The auditions on "American Idol" can usually be counted on to make the audience cringe, but how often do they make the audience cry? Sure, "Baywatch" star David Hasselhoff and contestant Kathrine McPhee's father both teared upduring last year's finals, and judge Paula Abdul has a good cry at least once a season, but Los Angeles auditioner Sherman Pore poured his heart out and won the audience's.At 64, Pore is far too old to qualify to audition for "Idol"--the age limit is 28--but on a whim he decided that he would start collecting signatures on a petition to allow him to try out. Sherman wasn't looking for the fame and glory that comes with the "Idol" title, though; he was attempting to buoy the spirits of his partner of 20 years, who was dying of cancer, giving her a bit of fun to focus on in her last days.
Coming in front of the judges--Paula, Randy, Simon, and guest judge Olivia Newton-John, herself a cancer survivor--Pore grapsed the petition and explained to the judges that his "lady love" had passed away two days prior to the audtion. When they offered their condolences, he said that he didn't want their sympathy, he just wanted to sing.
And sing he did. "You Belong To Me," to be precise. And on a night where such little talent was displayed, Pore demonstrated not only a better than passable singing voice, but the real power of song, the ability to express what cannot be said with words alone.
Every single one of those judges was touched when Sherman finished by saying that he thought the whole petition and audition process had "smoothed her passing and made it softer." And it brought out the softer side of notoriously nasty judge Simon Cowell, who stood up and asked to shake Pore's hand, saying, "You’re a class act, Sherman. Thank you very much."
A truly touching moment on a show known for terse words and tacky talent.
Add to Del.icio.us
Add to Technorati
Add to Digg
Add to Newsvine
Add to Facebook
Add to StumbleUpon
Subscribe
Mr. Sherman brought me to tears. I loved the song he sang and wish I could have recorded it to replay. Like the pop song goes "What a man, what a man". His example also was a reminder of what qualities are needed to be a real man and is an excellent example of someone with EXPERIENCE that is bolstered by his God given gift to sing. Talent like his is sorely needed in todays world and we should all demand more of it. I also concur with Simon that he is an "class act". ENCORE! ENCORE! ENCORE! (as I stand up applauding in respect of such a great man)
I,too, was very happy to see this man get up and see through what he and his "lady love" started. Kudos to the judges for allowing him this chance, and as many have already stated, I was moved to tears. Lots of young men in this world today should watch this man over and over again and take note of what unconditional love means. Most think love is a passing thing that can be tossed away easily. Sherman proved that he was a true gentleman, staying with his woman, and their dream, to the end. I would also LOVE to see this guy sing on the final show and let everyone see his devotion!
Sherman Pore may have been wonderfully different, but let's hope his moving "stunt" does not lead to pretentious copycats in later seasons, people who want their spot of fame and doing anything to get it including petitions with signatures.
After the episode aired I created a petition for Sherman to come on the American Idol FINALE show as a guest appearance so he may sing again and dedicate his song to his lady love Melissa. The day after the episode aired he was also on Fox News Channel and he said this and I will quote him..... I was singing to her. I want to sing. I promised Melissa I would sing. I promised her I would sing as much, to as many, for as long as I possibly could and I told her that before she left me .
So, he didn't go to the American Idol Auditions to be a competitor. He went there to sing to Melissa. He went there because he made a promise to her. He also promised her he would continue to sing and to as many as he possibly could for as long as he could. This is why I started this petition. If he were asked to come back to the finale show..HE COULD SING TO MILLIONS.....Please sign the petition and hopefully we can fulfill Sherman's promise to Melissa.
You can find the petition by going to the Yahoo Search engine and type in SHERMAN PORE PETITION and its the link titled Bring Back Sherman Pore on the American Idol Season 6 Finale Show Petition. Thanks for your support and God Bless.
Well, if the judges would just drop the AGE LIMIT, you wouldn't have all these people trying to petition to get on the show. The only reason there is an age limit in the first place is because they don't believe that if you are over 28 years old, their "target demographic" will want you or buy your albums. It's all about money and numbers. A PERFECT contest for the USA. Let's all SHOW people how to descrimiate on national TV and show them that it's ok! Not right Fox!!! I LOVE the show but, I will be boycotting until I hear the age limit has dropped. There are PLENTY of people out there over 30 that could BLOW YOU AWAY with their talent. Sherman is the perfect example.
Post a Comment
By submitting these comments, I agree to the beliefnet.com terms of service, rules of conduct and privacy policy (the "agreements"). I understand and agree that any content I post is licensed to beliefnet.com and may be used by beliefnet.com in accordance with the agreements.