Comments (Ashley West-Albin
After weeks of grueling conditions, one Survivor is left
standing on the stage of Goldie’s Little Opryhouse. Okay, there were no
starving contestants or consumption of putrid animal parts and bugs but the participants
put their hearts straight into this
N4U: What’s it like
working with Goldie and
Goldie is like one of my aunts. She created a family-based
atmosphere. Everyone knows their priorities and everyone, especially the band,
reflects it. And, I loved working with
I know you are a big baseball star from
My mom’s family is from here and I really enjoyed the country lifestyle. When I was old enough to get out on my own, I moved here, to Whitesville. I met my wife here, and now I have a 10-year-old son, Noah, and a daughter, Abbey, who is six.
Were they excited about Dad being on stage?
From the get-go; they knew songs better than I did. They were into it and practiced as much as I did. They were as dedicated to it, if not more, than me.
Is there music in your family?
Well, I play guitar and my mom sang in choir in college. My grandfather plays in a band called the “Hoedowners” and my father and his brothers played in a band.
What place did music have in your life before Survivor?
I never pursued it as a passion. I never really pushed myself. I taught myself guitar and to sing by ear, and when I first started dating my wife, some of us would all get together and play together in the backyard, then came the house and children and the music slowed down. I slid the guitar under the bed and had to concentrate on other things. My kids have a love for music and the drive came back to me.
What was your strategy?
Be versatile. Surprise your audience and make people ponder on what was going to happen next week in a good way. I learned to not slack off and also to balance music practice, home life and work. I was among great performers, and all the participants were talented. There were ups and downs but I was reminded it was a game and not just about talent.
Did you form any alliances or strong bonds with any of the castaways?
I have a silent respect for certain people. I think they felt the same way inside. We have a mutual respect for each other.
Did you get pulled into the Survivor drama?
I hear things that I wasn’t even aware of. I was so zoned up, that I didn’t hear any of the drama. I just did the best I could every week.
What kind of music do you really excel at and enjoy?
I like all types of music. I like a few songs from each genre-whatever captivates me through words or rhythm, but my heart is in country music.
What were some really of the crazy immunity challenges?
A key to the handcuffs that were on us were in a block of ice and our partner had a lighter to melt the ice. That one was tough. The longest note was a memorable night for me, I had a migraine! Trivia was great because the weekend prior to the competition my family came in and wanted to watch the DVD of the competition. I picked up on a lot of details.
What was the experience like in terms of self-confidence and improvement?
The band is so good and enjoyable. They gave me a new energy and they really helped me entertain the crowd. And, every week, you just get better and better. You gain more confidence because you know people are getting to know you, listen for you and cheer for you.
Did you start to feel like a celebrity?
Well, this Survivor competition was so addicting. It is a real-life drama that is good for the community and something to do. It is good wholesome entertainment that you can take the whole family to. People that I knew and even ones I had never met were so supportive though, through everything.
Would you like to talk about Survivor and the role it played with your mom’s passing?
On November 2nd, I was sleeping at my mom’s bedside in the hospital when she passed away. Survivor was a God sent at the hospital because it was something to talk about and to keep our minds off the inevitable. I didn’t know if I was going to perform that night and my dad said to me, “she would have wanted you to go.” And, I really believed she would have. My priorities are God, family and then whatever else comes. God’s will was at the hospital, I took care of my family and Survivor was the “whatever else comes.” I had prepared the week before because my song selection was so important. I sang “Thanks Again” by Ricky Scaggs because it seemed pretty appropriate. And, that night was impersonation night. I like shaking around and my uncle left me this big collared outfit so I did Elvis and I won. I knew my mom would help me get me through it. I got in the zone and we got through it. It was unbelievable.
Most memorable moment?
That night. I hadn’t known the band or the other performers that long but the kind of bond that was created in that short of a time was amazing. It was a great night. I got cards from random people I had never met and it made me more aware of my blessings. After that, I was at my hungriest and I really really wanted it. Sometimes, I wonder if I won because of my circumstances but the whole show is called Survivor and that is what I had to do, survive my personal tragedy and rise to the occasion.
Where do you want to go now with Survivor under your belt?
Wherever God wants to take me!
