Powerhouse Media Group

By Feona Sharhran Huff
Powerhouse Media Group
www.stepintoyourpower.net

While searching through YouTube this morning for some Lauryn Hill videos, I came across a tapping of her in 1987 as a 13-year-old girl trying out for Amateur Night at The Apollo (http://youtu.be/gdwhGmvB7aA). Her song of choice was “Who’s Loving You”. She went to the middle of the stage, grabbed the microphone and began belting, “Treated me kind/Sweet destiny/Carried me through desperation”. Apparently she wasn’t hitting the notes to the audiences liking because they began booing her. It didn’t phase the teen. Instead of walking off the stage with a feeling of failure, she removed the microphone from its stand and came closer to the stage’s ledge. My educated assumption is that her self-confidence would not allow her could not be broken. As she continued to work the stage, her vocals got stronger and the audience did more clapping. She refused to stop singing. When she finished her performance, she smiled.

Fast forward some 20 years later to today, Lauryn has accomplished much more than earning the applause of Apollo audience members. She is a multiple award-winning singer who has broken records and has gifted the world with her talent as a member of the Fugees as well as a solo act. She is a trendsetter, motivational speaker and phenomenal mom. Had confidence not been in her DNA makeup back then when she sang at the world famous stage in Harlem New York that has given birth to megastars, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy Lauryn today (FYI: I absolutely adore her!).

I got so excited when I saw her Apollo audition. I can’t wait to show it to Lady Clara and Sir Isaac. It’s empowering footabe and a testament of confidence . Be sure to share it with your children, friends and loved ones.