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jennifer-lopez

American Idol – My Journey, My Story [AUDIO]

May 14, 2014 by AshleYYY
My Blog
#ThisIsReal, 2014, American Idol, AshleYYY, AshleYYY Music, Atlanta Auditions, Celebrity Judges, Harry Connick Jr., hhucit, HHUCIT Music Group, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, My Journey, My Story, Season 13, Singer

Finally! I can tell you guys about my American Idol auditions. I couldn’t say much at the time, but man, what a journey! This was my FIRST American Idol audition EVER! I just never got around to auditioning for the show until this season. There were so many ups and downs…

The process was LONG. I met 4 times in a span of 4 months. The first audition was in July of 2013, and I finished the process a couple months after. I experienced so many emotions. As a performer, I’m already antsy before I go on stage. But what sUcKs about auditions is that you never know exactly what time you will perform! So that alone adds on to the unwanted stress. There is so much you have to be prepared for… The weather, standing in line for hours, sitting in waiting rooms for long periods of time, staff yelling out directions throughout the day, and obviously, a lot of people = a whole lot of noise! Lol.

But it’s not all bad. Like I said, this was my first time auditioning, and I did very well. 🙂 The producers gave me a pass for the first round. From there, I had to fill out tons of paper work, take pics, & give them my contact info. It was exciting!  I learned a little of what goes on behind the scenes and how important it is to be discreet when you’re part of the filming process for any show! You never want to spoil anything. (And can get in trouble if you do! Lol) I got to see how much work is involved and why it takes so many people to make things run smoothly. Crazy!  Everyone was helpful and pretty cool for the most part. I also got to meet new people from across the country and see some amazing talent. After you keep making it pass each round, the groups start to get smaller and you start to recognize faces. I understand why it was so important to look the EXACT same way every time I showed up! Lol You never know what footage they might use. It’s a process, just like any other TV show audition, and you have to sing a few times in front of different people before you actually see the celebrity judges. Thank God they all liked what they saw! 🙂

So after lots of singing, interviews, & anticipation, it all came down to the celebrity judges. It was the end of October by the time they came to Atlanta, GA. We were their last city. And I was in the last group of the day. :/ I was pretty calm, and just really anxious to go. I stepped into “The Chamber”, prayed, fixed my Nikes, checked myself in that full body mirror, and when I saw the green light, I headed for the judges room! FINALLY!  The judges seemed nice and gave some convo. before asking me to sing. I performed Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl” and a piece of Bruno Mars “When I Was Your Man”. I guess it wasn’t my best performance cuz they ALL said “No!” lol Jennifer Lopez even said, she liked my facial expressions and it reminded her of theatre/Broadway. But she didn’t think I was “what they were looking for.” 🙁

I swear I went in there expecting to just nail it and get that ticket to Cali. All week I was so excited just to see JLo in person! lol But it was so odd. Opposite. They weren’t smiling at the end. So I was disappointed, but as always, was professional & kept my smile on. I came out to meet my family/friends, with the camera in my face, only to reveal I didn’t make it. Lol Afterwards I did my last interview “confessional style” and hit it! Lol I think it all just really hit me in the car on the way home. I realized just how disappointed I was and how bad I wanted it. I saw myself in California preparing for the next round, and making it to TV! I would’ve been okay with just that! Lol I even cried…  I couldn’t help but think out loud: What was it that they were looking for? I should’ve warmed up again! Maybe they didn’t like my song choice. I didn’t hit that last note right. Maybe they would’ve said, “yes”, if I went earlier in the day” and so on. That’s what I do – think about any and everything that could’ve had an effect on my performance and on their decision! Lol I thought back to how well the other rounds went and also my previous performances as a singer in general. It’s so frustrating when I don’t sound my best. But sometimes we have not so good days and that’s okay. It happens. What is important, is to learn from it. “Giving up” or changing the way I sing because of 3 people, wouldn’t be an option for me. But instead, I had to take into consideration their feedback. I appreciate Harry Connick Jr’s remarks about my vocal tonality. That’s something I can work on! Keith Urban even thought I was imitating the artist’s voice and that I should already have my “own sound.” I was reminded that day that everyone will not always like what I do, and people are entitled to their own opinions. That’s life! (And I’m in the music/entertainment business, and I know I ain’t seen nuthin’ yet! Lol.) But after every “bad” performance, I gotta keep it moving!! Just something else I had to go through…

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I’ve learned how important it is to come up with my own way to prepare for these types of auditions. The same preparation can be used for my own shows as well! It’s so imperative that I know what works for me & what doesn’t! I gotta stay warm, keep my vocals warmed up until I sang, find a way to stay focus & be mentally ready even when there’s so much going on around me! Oh and always have snacks handy! HOLLA! Haha. (Just to name a few. 🙂 As always, I’m thankful for opportunities. I’m thankful for Edward- my manager, Queen- my vocal coach, my family, friends, fans, & supporters. You guys give me motivation when I can’t seem to motivate myself. You remind me that I AM a “star” no matter what. 🙂 Edward & Queen- I need people to always be honest with me, to correct me… but at the same time, uplift me and let me know it’s going to be okay, simply because they believe in me. Thank you for that. Thank You All!

I know I’m getting sappy and trust me, I didn’t expect to write so much (but then again I never do! lol) But, just reflecting on the little things and every challenge I face makes me appreciate life and the people in it. Without trials, there’s no room to grow. And ya’ll know over here, we all about progression! 😉

Thanks again…

Love,

~AshleYYY

Xoxo.

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6 Things You Didn’t Know About My American Idol Journey!

March 19, 2014 by AshleYYY
My Blog
2014, 6 Things You Didn't Know, American Idol, AshleYYY, AshleYYY Music, Atlanta Auditions, hhucit, HHUCIT Music Group, Highlights, Jennifer Lopez, Milwaukee, Photos, Season 13, Singer

 

Hey guys! I thought it would be cool to share some of my AI highlights, PLUS photos from each audition round! Check it out below…

1. My friends & family came to support me at the auditions. My cousins even made me my very first poster 🙂 hehee!

Idol 2

2. I was given a camcorder to record my journey. Since I auditioned in Atlanta, it was very important for me to get some footage of my family in Milwaukee. I still would’ve been representing my hometown – and I wouldn’t have it any other way 🙂

3. We recorded a video chat with my family & I – smart idea Ed! Brought us all together to catch up and it was so fun to see everyone on one couch. 🙂 It’s been a minute since I’ve been back home to visit.

Idol 3

4. I got to do interviews, tell my story, and convince the producers that I’m the FULL PACKAGE baby! Lol and just why I’m “marketable” 😉 I even had to dance a few times too!

5. I got to see JLO in person!!!!!!!!!!!! Ah!

6. I thought the judges were pretty honest! I appreciated their constructive criticism.

MORE PHOTOS BELOW! [Captions go counterclockwise]…

First audition – purple lip & fro! | Day 2 – Bring the family! My cousins Nikki & Tierra | Day 3 – Ed & I (Celeb judge day)

Idol 4

Ed & I posted by the Idol props | Carrie Underwood & I! lol There were pics of all the AI winners scattered throughout the waiting room. (It was only right for me to take a pic with the artist of my cover song choice :))

Idol 5

Waiting in line – Interview Day!

Idol 1

I’ll continue to share my experience with you all – “American Idol – My Journey, My Story” is coming next! Until then, watch my first AI blog [VIDEO] here!

~AshleYYY

Flashback Friday! [Miss Black & Gold Pageant]

February 21, 2014 by AshleYYY
My Blog
2014, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., AshleYYY, AshleYYY Music, Bad Girl, dance, Flashback Friday, Get Right, hhucit, HHUCIT Music Group, Jennifer Lopez, Miss Black & Gold Pageant 2008, Talent, Usher, UW-Whitewater

MissB&GPageant

Hey World! So we got Monday Madness, Throwback Thursday, Freestyle Friday, & Fun Fact Friday (aka F! F! F!). I figure I’d add another to the list…

FLASHBACK FRIDAY! (Man, that’s a lot of stuff on Fridays lol)

So anyway, today I’ve decided to share a video from my college days. It was the year of 2008. I was a junior in college and was so happy that I finally decided to enter the Zeta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s Miss Black & Gold Pageant! This was an annual event on our campus, and I ALWAYS enjoyed attending. So when it was my turn to be a part of it, I had to come with it! This was actually my first competition/pageant ever…in life. I loved the experience. It wasn’t easy! Takes a lot of guts to get up there and be judged. But you learn so much about yourself and others in the process. It forces you to showcase your : intelligence, skills, personality, talent, speech, and always remain poised. I would encourage young ladies out there in college to go for it!!

Let’s FLASHBACK to the Talent Portion of the show!! (my fave :)) This was my FIRST solo ever performed on UW-Whitewater’s campus. I choreographed my own piece as well. I knew I wanted to incorporate the different styles of dance I had been learning, be mindful of the type of event it was, but also give a lil sass & spice! 😉 – ya’ll know what I mean, haha! Here are the beginning stages of a young choreographer, OMG. This is a great moment in history. LOL Where it all began…..

THANKS FOR WATCHING!

~AshleYYY

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl69njib4zE]

My “American Idol XIII” Journey [VIDEO]

January 15, 2014 by AshleYYY Music
My Blog
American Idol, AshleYYY, AshleYYY Music, Fox, hhucit, HHUCIT Music Group, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban

AshleYYY - American Idol

Hey World! American Idol Season 13 is airing tonight! I’m glad I can finally share my experience with you all. This was my FIRST American Idol audition EVER! I took lots of pictures and even documented my journey! Watch some footage of my audition below…

American Idol Season 13 aires TONIGHT & tomorrow on FOX!! I’ll definitely be watching! Thank y’all for the support & stay tuned for more footage – I got y’all covered! 🙂 ~AshleYYY

Billboard Awards 2013 – My Thoughts :)

May 24, 2013 by AshleYYY
My Blog
AshleYYY, AshleYYYMusic, Billboard Awards 2013, Chris Brown, Ed Sheeran, hhucit, HHUCIT Music Group, Icona Pop, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Madonna, Miguel, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Tracy Morgan

jlo

Hi guys! So I watched the Billboard Awards Sunday night like most of you, and wanted to share my thoughts! ….I know I’m a few days late – Sue me. lol

Madonna – Congrats to her on winning the Touring Artist of the Year Award! Wow! I just want to say EVERYTIME I see her she is flawless! I don’t care how old or young she is, she looks amazing & rocked them fishnets! lol She’s an icon & can STILL bust a move better than most! Holla! lol

Taylor Swift – I’m not a huge fan, but what I do love about this young lady is that she always does something different than the rest of the performers. I remember one year she performed in a subway! lol And on this night, she started back stage, went through the crowd & ended up on stage. Despite her dancing, I like that she always gives you a show, there’s a lot going on, and it looks like they’re all having fun.

Chris Brown – Let me just say I am a fan. lol I love just about everything this man does – and “Fine China” is a great song! It’s so groovy! 🙂 We all heard how he sounded and it was not the best vocally at all 🙁 But the choreo was sick! Lol I loved the set. – – I will say it’s a challenge to sing & dance at the same time. I personally would rather see an artist give 100% & sing LIVE, than to see them lip sync the entire time. But it does suck to not be able to get through the song. Hoping for a better performance next time! He’s still one of my favorite entertainers!

Tracy Morgan – Now was it just me or did some things seem off? lol I like Tracy and think he’s funny, but I didn’t know if he was coming up with stuff off the top of his head or if he was supposed to say & do certain things. lol Either way, he entertained the crowd as he should. Being a host has to be lots of work! I can only imagine. AH!

Selena Gomez – I started paying attention to her more after I found out who she was! lol I first saw her in a few Disney movies (Yes, Disney!) kept hearing her name, and then later found out she was actually a recording artist. Beautiful & multi-talented young lady – I like the single “Come and Get It” – Now it does seem a bit grown for her – but hey, she’s at least 18 right? lol Its got a catchy hook & I love the wardrobe she uses to perform it.

Miguel – I was SO excited when he came out because I knew he would not disapoint me lol I was expecting to hear great R&B music live – and I did! I’m loving this guy more and more. He’s got his own style and moves so smoothly on stage – not to mention he sounds great doing it! …. ….Um, the fall. My mouth dropped lol But he continued to sing like a PROFESSIONAL is supposed to do! I love that he kept it moving & still reached out to the girl beside him lol and Praise God the young lady was okay!!! Woo!

Ed Sheeran – Had never heard of him before…but I enjoyed him. His song was lovely and had the perfect melody. I can respect and appreciate a great LIVE performance! He sounded great – lots of emotion behind it his lyrics, as it should be!

Miley Cyrus – Now that’s a bad chick! lol She was my favorite to see. Her outfit was like no other – but it worked for HER! Loved her confidence, her haircut, and that red lip! – FIERCE.

Icona Pop – OMG. I finally got to see who sings this song: “I Love It” I AM A FAN of this song! The lyrics are hilarious and the music makes you want to dance instantly! Look out, I may do a video for this soon! lol *Head nod, fist pump, jumping in air* 😀

Jennifer Lopez – Okay. Right when I was supposed to be done tweeting about the awards lol, JLo came out and ripped the stage! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! At that point I could care less about anything people had to say about artists lip sycning OR JLo’s “wings” lol This woman is BADD! She performed her butt off in them boots! Gotta give it to her – One of the best overall performances of the night. If I can’t take my attention off of you, you’re doing something right!

Justin Bieber – I loved his remarks after winning the Milestone Award. He’s right, it should be about the music and not all the other “BS” people like to talk about in his life. He’s a young man growing up in front of the public eye. But hey, guess that’s what you signed up for… Along with success also comes extra unwanted negativity when you’re in the spotlight. :/

Thanks so much for reading! Feel free to comment!

Love ya,

AshleYYY

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