American Idol.  As American as it gets.  Young people chasing the dream of riches and fame.  That's why it was such a trip to meet Elliott Yamin from American Idol season 5.  I say that because like me, Elliott at one time was a radio dj.  It was then I realized the show really takes people who more often than not come from humble beginnings and it can change their life.

The one thing I learned from Elliott is what a whirlwind Idol can be.  You go from being a hopeful and trying your best just to make the show.  Then next thing you know, you are performing in front of millions of people on television.  Elliott said it still hadn't really hit him since he had been busy since auditioning for the reality show.

I guess what took me back about Elliott the most was that he was so down to earth and generally hapy to be at our radio station concert back in 2008.  It would be easy when your on tv and all over the radio as he was with his hit "Wait For You" to find yourself with a big head.

No ego with this guy and is just a cool guy to kick it with as we did after the show had completed.  Elliott was staying in the hotel room next to me and even invited me to come by and have a beer with him.  Everyone remarked that weekend how cool a guy he was.  Nice to see nothing went to his head!