Andy DehnartAmerican Idol 6‘s 10th place finalist has advice for season eight’s finalists, telling them they are “not going to be successful,” and then offers advice for them to be successful–like him.
In a blog post, Chris Sligh asks, “how is it that the fat, not-so-great-looking guy who came in 10th place is the 2nd or 3rd most successful from his season and top 5 most successful over Season 6 & 7? The difference is pure drive and ambition and work ethic” and the fact that others “had an unrealistic view of what Idol can and will do for them.”
He starts by sobering up the new finalists: “You’re not going to be successful. You’re not going to be millionaires (with the exception of MAYBE Kris and Adam). You are going to struggle. No one will care about you. Those fans who’ve been asking for your autograph all tour long — 98% of them don’t give a flying poo about you once next season of Idol starts. They’re not going to buy your album when you put it out 2 years late. Chances are you’ll never feel the rush of playing in front 10,000 people who care about you again. Your star is waning and remarkably quickly.”
He disconnects stardom from success and says, “I’m one of the most successful for my season of Idol. I’m not a star,” and then discussing his own “hard work,” offers them advice, such as “surround yourself with people who will be real with you” and “Leave home and live WAY below your means.”