Musicians are tricky celebrities.  Often times you will hear a song on the radio and never know what this person looks like without simply googling them out of curiosity.

Te really different dynamic you get with former American Idol contestants is they are larger than life as celebrities in the way that you feel like you have formed a certain connection with these artists based on seeing them in our living rooms week after week and often times, voting for them...sharing commentary at the water cooler...ok hold up (side note: does anyone actually stand around a water cooler and chat about American Idol.  Hell, in this recession we are lucky we can still drink tap water at work.)  Either way they become a topic of discussion on entertainment blogs, who did what on the show and how they performed.  What I am saying, we form a different connection with them than your typical artist you hear on the radio.

When we had Ace Young visit us as part of our annual radio station concert on July 3rd, people came out in droves, not only for the free music, but the free fireworks display...the largest in Central Florida.

Ace's demenaor from the word go was ecstatic to be there, he was happy to meet his fans and excited to perform for them.  He signed autographs before and after the interview and even on his way to the stage, which you had to travel to by boat. It is a truly unique experience to say the least.

The former Idol was kind and contrite in his interview.  While most former Idol contestants we speak to want to seperate themselves from the show and branch off into their own solo careers, Ace knew the questions that would be asked and was happy to answer them, even admitting he still catches the show from time to time.

It's easy to fall in love with someone on the American Idol stage, because at one point..they were just like us and kind of like with a loved one, you watch them grow and develop into the person they want to be.  It is always a trip meeting someone from Idol...people who get to recognize their dreams in front of our very eyes are inspiring.