Why 2009 Was Great – Part II

If you haven’t already read my previous post Why 2009 Was Great – Part I in which I discuss how the refreshing turn in American politics made my previous year one to remember, go ahead and click on the following link:

 http://echodepiction.wordpress.com/2010/02/13/why-2009-was-great-part-i/

My 2009 resolution was to just make it through the year without getting depressed, and luckily I was blessed with several great things throughout that year which made me smile and be very grateful.  As I mentioned in my previous post,  Obama beginning his first year as President of the United States meant a great deal to me, and I was so proud and relieved to be finally able to acknowledge my president and country without malicious arguments or lectures. 

However, I am now going to shift from the political world to the entertainment world where yet another person made 2009 full of memorable moments for me, my family, and my friends.  If you are familiar with American Idol, I am sure you know who I’m referring to.  Yes, it’s the one and only Adam Lambert! 

If you aren’t already familiar with Adam Lambert, I’m warning you… you’re missing out on a lot!  Adam took over the American Idol stage with each show last season, proving himself to be the strongest American Idol contestant with absolute originality and mad vocals.  He was not only recognized for his amazing voice and charismatic personality throughout the season, but was also known for his rocker style and to-die-for hair.  With his beautiful voice, looks, and charm, watchers of all ages and musical interests had no choice but to fall in love with him from the very beginning. 

Never before had I followed American Idol on a regular basis or even with any enthusiasm, but this year was quite different. Looking forward to the next Adam performance was an extremely fun addiction that helped take that boring edge away from weekends in Saudi.  I would set my alarm to wake up at 3 A.M. on voting night to try to get as many votes in as possible, although there were rumors that international calls weren’t counted.  I even convinced several friends who claimed they didn’t like him to confess that yes they were addicted too but didn’t want to admit it all along.   Teachers at school even knew about him as a result of  his name always coming up in every conversation. 

Eventually, Adam Lambert made it to the finals where he faced his friend and roommate during the American Idol season, Kris Allen.  The final results were greatly anticipated, but everyone was more than certain that Lambert would rightfully win the season.  iTunes even made the mistake of automatically setting their idol page  to read “Congratulations Adam Lambert!”

Whatever was going to happen, my family and I made it a must to watch the finale streamed live online projected onto the wall, since the show would be broadcast a day late which would ruin the surprise.  We stayed awake all night watching hours of star-studded performances including KISS, Queen, and Santana, until finally it came time to announce the winner.  Ryan  Seacrest held the envelope, the lights were dimmed,  we were on the edge of our seats at home waiting to hear “And the winner of American Idol is…”, and then the internet connection broke just as the announcement was about to be made!  The only sounds were heard muttered where “… is KKKr….”  We sat in shock watching muted images of Adam hugging Kris and confetti falling. But who won?!  Could it possibly be Kris?  Oh my God, it’s Kris! 

Yes,  the most recognized and talked about contestant of the season, Adam Lambert, was runner-up.  It was quite devastating at the time, especially since Kris can’t compare in talent.  American Idol that year had been the Adam Lambert show more than anything, so how could he not have won?!  There are many rumors and speculations claiming that the voting was rigged, but who knows whether that’s true or not. After the initial shock,  we eventually were able to find consolation in the fact that Adam got what he wanted out of the show – public recognition and a record deal for an album suitably titled “For Your Entertainment” which was just released last November.  He performed his first single on the AMA and recorded the soundtrack “Time for Miracles” for the disaster movie 2012.  His career has definitely not been hurt by losing a title.  In fact, I think losing actually made him even more popular.  Some have even called him the next Elvis Presley, which I believe could very well be true.

In conclusion, thank you Adam for joining American Idol, or else I would not have had the pleasure of ever discovering what a lovely, talented person you are.  I’ll see you in concert someday, most preferably with Gaga!

Why 2009 Was Great – Part I

 

Putting aside the world economic crisis, continuing wars, bomb threats, bomb detonations, terrorists attacking the innocent, the Taliban flocking to Yemen and causing trouble on the border with Saudi, several horrible airplane crashes, Jeddah flooding due to poor infrastructure, America’s health care bill still not getting anywhere, Sarah Palin getting media attention, and Iran pursuing nuclear power, 2009 was actually not that bad! I’ll tell you why.

After 8 terrible,shameful, and utterly pathetic years of Bush playing president of the United States, we Americans could finally breathe.  We no longer had to admit that our president is an idiot or how the current government is truly a disgrace and misrepresents its citizens.  America was given a fresh start (well… as fresh a start you can get after destroying your reputation, killing the economy, and losing the world’s trust).  Thank you democracy for letting voters make as sane and reasonable a decision as they are capable of , and thank you God for not letting McCain and his  naïve, “neighbor to Russia” Sara Palin win the elections.  By choosing Barack Obama, America proved to everyone in the world that was sitting on the edge of his or her seat that Americans were just as sick of the Bush administration, and it was time to go in another direction.   All nationalities, including most Arabs, were willing to listen and give the United States another chance.  The world was moved by hope and the prospect of change.  The 2008 presidential election brought people together and made everyone realize the beauty of possibility. 

Adding to the fact that it was the election of  a man of promise and honest leadership, it was the election of our first black president, making an already interesting election very exciting.  Americans were proud and thankful. It reminded  them how far society has come, and how the dreams of activists as Martin Luther King have come true.  People knew they were witnessing a moment in history that will never be forgotten.

In the Middle East, one of the things that surprised me most post-election and inauguration was how open-minded and positive a lot of Arabs were about Obama.  I had people telling me how happy they were that Obama is now president and how America may not be so “evil” after all. Many were so proud that his middle Arab name “Hussein” was said aloud and not ignored and that his step-father was Muslim. “Maybe he’ll understand us and put an end to the war,” I was told many times.  It shocked me to hear people around me speaking in a tone other than that of anger and hatred because for the past 8 years I had to ignore all political discussions that involved the USA to avoid confrontation or unfair treatment, even by some teachers; however, I still doubt I could hang the American flag in class alongside other flags without being told to take it down.  Wounds heel but leave scars behind. Some things will never change once they are ingraned.  Hate is far easier to express than love.

What everyone needs to take note if is that America is great, but even the greatest things have flaws.  Perfection does not exist.  America has given so much to the world and as a result is always depended on and  looked to for more.  Arabs see the US as both a problem and a solution.  While although many will willingly talk of their dislike of the United States, I doubt anyone would reject being a citizen and being able to say “Yes, I am an American.” Arabs, and the world, will forever have high expectations from the United States, and, therefore, it will always be sure to disappoint them.  I just hope Americans will continue to keep up the hope and faith they had a year ago, and not give up easily. All the damage done will take more than a year, or even one term, to be repaired.

Honestly, the election and inauguration of President Obama alone made 2009  great for me.  It was nice to finally be able to proudly acknowledge the president of my country and to know that once rock bottom was hit with Bush there was nowhere to go but up.