Where Are They Now?

I confess, I am a sucker for talent shows.  Okay, so they’re cheesy, overproduced and hosted by vapid mannequins with serious self tanning issues.  But I can’t help it.  Every time I see one of the hopeful contestants take the stage, I am drawn in.  Not just by their stunning voices, but the bravery and backstories that got them there.  As I listen, I am praying that they don’t have to go back to anything that involves a cubicle or wearing a giant rat costume for a herd of screaming five year olds eating pizza.  Considering my own shower-and-car-only voice, I believe each and every one of them should be the next world dominating superstar.

But then they’re eliminated.  And I fall prey to the same insta-thought that nearly everyone else does:

“Well, they didn’t make it.  Back to obscurity.”

But really…says who?

Just because someone isn’t part of the national consciousness on the level of Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood (two notorious talent show winners)…does that mean they’ve faded into anonymity?  That no one is appreciating their considerable gifts?  That the cube farm or children’s party gig is their ultimate destiny just because they didn’t take home some garish silver microphone trophy?

Not at all.

People are still hearing, seeing and loving them.  And just because this isn’t brought to my attention on a weekly basis via US Weekly or People doesn’t mean it’s not true.

So, where are they now? Living their dream.  That’s where.

And may we all follow their lead.