(Yes, I know it's not Monday, but I have this ready now and want to send it on it's way! After all, it's only two days away, so that mean's I'm two days ahead of myself!)
Anyone who watched America's Got Talent will know what I'm talking about when I say...Kevin Skinner? Huh? Seriously? What the ...? A million dollars and a show in Las Vegas? The critics will eat him alive, chew him up and spit him out. No way can this unemployed chicken catcher handle or carry a Vegas show! He was sometimes off key, his voice was weak and wobbly, he wasn't that great a guitar player, he was unpolished, he was shy and socially ackward ...
...and apparently that's exactly why he was voted most talented. A diamond in the rough. A rags to riches story (who wouldn't want to see an unemployed chicken catcher hit paydirt?). A hometown boy makes good.
And you know what? America may have been right in their vote (oh yes, Christina, I actually said that!). I went to YouTube and listened to him again because I was so puzzled. First off, I was shocked that there were so many videos of him! I found these two that made me re-think my original assessment of him, one a hometown interview, and the other a song he wrote after his grandmother died. Give a listen, it won't take long.
Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vreGYTG2iKA
Performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6lDj2PiaKQ
I haven't really changed my original opinion of the 'quality' of his talent (and I still think there were far better talents all across the board), but I have changed my opinion of his potential. He definitely has the heart and the hunger for this path, and with training and practice he might just become someone we see around for a little while, if not as a singer than maybe as a songwriter.
(And I also see a country star of the calibre of Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson, Reba, taking him under their wing and giving him some guidance.)
There is a lot of hidden talent in this world, the Susan Boyles and Kevin Skinners. Most are like you and I (though I have no talents), ordinary people who have a talent - and, perhaps most importantly, a passion to go with that talent - that makes them dream of making it big ... if only given half a chance, such as a spot on something like America's Got Talent or So You Think You Can Dance.
Most, whether singers, dancers, magicians, drummers, football/baseball/basketball players, writers or whatever, won't. They'll work their butts off to get where they think they want to go, but most will be known on a smaller scale, karaoke, community talent shows, church, entertaining family and friends, maybe even having an act in a small venue or become part of a dance troupe or chorus, or being on a highschool/college sports team, or getting something in a magazine as opposed to having a Pulitzer Prize winning book. But making it big will always be just beyond their reach.
For the Kevin Skinners of this world: Don't give up on your dream, just know that the path toward it can itself be the reward. (I don't know this first hand, mind you. But in theory that sounds like something profound to say.)
11 comments:
You're right about Kevin Skinner. He's a rough diamond; given the proper professional polishing he'll be worth many karats.
I love this post, I found something in Kevin Skinner that I cannot explain.....I enjoyed his raw honesty and his heart was so full that he was able to share with his country. Yes he is a diamond in the rough for sure but he so deserves his 15 minutes of fame and just perhaps he will last even longer. His winning has given so many the hope to keep dreaming.... Have a great weekend.....:-) Hugs
I watch television while using my laptop, so that is 24/7 of eyestrain, but I've never seen that show......"too many channels, too little time"
I love your last line, about the journey being itself the reward. If we don't try, nothing happens.
I loved his voice, but I have to agree he has some "work" to do before he can tackle Vegas. He seems like a pretty nice guy, genuinely.
Living in Vegas for 25 years and seeing many strip shows, there is no way he can pull off a show in the big theaters there. I think he would have a chance if he got into a group of country singers.
I was surprised he got as far as he did on America's got talent. He sang off key quite a bit. But I guess it was just his appeal. I thought the opera singer would win at the end. Shows what I know. lol.
I dont follow American Idol, or America's Got Talent. But I do enjoy the "raw talent" catagory. You listed some country singers, one of my favorite ( I plan to do some posts about him ) is Billy Joe Shaver. He is a Texas songwriter that has written many popular songs but fame has pretty much skipped over him.
Well, in FACT that IS something profound to say. Making it BIG (meaning bright lights, adoration, and tons of money) isn't everybody's dream--nor should it be. There are plenty of "stars" around who are leading unhappy lives because they've never grasped what's really important in life--the love of friends, family, and someone special who won't let you down--and doing what you enjoy for its own sake, even if it's only for a bunch of drunks at the karaoke bar.
(Hope you're doing well!)
I didn't watch the show but have enjoyed hearing about him and Susan Doyle.
Hope everyone is OK in your part of Georgia with the flooding.
I haven't seen this show, but I think your ending in this post tells it all. You probably know a little bit about following dreams also or you couldn't have written about it. Profound, indeed.
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
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