Finally, after surrendering my coat, scarf, purse and dignity, I walked through a metal detector and was allowed into the actual studio. Everyone always comments about how these places are smaller than they seem on TV, but it was especially true in this case. There were three high school girls in front of me who were taken to sit on the couch on stage, and then when I revealed that I was a loner at the taping (that's what happens when you're 23 — all your other friends have jobs), they took pity on me and let me sit on the couch, too. I quickly discovered that we were the envy of the rest of the crowd, who had to sit on uncomfortable stairs and bleachers. At one point, I even heard a girl behind me say that we should be booted from the couch because we weren't exciting enough. I reminded myself that these kids were only in high school, and I needn't get all up in arms over this, but I was slowly losing my cool. Luckily, I made friends with the 15-year-old rebellious girls sharing the couch with me — not only did they defy the "must be at least 16 years old to attend TRL" rule, but they also snuck in a camera phone. I was impressed.
After being prepped on how to clap and cheer and look like we're having fun, the taping started. Fergie came out to co-host with Damien, and she was incredibly nice and beautiful in person — in between tapings, she would come over and talk to the crowd. I'm always wary of celebs after my Tyson Beckford encounter, but I really can't say enough nice things about her. Also on the show was American Idol loser Kristy Lee Cook, who seemed nice enough but oddly out of her element. It was obvious she was extremely nervous. While all this was happening, I was uncomfortably trying to avoid the cameras — which was difficult to do, as I was directly in line with the hosts for a good portion of the show.
What seemed like 13 years later, Gavin came out to grace us with his presence. He was incredibly nice to everyone in the audience, taking the time to shake hands with most of the crowd and cracking jokes and making me want to marry him. He serenaded me (fine, and the rest of the audience) with "Young Love," one of the new songs off his upcoming album. I loved it, but I'm slightly biased, as I think he could sing the phone book and I would be blown away.
And then, before I even knew what hit me, it was over. Gavin disappeared, Fergie and Damien introduced a new Alicia Keys video (Damien watched it with a look of utter disgust and confusion on his face), and then we were herded out like a bunch of cattle. I tracked down my security guard friend, who dug around in his pockets for awhile before finally finding my pepper spray. I contemplated sneaking around backstage to find Gavin, but then I saw my frat friends coming and decided it would be in the best interest of everyone's safety to get the heck out of dodge.
So there you have it. Lessons learned: Only go to TRL if the featured artist is absolutely worth it, or if you sneak in a flask. Feel free to watch me in all my awkwardness Wednesday at 3:30 EST.
Editor
I'm almost 30…will you forgive me if I admit to having never heard of this Gavin fellow? How long has he been around? I don't miss the radio or TV in the least, but sometimes I do seem to be rather behind the times.
who the hell is gavin mcgraw?
and that sounds like my worst nightmare. i'm pretty sure someone would have been stabbed in or about their face.
Ha ha. Sounds like a blast. I hate teenage girls, until I remember that my daughter will be one. Sigh…if I had to deal with me when, at 13 I was allowed to see Prince in concert, and my friend and I belted out "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off" (the original version- I'm old) on the way into the stadium, I would have tripped me and/or slapped me hard across the face. I'm glad you got to see the Gav in person, and rather surprised that Fergie was pretty. See you on Wednesday!
tlatzoteotl-
He sang the theme to One Tree Hill. Beyond that I am as clueless as you are.
Do not feel old; hardly anybody I know has heard of Gavin, with the exception of my sophomore year roommates, who introduced me to him. Yes, he sang "I Don't Wanna Be," which was the One Tree Hill theme song, but don't judge him off of that single alone. It's my least favorite song on his album (released way back in 2003), but I love all the other ones. He has an amazing voice and he's awesome in concert. Also, he's my future husband.
Gavin is Gwen Stefani's hubby
Did he sing "Oh Chariot"?
Tori, Gavin McGraw is actually Faith Hill's husband. Sheesh.
Gwen Stefani's husband is Gavin Rossdale.
Tim McGraw is Faith Hill's husband.
Gavin DeGraw is single.
whitney im so jealous, of the whole seeing Gavin live, not the trl experience. but I should let you know he is my future husband. if he ever makes his way back to Scandinavia im so there.
Way to go, LilCait. Now what? Santa Clause isn't real? The Davis brothers don't do coke? Lindsay Lohan is sober?
By the way, I think Gavin DeGraw played the captain on The Love Boat.
Whitney, I thought I was your future husband? Well, I finally get a glimpse of ya. Hi, I am the Afro/White/Asian brother with the voice of Gavin Degraw.
That's not creepy at all.
Whitney I tip my hat, I think it shows real restraint that you didn't use that pepper spray, you are a far more composed person than I.
i love gavin degraw too! i thought i was the only one. i like it when he plays piano, he's like a hot chico marx.
yes, he's the guy who sang "Oh, Chariot". I love that damn album. It's great to listen to when you just want to relax and zone out. Very soothing.
You showed far more restraint than I. I have an imaginary hit list that includes most teenagers, pre-fraternity boys, post-fraternity boys, and women who spray tan too much. Good job on not getting a felony. Not all of us are that strong.
I'm loving the inside scoop Whitney even though trl is a truly shitty show.
Oh and it seems you have a fan of your own (Deano).
This reminds me of one time when my sister actually called TRL and got to talk to Carson on the air (back when it was live). He asks her if she voted for Korn and she responds "Oh TOTALLY" and he nods and says "Uh huh, right". I still crack up every time I see that video. It sounds like you had a great time, I would have needed a few bong rips and at least a sixer before being able to put up with such blatant stupidity.
Well, I came back this morning to see if there was any response to my question. The whole who's married to who thing cracked me up. :)
Since I don't watch TV, I'm still clueless. It's good to know I'm not alone, though. I'll have to try to remember to look him up when I get home tonight.
I'm 35 and I love Gavin DeGraw. His music is so much more than "Oh, Chariot." Does me being a fan at my age make me a loser? I didn't know 30 was old! Senility's already taking hold, isn't it? I think I need a drink.
I'm 36 and love Gavin too. OMG, it's like group therapy. Will we be able to do some arts and crafts later? I can't decoupage for shit and Adam Curry was the greatest VJ EVER! Suck on it, Martha Quinn.
The love boat theme is stuck in my head now. looooove, exciting and new.
Great juju. Now that's stuck in my head too. And just so I can prove I'm THAT kind of nerd - those things are called earworms. My head is full of this useless crap. I really should get bakc to work.
Hate to tell you that I will actually be Gavin's wife! I saw a show of his last year- he took my hand & sang "Let's get it on" (Uuuum ok…swoon!)Later he gave me his guitar pick. Be jealous.
Ha ha I was there at the taping. I was suprised they did it all in one takes.
Were you one of the girls dancing? I felt old too. I remember a few kids saying they didnt know who some of the guests were to act cool.
Remember in high school addressing things in a negative fashion is 'cool.' then in college+ its usually about insight
totally just saw you in the teaser for today's trl whitney! i was vicariously excited.