For some, 'Idol' is their shot at glory

There's no sense in delaying the truth: I did not get a golden ticket.

Only a handful of people did, and to them I say, "Congratulations." It was no easy feat.

But perhaps even harder was taking that walk of shame after being told you just aren't good enough to be the next "American Idol."

Having never had a desire to audition for Simon Cowell's brainchild, I didn't think I'd be upset if the judges didn't boost me on to the next round. And really, I'm not.

What I am upset about is how oblivious I've been to the seriousness of this competition for 99 percent of the people who

traveled across the country, spent their hard-earned money and sat in those rock-hard seats for 10 hours to audition.

To me, it was a great opportunity to not only experience something unique but also write about something unique. To most others, it was the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance at fame, a chance at fortune, a chance to change their stars.

I sat a few seats down from a young woman whom I saw crying outside the coliseum after her audition; she didn't want to go back to waiting tables. No, she really didn't want to go back to waiting tables.

That's when it hit me.

Trying out for "American Idol" ranks in my top five absurd experiences to date, so my attitude up to that point was nonchalant and sarcastic, ruthless even.

But my weekend spent at the coliseum with thousands of hopeful and desperate strangers, albeit enthusiastic ones, also was one of the more self-revealing experiences of my life.

I wish now to leave you with a little pearl of wisdom I gained by auditioning for "American Idol." Everyone has a dream, but no one has the right to discount it — unless you wear pleather hot pants and your dream is to represent our great country as the next "American Idol."