I'M NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER

     Have you ever had a dream about something crazy that doesn't go away?  You would do it but, it's just too crazy to think about.  A few years ago, I would look forward to watching America's Got Talent with my "sons" Fika and Bo.  It was a fun thing we did as a family.  We laughed, cried and sat in amazement at the acts we saw.  Rarely did we get through an episode of the show without them saying "Dad, you should do that.  You could win."  I would laugh and push the thought aside.  After they graduated from high school and returned to Swaziland to live, I continued to watch the show every year.  Often I would think of their words to me.
     I'm not getting any younger! I have entertained the idea many times but, with my busy life and ministry there was no time available for something so crazy.  Well, since I am on sabbatical and I've been spending more time singing around the house I decided I would look into the process for the auditions.  Over the next several months I will be blogging about my most likely SHORT adventure with America's Got Talent.
    It begins with the huge open call auditions in New York City - October 8 & 9.  After those auditions (among thousands of people), I will not hear anything about the audition until sometime in the spring. (March).  Only those who are called back for the celebrity auditions will hear from AGT.  They will post something on their website announcing that the calls have been made.  So, if you haven't gotten a call by then - you didn't make it.
    What will I do for the audition? Sing.  Singers will not have a microphone or track to work with so if you don't sing well without music it can be interesting.  It's going to be a long day!  So check back for more about the auditions and what I am up too.  PRAY for me, so I don't "chicken out."

Monday, October 3, 2011

   Everyday this week I will be working on my songs for the AGT audition in NYC Saturday.  There are so many small details to be worked out for this journey as well.  PRAY for me this week as I prepare for an exciting day. I haven't seen the long range forecast for the weather - but it would be nice to have a sunny day.  Although the celebrity judges won't be there for these particular auditions I've been told that the Nick (the host) may be there as they will be taping promos for this season and they will use the crowd of audition participants in those clips.  All in all it should be a fun day.  The biggest issue for me is the cost for parking and how far from the venue I might have to walk as I am still somewhat limited - also considering the fact that it will involve it's share of walking and standing moving through one line after another during the registration etc.
   What will I be singing?  For now that's a secret.  In March if they call me back for an audition with the celebrity judges - you might get to see it for yourself.  I'm looking forward to a day of fun.  I will blog more soon.


Wednesday, October 5, 2011

   I've been following through with practicing for the auditions this Saturday even though today I was pretty sure I would back out of going.  Like everything, I try not to make any decision without praying.  About 2:00pm I went to WalMart to pick up a new prescription.  While I was waiting I was thinking about all this and quietly prayed: "GOD, if it is ok with you that I go to the auditions on Saturday, have someone encourage me to do it.
  Less than a half hour later my phone rang.  I didn't recognize the number and almost let it go to voice mail but, I decided to answer it. I said hello and then: "Hi, is this Chris Cote?"  I said yes. "This is Matt at NBC, I am calling for America's Got Talent to confirm your audition this Saturday in New York. Good luck!  We'll see you there!" So - I'm going!  Gonna be interesting.