I'm basically just posting my previous comment from the blog with the addition of the _link_ for my pics on photobucket. Enjoy!
OK, it's after 2, I just dropped off my friend, Carol and I am WIDE AWAKE! Too much Diet Coke on the way home, trying to stay awake and out of the way of the 10,000 18 wheelers on I-40! LOL
OK, brief synopsis. Or not, I tend to be wordy, as you guys know. LOL As I posted earlier, I was unable to go to Memphis as early as I wanted. I was waiting on Carol who had a meeting that she couldn't miss. And I couldn't go without my friend. So, I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact I wouldn't get to meet Chris before the show. Amanda got there much earlier than we did, around noonish, but she didn't see him or any other Idols I don't believe before the show.
We got parked in the parking garage and went straight to will call. We had to wait for our meet and greet passes, but they made a call and magically, they appeared. : ) While waiting, we found Amanda, chatting with the famous security guard, Kathy. I didn't know she was famous, but you learn something every day. : ) Kathy graciously took my gift bag to Chris later on, in the arena before the show started.
Ok, I was extremely jealous of Amanda's great seats, but she deserved them. She got lots of attention from Chris during the show and many of the Idols, and I'm glad. She is the American Idol Queen! And actually, ours were pretty darn good, just five rows back from her, in seats 7 and 8.
I think Chris saw me...I got a couple of waves anyway, though he may not have known who was acting a fool trying to get his attention. LOL (note: he posted later on the blog that he did spot me right away and knew who I was. I'm just sad that we didn't get a chance to chat.)
This show was exactly 2 months after the North Little Rock show. I immediately noticed how much more relaxed and comfortable everyone was. Watch out for our boy, Chris...he may be on Dancing With the Stars next. Chris, you are much more comfortable on stage. I know you weren't feeling well, but you put on a great performance for your fans, and they wouldn't have known it. He jumped around like a jackrabbit.
Loved it!
My only disappointment was at the end. Chris was at the front of the stage for a minute, and I tried my best to mow down the people in seats 1-6 and they just wouldn't move fast enough. : ) By the time I got to the center aisle, he had turned and was walking offstage. But I know he were in a hurry to get going to Nashville, on top of being sick. It's all good, and again, I so appreciate the heads up and mention on the blog this morning.
OK, now for the Meet and Greet. We waited in section 110, and then after about 20 min. or so, we were led to the M & G room. I got pics with Haley, Phil, Lakisha, and Melinda. We also saw Chris R. and Blake. Sanjaya wasn't there, but his sister was. Neither was Jordin or Gina.
I'll have to say my favorite part was watching Amanda have such a great time. She got kisses and hugs from her CAKE boys, and she was happy as a clam (as you can tell from her above post). She's got some awesome pictures.
OK, that's it for now. I'm going to try and go ahead and get some pictures up and I'll post a _link_ asap.
Night all, and Chris, get well soon. And special thanks to Lori, who kept me updated on blog posts via email, and Carmen, who called to see how my Memphis Idol experience was going. Take care, Risa
_link_ to pictures:
http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/risalea/American%20Idol%20Memphis/
