About 100 fans were clustered together in the Nokia Meet Greet room eagerly anticipating David’s arrival. Mixed in with the pre-recorded David music was the murmur of laughter and chatter. We tried to wrestle with purses, jackets, gifts for David and most of all the oversize plastic goodie bag that we guarded as if it contained the Crown Jewels. The table of mini hot dogs and hamburgers, pretzels and chips were pretty much ignored in favor of the merchandise corner and the table filled with gift bags, heart-felt cards and letters for David. The most desirable acreage in the room was the floor area directly in front of “The Keyboard.”
VIP Kristin cheerily announced that David was making the long backstage walk towards our area…it was official… we could scream… and then the chant of David, David, David started, and when he walked into the room, the crowd erupted in cheers and screams. In his casual charming way David smiled and said, “Hello everyone…How are you all doing?” We all came up with the same one word answer…GREAT!
He said he was excited about the LA show He said he had a lot of friends coming and he also noticed ” A lot of familiar faces.” Then he asked if he should just go ahead and sing…and in a flurry we said..noooo…talking…we want talking…..And in his funny, modest way he said, “Well I have nothing to say.”
We all laughed and then he said, “I’ve been trying not to talk too much today”…..pause…..”It’s the L A show”. Then he said,”Brooke’s coming….Castro’s coming”. You could see David was really delighted to have some friends coming especially to see him.
A lady in the front row asked if he was nervous and he replied, “I’m excited…I’m more excited than nervous.” He continued to tell us that , “The last time I was here was for the American Idol Finale”…he was referring to season 8…and then as only David could put it…..”and I was here…you know ..the year before.” Which of course generated loud cheers and applause. He shared with us that there are pictures in the guest rooms of events that have taken place at the Nokia. He said there was a photo of the Season 7 Finale with the confetti coming down and he rather proudly said, “It’s next to a photo of Celine Dion, which garnered a few reverential woos from the audience. He said he couldn’t remember what was on the left of the AI photo but Celine was definitely on the right.
Then David decided it was time to sing. He hit one note playfully on the keyboard and asked if we wanted to hear “Heaven” or “Crazy” first. A mix of answers filled the air. He smiled and said it just sounded like “nananana” to him. No clear cut choice. He said he would do both so the Heaven people and the Crazy people (ha) were still making an attempt when a lone voice in the back said, I’ll Be”,which made everyone laugh. He made the executive decision and said,”I’ll do “Crazy”. Then he proceeded to sing the most amazing version of “Crazy”. I don’t think I was the only person in the room who felt tears at the raw beauty and emotion he gave us. I think everyone in the room was feeling a little crazy. The ending went into a bluesy, soulful configuration that left us all a little stunned. The applause was thunderous for about 10 seconds and then something kicked in and it became even louder. He was saying thank you and laughing that little laugh and he observed and said…”there was a sudden surge….” referring to the way the applause built and built. I think we were all so overwhelmed by that performance. You wanted to close your eyes so that only your sense of sound would be dominant but you also wanted to see his face.
“Heaven” was simply….heaven. It brings to mind that 16 year old David at Hollywood week when he first took our breath away. That perfect song choice captivated us then and now. The lyrics never rang more true..”I’m finding it hard to believe…we’re in heaven.”
Then came the 3 questions. A gentleman asked if David had any plans to sing in Spanish or Portuguese. He told the fan, “I’d like to…I want to…..it just depends”….But he also revealed that he would sing a “little Traditional song in Spanish” on the Christmas CD. Hijole!
The second question was posed by 2 young girls. Where would David like to travel? No hesitation with this answer… “Japan!” The girls told him they were half Japanese. “Really?” he exclaimed. “Have you been there?” The girl said,”Yes, when I was 6 months old”. Then he said in a very cute tone,”Maybe we should go together.”….which just brought down the house. He said Japan would be so amazing, so cool to visit and how his little sister sends him links all the time to the Japanese Anime sites. He said she is “obsessed” and that he asks her,”How do you know all this stuff?” Well David when you were her age you were obsessed with musical chart stats.
The final question there were 3 young girls and David says after been introduced.. “Well…hello”. They ask if he will sing “I’ll Be”. He starts to politely demure and says I was thinking of doing that “during my solo shows.” You could tell he didn’t want to disappoint and the girl said to him “You don’t have to”…but then he just glides into the chorus and oh how beautiful that was when he sang:”I’ll be the greatest fan of your life. Needless to say the crowd went nuts!
David said thank you for coming , we will do the photos next. He asked Kristin how many people are there and she said 100. He said, ‘That’s a lot of people.” He said originally the maximum was going to be 40 but that most shows had more. Someone said…”It’s because of you”. David couldn’t hear and asked “What?” and several people said “It’s because of you!” and he smiles and sweetly sings….”And it’s all because of you”. Could there be a more perfect ending?
- Judith
Oh my gosh, Judith. Your writing so richly described our wonderful VIP experience at the Nokia. I’m so glad you wrote this. Now I have a beautifully written memory of this most heavenly experience. “I’ll Be” forever grateful. Thank you so much.
Susan M.(Quote)
such a great Review!!!
Francisco(Quote)
Wow.
AFS gets better every day.
Thank you, Judith!!!
SleeplessNSeattle(Quote)
Thank you Judith — like Susan said — this recap of the VIP event is almost like reliving the VIP event all over again — for this I will always be so thankful for.
PS— I had a mini hot dog and mini hamburger – !
archiefandoc(Quote)
Wow, what a great recap! I love how you remember so many details! I don’t have that luck.. when I’m around David my brain gets fogged and I can’t remember anything at all later. This made me feel like I was there with you, thanks!
Deb(Quote)
hahah I agree Debb me too lol!
Francisco(Quote)
Thanks for sharing your fantastic and memorable experience Judith! I really get the feeling for just what an amazing time you and everyone in that room must have had, AWESOME!
The only thing I find surprising is that “The table of mini hot dogs and hamburgers, pretzels and chips were pretty much ignored…” Really? I would have been all over that, LOL!
marc(Quote)
Judith you are AWESOME!! Like everyone said… it’s like were were there with you. Of course WE all were at least in spirit.
Don’t know how you remember all those details but I guess it helps when you go with a group. I hope I’ll be able to remember my experience as well you.
So happy for you and Doc and everyone that went with you to be able to experience our David. Too bad it can’t last for ever!!!
I am sure you are all STILL ON CLOUD 9, 10, 11, etc!!!!
China80(Quote)
AWESOME review!!! Thank you Judith! I’m so glad you were able to be there; it was an unforgettable experience.
I was going to ask David about a CD in Spanish. I’m glad he is including a song in Spanish on his Christmas album but I really hope it’s not Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad”; it’s a nice song but David will only be repeating “Feliz Navidad, Prospero Año y Felicidad”; I would love to hear David sing a whole song in Spanish. But I’m glad he finally recorded something in Spanish.
Gracias amiga! Archuabrazos!
Sandra DB – Venezuela(Quote)
Sorry! I repeated the word “Spanish” too much on my previous comment
Sandra DB – Venezuela(Quote)
Wow! Thanks everyone! The Meet and Greet was just so incredible. We were in the 2nd row on the floor when he played at the keyboard and it was like he was in my living room. I never in a million years dreamed I would have the honor of being this close to David. I didn’t write about the picture taking as that was the real “blur” moment…talk about brain drain…and then it dawned on me…I still get to see him perform in Concert! Doing this with ArchieFabnDoc, Susan M and Naree was just the best. And seeing my friend CalCindy and meeting a new friend San Diego Sherry was wonderful. May each of you feel as lifted at your events as I did at mine! Florida guys….soon..very soon. Thanks Todd for printing my re-cap here at AFS…one really great Fan Site!!!
Judith(Quote)
Just found out that it was my friend SUSAN M that was the first to say to David…”It’s because of you”…we weren’t sitting next to each other so I just heard it and didn’t see who said it…I think my eyes “may” have been on David at the time! THANK YOU Susan…your comment really made the sweetest ending to the M & G. Next time Susan….Next time….
Judith(Quote)
Judith – what a wonderful day you had – wow how exciting to read it all!! I hope I’ll be able to write just half of what you’ve written – it was just amazing! I hope the memory of that day will stay forever with you!!
Now I can almost se me and my friends sitting there (on the first row of course) listning to to the 4 songe he will be singing to his devoted fans………..well I guess I’m dreaming again
Judith thanks for sharing!!!
Hanne – Denmark(Quote)
Well, well, well… How can I not love you guys?? We are miles away and with this fantastic site and wonderful experiences being shared with us on the other part of the world.. this makes it so real as though we can feel our presence there. Truly amazing.. especially when a sincere re-cap comes from the bottom of one’s heart.
Judith darling… thank you so much for this beautiful re-cap.
Mme Shah, Singapore(Quote)
Judith,
Ahh, I loved this recap! Thank oyu so much for giving me so many details. I could see it all happeneing and honsetly the way David responds to the auduence…he is so accomodating and kind but mostly gracious and grateful. Makes me admire him so much more everytime I read things like this!
Thanks so much Judith, for letting me experience this ‘through you!’
Take care my friend,
Katie
Kathleen(Quote)
Judith! Thank you for the detailed recap! I loved every word of it and could picture it in my mind. Especially with Sacramento fresh on my mind. He is SO fun at those meet and greets.
Hi Susan M! Gee- see, I wish I could have gone to LA as well. But, I’m thankful for what I was able to do.
I love the little new things we learn from each meet and greet. I’m thankful that there are some great question askers out there!
daizdfan(Quote)
Oh Judith…Thank you for this amazing recap. I was thinking of you every minute and knew you would be experiencing the time of your life! I will NEVER forget my VIP experience and now, through your beautiful description, I was there all over again. Can’t wait to “chat” about it some more!! <3 Gail
Gail NY(Quote)
Thanks so much for all the kind comments…every moment in a David Meet & Greet is so precious….Hello to my Danish Delight Hanne and Singapore Sweetheart Mme Shah! And to my wonderful ArchieBuddies Katie, Daisy/Mary and Gail….We have been so fortunate to see Dabid perform in person and now we will enjoy the new stories from our other friends as they get their opportunities.
Judith(Quote)