American Idol Rejects and the Atonement of Jesus Christ

Which of the following doesn't belong?

A. Kelly Clarkson

B. David Archuleta

C. Carrie Underwood
D. Adam Lambert
E. Chris Nicholes

Well if you have eyes, ears, a television set, a sliver of pop culture knowledge and half a brain then I'm sure option E looked a little off at first glance. I'll admit, tickets for "Chris Nicholes Nationwide Tour: Coming to a Shower Near You" haven't been in very high demand as of late. However, there is one thing that I do have in common with each of the above named superstars.... We've all participated in an American Idol audition.

Living in Los Angeles is wild! It's the entertainment center of the world! So whether it be a celebrity sighting, attending a taping of The Price is Right, or walking down a Beverly Hills sidewalk as ambulances, firetrucks and police cars whizz past and later learning Michael Jackson had died just around the corner from where I stood, new experiences and opportunities present themselves daily. So when we heard the American Idol auditions were coming to town we had to be there!

Being that participants had to arrive at the early hour of 4 A.M. we decided there was no way we were getting any sleep the night before. So after a few hours of late night Facebooking we finally set off, our destination: The famed Rose Bowl of Pasadena, CA.

Even with arriving that early, the place was packed! After a few hours of waiting in line we were finally in, seated with the other 15,000 Idol hopefuls, or rather 14,900 Idol rejects. Set up across the stadium and down on the field were about 12 canopies. Under each canopy sat a group of 3 or 4 American Idol producers. You see, contrary to popular belief Randy, Paula and Simon(as were the judges then) are not the ones you audition for in the beginning. Rather these producers sift through all 15,000, find the best(and a few of the worst) and send them onto the next audition.

As you could imagine, a line of 15,000 takes a few minutes to get through. Finally, after hours of sitting in the hot sun we were up. Taking 5 at a time under each tent, one by one hopefuls were directed to sing. Once each person had sung it's up to the producers. The most common response from these producers? "Thank you, you are all free to go" and all 5 of you make the walk of shame together. Like so many other groups that day, we got that same, all too common response. We were now among the 14,900 Idol rejects!

We did all we could, we had given it our best shot and we still fell short. After being judged, all we could do was not enough.

Now here's the parallel, just as my total lack of vocal ability stood between me and Ryan Seacrest, our weaknesses, mistakes and sins stand between us and our Father in Heaven. The difference is, all we can do will be enough for us to receive His greatest blessings and it's made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief..... Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows." Jesus Christ was rejected and because of that we don't have to be. His Gospel has been restored to the earth and is found within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the entire purpose of this restoration is to help each of us access His Atonement, repent and through him become healed.

So while all you can do might not be enough for Randy, Paula, and Simon, I testify that if we do all we can it will be enough for Peter, James and John. That after we are judged, we will be welcomed back with open arms into the presence of our Eternal Father.