In honor of Elliott Yamin...His good friend, Brandon started up this "Fan Forum" called the Etrain...This site has united some of the most wonderful people from around THE WORLD...We have all joined together to support one of the most phenomenal vocalists of our time! Thank you Brandon for doing this for Elliott and for all of us who love this guy.

Why are we all here?

We have all been captivated by a very genuine, soulful young man blessed with an amazing talent. A person whom all of us have supported and grown to love over the past year. We have all united here to cheer on our boy...watch him grow BIGGER and BETTER each day...Become the legend of our time. One day we can all look back and say "I remember when"

Where did we find this guy?

A TV show called "American Idol" Who here, spent numerous hours calling in the many votes for our boy? Did he win "The Golden Egg?" Absolutely!!! Did Chris Daughtry or Clay Aiken win? Absolutely!!! It's not who wins, but how they play the game. (Maybe it should be called Idol Survivor instead)

Has anyone EVER heard Elliott criticize American Idol? or any of the competing contestants?

The many interviews Elliott has done...He expresses NOTHING but gratitude and appreciation for American Idol. He also often refers to the other contestants as "family" He has a special bond with each and everyone of them. They all competed against each other in the BIGGEST talent show to ever be produced.

I doubt any of them are "competing" against each other over record sales or success. If anything...They are probably cheering each other on...High fives...Way to go!!! I doubt Taylor is "pissed off" because Daughtry has gone triple platinum. Each and everyone of them are being managed in different ways and some do have stronger vocals. BUT they all got to where they are today in the same way...American voters!!!

Did you vote for our current president? Is everyone happy with him right now?

We live in a world of controversy and insecurity...To be honest with you...I currently have ALOT of personal issues going on in my life right now...I come to the Etrain to escape from it. I come here to share in Elliott's success and to share all of his excitement with people who feel the same about Elliott.

I have NEVER in my life (Remember, I'm a Nana) been a member of a "Fan Forum" Over the past year, I have adopted Elliott as my "Cyber Son" I enjoy the many hours I spend reading, posting and lurking here. Not to mention the many Etrainers I have had the pleasure of meeting at various events. There is a very unique group of Elliott fans here...All compassionate, caring, wonderful people...Do you think Elliott's demeanor draws in people like himself? Absolutely!!!

How many seasons of American Idol have you watched?

I started with season number two and have been an Idol addict ever since. I admit I cast my votes for Clay and Carrie. I can't say Fantasia was one of my favorites...But that is only because I'm not interested in her genre. She is successful in her own realm of fans. I will say season 6 wasn't one of my favorites...BUT I do think, Jordin, Blake, Melinda & Lakeshia all have good futures ahead of them! Yes, Elliott is my favorite of all 6 seasons and I know he is headed down a long road to success. But, I will NEVER condemn or criticize any of the other contestants. They all have dreams too!

I personally think American Idol gives many "dreamers" an opportunity to reach for stars that were otherwise unreachable. Win or lose...each of them have "been discovered" all of them will have opportunities in their future, most of us only dream about. (Look at Constantine on a Soap Opera for heavens sake)

Does the publicity and notoriety change these young people?

Unfortunately; not everyone can handle being in the public eye without stumbling or sometimes even falling. (Look at Brittany & Lindsey) It is a tough business to be in and the paparazzi only makes things worse for them. I am certain some of the Idol contestants don't handle interviews or all of the publicity as well as Elliott has (Thus far) Some have said "inappropriate" or done things not everyone agrees with...But there is NO ONE in this world that is perfect all of the time. Some of these contestants are VERY young and are probably quite overwhelmed with the sudden stardom. (Let's not be judgmental, but support each and everyone as they try to make their dreams come true.)

Why are we all here in the first place?

To show our support and love for Elliott's success...Take a few minutes and listen to the words in Elliott's song "FREE" Hold onto what you believe...Nothing is impossible...Believe in miracles. There is a strong message in this song. This song has been my personal inspiration lately and I think Elliott sings it from his heart, portraying his own life experiences.

I apologize for rambling on, but I feel like I have an extended family here and I don't like to see controversy in my "Etrain Home" Everyone is entitled to their opinion here...But please be tactful and think about what you are posting before you hit "submit" It is easier to delete them, than to defend them. (or apologize later)

I love this place and I love what it stands for...Elliott is one phenomenal young man and we are all very protective, supportive and entitled to our own opinions about him. Just think about how your words will be interpreted by other readers.

Let's continue to celebrate Elliott's success and stock up on tissue's for the night when he receives his first Grammy!!!

Love to all of you!!!

A Very Proud West End Nana...Theresa

Great post! You are eloquent and I agree with everything you said...

What a wonderful post! :goodpost:

Lovely post, Nana.

I'm here for Elliott and Elliott news. Fellow fans are also a draw to E-Train.

Thank you for your kind words. I did not write it to offend anyone...But to inspire memories of where the Etrain began and what it stands for!!!

Love and support for an amazing young man!!!

What brings me to the E~Train?....um.an insationable appetite for all things Elliott. Been here since that awful night on AI..& after a year if kind of feels like home.

I'm here for Elliott - I enjoy all the fringe benefits and I'm so happy to share news of Elliott with other fans, but I'm here for Elliott - so I'm not really too upset when someone says something negative about someone else (because I really don't care - I wish them well but I'm not emotionally invested), but if they say anything negative about Elliott I really feel upset. I'm sorry if I've been insensitive about other Idols but I'm no more invested in them than I am in most entertainers, etc. With Elliott though, his voice causes me to take up a cause - the cause being to insure that the world hears him - I'm over the top, so I'm sorry, but Elliott is just that magnificent to my ears and soul and I can't even see and hear others anymore. So I love your post, but I read hidden in the lines that someone was dissing someone and I wasn't aware of that - so I'm sorry. I usually don't post negative things about others, but I'm not angered by the posts either and I suppose I should be - I'll say sorry again - I need to somehow, someday become realistic about Elliott but it sure isn't happening yet, in fact, everyday he seems more wonderful than the day before to me.

i'm here for all things elliott........where else could i have gone to hear and see
all things elliott....and to know that i'm not alone in my obsession. his voice thrills me, each and every time i hear it. and now, when i hear him on the radio,
i still can't believe it.....i have to come back here to be reassured that, yes, it's real. i never doubted, not for one single second, that elliott would be less than great. i knew, as we all knew, that his talent was too big to go unnoticed. and so now, i come back here, every single day, just to glow in his beauty and talent and success...... and to be with all the other brilliant folks, who knew from day one.......that his star would shine and light up the world. it's been a great ride...........

Nana
I agree with all you posted.

I, like you am a grandma who has never been in a fan club or internet boards before Elliott came our way.
I'm also very happy that I found this place. I only wish I knew places like this existed and I would have found it earlier.

gracie

I am here because E's success warms my heart. It has been so much fun to watch him from AI--Somebody to Love is when I first really watched AI--to where he is now. I love underdogs and to watch him be so successful after the show and to follow this journey has been amazing. I love reading all the posts here and the overall enthusiasm generated here. E is the underdog no more!

My family thinks I am nuts for watching every day about Elliott--but they have now accepted my passion and even remind me to do things or now ask me how he is doing. I will get them yet!

Theresa, I love your post. I, too, feel that this is a safe haven. Elliott grabbed me almost from the first moment that I heard him sing and then when I saw his character, he had me for life. The people that have gathered here are wonderful, giving and loving. Yes, we do disagree at times but hopefully, that is all in the spirit of growing and showing different perspectives. After all, disagreement can be a healthy thing as long as we all keep love in our hearts. I don't get to post as much as I would like....I am usually in and out quickly, but I am here for as long as everyone will put up with me.