Pop-u-lar

A video of Kristin Chenoweth and the formerly unknown Sarah Horn went viral today.  And as a publicist, I feel compelled to point out some lessons to be learned from these two ladies.  First, all you aspiring singers and voice coaches and worship leaders and closet vocal powerhouses-- take special note of Sarah.  As she tells the story, she ASKED for the opportunity to get on that stage with Kristin. She didn't wait on someone to call on her.  She raised her hand and said, "PICK ME!"  Second, she was prepared.  She knew the song Kristin wanted to sing backwards and forwards.  She had probably sung it to death in the shower.  She was ready for the moment.  Third, in spite of the probability of nerves, you can't really see them from Sarah.  Why? Because she did what she had trained to do all her life -- she sang.  She sang big and loud.  She didn't need to be nervous.  It was such a part of her life that it was second nature.  And she nailed it. Aspiring singers waiting for their moment to shine can learn a lot from Sarah.


Likewise, seasoned performers and award-winning vocalists can learn some lessons from Kristin. Watch her engage Sarah when she starts singing.  Kristin looks like a proud mom who just saw her kid sing for the school play.  You can see in her body language how she is egging on Sarah to go for it, encouraging her all the way.  And watch them especially on that last note. Kristin grabs Sarah and pulls her into her arms like she's her long-lost sister.  I don't know what she whispered in her ear, but Sarah will probably remember it the rest of her life.  Kristin showed grace, poise and gave space on stage for a nobody voice teacher.  Kristin is a big star, you know.  But she was humble enough to let Sarah have the spotlight. Another great lesson for all the other Big Stars who seek to keep their audience's adoration.  I suspect Kristin even made a few new fans today as well.  


And that, ladies and gentleman, is how you become pop-u-lar.