Pop culture is completely wasted on me. At 2pm yesterday, I was approached by one of my account directors and asked the dreaded question: “How busy are you today?” That’s usually the question you give a vague, non-committal answer to on the likely chance that the incorrect answer involves some horrific task. I give my compulsory “Somewhat busy, why?” and instead of being roped into covering a last minute edit for a tv spot to air in Missoula, MT, I’m given a rare ticket to the season finale of American Idol. The show was absolutely fascinating. It’s shot live at 5pm to air on the east coast. As an audience member, you’re as much a prop as you are a viewer. You’re given cues for when to cheer and instructed when to be quiet. The entire process is so interesting to watch. I hate to admit it, but I’ve never actually watched a full episode of the show. The entire experience was completely wasted on me, but was incredibly cool. Sadly, I had to lean over to my boss’ husband (they have an 8 year old daughter) to ask who the shaggy headed boys on stage were (apparently the Jonas Brothers.) The wonders of Seal, George Michael, ZZ Top, Graham Nash etc.. however, were not lost on me. I think I may have suffered a bit of hearing loss from the 14 year old girls SHRIEKING behind us, but luckily I had an bottle of ibuprofen in my purse and overall, the experience was surreal, but quite cool.

And the reason for the tickets… If you watched the finale you might have seen these. (someone strung them together.) I think they turned out well. Wish I could claim some credit, but they were totally my boss.