Ok, for a little soul searching here. I've heard many others talking about how "invested" they are or have become in Elliott Yamin. Well, I'm one of those people. I'm 58 alomst 59 years old...can't even remember ( that's almost a normal now days :rotfl: )when I bought or even thougt of buying someone's CD. I listen to the "oldies" on the radio, when traveling (I know the words :rotfl: ) and my husband likes to throw in Blue Grass when I'm not looking :rolleyes:. The record industry hasn't made a whole lot of money on me....that's for sure. But then came Elliiott Yamin. Did I tell anyone that I've already bought 14 copies?! :jawdrop: That's what I say every time I think about it :lol: My evening are spent on the E-tain....trying to understand how this whole music thing works, and Thank God you all are so patient and kind with my so limited knowledge of what's going on and my computer skills. Heck, I can't even figure out how to send URL'S?! :blush: I use these little icon to make up for what I can't put into words :duh: and I often put my foot in my mouth....mostly out of frustration or lack of knowledge :wacko: But the fact remain......I'm so INVESTED in the music, the career, success, and the man, Elliott Yamin. I lov him like one of my own kids, being just as protective and just a s PROUD! I cry when his gentle spirit touches me and when I'm mad as hell for bad reviews and snotty remarks :tantrum: I'M OBSESSED! Just ask my family and friends :rotfl: Even my husband ( whose only way of reaching me anymore is on my cell phone, becuase I'm ALWAYS on the computer :rotfl: ) calls and says "heard for Elliott today?" :yes: Well, I just wanted to let you all know that I'm here for the long haul, and to thank you all for the ride. I feel soooo limited as to what I can do, other than buy, buy, buy. I cant' even keep up with the polls and request tracking. We like in the sticks in Northern Mich....the stors up here have PLENTY Elliott's CD's on the shelves and the radio stations aren't interested. :bawl: which might explain some of my depression. Thank God for you E-Trainers....there is a "Santa Claus, Virgina".
Yup, I'm INVESTED!

Ebeliever,
What a great post. Elliott is lucky to have fans like you and everyone else here at Etrain. And what a great guy that he expresses his appreciation for us. He has been an inspiration for many of us that had previously let music go in our lives because of todays choices. I have a greater appreciation for many types of music lately because once again I'm listening to voices and arrangements. Some of it is very good. I guess I was spoiled growing up with Motown.

Where in northern MI do you live? Are you a Upper? I'm from Shelby Twp. but living in VA now. And I'm grateful that E is played on the radio all the time here. Hopefully you'll get to hear him soon there but you'd have to listen to Top 40 and besides E there's really a lot of garbage there.

Thanks kagey :-) Live inbetween Cadillac & Traverse City. In the middle of getting a major snow storm, go figure :-) Yes, getting hooked on Elliott has really brought my love for music back again. I am starting to slowy build up a collection of old and new artist. . Elliot of course #1! :-) He has certainly put a joyful song back in my heat and soul.

Well said, Ebeliever. I can't imagine that Elliott has a clue about how he as affected so many of his fans. Like you, he's brought back a deep love of music. Whenever I listen to his music it always lifts my spirit. Unfortunately, my dh thinks I'm seriously obsessed and has expressed concern. lol

EBeliever, you wrote a perfect post! We are all invested - or we wouldn't still be here working our buns off a year later to get this voice heard. And I think one reason we are so invested in him is because he is truly appreciative of our support.

I know what you mean - I think of Elliott as another son too. He brings that out in you doesn't he?

He's a one of a kind talent - and worth every ounce of our support. You are important - even in Boondocks somewhere Michigan. Just this post energizes us for the rest of the week! Thanks!

I told the DH of one of our Etrain members this as we were standing in line waiting to see Elliott at Westbury last weekend - It's our responsibility to make sure he is heard and is recognized for the talent he is. Once he makes it, then we can step back and just buy the concert tickets and CDs. I was hoping he would see that it's not an addicition - but a responsibility - and the time will come when we don't have to be as involved.

I can really relate to this as my experience is very much the same! Yes, we do think of him as a son and have that motherly pride, but I will admit also to my heart going thud, thud, thud when I see him in a particular interview or performance when he looks especially hot! Did I say that? Yes, I did. He makes me feel young again!

Nice post ebeliever! I guess we're all invested in the man! My question is: what do you do with 14 cds? Are you giving them away? If so, you are a very generous person! I bought 7 cds: 3 are for me (for the assorted bonus tracks), one was gifted to a friend and 3 were for Operation Gratitude. I gave away a few home-made cd's of Elliott's Idol performances last year, and on the cd cover I put a little picture of Elliott (the alley pic from one of the Ford commercials) saying "Hey! You're gonna have to pay for your next Elliott cd!"

I'm a Native Yooper now transplanted to northern Minnesota. Not a huge move. Kagey, where is Shelby Township? I grew up in Negaunee.

:thud: :blush: Ahhhhh yes :wub: THE CRUSH!! I've got it bad! :thud: :dizzy: :thud:

Hey E-Believer...great story!! I so know what you are talking about! I am a 42 year old, single male and sometimes it freaks me out how "invested" I am in Elliott Yamin. I have been a big music fan all my life, but over the last few years there really has not been much new out there for me. I never listen to the radio...wouldn't know Britney Spears if I tripped over her (which these days could actually happen!!) Wasn't even much of an American Idol fan...I had watched some of season three but that was about it. Then last year, I happened to catch some of the audition episodes of season 5 and was blown away by...some bald guy (whose name escapes me at the moment). I thought it would be interesting to see how far he gets so I kept watching then one day this kid with a bad haircut comes out and sings If You Really Love Me...and blew me away!! I could not believe the amazing voice coming out of this little guy with that crooked smile. I thought it must be a fluke, but he kept coming back week after week and everytime I was speechless. I found myself voting for him, which is something I had never done before. (I am embarrassed to admit how many times I voted) When I read his bio I was so touched by his story. The more I learned about him the more I grew obsessed with him. I saw how genuine and sincere he was. He was just so dwon to earth and passionate about music. He sang the songs he wanted to sing, he had integrity. He would never sing a song that was popular or recognizable just to move forward. He was true to himself and the music and it showed. Week after week you would see him evolve. And I loved every minute of it. This was what American Idol should be about. Take some kid with raw talent and watch him grow and change. Watching someone who has been working in the business for years and knowing that American Idol is just another thing they are trying is somehow less compelling than watching this incredibly talented kid who was by his own admission 'lost' and didn't know how to go about getting where he wanted to go...and then to watch him blow the others all away!!! I was so hooked that by Elvis week when it was down to the four I thought I was going to have a stroke!! The way the show was pushing Chris and Taylor I was really convinced that the cards were stacked against Elliott and there was no way the show was going to let him win (more on my conspiracy theory later!!) He didn't fit the mold and I thought this was the night they would cut him lose (and then say America voted...) But then he came out and sang...If you ask me that was the night A STAR WAS BORN...the two best performances that night, that season, ever on American Idol...Ever on TELEVISION. I still thought he would be voted off...but I knew in my heart he was the AMERICAN IDOL. Then Chris got voted off and I thought hey maybe he's got a shot at this...the following week whne they showed his trip home to VA...here I am 41 years old sitting in my sophisticated NYC apartment...blubbering like a fool!! Then he gets voted off and they show his Had A Bad Day clip...I cried for two days straight!! I have been so caught up in Elliott's story for the past year that it amazes me. I haven't looked forward to a new 'ALBUM' in ages!!! His voice is so beyond great...it touches me deep inside. The man that he is also blows me away. He is just so honest and down to earth. He seems so grateful for everything that has come his way...he's humble an gracious...when was the last time you could say that about a pop star??? You can keep your Timberlakes, Spears and Aguilera's as far as I am concerned. Elliott is the real deal!!
PS...I don't even know what a URL is!!!

haha, Yooper, funny I lived in MI 30+ years, said it all the time but today when it came time to spell it I had no idea.
Shelby Twp. is a burb of Detroit. Next to Rochester Hills.

GREAT IDEA!! "PAY IT ON" :thumbsup: "GIFT IT ON"!! Love that idea!! Yes, I've given away quite a few....10 to Operation Gratitude. Have made at least 2 new Elliott fans who are now as hooked as I am :rotfl: LOVE IT! :cheerleader: Up here it seems sooo hard to spread the E-love. A lot of the stations up here don't have it or don't take requests (WHAT?!?!) Went to the AI concert in Grand Rapids....felt like the only E-fan there! Chris's fans were EVERYWHERE!! :dunno: I did kind of bump into a Yaminion in the passing crowd but she got lost in the hussle before I could catch her. Even then....I STILL think E.....really OUTSANG Chirs.....their famous duet...was realy carried by Elliott. And I think I'm being pretty unbiased here. Another Yooper?? I just a troll under the bridge....but not a "fudgie" :rotfl:

Ebeliever that was a beautiful post.

I think you touched base on what alot of us feel on this E-train.
I also have never done anything like this before in my life...50 yrs young...never joined a fan club, never joined a chat room, could not type, was pretty much a novice when it comes to the computer (still am ) barely wached AI before season five...AND NEVER EVER VOTED BEFORE FOR ANYONE EXCEPT IN ELECTIONS!

Don't ever feel that you aren't part of a team...you are. I own a small business so my life is very busy but I check in every day. So I also can only vote a little every day but I do what I can. Without the people aboard this E-train I don't know what I would do...they are like a second family. Right after the season ended I jumped on board so I have been lucky to have been part of this journey from the beginning. Seeing the same names for a year now has been just awesome and the E-trainers have been so gracious with all the posts, downloads, pictures, recaps...well you get the picture. Because of these wonderful people I even feel like I know a few of them. One day when I get to meet some of the E-trainers I will be able to pick them out in the crowd...I'll know their name...know their face. And I love them so much for that.

I agree with lindagt, there will be a time that we won't have to be so invested in this young man. But right now I like so many of you just have to get this man heard.
One day he won't need us as much, but just like raising children, your goal is to do a good job so they can move on....live a wonderful life...and be happy. But what has always made my so exicited is that we will have been part of this from the beginning...no one can take that away...as Brandon has eloquently said...

WE ARE AND FOREVER WILL BE THE :etrain:

Great Post Rick1965. It's good to have the invested men step up to the plate. We know they are out there. I see them everyday on Elliott's myspace comments. Thanks for being so eloquent in recapturing our feelings from last year.

:flower4u: :yes: :etrain: :friends:

Beautiful posts! Rick, it's so nice for a change to get a male perspective.
It's amazing how Elliott appeals to young and old- male and female alike.
He is a true gift to the music world and I know for me has awakened something inside that had long been dormant. I'm so happy I found the e-train and these days my heart is swelling with pride for "our boy's " success.

:grouphug:

Ebeliever, that was a beautiful post. You expresssed many of my sentiments. I am 44 yrs old, and am doing every single thing I can to help, which may not be as much as some, but I think we all do what we can. I homeshool my 12 yr old son, so I don't always have the time to devote, or the skill necessary to do some things, but I am so CRAZY for Elliott and like you, could not be any more proud if he was my own son. He never lets us down, not with his music, or his beautiful, humble spirit, or the way in which he loves and cares for his fans, or people in general. Alot of people in the industry today could learn a lesson or two from Elliott.

:mademyday:

OK, I don't feel stupid or embarassed any more...I feel more like I'm in great company! And I see, like me, many of you who were just knocked out by this guy's story, his talent and his character.

He's one in a million...a very special guy and a very special talent that MUST NOT be swept under the rug. There's too much potential here for this man to become a legend.

I'm a 59'er, lost 2 husbands and lonesome and Etrain and Elliot have been godsends ...getting me thru a chronic illenss and much sadness. Thanks to you all!

His music is a godsend to us all....I always feel better when I listen to him. :)

:grouphug: for you alkaus

Rick1965, thanks for posting your thoughts. Boy, it just doesn't matter, young, old, male, female...we all love Elliott for the same reasons. It continues to amaze me how he affects us all in the same way. He has been gifted by God.

OK, I guess I'm the "ole lady in the group because I'm 65 and throughly invested! I am from Colonial Heights, just south of Richmond, so I've followed Elliott from his first appearance on AI. Sobbed when he was eliminated but knew great things would come his way. He IS a MAN of character and is still humble and gracious after coming this far. I am so happy I have been instrumental in helping him even if it is only buying, voting, and spreading the word. I gifted his CD to a friend who had watched him on AI but sort of lost interest. Well, she called me after I got home and was laughing out loud. She said she had forgotten how great he sounded. She also said "he sounds better now and I have to say I like every one of his songs! I told her to tell others and she said, "Oh, definitely"! I also play my CD alittle loud so others can hear. I have had people yell, "Elliott". I'm ready to hear him LIVE!

Rick1965, thanks so much for taking the time to put your thoughts into print form. Your post was great.

Oh, how refreshing it is to hear that men are also moved by this young man. And you should be very proud of yourself... that you have the ability to be moved like you have...and not to be ashamed to show it. The way that Elliott wears his heart on his sleeve for all to see is one of the things I love the most about him. IMHO...it is why he can sing they way he does...why WE can feel what he sings. He sings from his heart and soul.

Being a creative person myself I know a fellow artist when I see/hear them...one who has the gift...the passion...the heart.
Artists live to perform their chosen craft, not perform their craft to live. Artists do what they do whether they get paid or not.

We all know people who in one capacity or another are doing in life what God meant for them to do. That is how I felt about E the moment I heard him. This is his calling!!!

The purpose of life is to matter...to have it make a difference that you live at all...by using whatever talents you may have to the very fullest!

One of my hopes and dreams for people is that they will be able to pinpoint their passions in life. Everyone has them, but people are either unable or unwilling to do the work it takes to find them.

Sometimes it takes a really beautiful day to wake us up to the wonders of the world around us.
A blossoming flower, a sunny sky, a puddle of puppies~sometimes these are the only things our eyes look for and value as worthwhile. But there is so much more to life, so much more to enjoy, if we can learn to see with our hearts as well as our eyes...
To be aware of each day, each experience, as a separate wonder of its own, to meet each challenge eagerly and grasp each moment with a sense of newness and discovery~
this is what living is really all about.

By the time I learned Elliott's personal story I was completely hooked. I found a singer who sees with his heart. And the rest is history.

I am so sorry that I am rambling on...that is what happens when my passion kicks in.

:wub: :glomp: LOVE YOU GUYS! :glomp: :wub:

Oh, Rick! You could be writing for ME! the only difference is that I'm a 44-year-old female and live in the UNsophisticated south!!! the panhandle of Texas!!! Elliott is the wonderful soul who has touched so many lives with his story and his amazing voice...thanks for your post. :thumbsup:

Veronica JoD...That was beautiful...I know how you feel...being inspired by someone's art is one of the greatest highs one can ever experience. I have been a frustrated writer most of my life, but Elliott has truly inspired me...almost to the point of quitting my job and following my dreams (I am this close to doing it!!!)...so if I ever get that Oscar for Best Original Screenplay I have been dreaming about...you can bet I will be thanking him in my acceptance speech!!

mama4elliott: Thanks for the kind words. It amazes me the range of people Elliott touches.

Rick.....i don't post much here, or anywhere for that matter, but i must say....You nailed it, for me. i'm older than you are, and live on the other coast.
elliott caught me by surprise. no way was i prepared to be blown away by this unassuming young man. so gentle, so shy, so humble.....and then he opened his mouth.....the rest is history. i think we all share the same reaction, and what happened to each of us. Never, in my whole life, has anyone taken hold of me, the way he has. and my life has been very full. i'm a professional woman. well traveled, had two husbands, and several children...... but elliott had that same effect on me, as he did on you, and everyone else here.....
well said, rick.......and thanks

Rick, my man! :mademyday: Could I laugh or cry any harder! :bow: What a WONDERFUL -E -TESTIMONY! :groupwave: I needed that :glomp: If fact I'm going to copy it and keep with my E"stash" to read over and over again when ever I want to.! This journey with Elliott has been a "Sentimental Journey" that we'll never forget. He not only has touched each one of us one by one, but has connected us all together somehow.:heartbeat: Ever feel as if you've been called into a special "E- MISSION" ? :yes: :believe: Anyway, I'm SO happy to meet a man ( or woman) who doesn't even know what a URL is!!! :rotfl: Bless you my journey partner. :etrain: You've made my day....and I'm gonna be snickering and smiling all day!! :rolleyes: :hug:

Also a beautiful post by Rick1965.....I have never been so moved by anyone. As a matter of fact, my 12 yr old son pointed Elliott out to me VERY early on....he is very perceptive!!! Gotta love a man who is not afraid to lay himself out there for everyone to see. The passion,tears, genuine emotion, love for his mother, awe of Stevie Wonder, shock at his homecoming reception, and gratitude to everyone, even the producers, staff and judges at AI. And all with not one ounce of bitterness.

Great posts everyone! I can totally relate. I'm 59 years old and haven't been smitten like this, by any entertainer, since the Beatles! I'm totally engrossed in doing whatever I can to foster Elliott's career. I was fortunate to meet him last summer. He is so humble (almost shy) and grateful for everything that's come his way. I admire him in so many ways! Like many of you, I have friends here who think I've lost my last mind over Elliott. For months they humored me, now I think they just try to get me started about Elliott. I sense they are snickering and/or rolling their eyes at me. Oh well...I'm sorry they don't "get it". Nice reading all your posts; I'm so thankful for all the friends I made along the way!

Go ELLIOTT!!! :cheerleader:

Alkaus, :glomp: :flower4u: I too believe a Blessing....as you are. :heartbeat: :) Elliott has a way of sharing the love :lotsolove: and bringing us "home". What a wonderful thing indeed that we have this palce to come to. We laugh together, have cried together :console: and even have thrown a few tantrums here and there :tantrum: We somehow recognize each other, even though most of us have never met. What E has given to each of us, as if he knew what was missing, or needed mending or needed to be renewed or awaken in us, seems to fit together. He reminds us of the JOY of living. And that life is meant to be shared. As we receive, we give, as we give, we receive. :whisper: But don't tell anyone.....they won't understand and think we're crazy :silly: But it is safe here with us :friends: :wub: God Bless you! :glomp:

I wanted to share something my mother always said to me. When I first started to follow Elliott last year this saying she had always came to mind. She would be one of us on the E-train ...Bless her soul, she was a wonderful woman and if I can be half the woman she was I know I will make her proud.

Here goes...I hope I get it right. or at least close to what she said....Wish I would have wrote down all her insight...and recipes...darn woman never used a cookbook.

"So often it is easier to be generous than to accept generosity from others. But the ability to let someone else find joy in our pleasure is what really takes a generous spirit. For in letting others help us, we are giving up a little of our pride and allowing our human vulnerability to show through. This is true generosity~
giving another person the opportunity to touch our lives."

Oh and one more...

It isn't necessary to blow out the other person's light in order to let your own light shine!

These remind me of Elliott...his mama did such a good job.

Thank you SO much Ebeliever and Linda4elliot! It's all us!!!!

:loons:

:groupwave:

Thanks for the hugs!!!! Big hugs back!!!!!



:etrain:

You GO GIRL!! :goodjob: :glomp:
Playing the music a "little" loud :grin: :band: :dude: :thumbsup: I too feel as if, word of mouth, voting and buying music are my specialities I can bring to the cause. :shakehands: I could never do or accomplish what some of these TALENTED :etrain: ers can and do! They are awesome! :worship: But by each doing their parts we are one MAJOR FORCE to be recokened with!! :etrain: :rocker: :surrender:

YO!!!!! 50 is the new 40, 60+ is the new 45 !!!!

None of us baby boomers every grew up anyhow! :peace:

:cheers:

I have to confess I don't look at Elliot like I'm his mother either :valentine: :thud:

YO!!!!! 50 is the new 40, 60+ is the new 45 !!!!

None of us baby boomers every grew up anyhow! :peace:

:cheers:

I have to confess I don't look at Elliot like I'm his mother either :valentine: :thud:

Veronica, I love these! What a wonderful legacey you Mother has left for you. :heartbeat: If you don't mind, I love to keep these. So much like mother like daughter. :yes: You Mother must have been very proud of you. And no matter how old we become we will always be our Mothers' daughters. Thanks so much. :glomp:

I'm invested! Elliott has been a part of my daily life since January 06' tivo'g AI performances, I search the web everyday for E-news. Been an active member here since June 06', not a lot of posts but been here practically everyday cept' when on vacation. Even while I vacation I brought my burned CD AI music along. I can't resist even though I have tons of work backed up.

I can only imagine how you etrainers with thousands of posts, AI and Richmond concert attenders, JDRF fundraisers, E promotions efforts, those who have actually met THE MAN feel.

He is consuming and I love every second of it! :wub:

I bought several CD's: one for each vehicle, have one in each CD player in the house. Some to family/friends. Last week I gave a CD to the pizza delivery woman and the UPS guy. They were both happy to receive them, they knew of Elliott from AI. I said enjoy, play the CD while you drive your route and tell everyone you know and meet about his CD.

Proud to be an E-fan.

Just browisng through the posts and came on this thread. I'm another one of the baby boomers who haven't grown up. I turned the big 60 this past fall and I don't feel that age except for the aches and pains. I have to confess I have never joined any fan clubs or followed anyone's journey like Elliott's. But like the others here before me, I was compelled by a strange force to watch Elliott. Never watched Idol before season 5 didn't care to watch. I happened to catch a couple of the audition shows and then saw the top 24 show and noticed Elliott. Had to come back everytime he was on. I voted and cheered him on whenever I could. If I wasn't home, I taped it. There is something magical about Elliott. He lights up your day. He is genuine, loving kind and a normal kid, one who wasn't perfect growing up. His mom tells of the tough love she had to practice with him and she has taught him well. I have his cd in my car and at home. Play it all the time. I look forward to seeing him in person someday. The women I work with think I've lost my mind because I talk about Elliott. They sayI'm in love with him and I answer back that so are about a few hundred or so women my age. I can undersatnd how you feel, Ebeliever, I'm divorced, children are grown, have an elderly mother to check on, work two jobs and have very little free time for a social life. It's nice to be able to come here and vent and find out what is going on with Elliott. I'm blushing right now, becauseI find him very hot and gorgeous. :thud: :thud:
P.S. Bought a cd at WalMart, Target, Circuit City, 2 from Itunes (for the bonus songs), one for myself and gifted another to my daughter, gave one of the bought ones to my sister. Never done that before. :lol: I am totally vested in this man!

Hey, loveelliott, my daughter tells me the same thing your friends at work tell you :-) The other day I wore my cap, with my Elliott picture pin on it, to school ( I work in a kdg.) for "favorite hat day". One of the teachers said...is that your "son"? No...it's Elliott Yamin from last year's AI! "No Way....!" She said laughing. YOU?!?! He's awesome, I told her....and I'll bring you in one of his CDs! Sometimes I blush toooooooo :blush: I know they look at me as if it's crazy for a woman my age to be soooo "invested" :thud:

:hello2: Ye, we all have it bad for the boy, don't we? I'm a babyboomer also and my sons are tired of me talking about Elliott. I try not to as much, but he just creeps in to almost every conversation I have it seems. One example: My sons and I were talking about a trip one of them took his wife to Florida to surprise her by taking her to her favorite bands from the Past. Duran Duran. He mentioned that there were alot of "names" there, like The Allman Bros, etc. I piped in Oh, they sang "Whipping Post". Their mouths dropped open and asked, "Mom, how in the world would you ever know that?" I said, "Elliott sang it at his solo concert." The groans were "Here we go with the Elliott again!" Hey, they forced me to mention him. I loved it!! Love the e-trainers and love, love Elliott. I have bought 7 if his c.ds. One for the car, two for my players in the house, 3 to give to 3 grand neices that are graduating this year, and one extra in case something happens to one of mine. LOL I'm definately invested in Elliott...forever. :wub:

Greetings idoletc :wave: I get the biggest kick our of reading all these postings :clap: I loved your son's mouthdropping reaction to their B) "in the know" mom! I haven't had a clue as to what has been going "on" in the music world since both my grown children where in school :dunce: Kind of lost touch and went back to relying on the "oldies"....at least I could sing along :rotfl: Anyway.....I love that fact that I'm not the only one going through the aftermath of "coming out of the closet" :surprise: As you definately invested in Dlliott....forever :wub: