we were still sitting there.

Then, from a distance, I saw Jeff Archuleta and I wanted to jump over the barricade and speak with him but the bodyguards were very obtrusive and quite large so I didn’t want to mess with them. Haha

My daughter finally put everything together and said: “I think they want us seated in one place and then they will usher us as a group to another location.” That made sense. And her teacher instincts were correct for, in due time, we were asked to follow some nameless person down a long narrow hallway to our final destination.

When we arrived, as I was one of the first few people in the caravan, I walked into the room and who do I bump into? David Archuleta! It was a little surreal, but, I felt like I knew this young man my entire life so the first words out of my mouth were: “David Archuleta, we finally meet!”

The look of pure joy and exhilaration on his face was so genuine and so honest. I finally explained who I was and he was so sweet and attentive during the process. The first thing he said to me (after I explained who I was) was “Can you help me with my high notes?” And then he giggled in that adorable Archuleta giggle and so did I. But, he seemed a little worried, nonetheless so I looked at him and said, “Your upper notes sounded pretty strong to me. You have a great teacher in Dean Kaelin”.

He continued by saying that he missed the personal contact with Dean on a regular basis and felt that his technique needed some attention. I reassured him that it was probably the stressful routine of the tour that was depleting his energy and also the fact that he was singing the same songs night after night.

I went on to explain that, once the tour was over, he could turn his attention to new song material and then establish regular contact with his voice coach. Then he would notice a huge difference in his energy level and in the overall healthy progress of his vocal development. He was listening so attentively, soaking up every ounce of information in such a heart-warming manner, that I just wanted to continue speaking to him forever, if only to reassure him that his performances have been spectacular, despite his perception of them.

However, one of my daughters whispered in my ear: “Mom, you have to move on because there are others that want to see him.” This is the point when I wished my daughter was on the subway back to the hotel! Haha. But, she was trying to be fair to the rest of the guests and she was right. I suppose! But, I was just starting to bond with my little Archie. Not to worry, I made my way back to him later on in the evening.

And so, I looked around the room and finally noticed the other singers backed into a corner by eager fans. In reality, there weren’t that many people there – perhaps fifty – but it was very difficult to get near some of the singers. Some fans had a monopoly on the singers and it became a wee bit frustrating to say the least.

However, the next person I spoke with was Jason. Oh my goodness, what a character! I love this kid. When I told him who I was, he looked at me and his face brightened up and he pointed to me and said: “Hey, I know you. You write those articles. My Mom sends me your stuff all the time!” I laughed and laughed and told him I hope it was helping him.

I can’t remember his response because some more fans came up to him and interrupted our conversation. But, we talked about the great experiences that he enjoyed on the show. I also asked him what the future held for him and he said he doesn’t have firm plans with any record label yet. However, a CD will be released regardless! I was so happy to hear this – start saving your money Dreadheads!

He also said that he recorded his version of “Hallelujah” for a movie that was filmed in Mexico, He was really excited about this project and I said he should be. This is a wonderful spin-off opportunity for him and one never knows where it will lead.

He talked about is voice, the insecurities he has with his voice and I assured him that all of these technical problems will be solved in time. The important thing is that he has a beautiful natural instrument that will certainly gain in confidence and presence as the years go by.

I also mentioned that a fan sent me a video link of his father singing (it was on YouTube) and I thought it was amazing. Jason’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree when I mentioned his Dad. I think he said: “My dad – I wish I could sound like him” and I said “Patience – you will” and, just when I wanted to discuss some technical issues, some more fans came rushing over, so I tugged on his dreadlocks and told him that I would see him later. Once again – that beautiful smile!

Then, I looked around the room and it was at that moment that I saw the American Idol Vocal Coach, Debra Byrd. I thought –“Great. I want to speak with her face to face instead of over the phone as we did a few years ago when I interviewed her”. But, she was speaking with other people, so I decided to saunter over to David Cook and see if I could break down some fan barriers in order to introduce myself.

My older daughter, Karen, said something like “good luck”, as she was trying to penetrate the wall of fans as well. We moved on to another singer –Michael Johns – who had no idea who I was, but was genuinely kind and animated when speaking with us.

But, as he was having fan issues as well, our time was limited and so I took a quick picture of my daughter with him, hoping that we could reverse the situation, but the fan frenzy was really a nuisance. All I want is a picture, people!!!

Then my daughters went to seek out Brooke and Ramiele. I was looking for Syesha, but she came in a bit later on. So my radar went back to the Davids, both of whom were still surrounded by many, many fans. And, like I said, there were only 50 or so people in the room, but they all had their favourites I guess and stayed in position for fear of losing contact with their Idol.

It was at this moment that I saw a break in the fold where Jeff Archuleta was standing. So, I ran over, my daughters following with camera in tow, and introduced myself as “Masterclass Lady”! He said something to the effect of “You are? It’s so nice to meet you” and gave me this big hug and said how much he appreciated my support. He was very generous with his comments about me and I was taken aback – I truly was. I did not expect this at all. Now I know where David inherited his gentle and humble demeanour. Like father, like son – like two peas in a pod.

We talked at great length about David and he told me that he hopes that some of David’s original compositions will be included on his first CD. I said that he is an extremely talented young man, a genius and he just bowed his head and smiled so gently. Then my younger daughter took a picture of the two of us and I moved on so others could speak with him – but not before my younger daughter said: “Now I know where David got his beautiful smile!” And, of course, he smiled at that comment and we could both see the truth in this statement.

It was then that I saw Jason moving towards the door and I said “Hey Jason” and he said “Hey to you too” or something like that. Just thinking about his laidback character makes me laugh. He was off to meet the rest of the fans that were lined up outside, so we said a quick farewell and that was that. I was very melancholy after his exit, I truly was. I really want to see this kid mentored correctly.

Then, we tried to get near David Cook –it was ridiculous really. Like, give us a break! Finally, I just eased my way in and said: “My daughter wishes to have a picture with you and so do I”. He just smiled and said “Sure”. I told the fans it would only take a moment, but both my younger daughter and I could only squeeze in a picture of my older daughter.with Cookie. It just wasn’t going to happen. So, no picture of me and Cookie, nor did I have the opportunity to introduce myself. It was a frustrating situation not having an opportunity to speak or meet with him.

So, I moved over to where Carly was situated and I don’t think she knew who I was –that, or else she picked up on it a bit later. All I know is that she was a friendly, approachable person with which to speak, full of enthusiasm and “joie de vivre”. Absolutely lovely! We talked about vocal technique and she said that Debra Byrd had been her saviour throughout the entire Idol process.

She said that, at one point, Debra taught her a cool technical skill while riding an elevator. It concerned the use of the “ay” diphthong and how much easier it is to sing if you just think “eh”. And, I said, “Yes – the pure vowel” and she vehemently agreed. And the tongue position was problematic for her as well and just as I said that the tongue has to remain down, Debra joined in the conversation and agreed. So. Much. Fun.

Debra said to me: “Did she tell you how I taught her a technical skill in the elevator?” and I said “Yes indeed! Great time management! Haha” We all laughed at that point. It made me realize how very busy all of these people were throughout the competition. There was hardly anytime during a regular week to refine their vocal skills, so whatever they could manage in a short span of time was, in the end, quite remarkable.

I then introduced myself to Debra and told her I had interviewed her a few years ago and she said: “I remember you because I had trouble spelling your name”. Haha Isn’t she the best? And we talked and talked – mainly about her website and what she has to offer on that site. You can access it here, if you wish to gain more insight into Debra’s musical life and the products she offers.

Then, Carly grabbed her and said: “I miss you so much” and went on to say that she was worried about the future when the tour ends, that they were like a family. I said that you will have to make an effort to stay in contact – travel to Debra – and Debra agreed.

It was at this point that I actually became quite sad for these singers – knowing that they will have to separate and establish their own careers without the constant daily bonding that they have become accustomed to. It’s not going to be easy and it made me realize that these singers are so nonchalant and carefree with their quick rise to fame. Extremely humble and self-effacing and certainly not caught up in the glamour of their success! I hope that the music industry treats all of them well, because they truly deserve it.

I didn’t want to further intrude on Carly and Debra – they were obviously sharing a tender moment and I respected that very much. However, as I looked up at the clock, I saw that it was almost 11:00 P.M. and I still did not have my extra time with David Archuleta.

So, I rushed over and stood behind him as fans talked and talked and, all of a sudden, his smile turned into an adorable yawn. He was “bushed” poor kid and he was apologizing and I told him there was no need to. He was allowed.

Then, I finally squeezed through and my daughter took a picture and, after a quick hug, he was gone –well almost. We stood there taking pictures, as he tried to make a graceful exit. What a sweetheart! What a very special human being.

I quickly spoke to Brooke as well – told her that she added a very special element to this year’s Top 10 and she thanked me so much. It was a quick talk as she was off to another corner of the room to speak with people that she knew from Canada. However, I asked if she had secured a recording contract and she said “No, not yet and it is so frustrating”. I think she told me that she will release a CD regardless, so I was very happy to hear this.

And, just like that, it was over and I feel sad that I didn’t have an opportunity to speak with Chikezie, Ramiele, Kristy Lee and Syesha. Chikezie was not in the room too long and I kept losing sight of Syesha, Kristy Lee and Ramiele. I know my daughter, Karen, spoke to Ramiele and Ramiele said that she felt so lonely on stage when the microphone failed. She feels that she let down the crowd and my daughter reassured her that her performance was outstanding and it surely was!

Stay Tuned: More to come from my daughter Karen’s perspective. My other daughter was too busy acting as official photographer, so the whole evening was a blur for her! 🙂