I know quite a few people in the music industry, and because my Indieheaven organization is based in the same town as most of the CCM industry, I get to mingle (OK, I buy em lunch) with gatekeepers and music execs and find out what is happening in their world. (there are a few execs left these days!). In talking with industry folk, I often hear them when describing their latest discovery state, “That artist has “it.” I’ve asked them what is “it?” They usually respond with a shrug of their shoulders and say that “it” is undefinable, or they dive into a 25 minute explanation of what they think “it” is. Usually by the 2nd minute, they start repeating themselves, which again, tells me they really do not know what makes an artist have “it.” They can sense “it.” They can feel “it.” They just know “it.” Have you ever heard the term “The It Factor?” Well, what is “it?” I demand to know! (Cause I want some of “it”:)

A couple of days ago, I was being a couch potato, skimming through a thousand channels on DISH TV looking for anything remotely interesting and came across the show “American Idol Rewind.” Now if you know me, you know I am not a big fan of American Idol and all it stands for. However, on this particular show, they were documenting how Carrie Underwood rose from obscure farm girl to winning the contest several seasons ago. I did not know much about Carrie, other than hearing her smash song, “Jesus Take The Wheel” and thinking to myself, daggoneit, I wish I would have written that sappy song! My house would be paid off!

What kept me from jumping off this particular channel and back to the safety of smooth jazz on The Weather Channel was because I was memorized and captivated by Carrie’s stunning voice, and even more than that, her incredible humility. On this particular episode, they were showing clips of Carrie’s audition, each weeks performance, along with interviews as she kept making the cut. It was clear to me the girl could really sing. What also struck me was that her countenance was one of simply doing what she loved to do and really enjoying herself in the process. In her audition, Carrie was not overly made up, or dressed way over the top. She was kind of plain, yet you could tell she was a serious diamond in the rough when she opened her mouth and sang her song. It was no wonder Carrie passed her audition, I’m sure we have all seen audition tapes of singers either dressed like a showgirl down on Broadway who should not even think about singing professionally, to so-so singers who thought they were God’s gift to the world and you just wanted to smack em upside the head and wake em up!

With Carrie, there was something about how she handled herself through the entire American Idol process that really impressed me. As the weeks went on, you could tell Carrie was getting her act together more and more. Now, I am sure American Idol has their own version of Tom Jackson who coach the finalists on how to best present themselves onstage. However, Carrie was a natural and she was amazing. Every performance was better than the previous one, and she had an incredible command of not only her voice, but her presence on the stage. Sure, she is very attractive, but she also had this inner glow that was undeniable. I’m not sure if it was Christ in her that was shining through her performances, but it sure could have been a part of it. I figured she was a believer because of that Jesus song I had heard on the radio:)

Towards the end of the show, as Carrie reached the final 8, everything really came together for her. Her performances became even more stunning. She demanded and commanded the stage, she connected with people in ways that few performers can do, even with coaching. She projected confidence without arrogance. She knew how to deliver the songs with power, finesse, strength, and delicateness all at the same time. She obviously was loving every minute of her experience. She was born for this show and for the international stage. For all intent and purposes, Carrie had “it!” Of course we all know Carrie won American Idol and has gone on to a very successful career in the country music world.

But what was “it” that Carrie had? Was “it” her good looks? Was “it” her incredible voice? I started thinking about “it.” And then “it” made “itself” known. “It” became clear to me as the show came to a close. The “it” that Carrie had was an “attitude of service.” Carrie served herself and her talent to the people each and every performance. She wasn’t there to have her ego stroked, although she received huge amounts of praise for her ability. See, Carrie did not let the praise go to her head, and fill her head up with visions of self grandeur and pompous pride that would have killed “it.” The “It” that she had provided her the confidence to serve the people even more every time she got on that American Idol stage. Her heart of service was far stronger than her head and the games your head can play with you when you find yourself on the world’s stage in front of hundreds of millions of people. If you don’t have “it,” you certainly won’t make “it.”

Can you imagine being in Carrie’s shoes throughout her American Idol experience? She comes from a small farm town in Oklahoma, not thinking she was the best thing to ever hit planet Earth. She had in her heart that she was simply going to serve herself and her gift to the people the best she knew how, and do so with remarkable confidence, poise, and especially humility. See, I think that “it” is also humility. Humility and service are the 2 best talents or attributes a musician, or artist, or for that matter anyone who is creative and sharing their talent with an audience can possibly possess.

To me, it’s not a matter of if you “have it.” It’s a matter of do you “get it?” Carrie Underwood gets “it.” And because she got “it,” she has tons of “it!” So, if you have not gotten “it” yet, take some time and ask yourself honestly what you are in “it” for? Once you get “it” in your heart that “it” is not really about you, “it” is about serving others with your talent, “it” will become clear to people who engage your talent that you have “it.”

Make sense? Hope so! So, “Carrie Underwood” on and and get on with “it!”

Let’s Be Independent… together!
keith mohr