Next Contestant, please

Before Nashville Star and American Idol, the Diamond Center held its first Jingle singing contest. Since 1996, I have been honored to be asked to host the event each year which features a host of kids singing the store’s jingle, karaoke style.

In those years, I’ve seen so much fun stuff. There have been kids from every end part of the county and displaying every type of reaction when faced with singing in front of a crowd. From the shy, uncertain ones who I have to gently try to convince to sing (sometimes its just too scary) to the absolutely fearless.

Sometimes, a young man will show up in a tuxedo…. And sometimes in jeans and a t-shirt. The same for the young ladies. And in brief conversations with these potential rising stars, the audience and I often discover some entertaining facts.

There was the time I asked a somewhat unenthusiastic young man if he really wanted to to this (sing). “No”, he answered, “but my mom is making me”. The audience roared and mom, of course, was “horrified”.

Then there was the little girl who announced to the crowd that she was going to marry a boy she know (these kids were probably 5 or 6). I asked her if the little boy knew about her plans, and she pointed to a young man out in the crowd and loudly asked, “Do You?”.
I saved that tape-- it’s a true classic.

Its just one of the fun opportunities I have due to my position, and I thank the Diamond Center for their continued trust in me to host the event. I also thank all the parents and kids for being such good sports.

If you get a chance, come by the Janesville Mall around 2pm on Saturday (May 10). We’re going to have a little more fun and discover some more hidden talent. Its sure to be a blast.