Monday, March 9, 2009

Single Moms on "American Idol"

Tomorrow night, television’s most captivating competition continues with the “American Idol” Season 8 “Top 12″ – or “Top 13,” as announced during the shocking Wildcard show on Thursday night.

Guess who two of the promising thirteen contestants are? Alexis Grace and Megan Joy Corkrey, both single moms of young tots.

Alexis is the 21-year-old soulful petite mom with a stripe of pink hair from Memphis, TN. Megan is the 23-year-old “current” tattooed singer from Utah who echoes Nelly Furtado.

The interview vignettes show the mothers playing with their babies at home, and lamenting the fact that they have to be away from their children for so long. But, the temporary sacrifice may pay off in the long run, ensuring a better life for their families.

Now, I’m sure that across America, there are plenty of people clucking their tongues in judgment. Why should the most popular TV show showcase unwed mothers? Won’t it send the message to young girls that it’s okay to get pregnant?

I think it sends a stronger message: that despite the difficult circumstances these two young mothers face, they are working hard to pursue their dreams. And isn’t that the ultimate American dream?

Alexis and Megan join the ranks of previous single mother contestants, including Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino and Season 1 contestant Nikki McKibbin.

-- this was originally posted on my friend's blog, Single Mom Seeking.

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