1/21/2003
Thank God that I am alive. I sang with Baby this past Sunday. It was fun as usual. We sang all kinds of soul covers. I always learn so much by just watching him.Leo played pieces of cardboard. They were his drums.He can play anything. Baby brought these yellow sunglasses for all of us to wear. So, Leo,Jason, and I had our yellow sunglasses on as we backed him.

I was a standby guest at the Apollo on the 17th. There must have been at least 6 standby performers. The highlight of my day was watching Cuba Goodings Sr. perform. He is a charismatic performer. He gave his background singers and the Apollo band directions with a smile.He sang, "Everybody Plays the Fool." All the amateur contestants showed up so I was not able to stand in for anyone.I was able to see a show being made. Monique is a natural comedian. It seems like everytime she opened her mouth, I would laugh. The women got so happy when a male vocalist hit a high note.They had asked all of us(the standbys) to stay until the end of the third taping, but I was exhausted.A violinist won at the first taping. A beat boxer won at the second taping. Who wins the competition really depends on how each particular audience feels in that moment. I believe all the contestants were great. Only one group was "wah, wahed." :)
It is great that the Apollo staff invited me after my nerve filled audition. I feel much more comfortable performing for large groups of people. I made eye contact with one of the judges and became a nervous wreck. I somehow could not breathe.This was all a learning experience.

There will be many other opportunities.