It was SO FUN! I'm so glad I went! Thanks you guys, for nudging me towards going. Now, I can't believe I was thinking of skipping it.

I'M NOT TELLING WHO WINS. NOT EVEN A HINT.
I'm eager to share my experience, and will only say what won't indicate who wins. Tomorrow, I'll have more to dish! That's part 2, after it won't spoil anything.

Let's see. After MONTHS of no rain, it rained today. HARD. So, it took me an hour to drive 10 miles down Beverly. (Hoobie knows what I'm talking about.) I got there at 8:30. Whew! I actually got in line behind Marty's aunt (remember, she gave him a hug on tv) and his cousin, who was really nice. She stayed in line and chatted while her mom went to see if they actually had to wait in line (they didn't.) I stood in line in the rain for more than an hour, then got to the benches. All the while, I was never sure I was actually going to get in. But, at last, I did.

We had the choice of sitting or standing, and family & friends were sent to the balcony. It was explained to them that there was a concern that seeing them in the audience might adversely affect the performances...whatever.
I opted to sit down rather than stand, and was ushered to seats that were for the press that weren't needed. I was about 15 feet directly behind the "thrones" where Dave & INXS sat. I could see them in profile as they listened. Kirk did his head bopping thing. I had a straight sightline to the runway, a guitarist whose name I forget, and Nate, the drummer. My view of Sasha & Rafael was blocked by a big ol' tv camera.

MiG, JD & Marty each sang a cover song. Each did VERY WELL. By then, I was realizing I had made a mistake by sitting, because I felt sort of removed from things, I couldn't really see the details of their faces, and was watching the monitors. I didn't come here to watch it on tv! INXS left to deliberate, and they stopped taping, so I asked permission to go to the floor, which was denied. (Mistake! Never ask permission, especially of an usher!) So, when they were doing something else, I just went onto the PACKED floor. I started at the far left, where the opportunity was, and then did "excuse me, sorry" across the room over to where the Rejected Rawkers were perched, and I could turn around to watch Dave & INXS react, and also had a clear view of the stage. Excellent! I'm so glad I left my seat--much better to be in the thick of things!

I wanted to talk to Suzie. I shook her hand, and said in her ear what I wanted to say, and we had a moment of sincere connection. She was nice. I also shook Ty's hand, and Jordis, too. I asked Ty if they all were going to sing today (no) and showed my disappointment. Dana looked beautiful, like a goddess. She had 3 sparkly dots on her forehead. GLOW, I was 10 feet away from Neil. He stayed put, though, so no touching. Sorry.

It was so quiet when INXS came back with their verdict. Tim dragged it out, of course. JUST SAY IT! I was so nervous. Then, the cut was made. Done. Come say a proper goodbye. Then That Person went to join the others on their perch.

INXS took the stage, and the remaining two each sang one song with them, in quick succession. A new visual effect was added to the Rock Star: INXS experience...shall I tell you? No. I won't. Both performances with INXS were great. I'll have more to say about that tomorrow. Then, INXS went to deliberate again, for what seemed like a long time. More chatting with Suzie, & beatific eye contact with Deanna, Dana, Daphna. People were now getting autographs, but I'm not into that...later I realized I could have had everyone sign my ticket, then sell it on eBay! Oh well.

The verdict is in! I WAS SO NERVOUS! I don't even know these people! The announcement was made, after much dramatic pause, and people jumped for joy, or politely clapped, depending on what they had wished for. Then, The New Singer sang a very new song with INXS, with a lyric sheet in hand! Then another song, then, they re-did the other one, sans lyric sheet. Goodnight, and send in your tapes for NEXT YEAR'S SHOW!

Then, we were treated to a mini-concert by the new, complete INXS. Good stuff! It was fun to see the band finally play! My arms were exausted from so much clapping! Then, it's over. Everybody please exit. Wow, it's 1:00.

Hey, who knows, maybe I'll get some airtime. I was right next to The Rawkers, after all. I have waist length dark blonde hair, & wore a scoop-necked denim top & a black cardigan (the cardigan came off later.) It was so excellent to be there! Whew!