We don't have or watch telly at home, but this past Friday did something a bit different and huddled round a laptop watching auditions from X-Factor, American Idol, and The Voice on YouTube.
Quite the treat it was to see then 13-year-old Carly Rose Sonenclar own the stage with her rendition of Nina Simone's "Feeling Good." The one who really gave me chills for days was Melanie Amaro when she blew the roof off the house.
I hadn't heard "Listen" before this. But I love everything about Amaro's performance and its timely appearance in my life. The song choice about finding one's own voice, being at a crossroads, and ready to make life-changing decisions. Amaro's family members sobbing and silently mouthing the words with her backstage as she nails it. And Amaro, on fire with the passion of a real chance to realise lifelong dreams.
If you're at that moment in time where you're ready to take a leap, identify your X-Factor, listen — and just do it.