Up High. Down Low. Too Slow.

Up High. Often when we talk about God or when I think about Him I see Him as up high. Like he’s in the sky looking down on us. This week I’ve appreciated having a more realistic thought– yes, He’s all around but as a Christian it’s important to believe that He’s not just up in the sky somewhere. We aren’t praying to a genie or a magician who floats around granting wishes. My prayers have mostly become a monologue for anyone or no one who’s listening. But that’s not how I want the prayers to be. So lately I’ve prayed knowing that God is near. In fact, He’s with me. He’s with you. He’s not far away sitting on a throne watching everything unfold, uninvolved. He can be right here. So now when I pray I try to picture His face… like a conversation. Not a ritual. Not a chore. Not a Zoom call. At Christmas the name Immanuel comes up a lot. It means “God With Us,” and it’s still true in March, too. In the summer. During the day or night. He wants to be part of my messy life. In fact, I believe He wants to help untangle it. I want to honor Him as the highest being but also be talking to Him daily, figuring out life together.

Down Low. The bridge collapse in Baltimore is kinda nuts! I remember the song “London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down,” but I can’t remember in my lifetime ever seeing a bridge actually fall down. As the story unfolds, it’s interesting to hear about heroic decisions, sad realizations, and suspicious activity, too. For instance, why is the government going to foot the bill for the entire rebuilding of the bridge? Shouldn’t that burden be on whoever is at fault? Insurance is a thing, right?

“It’s my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge. And I expect the Congress to support my effort.”

President Biden

Too Slow. I was playing a called “Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza” with family the other day and realized, yet again, that I stink! It’s kind of a game of speed and usually I was the slowest. That’s why I never win that game, I guess. Totally different reason than why I never win “Clue.” I’m just not built for quick decisions or murderous insight, dang it. I’ve also been swimming this week as I prepare for my first sprint triathlon of the year. Filling up most of the lanes at the public lap pool was a swim team and being in their presence reminded me how slow I am. But that’s exactly why I was there. I’m not the best swimmer and I never will be the best, but I can be better than last year’s version of myself. That’s the goal, at least!

-Out of the Wilderness

American Idol Platinum Ticket Bewilders Me

The judges on American Idol do a terrible job explaining what the platinum ticket is to the viewers at home. Actually, I take that back. The judges on American Idol don’t explain the platinum ticket at all! “Why should contestants be so excited about it?” is what I find myself asking each season.

The platinum ticket exempts the contestant from competing in the first Hollywood round which, if we’re being honest, may not be an advantage. I think of it in football terms. A team that does well in the season might get a first round bye in the playoffs. But this team which was in sync and firing on all cylinders might be thrown out of sync when they have a week off. In American Idol terms, these platinum ticket holders are dropped into the Hollywood round(s) fresh while the others have been in the swing of things already. This doesn’t seem like an advantage at all.

Also, the Hollywood rounds have been condensed into a two-night event (Sunday and Monday) for viewers at home so whatever happens, happens quickly. I think experiencing the first round really only helps you get stronger as a competitor and skipping that round might actually create a disadvantage. You’re less likely to gel with the other contestants, might have more nerves since round 2 is your first time performing since the audition.

In summary, the platinum ticket is an honor to receive but might restrict the contestant, not only setting up an unnecessary hurdle, but also making them have to get up to speed once they are officially back in the competition. Plus, the added pressure of being one of just three platinum ticket recipients eliminates any sort of underdog or black horse mentality.

-Out of the Wilderness

American Idol hosts a disliked Bachelor, Olivia Rodrigo’s Influence, and More!

The judges had me baffled on the most recent episode of American Idol. I’ll submit to their expertise as top-tier talent but I was very, very surprised when they almost kept these two talented sisters from going to Hollywood! Are y’all nuts!? Check out the auditions from Jacy and Mia Matthews then scroll down for a quick recap of the whole episode…

I would’ve bet money they’d score resounding approval from the judges but both Jacy and Mia had a ‘no’ from one judge and a ‘yes’ from the two others. And what’s even more shocking is that these same judges agreed unanimously that Camila Galavis should go to Hollywood. How can there be such disparity between contestants that have massive talent and one that will never be remembered? Camila’s 14 years old and one of the bottom level auditions yet Katy, Lionel, and Bryan praised her talent. 🤪 We MUST be living in the upside down. And I have no idea what Luke meant when he said a producer could make her a hit song this very moment. Huh? Why would a producer skip over artists with huge talent and pluck out an average singer just because she can sing in Spanish?

She’s a fine singer but adios and via con Dios, as the Zac Brown Band would say. I miss Simon Cowell on days like this. He wouldn’t sugar coat the fact that we can hear singers like her in any given restaurant on an open mic night. Nexxxxt!

The Others. There were a few fantastic singers in this episode. Isaiah Case is an easy yes for Hollywood and he’s likable enough (so far) to easily make the top 10. Australian Jordan Anthony was also impressive but he won’t make the top 10. Something about a contestant from another country seems to limit their chances, typically. San Antonio local Liliana was OK at first but I found myself liking her less and less as her audition progressed. I think her facial expressions and her talky-style singing will get old very quick. Plus, there’s already one Olivia Rodrigo… I’m not sure we need another one.

Julia Gagnon’s story is sweet. Apart from that, I didn’t get any goosebumps from her singing. With a lot of the contestant sob stories on this show I find myself asking this question: If we didn’t know anything about a contestant’s upbringing or personal struggles, would their singing be good enough? Sometimes it’s a yes, sometimes it’s a no. But when they have this traumatic story, it makes us (and the judges) want to root for them, which is sort of misleading when their life story is more interesting than their voice.

One of the last few contestants was Cate Gartner. She has a decent voice but if I heard her on the radio, I’d have no idea who it is. Another one of those Simon reactions where it’s quite possible to hear a talent like hers at the local fair in town. But her backstory softened us all up.

I still haven’t seen the level of talent equal to the contestants from the first episode and now that all the auditions are done we’ll get to see some of our favorites again in Hollywood. I’ve got my eye on Jennifer Jeffries and Jack Blocker. Do you have any favorites?

-Out of the Wilderness

Benson Boone “Slow It Down” – The Music Video, Moon Puns, and More…

To the Boone and back! Benson Boone’s popularity is on a rocket ship to outer space. His music video for the song “Beautiful Things” is averaging 1,061,000 views per day since it was posted in mid-January. His second video is for the song “Slow It Down,” and it’s nearing a million views at the time of this posting, just a couple of days after it posted on YouTube. Take a look at the video then scroll down for more…

Boone, Clap. I have so much admiration (and maybe jealousy!?) of such talented musicians. In the video Benson is singing as well as playing the bass guitar, the piano, and the drums. It ticks me right off that all I can do is clap during a song… and sometimes I even have trouble with that AND THEY’RE MY HANDS. They’ve been mine for 45 years and I still can’t seem to keep them on beat. 🥴

Boone Landing. Benson Boone is part of a group of young artists that are carving a spot for themselves in popular music. Singers, songwriters, entertainers like Olivia Rodrigo, Connor Price, Oliver Anthony, and heck I’ll even throw in James Charles (yes, the makeup guy) in there, too. In fact, this uprising might be perfect timing for American Idol contestants (Benson Boone was a contestant, once upon a time) like Jennifer Jeffries and Jack Blocker. Should be an interesting season if these talented people can make it to the live voting rounds!

Benson Boone has 2 solid song releases under his belt and it’ll be great to watch his career develop along with his talent and popularity. I’m sure he and his family and friends are over the Boone about all his success so far.

-Out of the Wilderness