Notes

la porsha-
Ive been watching American Idol since the very first episode of Season 1. I was 15 at the time. I remember declaring Kelly as the winner very early on. I've been a dedicated fan of the show since then. I love hearing contestants bring songs to life in their own way. I love what American idol has done for the contestants and for the fans. Personally, I've been deeply impacted by this show. I'll give you the "Spark Notes" version. During Season 6, I was going through a deep depression. I very rarely left my house. I lost a lot of friends, I bruised relationships with my family and I lost my faith and trust in God. One night, when I was feeling particularly down, I was sitting on my bathroom floor when I heard Melinda Doolittle perform "There Will Come A Day". That was a moment that changed a lot of things for me. I believed the words she was singing. I found hope. I also found friends. I started to read American Idol fan boards and became part of Melindas fan group, the Backups. We grew a very close bond- to this day , they are some of my best friends. We traveled together, participated in charities, and even ran a 1/2 marathon together. We are lucky that through all of this, we became close with Melinda, too. I'm honored to call her a friend.

I'm telling you all of this because... That night when Melinda sang "there will come a day" was one of the first times in my life I can really remember being totally moved and changed by music. I'd always been a fan of music, but that was different. Ever since then, I turn to music in times of need. I still struggle with depression sometimes and probably will for the rest of my life. But music is there for me.

Last week i was going through a rough patch. My dad has cancer, and we got some bad news about his condition . Sadness took over me. I didn't leave my bed for two days. I felt numb and helpless and hopeless. I turned Idol on, as I always do, out of routine. wnen you sang "Diamonds", something inside of me woke up again. I was filled with such immense joy and hope, it was almost overwhelming. I didn't feel so sad, and it gave me the strength and confidence to pick up the pieces. I've watched the performance several times since, and I continue to be filled with hope whenever I hear it. Then, tonight you sang "halo", a song I've always connected to. It reminded me of my faith and trust in God, that he is my saving grace and my halo, and that I (and my family) can power through this.

I just thought you should know what your performances have done for me. I'm certain that I am not alone in my sentiments. You are such a strong woman, I don't know the details of your life but from what I do know You have had to face a lot of challenges. I'm so proud to see you on that stage. You're daughter is beautiful and I so admire what you are doing for her.

You have my support 100%. Thank you for helping me to see that even on my darkest days, I can shine bright, and that God is here.

Megan. @mcaro05