Kansas City Idol Auditions

************ HOT NEWS ************

American Idol may stop Michelle from moving on in their competition but they cannot stop MICHELLE LEA FROM MAKING THE FRONT PAGE AGAIN!!! Michelle Lea was one in 15,000 People who auditioned at Kemper Arena. Although she didn't get past the first audition the Kansas City Star wrote a huge article surrounding her experiences with others he had interviewed.

Here's the story...

I kept getting phone calls from Wendy while Michelle and I were waiting to audition inside Kemper. She told me that a reporter from the Kansas City Star kept stopping by the tailgate party asking for Michelle because he wanted to interview her. Apparently, while hanging out at the Tailgate Party he listened to Michelle's CD playing and he saw the many newspaper articles about her many successes - especially over the last year. However, when he heard the news that Michelle was not even considered for a second listen too let alone a second round with American Idol and after he had interviewed people who were granted a second round - We believe his original intent for an interview had changed from simply wanting Michelle's opinion on the auditions to more like trying to understand how people like Michelle could be overlooked. You may read his article here --->>> http://www.kansascity.com/105/story/740169.html it is a long article, three pages long but I think you will find it very interesting to read. Also, please keep in mind that this reporter is a seasoned reporter for Entertainment in Kansas City. It is his job to assess talent in many cases and at the end of his article the last line reads "If "There" is where she needs to be then she does not have far to go" - He is referring to what the judge said to Michelle and the other three contestants standing next to her when the judge said "This is the 8th season so the bar is set really high and we just feel you are not THERE yet". This is a powerful review of what he thought of Michelle's talent.

I was so proud to see a reporter/Newspaper give Michelle vindication for a serious wrong committed upon not just her but folks like her.

Early this morning I went to the store and purchased 10 copies of this paper.

Here is where you will find video put together by the Kansas City Star Photographer... and posted on Kansas City Star's website. http://videos.kansascity.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=2062083 This shows Michelle's audition song. However, it does not reflect the actual audition. Michelle was sitting on the sidewalk in front of her banner in this video. At the actual audition she was standing and more animated with more power and conviction. This video was also taken 30 minutes after being told she was not "there" yet by the judge.

IDOL PRODUCERS GET THEIR OWN "REALITY"

I overheard staff at the competition talk about running paperwork to the "Old Adam's Mark" Hotel near the Stadium. Knowing what I know about Television Production and Network Execs... I figured this is where the producers were staying. Turns out... I was right. At 4 O'clock the next morning I took five of the newspapers I got from the store and I highlighted the front page story and I slipped a piece of typing paper between the folds with a hand written note that read - "Please Read This Story." I then took those papers and hand delivered them to the front Desk. But first I wanted to find out if the producers were even staying there so I asked the clerk if the American Idol Producers had left for the airport yet? The clerk told me "Not Yet". So I told her that I had complementary newspapers from the Kansas City Star and they really should get it because the front page story is about their visit to KC. The clerk said she would make sure they got them. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

MICHELLE LEA IS VINDICATED BUT

HAS NO HOPE FOR REALITY SHOWS

Day of Newspaper article - Day after competition....

Michelle Lea does not wish to participate in future Reality Show/Singing Competitions.

"I just do not want to spend the time and money chasing a dream from city to city for reality television. I have worked way too hard and we have spent a lot of money that could have gone to other uses like instruments, studio equipment and even banners. When I watch American Idol in the future - I will have a different look how the contestants go through the process."

Michelle Lea