I recently found myself onboard one of our very special flights with one of my “Idols,” Lee DeWyze and his band, for a Live at 35® concert! In case you haven’t heard, Live at 35® is an in-air concert where artists perform and surprise Southwest Airlines Customers at 35,000 feet in the air!
DeWyze is the winner of the 9th season of American Idol. This experience was extra special to me because I am an American Idol fan. Not only do I watch the show, I also vote. I make it my mission to see that my favorite artists win – DeWyze was my favorite that season so you bet I voted (roughly a million times each night) from the beginning! Also, we’re both from suburbs of Chicago so I knew he was the real deal. He has a soulful, heartfelt voice and it is no surprise to me that he was one of the artists picked for the exclusive performance for Southwest Customers.
I got to sit with the group at the gate and watch fans ask for his signature, helped carry on their instruments, and sit up front to watch them surprise the Customers. It’s not every day you’re asked to hold a musician’s trumpet while he plays the banjo at 35,000 feet in the air. DeWyze performed “Fight” and “Silver Lining,” two songs from his new album “Frames.” Both of which had that folk-rock sound I know and love – perfect for an acoustic performance.
The coolest part of the trip for me was sitting behind Lee and his band on the plane and listening to them talk about how excited they were to surprise the Customers and perform on a plane for the first time. I was lucky enough to be a part of their first time experience entertaining fans 35,000 feet in air.
This Live at 35 was brought to our Customers via Live in the Vineyard, a three-day festival which celebrates music, food, and wine in Napa, CA. As the Official Airline of Live in the Vineyard, Southwest is giving away a VIP trip for two to the Nov. 1-4 event. Make sure you enter to win by visiting www.southwest.com/liveinthevineyard!
And the next time you’re getting ready for your Southwest flight, remember to bring a marker and a camera because you might just meet your “Idol.”
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