Perhaps it's Destiny!

When the American Idol competitors came down to three, I wondered who would go out. While all three were stunning, based on their performances and judges’ comments, it was predictable that Kris Allen may not make it to the finals. In fact, you could almost see disapproval on Simon Cowell’s face when the results show revealed Danny Gokey was out of the game instead of Kris.

It was at that moment, I thought my to myself, “Things are taking a different turn. For all you know, Kris might just win the title. Perhaps, it’s his destiny.”

Kris Allen had a meek spirit surrounding him – something that brought out the emotions of listeners; a modesty that showed through his facial expressions, gestures and responses. When it came to vocal performance, he indisputably had a beautiful voice. However, compared to ‘rock star’ Adam Lambert’s overwhelming screams and David Gokey’s, Kris Allen appeared as the most fragile.

While Adam, his final contender, received excellent comments and praises consistently throughout the competition, Kris was asked to step out of his quietness and show a different side. And Kris did emerge and show improvements, while remaining true to himself – never trying to be something else just to compete with others. This was commended on his final performance, and all the judges agreed he had earned his place at the top.

Maybe it’s his journey from being the quite boy who doubted his own ability to rising as the star who reached the finals, which won the people’s hearts and votes. His quietness and humility that revealed itself in magnificence when he was up there in the spotlight; when his fingers gently tapped the keyboards on the piano; when he boldly strummed the acoustic guitar without needing embellishments from back up singers or a theatrical performance…that made the simple remarkable.

Even when he seemed to struggle singing his final song, “No Boundaries,” which was a key too high for his voice, making his competitor look even stronger; even when the judge commented his performance was like a bunch of guys strumming music in their rooms, it failed to take away the destiny that awaited him.

One of the reasons I love to watch reality shows is that they always remind me that talent is not enough. What seems like the best in terms of ability and skill may not suffice to claim the glory. Effort and the heart play a huge part, not forgetting the Higher Power that determines destiny.

I suppose we need a hero we can relate to. Humble, imperfect, seemingly ordinary – yet able to accomplish amazing heights. We look beyond the simple fumbles of a presentation. We observe the exemplary path that was walked – both the pains and the gains. We behold the greatness that will be displayed in the future – the perfection that will be achieved given the right circumstances, opportunities and time.

Something that gives us hope to fulfill our own destiny.