Sheldon Sherman

Golden Idol 2008

2008-05-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

It's true. I've entered another local karaoke contest. I promised myself I wouldn't do it any more, as sitting through all the other "singers" (I use that term loosely) is a huge waste of time.

Granted, the prize money keeps drawing me back. In this last contest (the qualifying round for Golden Idol 2008), I made $50 by coming in 1st place for the male singers. Not bad for 4 minutes of work. If there was a way to bring in the money without sitting through all the other singers (or waiting until midnight for the results), it'd totally be worth it.

Any ideas? The Semi-Finals are scheduled for September. Now, I just have to hope I'm not in New York during the next round. The contests may be a pain, but the prize money and the chance to sing is not.

American Idol: The Final Chapter

2007-07-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

This time of year always brings a bit of fond memories and sadness to my life. Yes, I'm talking about that time-honored tradition of standing in line for hours on end, baking your brain and your vocal cords in the 1000 degree sun, singing for 15 seconds, only to be turned away in the largest scam ever pulled on America - The American Idol audition process.

Having auditioned twice for the show (once in 2003 and again in 2006), I can speak volumes about what is wrong with the show. Granted, as I sit here listening to Kelly Clarkson's third album, the show obviously works for some people. Kelly is probably the only one who has broken free from the AI juggernaut and created a name for herself away from the show. I give her plenty of credit for taking her time on the show and transforming it into a lengthy career.

The photograph to the right shows the beginning of the end for me. Danielle Livingston (middle) and Jeremy Shoop (far right) both auditioned for the show as well. Danielle has an amazing voice with incredible range, probably one of the best out of everyone I know (check out her MySpace page), yet she didn't make it through the first round. Jeremy, whom I've only heard with his band (Just Cause), has a decent voice, and he made it through to the third round of auditions. He was eventually turned away by Randy, Simon and celebrity judge, Olivia Newton-John.

Why? Who knows. Maybe he didn't have the right look, although Blake Lewis made it through. Maybe his back-story wouldn't be as heart-wrenching as Kellie Pickler's story. All I know is that when the audition process comes to San Diego at the end of the month, I won't be there. Will I lose any sleep over it? Nope. The giant casting call process known as American Idol can roll right on through California without me. I need to gear up for my cruise ship performances anyway...

2007 Seabee Days

2007-05-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

I'm having one of those quandary days, and I need your help to figure out what I should do about it.

Last year, I entered into the 2006 Seabee Star karaoke contest. I had previously entered in 2004, but after making it to the finals, I didn't place in the top 3. I was puzzled, and thought there must be a fix on the contest. After entering last year, I again made it to the finals, and then went on to take home $300 for a first place win.

OK, so here's where you come in: Do I sign up for the 2007 Seabee Star karaoke contest to continue my reign as the Seabee Star, or do I skip it and allow someone else the chance at the title? I'm sure my biggest competitor, Joey (who has won every previous year) will be there to attempt to take the title. There was an angry mob from Joey's camp who wanted to pound me last year when he didn't even place in the top 3.

I've won several singing competitions, and I'm sure I could do just fine in the 2007 contest, but is it worth the time and energy? I have to make up my mind by June 15th (which is the deadline for registration), so I've got some thinking to do. I'd appreciate any input you could share. Go for the gold, or let someone else (i.e. Joey) have the glory?

American Karaoke Champs

2007-03-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

To anyone in the Ventura area, feel free to come out on Saturday, March 24 from 9pm-1:30am at Golden China to help support me in the American Karaoke Champs competition.

I'll be performing one song, "At This Moment" by Billy Vera, and I'll have the opportunity before the song to talk about why I picked it and what it means to me.

The producers of this event will be filming the competition as footage for a show they're trying to sell to the networks. I'm assuming it'll run similar to American Idol, but with a different twist. I show up next Saturday at 8pm to go over the details. I won't know much more until then.

If you would like to go, here are the details:

Golden China Restaurant
760 S. Seaward Ave.
Ventura, CA 93001
(Click for a map)

American Karaoke Champs
Saturday, March 24 - 9pm-1:30am

NO CAMERAS OF ANY TYPE PERMITTED
$5.00 cover at the door

I look forward to seeing everyone there! Please come out and help cheer me on!

December 2006 Final Results

2007-02-09T09:15:00.001-08:00

The results have been finalized, and I have officially been awarded third place for December 2006 in the Online Idols singing competition. This puts another $100 in my pocket for simply uploading a video of a song I sang at karaoke one night.

I figure I should give something back to those of you who helped put me into 3rd place, so if you're in the area, stop by and I'll buy you a coke. It'll have to be a small one. With over 1,100 views, I'll have to make sure I have enough for everyone.

I'm stepping out of the January 2007 competition, as I didn't want to ask everyone to continuously vote for me - month after month - so I'll take some time off. When I get another video uploaded, I'll let everyone know at that time. We'll make another run at 1st place and the $400 Grand Prize!!!

Online Idols

2007-01-03T08:18:00.000-08:00

For those of you who know me, you know that I love to sing. Any chance I get. Seriously. If I could get away with singing in public restrooms without looking like a complete fool, I'd do it.

With the help of some friends who showed me the site, I've joined Online Idols. It's a website that hosts monthly competitions for anyone to showcase their talents (singing, juggling, dancing, short films, etc.). First prize is $400, Second prize is $200 and Third prize is $100. Not bad for uploading a video, and just sitting back to wait for viewers to vote.

That's where you come in! I need to you stop by OnlineIdols.com to vote for any of my videos. So far, my performance of "Give Me One Reason" is in the lead (out of my 3 videos) with 11 votes, so if you want to help push that one to the top, I'd appreciate it. You can click here to visit the On Stage section of the site, or you can click on the image to the right.

I currently have 3 videos online for voting purposes (Levon, At This Moment and Give Me One Reason), so chose your favorite, vote, and I'll post the results when they tally the votes at the end of January.

Contest Update

2006-06-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

I competed in the 2006 Seabee Days Karaoke contest this past weekend, and I walked away with the 1st place prize.

During my qualifying round, I sang "At This Moment" by Billy Vera & The Beaters. Fortunately, the sound system was set up in a way that allowed me to head out into the crowd, which always helps during these competitions. The only problem with a song like that one is most people don't know it, so you really have to turn on the vocal talent to amaze the crowd. It's a song that fits my range, so I was pleased to be able to perform it.

After the qualifying round, they announced the finalists, and I was fortunate enough to be one of them. I made it to that point two years ago when I attempted this contest, but didn't make it into first, second or third place. Plus, a lot of the same singers were back this year, so I knew that I had my work cut out for me. Joey, the guy that I lost to during my performance two years ago, was performing again so beating him was tough.

During the finals, we were allowed to change our songs (which was not allowed two years ago), so I switched mine over to "Give Me One Reason" by Tracy Chapman. It's typically a crowd favorite, and I can give more soul than Taylor Hicks on his best day. The crowd joined me out on the grass for some dancing and fun, which allowed me to play up to the judges a bit. The dancer pictured to the right was my favorite, as she smiled and danced the entire time. I enjoy people who can get into it, without getting shy. It's one of the reasons I enjoy performing so much.

Perhaps one of my favorite things to try and do is forget the words, but continue on with the song so people don't realize what happened. I was fortunate enough to have that happen to me during my second song, but everyone I talked to didn't notice, so I was able to get away with it. So much for practicing...

After the finals were completed, we took a 10-minute break while they tallied the scores. The karaoke DJ called myself and Joey to the stage to sing a third song, so the crowd had someone to entertain them while they waited. Joey performed a song that seemed to go on forever. They had the scores done before he was even finished with his song, but they wanted me to sing again, so I performed "I'm Movin' On" by Rascal Flatts. It's a very touching song, that has some very personal attachments for me, so I enjoy introducing new people to it.

Once we were done, the hosts took the stage to announce the winners. The second and third place winners were called, and then they called me to the stage to receive the honor of being the 2006 Seabee Star, along with $300 in cash. It's one of the few times that I've won a cash prize for singing, and it feels great!

To everyone who supported me, thanks for your love! It was needed!

SeaBee Star Karaoke Contest

2006-06-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Anyone who's in the Port Hueneme, California area on Sunday, June 25th is welcome to see me compete in the SeaBee Star Karaoke Contest.

This is an annual contest held during the SeaBee Days at our local Naval Base in Port Hueneme.

I will be out there representing our radio station, AM 1520 KVTA, as the entertainment reporter.

Stop on by and give your support!

Karaoke Extravaganza

2005-11-21T12:44:00.000-08:00

I am trying to get a list of karaoke locations from all over the US, including those in the Ventura County area.

If you know of a place, please send me the necessary info, including location, address, date and time.

Once I get a decent list together, I'll post it on here to let others know where they can karaoke when they are visiting other towns.

American Idol 2006

2005-08-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

The new season of American Idol is gearing up for the debut in January 2006, and that means the audition process is happening now. Every year, the auditions come around this same time, and people always ask me if I'm going to audition. Of course, there is the part of me that pauses for two seconds while I debate putting myself through the hell that is auditioning, but then my commen sense takes over and I refuse.

I'm trying to use my new found job at the radio stations in Ventura for purposes beyond work. I've met someone who does professional demos, and I'm thinking about using him soon to create my own demo. It'd be 3 songs, and I'd have copies to send out to people when I'm looking to audition for things or book singing gigs. Perhaps I could start actually entertaining and earning money while doing it?!?

A group of co-workers is planning on going out for karaoke on Saturday evening, and if it happens, I'll post the location so anyone in the area can join us to partake in the fun. Otherwise, I'm staying FAR AWAY from anything Idol audition related.

St. Patrick's Day Karaoke

2005-03-16T15:29:00.000-08:00

Tonight at Paddy's in Ventura!

I'll be there around 10:30-11 PM, so if you're in the area, stop by!!!

Princess Idol and American Idol...Sisters???

2005-03-04T18:26:00.000-08:00

In my last entry, I posted a bit about my background, which brings me to more recent events, such as my attempt for fame in Fox's American Idol and my most recent win as Princess Idol.

In August 2003, I auditioned (along with 10,000 other hopefuls), for American Idol at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. After 3 days of camping out in blistering 100+ degree heat during the day and chilling 50 degree weather at night, let's say it did nothing for my image (burnt to a crisp), not to mention my singing voice. With LA being the first stop for American Idol that season, Ryan Seacrest had to do SEVERAL takes of his opening monologue. At this point, I was ready to get my audition over with, whether I made it through to the next round or not.

Contrary to popular belief, the first round of auditioning does not consist of Simon, Randy or Paula. You are actually sent through several rounds of auditioning for the show's producers before you are sent through to the infamous trio of judges. So, for the first round of auditions, you are sent up to an outdoor cabana in groups of three. Each of you get the chance to sing for approx. 10 seconds, before the producer cuts you off and lets the next person sing. After all three are given the chance to sing, they notify each of you whether you are what they are looking for.

I gave it my all, choosing Billy Vera's "At This Moment" for my audition piece, and they still didn't like what they saw/heard. A little defeated, and mostly tired, I was sent home to recover from the third degree burns I suffered while sitting in the Southern Californian sun. Since my first attempt at fame on American Idol, people have tried to get me to re-audition for the current season, but the thought of 3 days camping for 10 seconds of audition time doesn't sound balanced to me. Hey, it worked for Kelly Clarkson, but who am I to complain???

In June 2004, I took a 7-day Princess cruise to Alaska with my fiance's family. There were 9 of us on the cruise, and it was an amazing time. During the trip, they were holding a nightly karaoke contest called "Princess Idol", which is obviously a rip-off of American Idol. Of course, it got my attention, and I signed up immediately. I figured it was the best way to spend the evenings on the boat, and I got the chance to sing again.

The competition worked in rounds. There were four qualifying rounds (one each night, Monday through Thursday), and the final show on Friday. For each of the qualifying rounds, 10 singers would perform, and the top performer would advance to the final show. I competed in the first qualifying round by singing "At This Moment", and became the first performer to advance to the final show.

Knowing I was safe until Friday, I returned each night to review my competition. On a ship of 2,500 people, it's amazing to see how many talented people take cruises. I was quite impressed with the competition, and was given the opportunity to sing at the second qualifying show on Tuesday night, while they were tallying the votes for that night's winner. I chose a song I thought I knew by Hootie & the Blowfish, but it ended up as something I had only heard once before. I had to fake my way through most of it, and it turned out okay. Fortunately, nobody caught on to my blunder.

On Wednesday night, the third qualifying show, the previous night's winning performer was invited to sing, and chose to sing "Shout" by Otis Day. Like I had done the previous night, the performer was not familiar with the song, and pulled me on stage to help him out. Fortunately, this is one of my favorite songs, and I was more then willing to help out a fellow performer. The crowd loved the song, and it turned out well in the end.

During the course of the week, I had become a bit of a celebrity on the ship. Many of the vacationers had either been to one of the evening's performances, or they heard about it from their family or friends. I had several people pointing at me, stopping me for encouraging words, or as in one case, stalking me around the ship for autographs. I never really understood what a 13-year old needed so many autographs for anyway...

Friday night was a very calming evening for me. While the crowd grew for the final show, the finalists were kept downstairs, away from the show. We could hear the performer, and watch them on a closed-circuit television, but we were unable to gauge the audiences reaction to each song. The audience was the one who would eventually make the final choice for the winner, after all.

The show was kept very light and fun, making fun of the American Idol standards, such as having three "official" judges, who were professional performers on the cruise. The judges were there for realism, but we were told downstairs they would have no say on the official votes from the audience. We took the stage one by one, and performed as best we could for the crowd. In the end, I think the crowd won out by having 5 great performances.

I had started to rehearse Elton John's "Your Song" for my final performance, but changed my mind due to the fact another finalist was already performing Elton John, and I didn't want to be seen as the duel of Elton John impersonations. I ended up performing my standard "At This Moment", which the crowd seemed to enjoy. I even had a few people taking pictures during my performance, which was quite unexpected.

When the time came for the announcement of the winner, we were all brought on stage, and the lights dimmed and spotlights danced across the line of performers, a la American Idol. Of course, our host decided to draw out the results, much as Ryan Seacrest enjoys doing with the TV audience. When the host finally announced the winner, I was chosen amongst the finalists. I was handed a small group of winners gifts, including a bottle of champagne.

While the applause was dying down, the crowd started to chant for an encore of my performance, which was not rehearsed, nor planned. With little time to decide on a second song, the DJ cued up "At This Moment" again, and away I went. The crowd went crazy, and even more flash bulbs went off. It was one of the best moments I've had of my singing career so far.

The cruise ended the next morning, but I felt like a true celebrity for those short hours until we left the ship. Since then, I have continued performing in small venues, and at local contests, including "SeaBee Days Karaoke", in which I was a finalist in the top 5.

Most times, I can been seen performing at the local club, Paddy's in Ventura on Wednesday nights. They host a karaoke night there, and it's quite relaxed. If I'm ever out traveling, and performing any place new, I'll post it here, and keep you updated.

Until then, keep an eye out for me. You never know when I'll make it big...Oh yeah, if you've seen me perform, or want more information, just leave a comment, and I'll email you back. I could always use the constructive critiquing...

A History Lesson - Part I

2005-02-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

Given this is my first post, I feel it's only fair to give you a little background on who I am, and what this blog will be used for.

I'm out make full use of my vocal talents, and have a great time while doing it.

Now, I don't profess to be the greatest singer there ever was. We have plenty of people out there who claim to be the next Aretha Franklin, and I'm not one of them. I feel I have a great amount of talent, and I plan on sharing it with anyone who will listen.

I've been singing for as long as I can remember. I grew up singing female divas, along the likes of Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey. Of course, this wasn't the best use of my voice, but it helped to build my range. The countless hours that my family put up with my high-pitched "screeching" should have been enough to drive them up the walls.

From there, I spend the next few years singing all over the place. I practice at home, in the car, and eventually end up in my high school choir. The structure of the choir helped to show me how to use my voice in a trained setting. A brief stint in the church worship team helped me to get over my fear of singing in front of large crowds.

The first time I can remember performing for a large audience, I was 18 and working at the Toys R Us warehouse in Rialto, California. For the annual Christmas party, they held a talent show, with first prize walking away with $100. I was in charge of getting others to sign up, but everyone was pushing me to enter myself. My original plan was to sign up, and then drop out at the last minute. Of course, nothing ever works out as planned, and I started to actually prepare for the singing. I decided on "Mary, Did You Know?", as performed by Donny Osmond.

The day of the event, I was nervous as hell. I knew my time was coming to sing, and I couldn't imagine getting up in front of all my co-workers. What if I forget the words? What if I hit the wrong note? There were too many things that could have gone wrong. My competition was comprised of mostly singers (even though it was a talent show, and they could have done anything). There was even a guy who brought in his own band, and I was just planning on singing with a background CD.

I took the stage, and the CD started. My hands were shaking, my whole body tensed up, and when I started to sing, I kept my eyes closed. I tried to imagine it was just me and the music. Nobody else was around. To my suprise, my voice came out clear and loud. It was a bit startling to hear my voice as everyone else was hearing it, but I focused on the job at hand.

I finshed my song, left the stage to a round of applause, and waited with my friends for the results. After 20 minutes of other singers, they announced the winners. I ended up taking home first prize, and the amazement of my co-workers. They were shocked that I could sing. I didn't think I could do it either, but it turned out great.

I went on to other competitions, and tried my hand at several karaoke bars. The amount of people I've seen in karaoke bars without an inkling of talent, but they try anyway, always makes me laugh. I'm not sure if it's friends telling them they sound great, a LOT of alcohol, or a combination of both, but they give it their all, and entertain the crowd for a few minutes.

In my next entry, I'll talk about the meaning behind "Princess Idol 2004", and my shot at fame on Fox's American Idol.