Mar 2 2008

Our secrets do kill us. They cause us to lie, have low self esteem and live in fear of exposure. When I finally came out as a gay man, the liberation, joy and relief I experienced was overwhelming. At last I could live a full life - no matter what the struggles - and be proud and open. Without question, coming out of the closet was the single most important act of my life. Never once did I regret that action.

Now, once again, I feel that I must take a deep breath, step forward and reveal an embarrassing secret. Events make it imperative that I confess to you all ......I am a huge American Idol fan.

There. It is done. Whew! I hope you will still love me and still at least consider me a serious person despite this startling information.

Now I can openly share with you the joy I experience everytime the program is aired. If I am out of town, I record it; if I am home, I never miss a second. Every evening I make sure to be a conscientious citizen and cast my all-important vote for the performer that captures my soul. Watching the show is like witnessing the American Dream come true for these young talents.

I hide my face in my hands when they make a bad song choice or sing off-key. I laugh as, week by week, Randy, Paula and Simon become nearly caricatures of themselves - sometimes more a Ship Of Fools than a judge's panel. Of the trio, I suppose Simon usually comes closest to my own opinion even though his occasional outright cruelty toward some of the contestants makes me cringe and yearn to throw something at the screen.

Last year I stuck with Melinda Doolittle until she was outrageously eliminated. I'm still not quite over that injustice! This year I think they have one of the best contestants in the history of the show. Young seventeen year old David Archuleta is amazing. His poise, his voice, his professionalism and his humble attitude sweep you away. This youngster is destined for stardom. Remember, this is the show that took Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Dougherty and Carrie Underwood to the top. In my humble opinion, they are soon to be joined by Archuleta.

Take a look at this YouTube excerpt from his last performance and see if you don't agree with me.