The “Idol” Finalists performing Phillip Phillips’ “Gone, Gone, Gone” | Photo: Chris White

I had the opportunity to go to the American Idol Live! 2013 concert in Charlotte Thursday. Little did I know it would be the greatest experience of my life!

I purchased the VIP Meet and Greet Experience which included seats in the first five rows, a meet and greet with the Idol finalists, a pre-show soundcheck and some exclusive, VIP merch. 

The experience started about three hours before the concert where all the VIPs met at the arena box office for check-in and to receive instructions on how everything was going to play out. We were met by a tour rep – who was awesome I might add – and were led down to this lounge area where the Idol Finalists were. We met another tour rep, whom I remembered from the Idol Tour I went to a couple years ago, and he kept everything running smoothly during the meet and greet – while adding in a little humor as well. 

We first took a group photo and then we had about 30-45 minutes of “mingle time” with the Idol Finalists. I ended up getting to meet and get autographs from everyone. They were all so nice!

I loved meeting everyone but I have to say I was mostly excited to meet Paul Jolley and Devin Velez. They were my favorites on the show this year and were super nice. I wish I could have had more time to talk to them. I was so excited and nervous to meet them that I didn’t tell them everything I wanted to; like how they were my favorites on the show and telling Devin I was one of the lucky fans he follows on Twitter. It was a true honor to meet them!

The sound check lasted for about 20-30 minutes. I’d never been to a pre-show sound check before so this was an entirely new experience for me. It was awesome to get a little preview of what was to come during the concert.

After that we were taken back up to where we started – right in front of the merch stand of course – where we could stock up on Idol Tour gear before anyone else. We were also allowed to stay inside the building until the doors opened about 45 minutes later. I ended up finding a great place to sit and got some dinner all before the doors opened. I thought that was an added benefit of the whole experience.

The concert itself was amazing! There was a mix of group numbers and individual performances with the winner of this year’s show, Candice Glover, closing it out before a final group performance of Phillip Phillips’ “Gone, Gone, Gone.”

And speaking of Candice. I’m not positive on this but I believe her mom was sitting just a few seats down from me! There were these two women in purple “Candice Glover” shirts and one looked like her mom. Just an interesting tidbit!

I had a blast at this concert! I didn’t want any of it to end. This whole experience was well worth my time and money for sure. I’ll never forget this for the rest of my life!