I'm going to start off acknowledging anyone who hasn't had the opportunity to me Elliott and hope that you will get your chance too. Honestly, I thought that was going to be me.

How it began....

I pulled into the venue around 4:30m and the bus was parked right out front.
First I saw Russ and Joonie walking and heading towards the rear window, which was open. Suddenly out pops are head of curls! I was genuinely awestruck and felt like I was about thirty years younger. I sat there watching and debating whether to get out of the car with the gift I had brought or stay put. Finally my friend arrived and encouraged me to go for it! Now Elliott was there alone, so I took the gift and walked over to his window. I apologized for invading his privacy and then asked him if I could give him the gift. He said "sure" and I reached up and gave it to him through his window. http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t71/jac...28/000_0001.jpg
I babbled something like I have a picture that I was hoping that he would sign later and he said he would.

My friend and I left to go to dinner, where we met up with Gypsy and her dh!
Who are really great !

To be continued.....

I love the picture of your gift Jacquie! Thanks for posting it. I can't wait to read the rest of your recap!!

Nice pic, definitely!

Cool gift, Jackie!!

That's a very cool mug! I look forward to reading the rest of the recap of your adventure :)

What a perfect gift! I bet he'll use it every morning on the bus for his coffee. Can't wait to hear the rest of the story.

He could sell those mugs at the merch table on tour. I'd buy a set (or two) heh

When we got back to the venue the excitement was in the air as people started to gather. In a few minutes Elliott came out and started chatting , signing autographs and taking pictures. I ran to my car to get the picture of all the table full of memorabilia I had saved since afrer idol, ie. newspaper clippings, magazines, bothe CD's,. and brought it with me for him to sign. When it was my turned, I got my hug, and he thanked me so much for the gift, chatted about the noted that I given him. He took his time to look at everything on the picture before signing it. He even remembered that my name from the card. What can I say, he is genuinely one of the sweetest, kindess people I have ever met. It was difficult to pull myself away, I could have stayed there forever. When we got back into line Gypsy found efan and we all stood around exhanging our idol stories and favorite songs with others in line. I wasn't surprised that most of the people there, like myself had never voted before and stopped ater Season 5. We were all hooked on Elliott and his voice, not the TV show.

What really made this a special night is that without Elliott's knowledge Claudette arrivied shortly before the concert to surpise him. She was welcomed by applause and waved to everyone.

Around 7 7:40 we entered the room and scoped out our place Efan my friend and I got front row center. Gypsy and her dh decided to stay towards the back of the room. The Culture Room is a perfect intimate venue.

By now you all know the routine, Josh was on first, he is fun to watch live. TLG are good too, but you could tell by the polite applause who everyone in the room was there to see.

Elliott's band came on the stage and the excitement was in the air, but when Elliott came dancing out singing Alright it was electrifying. He voice is impeccable and it is really invigorating watching him fullfilling his dream. I'm getting emotional just reliving the night.

Every now and the, I would glance back and watch Claudette beaming from ear to ear, especially when he sang IILWYF. It was a pleasure to watch her.

I was having the time of my life, as was the rest of the packed room filled with deafening screams.

ASFY, was unbelievable, to hear the richness of his voice gives me goosebumps.

Afther show ended. I was delghted that I had the opporunity to let Claudette know how appreciative I am of her son.

I decided not to stay after the show, so we said our goodbyes and I left basking in the joy of the evening.

Thank you Elliott for making my dream come true and having wonderful memories that will stay with me forever.

:awe: How awesome to be there with Claudette. Elliott is such a sweetie, he must have been in heaven to have his Mom there. I'm glad you got to meet him.

Awwwwwwwww, what a wonderful recap hon!! I am so thrilled that you got to experience all that is "E", and to see and HEAR, that he is all you hoped he would be, times a million;) I just NEVER get sick of reading/hearing everyones wonderful recaps, and how much Elliott touches everyone's soul;) CONGRATS!!!!!!! xxoo (((((HUGS)))))

Love the pics..caught a peak yesterday..& how great is he eh??? You are right..electrifying is the WORD. Oh how I wish I had been there..would love to have met Claudette..lovely lady that she is. Sounds like you all had a fab time..really happy for you. :)

Oh my, Your bringing me to tears with that recap. Awesome.

Great story JacquiE! I absolutely love the mug you gave him (I know he does also). I knew you would get your opportunity to meet him! So happy for you...

:rotfl: :rotfl:
I talked to Jacquie while she was waiting in line to get in. She had already met E, and was a tad incoherent! :rotfl:

JaCQUIE, SO GLAD YOU HAD SUCH A GREAT "e"XPERIENCE!
Nothing quite like it!!!
MORE PICS!

Thanks everyone for your comments and sharing the excitement with me!

:grouphug:

Jacquie, your recap is wonderful and I am so happy for you. I can't believe he remembered your name from you handing him the gift in the window of the bus.....now come on!!! Who does that???? He is simply amazing!! I couldn't be happier for you. :hug:

Great recap Jacquie! This trio of FL shows sounds like it's fantastic so far. I hope Tampa shows him the love tomorrow like you all have.

(I always wished my parents had spelled my name your way.)

Jackie-with-a-K.

Awesome recap! Wish I could get the pics but will have to wait till next week when I get home...darn! So glad for you, JacquiE!

Wonderful recap Jacquie! Very cool gift & it is awesome that you were able to hand it to him yourself!! Thanks for the pics too!

Wonderful recap, Jacquie! Great gift, too! I'm so glad you had such a wonderful Elliott experience!

Thanks Linda and you're so right, nobody does that. He truly is one of a kind

Great recap, jacquie. Glad you got to meet E and Claudette. Nice gift idea a One Word mug for his coffee!

Great recap, Jacquie28. Loved reading it. Congrats on meeting and talking to Elliott and Claudette. Glad that you had such a good time. Loved the mug too. That was very thoughtful, especially because he has said that he has to have his coffee in the mornings.

I have to disagree with you both on that...I know for a fact that AKON knows the name of the fan he threw head first from the stage into the audience.

PS...Great Recap...thanks for sharing!!

Jacquie, great recap on our night. I don't think we could have asked for a more perfect venue to see him. I'm so glad you were up front to get all the fabulous close up pictures.

My hubby was in charge of the camera. Most of the shots didn't turn out, so I was kinda bummed.

I apologize for not recapping, but I haven't had any time since I started a new job that is whipping my behind. Hope too when I get a chance to sit down at length.

Sound like another great night with the man! :elliottelliott:

Sista JacquiE!!! So very glad you got to meet him---finally!!! Absolutely loved reading your recap...how sweet is this boy???? No wonder we love him... :awe: