
Quora
I’ve never been caught up by American Idol before. I’ve watched some clips and been impressed by the talent, but never actively watched and rooted for contestants before.
I started this because my husband is really into violent movies with the sound turned up so high that I went into the office and wore my earphones at my computer as a defense. :0)
I immediately fell for two contestants: Iam Tongi and Oliver Steele.
Iam is Hawaiian, but is living in Seattle, having had to move from his home due to too-high prices. He lost his dad – who taught him to love music and sung with him, providing harmony – a couple of months ago. His dad bought him a guitar, using his holiday paycheck. Iam’s voice is soothing. He is creative, making every song his own. I REACT to everything he sings, feeling happy or tearing up.
Oliver is a singer, song writer, and musician. His dad was the same, but had a stroke that made him lose the use of the left side of his body. Oliver is trying to take care of his dad. He has a distinctive voice and style, and is also a wonderful human being. When Iam’s guitar broke right before their duet, Oliver supported Iam, got him through the song, and they have become friends for life.
The Top 7 competition was last night. Iam was voted into the Top 7. Oliver was not, but was the Judges’ Choice to continue in the group as #8.
I wish both of them could win the competition. I hope that both of them have garnered enough attention that they both get music contracts. Time will tell.
They have both won my heart. I feel motherly (though I’m old enough to be grandmotherly) toward both of them and wish them the best that life has to offer. Their next performance is this coming Sunday, May 7th.