I admit it. I watch American Idol.
I’m a music lover and a sucker for watching the underdog triumph. I usually can identify who will become the next American Idol within the first few episodes (what a great gift eh?).
American Idol (and most reality shows for that matter) are great case studies in personal branding. Each week, young talent vies for their chance at fame and fortune. And each week, the judges add their two cents about whether the contestant has the chops to make it in the uber-competitive music industry.
Last week, the Top 24 contestants competed for their spot in the Top 10. There were a number of yawn-inducing performances and a few standouts.
One of the earlier audition standouts – Jordan Dorsey – did not make the cut and packed his bags, despite having enormous talent.
Why?
He forgot to be himself.
The stakes were high and so he did what SO many people do – he buckled under the pressure and in a 3-minute instant – became something he wasn’t.
He had the voice of Nat King Cole. Golden.
And yet, for his BIG moment – he picked Usher. He hip-hoppped around the stage. I cringed for him.
Bad move Jordan Dorsey.
The audience had a collective “WTF?” moment.
But it was JLo who got right to the heart of it.
“Is this who you really are? Is that who you want to be?”
Jordan shakes his head “no.”
“You’re a Nat King Cole guy. I don’t want you to be anybody else but you. And you have to bring something different to it.”
Jordan nods and says, “It’s not me – I’m not a jumpy jumpy singer.”
Too bad, so sad Jordan. That jumpy-jumpy number just earned him a spot in the Top 14 cut from the first week of American Idol.
It’s cliche – but first impressions count. You must come out of the gate strong. You do this by being yourself.
Copy-cat someone else, and not only will no one ‘get’ you – but it’ll be transparent as saran wrap that you are faking it. It’s easy to want to do something similar to everyone else.
It’s hard to take a risk and stand out from the crowd.
It’s hard to really put yourself out there.
But people resonate with authenticity. People want to know that it’s the real you they are dealing with. They want to like you.
Take a lesson from Jordan and don’t let yourself get swept up in the sea of me-too brands.
You are different. You are great. You have something unique to offer.
That’s how you make the Top 10.
And that’s how you go all the way to number one.
Thanks JLo.
