When he appeared on season 6 of American Idol, the chubby, bespectecled worship leader Chris Sligh offered viewers a decidedly fresh perspective: he didn’t really give a rip about the show.
Well, he did, but he also knew that American Idol was just one step on his musical career ladder. So he used the experience to his advantage, learned what he could, and went on to work his behind off in the post-Idol years.
This week, Sligh offered the season 8 Idols a little bit of career advice, now that the tour is over. His thoughts: for the most part, it’s all over, so get over it, get over yourself, and get your rear in gear.
Not everyone can take such blunt advice with the attitude it was intended. Then again, not everyone survives in this industry. What Sligh did was weed out the whiners with his post.
Seriously.

Every word that Sligh offered is true. There is no instant fame. Exposure on TV will do nothing for you unless you’re willing to work and take the initiative when the cameras are turned off. And yes, even after American Idol you will tour the country in a van packed with equipment, eat at McDonalds and sleep in one-star hotels.
Can’t take it? Then a career in music just isn’t for you.
And if you’re thinking things are different in the Christian music industry, think again.
Most of the major labels are owned by, well, major labels. Most artists are working in dual markets, meaning if you’re not good enough to sell to mainstream, you’re probably not going to do well in Christian, either, because if you’re not making your label money, you’re going to be out on your arse. And no one is making money in either industry, mainstream or Christian.
Music is, after all, a business. You need to earn your keep.
So to Chris Sligh, who has never been one to mince words or blow smoke up your … well, you know … thank you for being so honest. And for being so right.
Hey, you aspiring artists: were you listening?
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