Glee Project Wrap-Up

Did this really just happen? I swear I still feel on top of a cloud! For those who don’t know, I spent this weekend in Chicago for (of course) the Glee Project Season 2 auditions! And just like back in January for the first season, this was an experience I’m learning more from and loving every minute of it!

It started off nice and cold, flying into Burbank, IL Saturday morning. Later that night, I met up with two friends out for the auditions as well: Gabriel and Crystal (shout out to Crystal’s family friend Terry). We had deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s.

I slept for about 4 hours before waking up at 3am to get ready!

Then we all got to McCormick Place to wait in line for 7 hours in the freezing, windy Chicago cold.

We were then moved inside where it was a little more bearable, watching as cameras filmed, pictures were taken, and signs like this were put up…

Then we get to see glimpses of the amazing casting director, Robert Ulrich…

Then came audition time! First round: All three of us auditioned together. Crystal and I made it through and moved on to the next round!

Second round: We were split up, and my group went to sing in front of Robert Ulrich! But while we waited, Season 1 winner Samuel happened to be stopping by and asked me to sing for the camera! “Wow, you have a great tone!” (yes, actual quote from the winner!).

My nerves were out of my system now after getting through that! Then I went inside the room to sing for the one and only Mr. Ulrich! He was so nice and made me feel at ease. He asked me a couple of questions, then had me sing my audition song, “Ordinary People” by John Legend. Right after that, he asked me to sing one more song for him off the top of my head. I sang Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby”. His actual words: “That was beautiful!” I was let out of the room and waited to be escorted down the hall to hear my fate. The casting assistant told me, “it’s not a yes, but it’s not a no. We will be calling you once all of the auditions are done to let you know if you’ll be moving on to the callbacks in LA. Good luck, and thank you for coming down here today!”

Of course I updated my Facebook, called my family, and I felt on top of the world! We all went to get lunch, then parted ways as they all left for the airport. I stayed downtown for a while to do a little sightseeing! Imagine me, walking downtown, listening to my mix of such greats like Alicia Keys, ADELE, Anna Nalick, Lily Allen, Christina Aguilera, John Mayer, Sia, OneRepublic, and John Legend among so many others.

I sat in Starbucks with my phone charging, reading for classes, and sipping on my Tall Soy Salted Caramel Mocha.

I went to the men’s section of Forever 21 and bought myself a lovely leather jacket.

The weather was around 50 degrees, it was overcast, and just simply beautiful…

Then headed down underground to the famous Billy Goat’s Tavern. Cheeburger! Cheeburger!

Then I took a taxi back to the hotel, saying good night to the wonderful downtown experience.

I was rewarded with a wonderful driver named Muhammad whom I had the great pleasure of speaking with about his days in Pakistan, his life story and aspirations to become a pilot, and not to mention the soap opera romantic drama that was his American actress girlfriend in the 1980’s. What a great man, and what an amazing point of view to hear! Keeping him and his family in my prayers tonight.

Now here I am, back in my hotel, reminiscing on this amazing weekend. I can’t help but feel so incredibly blessed to every single one of you that have been praying for me, supporting me, and cheering me on all the way! I definitely will keep you all posted on what happens, but please continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers until that phone call comes! And to make my experience even better, please continue to spread the word and pass along my audition video.

Here’s the full audition, but pass the link below right along and be sure to like it on their website! Any little bit helps. He’s seen me in person, and hopefully he remembers me when he goes through the video submissions.

Click here and officially "LIKE" my audition!

God is good all the time, and all the time God is good! Words can’t even begin to describe what this experience means to me. I spend so much time getting scared about change, worrying about what happens if this doesn’t happen for me. Yes, it would be amazing to pack up and leave for LA. From there, I can see myself staying there, regardless if I make it onto the show or not. But I’m getting way ahead of myself. I’m just thankful overall for this weekend, for the little moments, for the present right now!

Don’t stop believin’…