Please say I'm not crazy

[Saimaeve]

Good luck!!! I think he'll do great!

 

[cobright]

Two thoughts on this:
1. Don't mention the autism and let it drop how it drops. This sends the, "you're autism isn't an issue" message to your son. Which is cool.

2. Mention the autism going in. If the kid has even a bit of talent the autism becomes an angle for the show to work and will definitely increase his shot at being seen. It will certainly not harm his chances. Its a bit mercenary, but talent shows like this love a story to tell. On your end it becomes a "show others that autism doesn't always have to hold you back" kind if teaching moment.

I can't fathom anyone judging you harshly whichever rout you take. Good luck.

 

[bookwormde]

Yes certainly he should try it!

I am one who says as long as he is comfortable let the staff know.

As a side note has he competed in the PTA reflections arts competitions, sounds like he would be a great candidate for that also, he can compete in one the regular categories or the special needs category,

 

[PigletsPal2]

I hate to be the one to rain on your parade, but I think the American Idol Experience has closed. DD#1 went with a friend a couple of weeks ago, and she said they did AI for kicks and giggles (they're both too old), and to get the pin. I think she said a CM told her it was the last night (or maybe week?) Anyway, I hope I'm wrong and your kiddo gets to sing!

Queen Colleen

 

[SueM in MN]

I hate to be the one to rain on your parade, but I think the American Idol Experience has closed. DD#1 went with a friend a couple of weeks ago, and she said they did AI for kicks and giggles (they're both too old), and to get the pin. I think she said a CM told her it was the last night (or maybe week?) Anyway, I hope I'm wrong and your kiddo gets to sing!

Queen Colleen

It's still open for now - you can still get Fastpass Plus for it.

The news I've seen has said it will be closing sometime in January 2015, so your DD and her friend may have misunderstood or, it's possible that it was the last night for the CM - I'm sure some might transfer to other positions before it closes.

Anyway, I hope the OP comes back and let's us know how he did.

 

[rigs32]

The only question/concern I have is whether your son has the skills to do what they ask for the second round. They sing whatever they want to the first time around, but if they make it to the bigger show, they are required to sing from a selected list of songs. And it is that song from the pre-selected list they would sing for the 2nd audition and then the prelim/final shows.

 

[SueM in MN]

The only question/concern I have is whether your son has the skills to do what they ask for the second round. They sing whatever they want to the first time around, but if they make it to the bigger show, they are required to sing from a selected list of songs. And it is that song from the pre-selected list they would sing for the 2nd audition and then the prelim/final shows.

I have seen lists of the available songs in the past.
I'm not sure where to find a current list, but there probably is one somewhere.

 

[briar_rose_59]

I have seen lists of the available songs in the past. I'm not sure where to find a current list, but there probably is one somewhere.

One other thing to keep in mind is that they aren't the usual arrangement of the songs. They are almost all shortened versions and I've heard of some people having trouble wrapping their head around some key changes and such because of the alterations.

That said since OP's son has a choir background he'll probably have a leg up on "weird" arrangements over someone who just songs on their own.

 

[MOpGrad2013]

Since he's been in traditional choir, he is more than likely well versed in the director giving the music. Many competitions have cold reading--sight singing. I am so excited to find out how he does!

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I definitely think if he wants to do AI Experience, he should. With his background, he probably has already dealt at some level with the majority of challenges the contestants face.

Have you asked him if he wants the CMs at AI Experience to know about his autism? It sounds to me like he's high functioning enough to make that decision himself (and self-advocate if he does want the CMs to know).

 

[SueM in MN]

I definitely think if he wants to do AI Experience, he should. With his background, he probably has already dealt at some level with the majority of challenges the contestants face.

Have you asked him if he wants the CMs at AI Experience to know about his autism? It sounds to me like he's high functioning enough to make that decision himself (and self-advocate if he does want the CMs to know).

 

[AutieMom]

I'm on the fence with telling them b/c from what I understand I'll go with him inside the audition. I am not worried about the audition portion because his audition skills have been practiced well. During the All State events he had to go in on his own and do it. I think the judge did pick up on the autism but it did not affect his score. He scored a 99/100 and went straight through.

Since I posted last he has selected several songs to use and he sounds great. We are just going to go without expectations and hope they will let him be heard. We have to live by the motto of "let him try". Without trying he would get nowhere. We never want the autism to be a crutch so I think if he goes in for the 2nd audition that I'll just let his voice sing and go from there.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm on the fence with telling them b/c from what I understand I'll go with him inside the audition. I am not worried about the audition portion because his audition skills have been practiced well. During the All State events he had to go in on his own and do it. I think the judge did pick up on the autism but it did not affect his score. He scored a 99/100 and went straight through.

Since I posted last he has selected several songs to use and he sounds great. We are just going to go without expectations and hope they will let him be heard. We have to live by the motto of "let him try". Without trying he would get nowhere. We never want the autism to be a crutch so I think if he goes in for the 2nd audition that I'll just let his voice sing and go from there.

That sounds like a good plan.
I don't know for sure, but it think that you would remain with him because he is a minor.

Sometimes you need to let them fly and see how far they can go. I hope he does well.

 

[disney is my life]

Our trip is October 10-11th and we are specifically going for him to try. I just feel like the stars are aligned. He's finally old enough.... 15 in Aug and the timing of the closing means it's now or never. His voice is magical but having a conversation with him is just so so. There just has to be some pixie dust this trip

I'd hate to be the bearer of bad news but I thought you should know if you haven't already heard. The American Idol Experience closing has been pushed up to August 31 2014.

 

[madaboutMickey]

I was just going to post this also. So sorry your son won't get the opportunity to try out.

 

[blondietink]

I saw this too and was going to post.

 

[AutieMom]

oh dear...oh nooooooo

i just made the final payment last night. Thank you for the heads up. We have planned the whole couple of days around this including our FP+.


i'm going to call to verify and will report back

 

[AutieMom]

I can not find that information. I have only found information regarding the closing in January. Can you point out a link to that information?

 

[CantSwim63]

I can not find that information. I have only found information regarding the closing in January. Can you point out a link to that information?

Sorry, but as per the WDW link below, the last day is August 30, 2014.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/hollywood-studios/american-idol-experience/