The Results Are In!
Final ballot count on February 15, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST: 431 votes!
If you’re reading this, I know (1) you voted and/or (2) you care about my music and me. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.
Here are the results with "entries judged on artistic promise, songwriting, vocals, style, & votes from friends & fans":
On the night the scholarship contest ended and before results were released, I wrote this in my journal:
“One of the gifts I am enjoying right now is the 431 votes casted for my video submission to Cari Cole’s Step Up to the Spotlight scholarship contest. Out of 40+ contestants, I ranked the highest, with the next highest contestant holding 46 votes. I am not bragging. This entire experience proved to me the power of social media, hard work, true fans, genuine family and friends, and courage.
Honestly, my plan was to share the contest with my six siblings and maybe my five “sistercousins,” as I like to call them. But I found the courage to share with my Facebook friends – and that took off in a way I never imagined. I received an out pour of love and support – all unexpected. Messages were left under my video that melted me inside. Stories were shared that I will never forget. I was overwhelmed, in a very good way.
And then Nancy encouraged me to share on my Facebook music page. What?!
With some hesitation, I forced myself to share the contest with my fans. I received a similar reaction from them and was again blown away by the love.
It was incredible to see that my music mattered even after all these years. I was literally shaking (this is what happens when I’m nervous and excited at the same time). There were only positive and supportive comments, shares, and likes. The energy was beyond me.
Thank you to my friends, family, and fans. Your belief in me is more important to me than winning, because I know I am a winner in your eyes. I LOVE YOU ALL!”
"Your belief in me is more important to me than winning,
because I know I am a winner in your eyes."
These words still hold true, even after hearing the results.
And of course, I felt the sting of not winning when I found out, but it was brief. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of losses and they stung a lot longer then. I think I'm well prepared now. ;) This time around, I took that energy and turned it into inspiration.
These are the great lessons and thoughts that crossed my mind after the results:
Photo Credit: Cari Cole
- Keep going. Your work is not done.
You have more courage than you realize. You entered without knowing that the judge casts ballots for the GRAMMYs.
REPEAT: Someone who votes for Grammy winners listened to your voice.
If you want to run with the big shots, work harder and smarter.
You have at least 431 people who genuinely believe in you. Don’t ever forget that.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
You need high quality, professional music videos in the future.
You’re one “no” closer to a “yes.”
"Don't take anything personally, good or bad." -Don Miguel Ruiz
The best is yet to come.
Thank you for reading and most importantly, for your love and support, my dear reader.
Have you ever turned a loss into inspiration? What did you gain from that loss? Please leave a comment below – I do read them and I’d love to hear from you!
Until next time…
Dream BIG,
Pagnia
