yeager_jason's Journal

Who would have thought a guy from Branson, Missouri would go out for a boyband? Not many I would imagine but that was me back in 2001. I don’t know if anyone even still remembers the group O-Town that was formed on the very first Making the Band but I went out for that show and that group. I made it all the way to the top 25 but failed to be chosen as one of the 8 guys to move into the house from which the band would be chosen. The 25 of us guys all became so close and I still keep in touch with several including Ashley Angel, Jacob Underwood, Trevor Penick, Erik-Michael Estrada, and Dan Miller aka the guys that made the group. I’ll admit I bought both of the O-Town albums, the LMNT album (Ikaika, Brian and Mike from the top 8’s band), and Ashley’s solo album.

When my now ex-girlfriend heard about the American Idol auditions for this season she started bugging me about trying to make it in the industry one more time. I wasn't sure if I wanted to try again, sure I love singing and performing but i'm 28 and i had become a father since auditioning for Making the Band. My son Nathan means the world to me and really one of the main reasons I decided to even try was for him. When I auditioned i'm not really sure what I was expecting but I think at the same time I had no idea what I was getting myself into when it came to hollywood week. As everyone here knows that was a tough and draining week. I think I was honestly surprised everytime that I made it past each time. I think in the back of my mind I was expecting my dream to be squashed once again but thankfully I actually made it into the top 24.

I was eliminated after having made it into the top 20. I'm not gonna lie and say I wasn't expecting it because I actually was. I got a gut feeling late the night before the results show. Just having made it into this top 24 with the caliber of talent this season is absolutely amazing. I'm walking away with so much. Twenty-three other people that are like family now and who I hope i'll have in my life for the rest of my life. I know one thing i'll never forget any of you guys and if you ever need anything just call. Another big thing is the exposure. Just from my short appearance on the first Making the Band I had a ok run with a boyband before going to auditions for the second season of Idol so i'm looking forward to seeing where this exposure leads.