[ CM ] Tell me about the American Idol experience. What did God teach you through it?
Lauren: Yeah! So, I was there for the first time when I was 17 years old. I was so young. Remember, I was 16 when I sang in public for the first time. I was really stepping out because my family and friends were encouraging me to do it. I ended up getting to the very end of Hollywood week … it’ s called the“ Green Mile” where you walk and sit with the judges right before the live shows to see if you make it.
And, I got cut. I remember walking off really disappointed because I was like,“ What is the thing that separated me from the others that made it through?” I asked Simon Cowell that and he wouldn’ t tell me! I was like,“ I’ m asking you to be mean! I’ m asking for constructive criticism!” He was like,“ Oh, just come back next year.” I had tears in my eyes and my mom said,“ You don’ t have to live by man’ s word. If the Lord tells you that you’ re going to sing, just stay focused.” And I remember thinking,“ OK, this is where my identity is formed. I have to know if I am going to trust what man says or am I going to get right back up and say,“ Whatever You desire” to the Lord?” So, I went back to singing at home in Louisiana. I went back to LSU and leading worship and I went back to try American Idol again. I made it to Hollywood week. I remember singing in a mic and taking a deep breath right before one of the performances. I was like,“ Lord, if You don’ t meet me here then this is not worth it. I just want Your presence above all of this.” I remember realizing that this is what the Lord wanted me coming back to American Idol for. He just wanted me to see that my heart loves
Nov � Dec 2016 ChristianMusician. com
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