Lazaro Arbos AI 12

[cubsfan55]

Bolding mine. You are misconstruing 100%, IMO. If you want to think Lazaro was comfortable answering KU, then that is your prerogative. Some of us might not think the same way, and not out of being unkind, but rather, and rather obviously, the exact opposite.

I have to wonder why Keith Urban asked NO ONE ELSE a question.

That's fair enough, WinkyD, and I absolutely apologize if I misinterpreted the original post.
I didn't say I thought Laz was comfortable. Absolutely the contrary -- I know he wasn't! It takes great effort to speak when not fluent. Heck, for some of us it takes great effort to speak AT ALL in high-pressure situations (like national TV)!
I just see it all the time -- people feeling very uncomfortable when having to listen to someone with a speech impediment, so they beg no one will ask questions where they'll have to speak more than necessary. And that's what makes me sad.

[NCLurker]

I feel bad reading this. It is not a very kind statement.
There is no need to feel bad for Laz because of his speech impediment. There are thousands of successful doctors, lawyers, scientists, educators, etc., in the world who stutter. Surprising to many, there are also well-known singers, movie/TV stars, newscasters, CEOs, and professional athletes who deal with a lack of fluency in their speech. No need to feel bad. Just have a little patience.

The bolded part is absolutely true. However, in the packages that AI put together Lazaro was obviously very uncomfortable with his stutter. He basically said that he worked in an ice cream shop because you didn't have to be smart or seem smart or something along those lines. Broke my heart. That alone does make me more sensitive to how he is questioned as opposed to others.

[echo226]

That's fair enough, WinkyD, and I absolutely apologize if I misinterpreted the original post.
I didn't say I thought Laz was comfortable. Absolutely the contrary -- I know he wasn't! It takes great effort to speak when not fluent. Heck, for some of us it takes great effort to speak AT ALL in high-pressure situations (like national TV)!
I just see it all the time -- people feeling very uncomfortable when having to listen to someone with a speech impediment, so they beg no one will ask questions where they'll have to speak more than necessary. And that's what makes me sad.

Isn't it said that a fear greater than death is a fear of public speaking? Now let's amp that up with any highly visible or audible disability. Of course he was nervous and had to struggle. I am telling you that whatever the final outcome is ... this experience will end up helping Lazaro and inspiring and helping a lot of people. I absolutely want to see him as the last guy standing.

I think they should invite him to sing the National Anthem at the Special Olympics and/or be the key note speaker at the Speech therapists convention

I don't think Keith did him any harm.

[razorbacker]

I feel bad reading this. It is not a very kind statement.
There is no need to feel bad for Laz because of his speech impediment. There are thousands of successful doctors, lawyers, scientists, educators, etc., in the world who stutter. Surprising to many, there are also well-known singers, movie/TV stars, newscasters, CEOs, and professional athletes who deal with a lack of fluency in their speech. No need to feel bad. Just have a little patience.

I'm sorry you interpreted it that way, but I felt as though Lazaro was very uncomfortable in this situation. There is one thing about trying to speak in a private setting amongst friends ( a situation he has already addressed) and a completely different thing when being blind sided in front of a live audience of 20 million plus. And yes, as you say there are lots & lots of successful people that have speech impediments (my best friend growing up was one) but they don't usually have to see it played out on a national stage like this. And if we are being really honest, if Lazaro were to win (as anyone that does or has won) he will have to do the press rounds & the late night talk show circuit & continually have cameras & microphones in shoved in front of him. It is going to be very uncomfortable for him & those assigned to interview him. And for this reason I do feel badly. I wish him nothing but success & applaud him taking on this opportunity.

[echo226]

I'm sorry you interpreted it that way, but I felt as though Lazaro was very uncomfortable in this situation. There is one thing about trying to speak in a private setting amongst friends ( a situation he has already addressed) and a completely different thing when being blind sided in front of a live audience of 20 million plus. And yes, as you say there are lots & lots of successful people that have speech impediments (my best friend growing up was one) but they don't usually have to see it played out on a national stage like this. And if we are being really honest, if Lazaro were to win (as anyone that does or has won) he will have to do the press rounds & the late night talk show circuit & continually have cameras & microphones in shoved in front of him. It is going to be very uncomfortable for him & those assigned to interview him. And for this reason I do feel badly. I wish him nothing but success & applaud him taking on this opportunity.

See ... I think this is absolutely wonderful practice for him. They always talk about the contestants "growing" as far as singing, styling, etc. Who says he can't grow in this area?

By the way .. someone said he is getting sympathy votes. I don't feel sorry for him. I admire him. Also, he is a really handsome guy ... has nice ways about him and has a voice good enough to make it through the judges choices.

There are usually one or two that I look forward to seeing every week. This season, Lazaro is one of them. When he goes on from here I will look forward to seeing how he progresses.


ETA: Darth Vader stutters! Really just google for information regarding the famous who stutter or who are former stutterers. It is amazing.

[Cornholio]

We were at Rita's where Lazaro worked the other day, chatting with the staff about him. They said he was a genuinely super-nice guy, they love him there.

[beerbelly]

What a handsome kid.

[NCLurker]

We were at Rita's where Lazaro worked the other day, chatting with the staff about him. They said he was a genuinely super-nice guy, they love him there.

This doesn't surprise me one bit. All of his fellow contestants have been incredibly supportive of him all the way. There seems to be a very real fondness for him that you don't see to the same degree for all contestants.

[Cornholio]

Went by again tonight, now they have this banner out front. :-)

vote lazaro.jpg

[Fanny Mare]

That is so cute! good for them !