Of Humility, Love, and American Idol

By Ken Canedo

The early episodes of American Idol are a guilty pleasure. Singing touches everyone on a personal level, either through connection with a favorite singer, or through our own attempts at vocal interpretation. As the show clearly demonstrates, most people are less than successful at singing.

A lot of people audition thinking that they can actually become the next American Idol when their best performance is probably in the shower. Far be it from me to laugh at someone else's expense, but it is difficult for me to understand how these folks have gone through life without hearing negative feedback from family and friends. Yes, parents want to always give positive reinforcement to their children, but if they really love their kids they should tell them the truth: "Honey, you can't sing."

We have all seen the devastating effects when the judges finally tell a contestant the truth: tears, disbelief, puzzlement, anger, outrage — in some cases, all of the above. It is simultaneously amusing and sad to watch people fly off the handle and scream censored four-letter words on camera, with dripping vitriol hurled especially at the acerbic judge, Simon Cowell. Alas, if only these folks had heard the truth from their loved ones long before they made the ill-fated decision to appear on the most popular show on television. Now they will be forever remembered as the foul-mouthed wannabees who thought they could sing.

A couple of observations, if I may. First of all, St. Francis of Assisi and many other saints and sages always taught that humility is truth. Humility is not putting oneself down. In fact, that could be a form of pride. No, humility is truth, and that means accepting who you are: your strengths and your limitations. Can't sing? It's not a gift that is given to everyone. But you still love music? How about learning to play an instrument? Or becoming a DJ? Or a composer? Or a band manager? There are all kinds of ways to be involved in music besides singing.

Secondly, we need to listen honestly to the people around us. I am struck by how delusional some of the American Idol contestants are. Many of them appear to be loners who have isolated themselves from others. Our Trinitarian God calls us to experience love in relationship with the people in our lives. It means taking a risk and experiencing possible rejection. It means swallowing our pride when someone we love tells us the truth that we might not want to hear. But as we develop trusting and loving relationships, we grow into the fullest potential that God intends for us.

Matt Maher's song, You Know Who I Am, has a profound message about knowing oneself by loving God and the people around us. And after you learn to love this lovely song, maybe you can sing it to the judges the next time American Idol rolls into your town.

You know who I am.
Lord, please take my hand
and lead me into community.

You know who I am.
Lord, help me to stand,
falling in love with your family.

- Matt Maher and Tom Booth