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.
posted February 1, 2007 at 7:52 pm
I admit…Sherman made me cry. He was wonderful.
posted February 2, 2007 at 2:10 am
I caught that last night and was so moved,both by Simons touch of humanity and Shermans undying love and devotion for his wife AMEN !!
posted February 2, 2007 at 5:16 pm
I thought he was wonderful and a refreshing change on Idol. Great to see they gave him the chance to perform.
posted February 2, 2007 at 5:35 pm
I was quite impressed with Simon’s display Wed night. I’ve actually always liked him…and this proves why. He can be nasty and critical and watching him go back and forth with Paula can be amusing, and yes, sometimes he can go too far (calling that one kid a “bush baby”), but he is not completely heartless. As for Sherman: I’m so proud to see that he preserved his love’s memory by following through on something they started together. Many people would’ve given up–claiming that it’s too painful. But Sherman got what he wanted–a chance. It was very heartfelt and touching.
posted February 2, 2007 at 8:09 pm
His display of affection was very heart warming. I enjoyed his singing so much I wanted him to go through to the next round!
posted February 2, 2007 at 9:04 pm
yes he sure made me cry as well…and also it was really nice to seee how simona acted on da poor guy cuz my heart really went out to him…
posted February 3, 2007 at 5:24 am
How can one belittle someone who makes a living summarizing such plotless acts like American Idol? Technically, one can’t belittle someone who is so insignificant to be a Soap Opera TV reviewer-in-training, can one?>
posted February 3, 2007 at 2:27 pm
AS I WATCHED AMERICAN IDOL ON WEDNESDAY, I FIND THAT THE PEOPLE TAHT ARE TRYING OUT FOR A SPOT OF FAME IS VERY INTERESTING. THE GENTLEMAN THAT SANG, AND YES HE WAS OLD BY STANDARDS-GAVE AN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE. TO ME HE WAAS THE AMERICAN IDOL. HE HAS A WONDERFUL VOICE, AND I MAY SAY HE SHOWED GUTS AND A GREAT EXPERTISE IN HIS TALENT. I PRAY THAT ALL WILL BE WELL FOR HIM. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM SING HIS SONG ON AMERICAN IDOL-JUST ONCE SO OTHERS MAY SEE THAT THERE IS HEART,CARING, AND STRUCTURE IN ALL THAT WE DO. MY BEST TO HIM MAY GOD BLESS HIM. HE SHOULD KEEP SINGING. I WAS MOVED TO TEARS. AGE IS ONLY A NUMBER. IT IS FROM THE HEART, AND GOD GIVES ALL OF US TALENTS, WE JUST HAVE TO BE ABLE TO KNOW HOW TO USE THEM.
posted February 3, 2007 at 5:18 pm
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)
posted February 3, 2007 at 6:59 pm
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!
posted February 4, 2007 at 4:50 am
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.
posted February 9, 2007 at 10:09 am
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.
posted January 30, 2009 at 5:43 pm
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.