American Idol is in it’s ninth season. For almost 8 years, stadiums around America have been filled with people that want to become true artists.  They want to be saved. These people want to be taken care of with fame. If you get to the top 10 on American idol, you’re set for life; Atleast that’s the belief. They’ve been tricked.

I believe this type of show is the exact reason you are sitting in the cubicle, office, or standing on the line and hating your job.  Don’t get confused here.  You might think that American Idol and the pursuit of passion would be make a great team.  Remember that the show starts with stadiums full of people.  After all is said and done, there are 10 hopefuls and 1 winner.   99.9% of the people think that if they show up, they’ll make it big. So why do 99.9% of the people leave crying?

We play the lottery with our lives.

We get so upset at the idea of going back to an average reality? You see this on so many reality television shows.

These shows have not actually inspired us to live out their passions and become artists.  It’s crushing them and reminding each person of their mediocre job and future. I watched the other night and a female from an audition in season 1, was back 8 years later with a sign saying: “this is my year.” After some laughing at her, the judges told her another: No. No. No. No.

8 years! She’s probably been playing the weekly lottery instead of finding a way to share her unique artistry.

Most of the people auditioning are pretty young, but I have noticed a huge number of 20 somethings begging for the chance.  Anytime judge’s ask about the profession of a contestant, they get the same response: A Soul Crushing Job.

Stadiums are being filled with people that want to unleash their creative urge, and live passionately through something that they lose themselves in. It’s the dream to be an artist. They dream to give people the gift of their voice.  Yet there is something sad that these millions don’t realize:

You don’t need American Idol to be an Artist.

American Idol isn’t the holy Grail for becoming an artist.  Idol will not save you. It will not set you up for life. If you try out, there is a very high probability that you’re going to go home, cry, and be back in your cubicle the next day.  Atleast you have that security though right?

Wrong.

Job security is a joke today.  You’re not going to be set for life with your current job opportunities either.  Remember the recession? People working jobs for 20 years were let go. The model doesn’t work anymore.  Just like idol, the employer can find someone else by saying “NEXT.”  For the corporation, “Next” means they’ll find someone else to fill your cubicle and they’ll be even cheaper than you cost.  Their cubicle will probably be overseas or maybe even a call tree service.

So what do you do?

Being an artist isn’t secure and neither is the cubicle farm. Take the bull by the horns and start doing what you want today. If singing is your true passion, sign up for lessons and start talking to people.  Start a blog and document your journey by releasing mp3 files. I have a feeling that by auditioning for something like American Idol, you aren’t seriously interested in the music industry or becoming an artist.  You’re interested in fame, the idea of being saved for life and never having to think again.  We need artists their head and think.  What do you have to offer the world that’s special? What is your art?

Think about what you truly love. Grab some paper and write down what you wish you could be doing while at work.  What do you find yourself drawn to? What did you love before life stomped the creative out of you?

This will save you. Making the decision to give something from your heart will save you. This is your art! Find a way to incorporate this into everything you do.

Artists, next time American Idol is set to come to your city, ignore it.  I don’t want you to be the person that shows up 8 years later, for another audition, and gets laughed at.  You don’t need a boss or a judge to tell you want to do.  You don’t need Simon to tell you it’s now your time.  We need to give ourselves permission to let our inner artist come out. That feeling inside of you right now, that little voice inside your head, is telling you that now is your time.  Listen to the artist in you and find your flow.

You decide when it’s your turn to live your life.  Being the best you can will save you in the democratic renaissance.  We all have a chance to be amazing and do whatever it is that we dream about when falling asleep. Let your creative genius do the talking and we’ll all do the listening!