American Idols Concert 2008 Albany

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Last night the American Idol Tour came to Albany, New York and we were there as a family for the 5th year in a row.  The boys were all set to sing at the karaoke booth and Jude and I were ready to talk to our pop tart connections that we made last year and get back stage again. 

Well, there was no karaoke and our one "angel" who got us back stage last year was not there.  Well this didn't stop Jude, she was determined to get the boys back stage again to meet all of the Idols.  So Jude spoke to the guys that were working the Guitar Hero booth and explained the whole story about Anthony interviewing the Idols on the red carpet for the Ellen Degeneres Show.  They remembered us from last year and introduced Jude to the guy who was on his way back stage to get into the Pop Tart costume to help start the show.  She went over to him and gave him some of Anthony's cards and asked him to give the cards to the Idols because once they knew that Anthony was there, we knew they would invite us back stage (because they told Anthony when on he was on the red carpet that when they came to Albany, that Anthony should get word to the Idols that he was in the audience and they would get us back stage so they could see each other again).  So to make a very long story short, the pop tart guy did wind up giving Anthony's cards to the Idols, and at intermission, someone with back stage passes came and found us at our seats.

We saw, Kristy Lee Cook, Brooke White, David Cook, David Archuleta, Carley Smithson and Michael Johns.  They were all SO nice.  Everyone remembered Anthony from the red carpet and were so excited to see him again.  The boys got autographs, pictures and a lot of hugs of course.  Carley said to us that as soon as the guy brought Anthony's card to the Idols, she said, "Get him back stage, I want to see him again."  All of them were so accommodating and spoke to us for a while.  Michael Johns told us that he has become very good friends with Ellen Degeneres, David Archuleta had an in depth conversation with Jude and Anthony about vocal training and singing techniques. 

BUT........the highlight had to be with American Idol Winner David Cook.  He recognized Anthony immediately and even commented that he was dressed down (no tux this time).  After the autographs and pictures, Rich told David that Anthony has learned a new song.  David said, "Let's hear it.".  So then Anthony proceeded to belt out David's current hit single "Time Of My Life".  After Anthony was done, the whole "meet and greet" broke out into thunderous applause and screams.  David stood up and yelled, "Great!! Now I'm out of a job!!"  Everyone laughed.  At that point, David took off his hat and said, "I have to do this....will you sign my hat for me?"  Of course Anthony did and then David took off his Livestrong bracelet he had on his arm and said, "A very special woman gave this to me and told me that I should give it to someone more famous than me, so I'd like you to have it."  WOW!!!!!

Again another incredible step on this amazing journey.  Thank you God for guiding us along this road, thank you David Cook for going way above and beyond, thank you David Archuleta, Brooke White, Michael Johns, Kristy Lee Cook and of course Carley Smithson for inviting us back stage for this incredible experience.  Thank you to the guy in the Pop Tart costume and all the guys at the Guitar Hero booth and thanks to Jude for being so persistent and to Louis for holding everything and soaking in all of the excitement and always being so supportive of his brother and lastly to Anthony for following his path one step at a time, working hard and believing and living in his dream.

Comments

[M Incandela]

What an incredible story about an amazing young man. You are a true entertainer Anthony, a cut above the rest and no doubt a rising star. It is apparent to everyone that has the opportunity to hear that beautiful voice and see that shining smile. Keep up the great work, your fans love you!

[Ian Wotherspoon]

Anthony has a wonderful voice and is truly blessed by God. I also love to watch him perform because he does so like a seasond professional and he's only 9 years old, amazing. You are on my prayer list young Anthony and I know that God is guiding you every step of the way. I hope we all don't have to wait too much longer for a CD and possibly a DVD as well. God Bless.

[trevi]

you great, put more video on youtube. I really enjoy watching them.

[Melissa]

Hi Anthony. I am his fan. I live in Brazil. I listened you it you will be the Youtube and adored. Congratulations ♥