Hi David!

This may seem like just another fan in another city that claims to be your number 1 fan. You have probably heard how much your loved, admired, how wonderful you are etc. etc. etc. I am kinda hoping I will catch your attention in a different way (i do love you too though LOL )

Ever since I was a kid, I have been involved with music. I learned to play guitar at 6, and have been singing since I was old enough to form a note. Every event that has happened in my life I can find a song to relate to, and if it wasn't just right one, I would write one to suit it! My family life was not one to write home about, so I turned to music for everything.

I always thought over the years it would be so cool to have a show where people could live their dreams of being a star, and then American Idol came out. I sat and watched week after week, doing my own criticizing and sometimes muttering to myself gosh I wish i could do that! There was some local "mini idol" shows that came to cities here in Canada, and I got the nerve up to addition for one, and behold I got into the top 10 and was heard on the internet for weeks as the voting went on! I could only dream of ever making it big, which I would have given my life for! Unfortunately, I was in my thirties and too dang old for any real Idol, so my journey ended.

I followed Idol faithfully though each year, and when Season 7 started, I looked over at my family (who I made watch LOL) and said, that guy has got some serious talent, hes gonna make it in the top 5 easily. I do believe it was the Top 36 at this point. I was mesmerized by the way you sang, the passion in your voice and how you could make anyone believe what you sang was the gospel truth. I did a little research on you and found you had other music and was able to get my hands on Analog Heart. I found myself looking forward to watching you each week develop into a musician. I felt like I was sitting there with you on the edge of the seat when they announced you won the season! I had tears of joy!

Being Canadian is tough when your an American Idol fan, especially when you want to go and see the show, or even vote as we are not allowed. My husband had to sit and listen to me go on and on about how I would give the world to be able to see you in concert. I think you are the most talented person I have ever seen make it all the way. You have a genuine heart, and through all the hardships you faced with your brother, I felt your pain, as I too lost my mom a few years ago, and hold her in my heart forever.

I was given 2 tickets during the summer of 08 to Seattle to see you and the top 10! My friend and I went and got t-shirts made up that said "Edmonton Loves American Idol and on the back I had your name (she had Jason's LOL). The fans that were beside us said they never saw 2 gals from Canada cheer and support you guys the way we did . They made us feel so welcome in the USA! I am so excited this year that AI is coming to Winnipeg (12 hours away) and I am heading there in September to see Lee who I think is also amazing talent,, (and yes I predicted him to Top 5 during Top 24 round LOL) and reminds me so much of you. (BTW missed you last night on AI for the finale, but heard you were doing something awesome so all is forgiven )

I keep thinking to myself how cool it would be to meet you and talk with you over a coffee. To share with someone how music is so clearly passionate in your life as it is in mine. And above all, to meet someone who truly deserves all the best in life. I recently quit smoking and gained alot of weight because of it, so vocally its been a little harder to sing lately, but I look up at your Autographed picture I have of you on my Wall, and even though you are MUCH younger than me LOL, you are my Idol and inspiration, and you keep me going to pick up that mic and keep trying. I will get my voice back! Someday David, I hope I get the chance to meet you, and possibly sing 1 song with you. I would feel complete.

Take care and keep smiling, cause I think your a great inspiration. Thank you for keeping my dreams alive.

Your #1 Canadian Fan,
Linda
www.dissanddat.com (yes, your on there too!)