Blog by Sean Gehon, Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Ever since my time on the MuchMusic VJ Search: The Series I’ve found myself in one of the greatest and perhaps strangest places of my life. Whenever I find myself watching shows like American Idol, America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway or even their Canadian counterparts, I remember my personal experience in those unfamiliar and yet exciting circumstances. Last night as I sat in the audience watching a wonderful evening of music and memories, I smiled to myself as someone who’s been there and done that only can. My heart went out to Jaydee Bixby as he stepped to the side when Brian Melo was crowned Canadian Idol’s latest winner.
There’s something fun about reality TV. As someone who’s participated in a competition of my own, I’m well aware of how hard these kids are working in order to make it look easy and fun. Unfortunately, or fortunately as my case turned out to be, I’m also aware of what it’s like to stand next to someone who’s about to be given the prize you’ve worked so hard to get. They say that second place is first place loser, but in my case I like to think I made it out okay, and that’s just what I wanted to tell Mr. Bixby as he failed to take the Idol crown.
Following the spectacle that was last night’s Canadian Idol finale I got the opportunity to meet both Brian Melo and Jaydee Bixby. I have nothing bad to say about Brian, in fact he’s a very talented and kind hearted man. Not to say I know everything about him in our brief interview and encounter but I did get a sense that he was a very genuinely kind person. However, it was Mr. Bixby that had me more intrigued. Jaydee and I have more in common than just losing reality TV shows, we’re both down home country kids from the great Canadian prairies.
I can’t even explain what it is, but seeing Jaydee in person and just getting a sense of how excited and happy he was to be there, was extremely refreshing. Getting the chance to talk to Jaydee was nice. Everything you want him to be, he is and more. He’s slightly awkward, yet fun, genuine, and just incredibly sweet. While Jaydee and I exchanged the usual half a second pleasantries, I did get the opportunity to let him know that everything was going to be okay. Mind you, it was interesting to see someone so young and in his position, not overly concerned about his failure to claim the Idol crown.
I don’t know what the future holds for Jaydee Bixby, I’m barely certain what it holds for Brian Melo. However, one thing I do know is that if Jaydee is able to maintain his genuine excitement and work ethic in this industry, he’ll be able to make a lasting career out of his passion for music.
What can I say? Being a loser has never looked this good ;)
Sean
|
 |
|
