The Simon Cowell Acid-Test for Authenticity

On February 19^th 2008, I watched the opening of American Idol’s twelve male singers.  Every man had a great voice and strong energy. What I found interesting was the reaction and feedback from judge Simon Cowell. Of the twelve performers, Simon liked two of them.  Simon has a nose for authenticity in singers!   If you have watched the show, you know how abrasive Simon can be in his feedback.  I don’t like how he expresses his opinion, but I often agree with his assessment of authenticity. I can see his gut react when a singer is performing inauthentically, even when that singer is a good “performer.”   Simon Cowell said something this show that I found to be powerful.  He said that the show American Idol is about finding a genuine recording artist.  He meant that the winner has to have an authentic voice, not just a great voice, but a style that is new, fresh and unique.  He is looking for a singer who can be, just BE himself and express who he is.   Now, this lights me up!  This is the field in which I delight to coach performers and presenters! In my opinion as a coach for over 20 years, there is a big difference between someone who is performing and someone who is being onstage.  A real star is someone who is totally present in the moment, feeling his emotions in the moment he is singing, not manufacturing or copying feelings, but genuinely being in his feelings. Many people can perform, but few can BE onstage.   Being is the “Zone” for singers and for speakers, actors, musicians and presenters.  The way to develop this zone is to start by practicing presence – which means to relax deeply into your body, learn what it feels like to ground fully in your body and then to sing (or speak) with total attention to the words, the meaning and the emotional energy created in your body.  When you tune into the emotional energy that can be felt in the body, you can follow the flow of feeling as you sing. Express that! Sing that! And you can pass the Simon Cowell acid-test of authenticity.   I offer a grounding exercise that helps you develop presence so you can BE at the center of attention.  It is an antidote to stage fright and a tool to support you to be comfortable in your skin when you become the center of attention, whether that is onstage, in a group meeting, a social gathering or presenting at a business function.  To get a copy of my Grounding Exercise, visit my website at www.self-expression.com.