The Elliott Station - Day 5 Report

Well it's day five of the grand experiment called the Elliott Station on Live365.com. I just had to write this entry to let you all know how things are going. The statistics are quite impressive for a small experiment that started out as just an idea. Let me share some of the results here. These results were achieved with little to no advertising (primarily by a few posts on the ETRAIN, Yaminions, and the AI Boards). I'll let the numbers speak for themselves.

Rankings in the Pop Genre. This statistic indicates how well the station is doing compared to other stations on Live365.com in terms of Total Listener Hours (TLH) within the station's primary genre (Pop). When we first started, we were in the basement at #181. As of today, we have risen to #69. That's a rise of 112 places in just a few days. Wow!

Overall Rankings for all stations. This statistic indicates how well the station is doing compared to all other stations on Live365.com. Not surprisingly, we started dead last at #7105. Within 5 days, the station has risen to #3108. That's almost 4000 places in just five days. Amazing!

Regional/Metropolitan Area Statistics. This tells us where people within the US are listening to the Elliott Station from. I'll just include the list here. See if you recognize your local area.

City and State
Albuquerque AZ, CO, NM
- Santa Fe AZ, CO, NM
Alexandria, LA LA
AOL or N/A AOL or N/A
Atlanta AL, GA, NC
Austin, TX TX
Baltimore MD
Baton Rouge LA, MS
Binghamton NY
Boston (Manchester) MA, NH, VT
Buffalo NY, PA
Cedar Rapids IA
- Waterloo & Dubuque IA
Champaign & Springfield IL
- Decatur IL
Charleston-Huntington KY, WV
Charlotte NC, SC
Charlottesville VA
Chattanooga AL, GA, NC, TN
Chicago IL, IN
Cincinnati IN, KY, OH
Cleveland OH
Colorado Springs CO
- Pueblo CO
Columbia, SC SC
Columbus AL, MS
- Tupelo AL, MS
- West Point AL, MS
Columbus, GA AL, GA
Dallas TX
- Fort Worth TX
Dayton IN, OH
Denver CO, MT, NE, NV, SD, WY
Detroit MI
Eugene OR
Hartford & New Haven CT
Honolulu HI
Houston TX
Jacksonville, Brunswick FL, GA
Kansas City KS, MO
Los Angeles CA
Madison WI
Medford CA, OR
- Klamath Falls CA, OR
Miami FL
- Fort Lauderdale FL
Milwaukee WI
Minneapolis MN, WI
- Saint Paul MN, WI
New Orleans LA, MS
New York CT, NJ, NY, PA
Norfolk NC, VA
- Portsmouth NC, VA
- Newport News NC, VA
Odessa - Midland NM, TX
Philadelphia DE, NJ, PA
Phoenix AZ, CA
Portland ME, NH, VT
- Auburn ME, NH, VT
Portland, OR OR, WA
Providence MA, RI
- New Bedford MA, RI
Raleigh NC, VA
- Durham (Fayetteville) NC, VA
Richmond VA
- Petersburg VA
Rochester, NY NY
Sacramento CA
- Stockton CA
- Modesto CA
Saint Louis IL, MO
San Diego CA
San Francisco CA
- Oakland CA
- San Jose CA
Santa Barbara CA
- Santa Maria CA
- San Luis Obispo CA
Seattle WA
- Tacoma WA
Sioux Falls (Mitchell) IA, MN, NE, SD
Tampa
- Saint Petersburg (Sarasota) FL
Tucson (Sierra Vista) AZ
Waco TX
- Temple TX
- Bryan TX
Washington DC (Hagerstown)DC, MD, PA, VA, WV
Wilmington NC

International Audience. And finally, where in the world are people tuning in to the Elliott Station from?

United States, Philippines, Malaysia, Canada, Singapore, Israel, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, United Kingdom, Italy, Peru

What do you think EFans? Should we keep it running?

The House That Elliott Built

I received a message from a long-time-reader of "An Elliott Fan's Blog" (at least for as long as the blog has been around) who goes by the name of dtrowbridge. The message read in part, "When Elliott sang 'A House Is Not A Home' I think that he was asking us to still be there for him after AI. What do you think of that idea?"

I think it's a great idea because now is one of the most crucial times for Elliott and it's a good time to look at this. After the show ends and the American Idol tour is over, there will not be a lot of media coverage for Elliott so it falls on many of us to remind people of the great things that he did during Season 5. I'm not sure what Elliott was really thinking when he sang this song, but he did change the last line of the song to be "Oh, please be there, still in love with ME." So with that in mind, let's look at the rest of the song.

A chair is still a chair,
even when there's no one sittin' there
Oh but a chair is not a house
and a house is not a home
When there's no one there to hold you tight
And no one there you can kiss goodnight

In Elliott's "Bad Day" video that aired on the night he was voted out of the top three he said, "I was so lost for so long. I'm thinking about how long it's taken to get here to this point and it hasn't been easy. I feel like I'm doing what I was born to do and I've always known that--it's just that I didn't know how to do it ..."

He had this dream of where he wanted to go--what he wanted to do. His dream was the chair that held him up but he needed more than a dream. He had many friends in Richmond and he knew deep down that his dream wouldn't carry him if he was alone. Even if he did become an accomplished musician and released his music to the world, would there be anyone to hear it--would they want to?. It is the classic struggle that many musicians face. If they sing a song, will anyone listen, will anyone like it?

The opportunities on American Idol stage became the building blocks that Elliott would use to build his house. He built it by giving outstanding performances week after week. If the truth be told, I think he had to work harder than any of the other contestants because he was ignored early on by the show's producers. Ryan Seacrest said it best when he said, "Elliott, you haven't always had the easiest ride have you?" If you look at Elliott's life, this is so true. Elliott knew that it was going to take hard work to build his home and he knew that he couldn't build it alone--he just had to do his part. By the world's standards, his toolchest was meager. It contained his family, his friends, his raw talent, his love, his heart and a humble spirit.

I'm not meant to live alone,
turn this house into a home
When I climb the stairs and turn the key
Oh, please be there,
still in love with ME

As someone who's been happily married to a wonderful wife for over 25 years and the father of four daughters I know that a house is not a home--it's just a building--it's someplace you hang your clothes and you spend the night. I left home when I was 18 and lived alone for many years. I know what it's like to come home to no one and be left with your own thoughts.

I was 27, the same age as Elliott is now, when I got married. Over the years I found that what makes a house a home is not the size of your castle. It's the memories you have of all the time you spent with people you love--both good and bad. So even though you might pour your heart into your dream home, in the end, if you're alone, it's no home at all.

So now, Elliott's built his home--his career--with the tools that he brought and the materials he picked up along the way on the American Idol stage and it's almost as though he's saying, "I'm ready to move in, but it won't be a home without you."

I hope that you'll remember Elliott Yamin over the next year and revisit the house that he built with the help of all of you. If you come by here I'll do my part to remind you about Elliott, but go by and visit the ETrain and the Yaminions too where all his friends hang out.

Elliott: "You Da Man!"

American Idol 5 Most Memorable Moments

Original Article

The OP for the excerpt below is the www.realitytvmagazine.com blog. The article talks about the most memorable moments of season five. I know that the folks at RTM are always complimentary of Elliott so I'll give them some props for recognizing Elliott's virtuosity. I think they rightly-so say that Elliott had the most memorable moment of season five.

For many Elliott fans, we recognize several memorable moments associated with Elliott. Congratulations to Elliott fans who saw all this while E was "invisible." These include:

1. E's Hollywood performance with one of the Britnum twins.
2. Simon saying, "You are potentially the best male vocalist we've ever had."
3. E's brilliant rendition of "If You Really Love Me."
4. E's even more brilliant rendition of "Moody's Mood for Love."
5. E's fun performance of "I Don't Wanna Be" that brought the house down.
6. E's moving, superb, vocal-master-class rendition of "A Song For You."
7. Paula saying, "You move me! You are this beautiful, evolved entertainer. You are an American Idol!"
8. E's out-of-the-park rendition of "Somebody to Love."
9. E's best-of-the-season performances in "If I Can Dream" and "Trouble."
10. E's "You've Had A Bad Day" montage--the best and classiest.

--- EXCERPT ---

The most memorable breakout performance goes to Elliott Yamin. After Paris Bennett was eliminated, most in the media thought that Elliott Yamin was certain to be next. During the early stages of the competition, American Idol producers treated Elliott like the invisible man. Even as Elliott quietly made his way into the top four, little was known about his background. That was until Elliott Yamin delivered not one but two show-stopping performances during the Elvis performance show. Elliott went from certain elimination to safety in the top two with Taylor Hicks. As Elliott made his way into the top three, millions of viewers got to watch as he returned to his hometown of Richmond, Virginia to be greeted by thousands of cheering fans. Elliott Yamin went from the finalist that nobody knew to the media darling that everybody loved in the course of a week. Seeing a guy like Elliott Yamin be so successful on American Idol reminded viewers why American Idol is the greatest show on television.

----- END EXCERPT -----

Thank You Ryan Seacrest - CNN Larry King Live

On CNN LARRY KING LIVE, the Interview with Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks that aired May 26, 2006 - 21:00 ET, Ryan Seacrest took time to bring Elliott's name into an interview that should have been about Taylor and Katharine. I think it's because Ryan honestly likes Elliott and wants him to succeed. So props to Ryan for focusing the conversation on "Da Man."

I've included an excerpt of the show where they discussed Elliott. The original transcript can be found here.

Let me know what you think of Ryan.

----- EXCERPT -----

CALLER: When it was down to the final three, it was made such a big deal that, you know, it was so, so close. I was just wondering what the percentage was when it was just the two of you and if the rumor is true that it was a pretty big gap?

HICKS: You know, that's a good question.

SEACREST: Randy, do you have any information on that?

JACKSON: No, I don't know. I don't think we knew the numbers, but I don't think it was super, super close.

SEACREST: Yes, I mean, like she said, it was unbelievably tight.

JACKSON: The three of you, I know that was really close. That was crazy.

SEACREST: What is your take on Elliott Yamin, other contestants like Elliott?

HICKS: I haven't heard a voice, a throat like that in a long, long time. And, you know, I think he's got a little bit more growing to do as a stage performer. And I see him succeeding in recorded music.

MCPHEE: I agree. Though definitely right a way, when I first heard him sing, I was like, this guy has an incredible voice. Just -- and so much control with his voice. And he just does these like -- he always is talking and like yelling and stuff like that. And it doesn't matter, he's like, man, my voice is messed up. And then he goes up there, and he's like still amazing. It doesn't matter if it has that like kind of raspy thing because it works with his voice.

SEACREST: We called him then underdog, Randy.

JACKSON: Definitely the underdog.

SEACREST: Probably the most improved too.

JACKSON: Yes, I mean, listen, we loved his voice from day one. I mean, you know, the night of the final, when he sang "House is Not a Home," we were like, whoa, God. I mean, you know, for a second, I thought it was Ruben singing it because Ruben has got that whole like thing. But listen, Elliott can definitely sing. He has a good future for himself.

HICKS: In my opinion, this show did wonders for Elliott. I mean, the "American Idol" idea in my opinion takes somebody like Elliott from a vocal talent, and this show did what it was supposed to do with Elliot. It created Elliott with a beautiful talent, and it caressed it, it nurtured it all the way through. And now he is a better performer for it.

SEACREST: I think it did a lot for him personally as well. Well, seriously I really do.

HICKS: His story is amazing.

SEACREST: His story is amazing. His relationship with his mother was a beautiful thing.

JACKSON: It really did. And I think we all loved him just because he has got such a big heart, and he is such a humble compassionate kid. And really he's right, Taylor's right. The show initially was about -- it is the rocky story set to music. It's the one that you would never imagine that just grows.

I mean, you know, people were talking about God, his hair. I meet people out and they are talking about women. And they are saying oh my God, I need to get with him, whatever. And I am like whoa, this is really turning around.

SEACREST: Did you ever think Ace Young could win? JACKSON: I think in the beginning we thought that he had a shot. I never thought that he could win. I think Paula did.

SEACREST: How was he backstage, Taylor?

HICKS: Nice as can be.

JACKSON: He's a good kid.

HICKS: Yes, great guy.

SEACREST: Is it true that you had a crush on him, Katharine?

MCPHEE: Really?

SEACREST: I just made that up.

MCPHEE: I was like, no.

SEACREST: What was he like with you?

MCPHEE: Very -- he's flirty. He's definitely flirty.

SEACREST: Her giggle and her smile say a million words.

JACKSON: Say so many things. See I am telling you, she is going to be an amazing actress as well.

SEACREST: We'll be right back on LARRY KING LIVE.

MCPHEE: I didn't get to finish.

SEACREST: Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
---- END EXCERPT ---

Elliott Radio - My Grand Experiment

About a week ago I posted in the ETrain message board an idea for keeping Elliott in the public eye during the next year. That idea was to create an Internet radio staton for Elliott where his fans could come and listen to his music and his thoughts about his carreer and his upcoming album.

It would be a place where he could leave pre-recorded ramp-ups and roll-ins to songs and also put up interviews and his thoughts.

This week, I took the plunge and created The Elliot Station on live365.com. I created a playlist consisting of Elliott's songs, songs by other idols, and songs that I thought might be in the same genre as the type of songs that Elliott would sing.

It's an experiment that I'll leave up for the rest of the week. Click on the Elliott radio link on the left to go there.

Would you listen to an Internet radio station that played Elliott music and talk?

Listen to the station and let me know what you think of this idea.

The End of Season 5: The Finale

I didn't watch the finale live hence my late review of the goings-on of which there were many. How can you fill up two hours to bring down the curtain on the greatest season in American Idol history. There was quite a bit and I won't cover them all, only as far as they relate to my favorite idol, Elliott Yamin and maybe a few of my other favorite moments.

Elliott and the Boys. Led by Ace Young the neo-rat-pack including Kevin, Chris, Bucky and Elliott rocked in with the BTO classic "Takin' Care of Business." It was fun and they looked cool in their black duds.

Elliot and Mary Jo Blige. Elliott was introduced by his mom Claudette. He started alone on the stage singing the U2 anthem, "One." Halfway through Elliott introduced the fabulous Mary Jo who came out and rocked the house as Elliott stepped aside and cheered the crowd on. He later joined in as the finished out the song hand-in-hand. This was a good moment for Elliott despite the criticism I've heard many give MJ for taking so much of the song. But like he always does, Elliott took this in stride and he will be so much the better for it. I heard that MJ was very complimentary to Elliott in a Teen People article. For you Mary Jo bashers--shame on you.

Interlude. So Ryan Seacrest says that since AI never wins any awards they decided to give their own. I was more like a "Vote For The Worst" contest but it was comic relief. Just what the show needed. *ahem*

Burt Bacharach. Wow! Where did they dig up--ummm I mean--find this guy. I haven't seen him for years--and boy did he look it. But we were treated to his portfolio of songs from the sixties. The idols took turns singing different one. I think it goes with saying that Elliot's rendition of "A House is Not a Home" was the best. Watch the show if you don't believe me. At the end of this section, the classy Dionne Warwick came out--I'm guessing that she knew that she was going to be here and who was going to win the season because of all of her friends at the "Psychic Friends Network." Ok ... I just kidding. They closed out the Bacharach segment with the song "Friends." It was a touching moment to see Taylor and Elliott clapping each other on the back as they were singing.

Brokenote Mountain. Man how cute are these guys. It took a lot of ... ummm ... rocky-mountain-oysters ... to get up on stage and sing like that. They actually sounded good. I was impressed and touched.

The Clay Aiken Fan Club. They called back the I'm-Clay-Aiken-but-I-gotta-pee guy from this years auditions and actually let him sing a song. I thought about pressing the mute button until I saw somebody sneaking on stage that looked like Clay Aiken with a bad haircut. Oh wait...it is Clay Aiken. Note to Clay--nice song but never wear brown and get a haircut.

The Long Wait. So now begins the long wait until another Elliott sighting. Fortunately I have my Elliott Yamin DVD that I got from YaminGirl and all my Elliott MP3s to tide me over. Elliott's gonna be touring with the AI tour so that'll be good for his fans to get up close.
It hasn't been confirmed but rumor has it that Elliott has been receiving a lot of inquiries and offers from labels who are interested in signing him. If these are true I'm very, very happy. Nobody deserves it more than Elliott.

In the meantime, I'll be hanging out at the "New ETrain" message boards. You can find it by going to http://etrain.elliottfan.com/ or just clicking on the "New ETrain" link on this page.

I didn't watch the end of the show but I heard that Prince was there and that Taylor Hicks won. I still think it should have been Elliott and Chris in the finals. Congratulations to Taylor. I hope he comes out with his CD soon so that Elliott can release his.

Elliott, wherever you are ... take care and good luck.

Elliott: "You Da Man!"

Season 5 Encores - Elliott is Brilliant!

Followers of Season 5 of American Idol will love this CD if only to relive the onstage moments of their favorite idols. Some may disagree with the encore selections on this compilation but this CD is a piece of history. It documents the greatest ever season of American Idol--the year American Idol discovered Elliott Yamin.

Melissa McGhee - What About Love (3/5 stars)
It's been so long since I've heard Melissa that I'd forgotten that she can actually sing. Nice job.

Bucky Covington - Superstition (3/5 stars)
What a fun guy Bucky would be to hang with. You can hear him getting into the song. I can imagine him singing this song with the Blues Brothers (Akroyd and Belushi) as they tear their way across the country. Play this one loud in your car and sing along.

Mandisa - I'm Every Woman (4/5 stars)
What can I say? Mandisa can sing! This is her signature song from Season 5 and she knocks this out of the park.

Chris Daughtry - Wanted Dead or Alive (4/5 stars)
I would have liked to hear Fuel's Hemorrhage on this CD but this was a close second for me. It should have been Chris and Elliott in the finals. Chris is going to be a big star some day.

Ace Young - Father Figure (4/5 stars)
This was Ace's best song of the season. I'm glad they included this on the CD. Great job Ace.

Taylor Hicks - Takin' It To The Streets (3.5/5 stars)
I'm a big Doobie Brother's fan so this is a good song for me. Taylor does a good Michael McDonald and makes this a fun song.

Lisa Tucker - Signed, Sealed, Delivered (3/5 stars)
This is not my favorite song from Lisa but she makes it fun and listenable.

Kellie Pickler - Walkin' After Midnight (3/5 stars)
Again, not my favorite Kellie song but it shows her country roots. She's got that Kellie growl going. A few visuals would make this complete.

Elliott Yamin - Moody's Mood for Love (5/5 stars)
Get your groove on because Elliott's in the house. This is the reason I pre-ordered this CD months in advance. Elliott fans will treasure this as the first CD with an Elliott Yamin song. Elliot's rendition of MMFL is in a word, brilliant. I would challenge anyone to compare this to other artists. Elliott is the Real American Idol.

Katherine McPhee - Think (2/5 stars)
Where is Aretha when you need her. Hmmm. Not here. A fun song that McPhever Phans will enjoy. But since this is a signature song for Aretha it's difficult to imagine that this would sell as a single.

Paris Bennett - Midnight Train to Georgia (3.5/5 stars)
Paris is a powerhouse and vocally seasoned way beyond her years. A believable performance. Kudos.

Kevin Covais - When I Fall in Love (2/5 stars)
How Kevin got this far is a wonder to me but I have to give him props for having the guts to get up in front of millions of people and singing his heart out.

Return of the King

Once again I sit on a crowded airplane as I wing my way back home to California from the east coast. It seems appropriate that I’m heading west—chasing the setting sun and looking for tomorrow. I’m going home to the place where my family is. It’s going to be great to sit in my own chair, sleep in my own bed, have a home cooked meal with the family, and play with my grandson. Soon, Elliott will be doing the same except he will head east from Hollywood to greet the rising sun—a new tomorrow.

I’m finally ready to write about Wednesday night. Somehow yesterday was not a day to think. It was a day spent in quiet reflection over the things that had happened over the last few months that culminated in the end of Elliott’s quest to be crowned as this year’s American Idol. It was also a day of spent leaving the American Idol blog space and setting up my permanent tribute site for Elliott at elliottfan.com.

During Wednesday’s show there were good things and there were bad things that happened. Certainly Elliott’s name hiding behind the 33.06% on the screen was bad. But it was also good because what this meant was that the race for the top two ended in a statistical tie. And if he had to go home I’m glad that he felt the support of his fans. Had it not been for the limitations of the voting phone banks (roughly 16 million per candidate) Elliott might not be the one going home. These numbers meant basically that voters had saturated the phone voting systems and Elliott’s loss was due to the failure of the system to keep up.

But before the bad news came, we got to see a video of Elliot’s trip home last week. When greeted by wave upon wave of his hometown fans he said, “This is the happiest day of my life.” He said he felt like a King and indeed the festivities in Richmond rivaled the coronation of Aragorn at Minas Tirith in Tolkein’s epic trilogy. Like Aragorn, Elliott was quick to point out that he was the same person as before and gave thanks to all who helped him in his quest. A few weeks ago I wrote that no matter what happened, one day Elliott would return home as a conquering hero. That prophecy has already come true and it was truly a coronation worthy of a King. Richmond, you did your boy proud.

Soon after that, back on the American Idol stage his quest was about to come to an end. But that’s the way of the world—you win some and some you lose. Elliott said that he had prepared himself that day much in the same way that many of us had. I noticed that he didn't fidget as Ryan went through the buildup toward the reveal. When the news came Elliott accepted it with the gratefulness, poise, humility and grace that mark great men such as he. To be in the final three when only months before he was just a counter clerk in a pharmacy is an achievement few can claim. To do it with such class is extraordinary.

He beat the odds and he should be proud as we are proud that he made it this far. As soon as the announcement was made, there was a collective gasp and sigh in the studio audience. That same shock echoed into homes all across America and simultaneously across the internet. For those not watching the show around the world, fans posted the bad news into all of the message boards—their grief tangible in the painful words typed into the network. But the good thing that happened was that from that moment on, the stage belonged to Elliott. It was a gift really—from the producers. It was his chance to say goodbye to all as he sang his final song. It was an emotional moment. Forgotten were the winners who stepped aside to give Elliott his final moment in the spotlight and all of America focused in on his final opus.

When the news came, the host, Ryan Seacrest said, “This is not I’m sorry—this is congratulations for making it this far.” His comments were genuine as were the tears shed by Paula Abdul. His accomplishments were so noteworthy that he even received one of American Idol’s highest honors—a standing salute from Simon Cowell.

For Elliott, tomorrow is not going to come on the American Idol stage. But unlike the song of the same name, I think he will know how much he is loved. His family and friends were sure to tell him everyday and in every way that he was the only one. But in case he didn’t know, I will include a list of all the threads that were started in his message board in his honor in the book that I'm preparing. It was where many of his fans lived out the weeks while Elliott chased his dream.

Everyone will remember your name—Elliott Yamin.

In one sense he left a changed man with a spring in his step and a sparkle in his eye. He was no longer the little boy who was lost but the man who had chased his dream and made history along the way. But in a way he was the same—a humble man who was grateful for all that he was given and like the little boy in all of us—wanting to make his mom proud. I think he succeeded.

This is not the last we’ll see or hear of Elliott Yamin. He is his own man now. His fame extends around the world and his new life full of possibilities has just begun.

Good luck Elliott. Go with God but keep your mom close.

Elliott: “You Da Man!”

Grief And The Healing Process

It was a difficult time in the Elliott Yamin forum on americanidol.com last night. Some couldn't believe that it had happened, some were angry, many were sad and depressed. There were many who expressed regrets about not voting enough. Some came to console. Others came to behave badly. The forum which had once been the pride of the E-Train was in disarray. Many seemed lost.

The E-Train had lost their champion and we as a group were feeling the same pain that the fanbases of other idols who were voted off have felt. But it wasn’t until last night that it really hit home. For the E-Train, the pain was fresh and many were inconsolable. Many of the Chris, Paris, and Bucky fans were the first to come to offer support in tangible ways. Some acted as guards providing cover to stave the wave of troll posts that were flooding the board. Others were like medics treating the walking wounded by offering words of encouragement borne of experience. Some enterprising E-Trainers went off in search of safe harbor across the net and established a portal to transport people there. They sent coded messages to the E-Troops scattered throughout the threads marshalling as many as they could so that those who could not remain in the fray could be teleported across the void to a place where they could grieve in peace.

Yes, grieve. I think sometimes we forget that grief is a process. Anger, denial, depression and bargaining are all part of a natural process that eventually leads to acceptance and healing. So it was okay to be angry, okay to cry, okay to have regrets and okay to feel lost and depressed. It was a natural thing and it just had to work itself out. For those who cried themselves to sleep and cried as they drove to work and are sitting at work right now telling their coworkers that their allergies are acting up there is nothing wrong with you. It will get better. The very process of letting these emotions out has a purging effect that allows your soul to heal.

I know that many people know this, but it didn’t seem like many who came to the E-Forums last night had a clue about how grief works. I’m not a psychiatrist nor am I a grief counselor. But I understand what it is like to lose someone and I know that it just takes time.

I’m not sure if enough time has passed for many of you but I can assure you that what you’re feeling will eventually pass. As deeply as this loss was for the E-Train, I’m sure that it was that much more devastating for Elliott. Yet he left with a lot of class. He wasn’t angry or resentful but grateful. This is the mark of a great man and we should be proud to call ourselves his fans.

To all those who came to help in the E-Train’s time of need I salute you.

Elliott: “You Da Man!”

The Day After

Welcome to the new home of "An Elliott Fan's Blog."

It was an emotional night and I'm still drained, sad, and emotionally on-the-edge. It probably sounds immature for an old guy like me, but I can't bring myself to watch or participate in the finals. I'm not a conspiracy theorist and it's not really a sour grapes thing but I'm not sure who American Idol deserves more at this point in time. I understand WW's been supporting Taylor but I've not heard Elliott's thoughts on the matter.

But welcome anyway. I will be back to my old self soon and will post my thoughts regarding last night when I get some time.

I'm still in Washington, DC. I fly back to California tomorrow. I spent some time on the E-Boards at americanidol.com last night but it's no longer Elliott's board. The Taylor and Kat fans have come out in force to try to garner votes for their favorites. The are like vultures circling a carcass. I wrote a small web page that lets me peek at the goings on in the forums anonymously. You can see into the lastest 20 pages in the E-Boards for yourself by holding your shift button and clicking here. I wish them the best, but my votes will always be only for Elliott. Many of you know my thoughts on the matter I'm sure. E-Fans gave it one hell of a try and it was a wild ride. Once again I'm so proud of all that Elliott and his fans have done.

If you're wondering about the book, I've started the draft. You'll find a link to it to the right as "The Elliott Book." I will be fleshing it out and correcting some of my more obvious grammatical errors before sending it off. I suppose it's my highest compliment I can pay to "Da Man."

If you're looking for the new E-Train there's a link to it here as well. It had originally moved to the [E-Train] Yahoo Group, but many users found it confusing. It's now hosted at another forum site. I don't know how long it will stay there, but I'll keep track of it and will point to wherever it goes.

Yaminions.com disappeared last night. I don't know why. I sent Elliott a YaMessage via YaminMachine.com. You might do the same if you haven't already done so. Elliott will have time to read his emails now.

Thank you all for your support for Elliott and the blog.

It is indeed a sad day, but Elliott will rise again.

I've reposted below, some of my favorite articles about Elliott during this season. You will also find them in "The Elliott Book." If you like, you may keep a copy of the in-progress drafts. I will be adding short comments for each article and will try to expand on my more obscure references such as the genesis of my favorite line "You Da Man." I would respectfully ask that you do not distribute copies just yet. It is still in-work. I plan to publish a few copies in hardback for Elliott and his family if they want a copy.

I would appreciate your thoughts on last night. Please post them here.

Elliott: "You Da Man!"

The Faith, Hope, and Love of Elliott Yamin

I’m flying to the east coast today as I write this. I knew that it would be a long flight so I grabbed a book by Richard and Kristine Carlson titled “Don’t Sweat The Small Things In Love.” The book contains 100 suggestions about improving relationships. As I was reading I noticed how several of the suggestions read like a blueprint for what I’ve seen in Elliott each week on American Idol. I’ve listed six of them below. Let me know if you agree?

1. Conspire to Inspire. I don’t know if Elliott purposely planned to inspire anybody. I think that he was a kid with a dream and time was running out so he jumped at his last chance as he saw time slipping away. He had no credentials or portfolio to bring to the table. All he had was faith in himself and a hope that he would do well and that he would be given a chance. But he did inspire and his fans are doing all they can to see his dream come true. Why is that? It’s because they see something in Elliott that is greater than just his singing.

2. Don’t sweat the occasional criticism. It’s been said that, “The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure continuously without resentment.” In this entire season, the number of negative comments Elliott’s received from the judges have been few but for someone so innocuous he’s been ridiculed by the media and many who just don’t understand him. Yet he continues to endure and put on the best performances each week. He has not had one bad performance all season.

3. Be consistently grateful. You can see it in his eyes just how grateful Elliott is to be where he is now. From his excitement in getting his golden-ticket to his tears-of-joy moment after making the top 24 his gratitude just beams. Each elimination night I can see him with the jitters as he awaits the verdict and each week as he’s declared safe it’s like he offers up a silent prayer of thanks.

4. Choose to be supportive. Stay compassionate. Every time someone is voted off it’s almost as though a little bit of Elliott dies. On the one hand he’s happy that he’s been given another chance but he’s saddened that the price of his success is someone else’s loss. He has always been supportive and shown compassion for those who were voted off. You see it in his genuine anguish and compassion in his eyes. If you’ve seen the AI Extra video of Chris Daughtry singing his farewell song there is a short clip at the end where you see Elliott in his pink shirt looking lost with his eyes glistening. Because Elliott understands rejection he can empathize with those who feel that pain.

5. Never underestimate the power of love. So Elliot had faith and he had hope. But it is also written that, “There are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.” So where does this love come in? The best definition I’ve heard of love says this, “Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails!”

On April 25, 2006 Elliott sang these words, “Listen to the melody ‘cuz my love is in there hiding.” I interpreted this line as Elliott saying, "I know that when I speak I may not be really eloquent or say the right things. I'm kind of awkward like that. But, listen to me when I sing because all the love that I have, I put into my songs, and I hope that maybe, just maybe, you'll see my heart and know that I love you."

At the time, I didn’t explain what I thought his love was. But now you know the rest of the story. As the melody of Elliott’s life has played across the American Idol stage this season, we didn’t have to look too hard to see his love hiding. He acted out his love in all that he said and did. It was in plain sight for everyone to see if you knew what to look for. This was the greatest gift that Elliott brought to this competition--the love that he has in himself that he willing shares with others. It is the reason I believe that he is the real deal and most deserving of the idol crown.

6. Finish the job. So this is the last step. It’s time to put the E-Train into high gear and push toward the goal of helping Elliott to complete his dream. I listened to a phone interview that Elliott gave to a radio station back in Richmond at the start of the competition. When asked if he thought he could go all the way he answered, “I think I can.” What about you? Do you think he can? When I had the chance to follow a career in music I pulled back. I had the skill, but I lacked the faith and hope that Elliott has. I didn’t finish the job of seeing it through then but I don’t plan to let that happen here.

What “finishing the job” means to me is that I’m going to be doing everything in my power to help Elliott achieve his goal. It’s that simple. I’m going to text-vote and dial-vote and recruit as many people as I can to make it happen. I'm also going to keep writing and encouraging when I can.

We’re in the final stretch. In a couple of weeks this will all be over. But tomorrow we do or we die. I’m hoping that we give it our all to live another day. And should we win the day, Elliott may once again have the chance to say, "This is the happiest day of my life." So put on your best game face, get your phones ready, and get ready to vote.

Elliott: “You Da Man!”

I May Not Watch American Idol Next Year

You know a funny thing happened on the way to the American Idol finals. This was supposed to be a singing contest--a show about finding the best undiscovered singing talent in America and then letting America decide who was the best. But then something unexpected happened. One of the contenders showed up who could not only sing but had a big heart as well.

Even though he could have made it through on sheer talent alone, he didn't come with arrogance or bravado. Instead, he was this humble kid who talked about his mom and how she was his biggest inspiration. I remember him saying, "She's rooting hard for me tonight." Imagine that, a twenty-seven year old guy who still had a lot of respect for his mother. Not only did he have respect for her, but when asked what he missed by being out in Hollywood, he said simply, "My friends and family." I wonder if my kids said that when they were away at college?

He was jokingly pegged as a rebel on the first night of the Final 24. He didn't do what the others did to get ready for the show--he just sang. When he sang for the first time the girls were screaming for him and he put on quite a show. Everybody was impressed. Since then, each week he's gotten better and better. Each of his performances seemed almost ready for prime time. It was almost as though he'd been doing it all his life.

Each week he was like a sponge, soaking in the judges comments as well as the celebrity artists that coached him. He was always respectful and attentive and he took in all they had to say and made it a part of himself and brought all he had and all he had learned to the stage. And each week as contestants were voted off, he was there to genuinely comfort them.

This contest was supposed to be about singing, but somewhere along the way, America found out something that may be more important than just entertaining us each Tuesday. They found out that it's possible to be great and have a good soul. He was never preachy or holier-than-thou. He was just this infectiously and genuinely happy guy who was like a kid in a candy store. This was his fantasy come true. His smile, laughter, and even tears were spontaneous and they touched the hearts of those who came to watch the American dream unfold in front of them each week.

But he received a lot of criticism from those who wanted this to be not only a singing contest but a beauty contest as well. Though he seemed a bit self-conscious at first, he's kept on doing what comes natural for him, singing, learning, and being a friend to those around him. But you know what? You should see him now.

He may not win this year if we continue to judge a book by its cover, but he should--he deserves to. If America still has a soul, then he may have a chance. You get a few times in life to do something good. Choosing him as your American Idol is one of them. Why? Because recognizing and choosing greatness is something that should matter to all of us. When we push all the shallow arguments aside, deep down, we know that this is the right choice. Unlike the first night that he performed, he's proven his worthiness and it's not just his mom who should be rooting for him this time.

Whether he wins or loses, he fought the good if not the best fight we've ever seen and we will remember the time when we witnessed an unexpected greatness on this show. I'm going to have a hard time tuning in next year because I've seen the best and can only wonder how they're going to top this.

Elliott: "You Da Man!"

A Song For America

Originally published Apr 26, 2006 10:36 AM PST
in "An Elliott Fan's Blog" at americanidol.com

"A Song For You" is just the perfect song for Elliott on so many levels. It tells the story of his life and allows him to open up his soul to you in a way that can, like Paula, move you at times to tears of sadness and finally to tears of joy. Elliott pours his heart and soul into this simple song and this performance is made great because through his personal life experience he truly understands what the song is trying to say and he takes all that and pours it into this one song. I know that sounds a bit corny so I'm going to try to use what Elliott sang to try and show you what I mean. I know that he didn't sing the whole song but the song in its entirety is his life. And with apologies in advance for being overzealous in part, this is why this is his song.

I've been so many places in my life and time
I've sung a lot of songs I've made some bad rhyme
I've acted out my life on stages
with ten thousand people watching
But we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you

We all know the Elliott story-divorced parents, moving from LA to Richmond, dropping out of High School, his many jobs, juvenile diabetes, his love for his mom, his GED, and more. I think the first two lines capture his life so movingly. At age nine he moved across the country to start a new life. He made "some bad rhyme" in school and at work. With this simple introduction, he lays the framework for what he's about to tell you. But he brings you back to the moment, even in front of millions of people, by looking straight at you with his perfect eyes and makes it seem like he's talking to you and you alone. Yes, talking. You almost forget that he's singing because he convinces you that he wants to tell you something from the very start. His gentle treatment of the first verse makes it seem like it truly is an intimate moment and he wants you to come in closer so that, like a friend, he can speak to you heart-to-heart.

Elliott's life has been on display for everyone to see on the American Idol stage and he hasn't pulled any punches. He tells it like it is and I can hear him say, "I know you're all rooting for me to do good here." But he'd add, "Even though I could just wow you with my singing, I'm not a flashy guy. So, I want you to look beyond that. I want you to see that I'm just like you. Even though I've had some tough times, I'm not holding anything back about myself. It's all here for you to see. I'm not a perfect guy, but hey, this is me, warts and all. If you really want to know me I'm gonna be up front about everything." And yes, Elliott's been just that-straight up front with his life, his emotions, his dreams, and his love.

You taught me precious secrets
of true love withholding nothing ...
But now I'm so much better
and if my words don't come together ...
Listen to the melody
cause my love is in there hiding ...

It almost seems to me like I've watched Elliott grow up on the American Idol stage. When he first showed up at the auditions he was this gangly kid with a great voice but just kind of weird looking. But over time, his singing and his spirit made us look past that. As we've watched Elliott grow into this superstar moment, we his fans have shown him that "precious secret" of just being Elliott by embracing him and accepting him just as he was. And it's almost like he's saying back, "Thanks. And you know what? I think I'm gonna be OK with who I am. You've helped me to believe in myself and for that I'm grateful." Then he adds, "I know that when I speak I may not be really eloquent or say the right things. I'm kind of awkward like that. But, listen to me when I sing because all the love that I have, I put into my songs, and I hope that maybe, just maybe, you'll see my heart and know that I love you."

And when my life is over remember when we were together ...

This is the part of the song that brought the tears for me. I know that the phrase "and when my life is over" really talks about dying, but at that moment I was thinking, "What if America doesn't get it? What if they don't want a real person to win this thing? What if Elliott doesn't make it all the way through?" But then he goes on to say, ". ..remember when we were together." It's almost as if he's saying, "It's OK. We've had some great times together. I got to sing my songs and so what if people don't understand me. We're gonna be alright." Then I remember all the great performances that he put on and how I'll always have not only that to look back on, but even greater things to come.

We were alone and I was singing this song to you ...

At the end it's like he's a bit choked up and is whispering in your ear, "Hey. Forget about all that because what's important is that we're here now, in this place, at this moment, and I was here with just you, you and me, and I sang just for you."

I think tonight, Elliot made a believer out of many, many people. He made us believe this song because it was his life and we were lucky enough to be here to share in the moment.Elliott rightfully so received a lot of praise for this song. Adjectives like "great", "world-class", "superb", "moving", and much more. But you know what? I think the reason why it was so great was because it was real emotion and real life.

Tonight of all others singing, only Elliott had that to give.

Elliott ... "You Da Man