Ace

Video by Debra Elder and Nicki Young

My husband and I have always been fans of American Idol, watching since season 1. However this year was different for me once I saw Ace. My son Patrick, who is 3, would watch with us and always enjoyed the music. I have to say that my fascination with Ace rubbed off on Patrick! We stared listening to his music at home and in the car. If I didn’t turn it on, Patrick would be requesting it. When the concert schedule was announced I purchased tickets for the August 3rd concert. I did not plan on bringing Patrick, as he was a little young for it, so I decided to take him to try to meet Ace before the concert.

Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in meeting Ace because the security at the venue would not allow the Idols to come out and greet the fans. Patrick was so disappointed, as he had seen the buses pull in and kept asking when Ace was going to get off the bus and come to see us. We finally had to leave and Patrick cried when I put him back in the car.

Fortunately for us, the American Idol tour came back through Atlanta on September 12. I knew we had to try again to see Ace. Patrick needed his Ace hug! I didn't tell Patrick where we were going because I didn't want to get his hopes up too high. However, as soon as I pulled into the venue parking lot, he knew exactly where we were. He asked "Mommy, is Ace going to get off the bus and see us this time?"

We arrived at 2pm and were glad to see some friends we had made last time we waited to see Ace. Like clockwork the buses pulled into the venue at 2:30. We were quite a distance from the buses, but we could see the idols walking on and off the buses. Patrick yelled “Ace, where are you?" We soon saw ACE riding around the buses on the scooter and called out to him. And about 10 minutes later, Ace came up to us!

There were about 40 fans there waiting to meet Ace. Patrick patiently waited his turn. As soon as Ace saw Patrick walking up to him he knelt down to Patrick's level. Patrick was not shy at all - he immediately ran to Ace and gave him a hug. Ace was so sweet to him, asking for a high 5.

Patrick stood against Ace for our photo and Ace was showing Patrick how to make the highroller sign. Patrick could hold his 2 fingers up, but didn't quite understand why Ace told him to turn his hand sideways. Patrick said "But I'm not 2, I'm 3!"

We had our photos taken and moved back so others could have their turn. While we were waiting Patrick said to me "I want to sing Ace a song". I said ok, but we have to wait our turn. So after everyone had met Ace we walked back up to him. Ace again knelt down to Patrick's level and said he wanted to sing him a song. Ace said ok and then Patrick was suddenly shy. People in the crowd encouraged him and he sang very softly "Don't go, don't go" and Ace got the cutest, most surprised look on his face and said "Oh! You're singing one of my songs!" I don't think Ace was expecting to hear that! He explained to Patrick that he was going to sign it with him: Ace would sing the verse and when he got to the chorus Patrick would sing with him.

Ace began singing "Don't Go" and Patrick got a little bashful. He stood by Ace but kept looking at me holding the camera. He got the sweetest smile on his face as he listened. Ace once again demonstrated his amazing ability with kids: he very subtly looked at Patrick to try to get him to turn in his direction, but didn't press Patrick or make him uncomfortable. Ace then gently wrapped his finger around Patrick's wrist. Patrick was still somewhat timid to look Ace in the eye, but he held onto Ace's finger. When Ace got to the chorus he said "Are you ready?" and Patrick looked at him and sang "Don't Go, Don't Go." They finished up with an enthusiastic high 5! The whole thing was adorable. I'm so grateful to Ace for not only taking the time to listen to Patrick sing, but to sing with Patrick? That was so unexpected. We were all treated to our own serenade!

We are so lucky to have had such a great experience. Patrick is very proud of his duet with Ace and so are we! At Patrick's request we watch the video many, many times each day. Patrick has seen the video so many times that he now sings the verse and when he gets to the chorus he points to me and says "are you ready?" just like Ace did with him.

Thank you, Ace. We are proud to be your fans and proud to be a part of Highrollers With Heart.

Photo by Nicki Young