Oddly enough, I sing everywhere “but” the shower. When I say sing it’s not just a light serenading; I belt out songs. I even do the Mariah/Christina hand motion (up and down seizure-like finger twitching included). I sing in my dorm room, while running, on my way to class, in the dining halls and my favorite: in my car. A few weeks ago, at the Taste of UMass, I added another spot to my list: the Mullins Center. When my friends saw the advertisement for UMass Idol they encouraged me to sign up. The next thing I knew, I was standing amongst 15 other University of Massachusetts students, nervously awaiting my time on stage. I have never done anything like this – besides in high school when I got conned by my teammates into singing the pre-game national anthem (which I shakily sang … from underneath the bleachers). I was voted “Most Likely to Be a Pop Star” by my high school class. I was in neither the school plays nor the annual Karaoke Night competition, but my teammates knew my affinity to belt out songs on bus rides, my friends knew how I just start up a tune randomly and others saw me out on the weekends when I was less reserved about singing in front of a crowd. I am generally a self-assured person, but before this performance I was a nervous wreck. Others seemed professional as they hummed to their iPods and did voice exercises. I stumbled in circles, praying I wouldn’t forget the words. I didn’t think twice about that superlative until I got on stage and was overcome with confidence. I don’t remember the kids who went before I did because my heart was pounding so loud it overpowered their voices. As soon as the DJ called my name, I plastered on a smile and headed up the stairs, careful not to trip. The crowd in front of the stage was a bit intimidating, but added an element of excitement. I spotted my friends as I began to sing “How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes. I let loose and began to have fun; I figured, when will I get to do this again anytime soon? I am absolutely hooked on the real American Idol show. I don’t have a particular person I want to win but I do have my favorites. I’m glad that Ace got voted off last week. He thought he was 10 times better looking than he really is (and that he could sing 10 times better than he really can). Discovering that one contestant, Elliot, is deaf in one ear, has diabetes and a sick mother makes him one of my favorites (besides his amazing vocals). Taylor’s dancing is getting old; Chris’s weekly rock-outs are repetitive; Kelly’s lack of singing skills will soon overpower her cutesy personality; Kathryn has a beautiful voice but not much character; and Paris has a spunk that makes her stand out. It’s tough to tell who will be the next American Idol, but the show is entertaining, nonetheless. I can imagine how much fun the contestants are having, just from my three minutes at UMass Idol. I had a blast and felt like a semi-celebrity; people kept coming up to me saying I sang great. I soaked up those 10 minutes of fame. I kind of kept track of others’ scores but soon left, figuring I didn’t have a shot at winning. I got back to Patterson still high from the rush I got from being in front of so many people. I also was kicking myself for things I wish I had done differently during my performance. Then my friend called, asking where the heck I was … I had won third place. I yelled “What?” and rushed out the door. As I jogged back, it seemed like every other person said, “You won third.” I tried to be friendly but knew I looked like a neurotic sprinter in a black lace tank top. I ended up catching the radio people and got my prize money. I was still bummed out because I would have rather had the glory of getting back on stage. I was excited about winning third because entering was such a spontaneous decision. The Taste of UMass performance inspired me to try out for Southwest Week Idol. I went to the audition and ended up getting chosen as one of the 10 contenders on May 2. This competition seems more intense, but I’m excited for the challenge. No matter what your hidden talent is, don’t be afraid to be exposed. You may be surprised at how you fare against competition. You’re not bound to your hairbrush and mirror forever; break out and show off. I’m not sure if I am “Most Likely to Become a Pop Star” but I am most likely to have an amazing time pretending.