In that moment

While watching the audtion portion of this season's American Idol with my wife, seeing all those aspiring singers so excited to receive the show's "golden ticket," I was struck by a thought: that's the happiest they'll ever be during their American Idol experience.

Why is that? It's because of that moment. That moment is both a pinnacle of achievement and the beginning of a new, unknown journey. To be accepted by the judges and counted among the tiny percentage of winners who make it to Hollywood is indescribable, to judge by the reactions of the successful contestants. They have won; they are separate from the pack, distinguished now by their abilities. The hard work, countless hours of intense practice, and of course all the drama and infighting that makes these "reality" shows entertaining—all of this lies in the weeks (and if they're lucky, months) ahead. For now, though, they exist in that moment of happiness.

That's not to say their successes in on the show won't eclipse the happiness of winning the golden ticket. I'm sure if you asked any season's winner or runner-up if they were happier with their on-stage achievements than they were passing the audition portion you'd hear "yes, of course!" But that achievement comes with the knowledge of the hard work required to get there, tempered by the inevitable elimination of other contestants who'd become friends, and weighed down with other Idol trials that we as viewers simply can't know. Greater and greater success comes with a cost—one certainly worth paying—but a cost none the less.

In short, these Idol contestants are most happy in that moment.

The imminent birth of my first daughter will be my moment, that moment in my life that is both pinnacle and mere beginning of happiness. That happiness is sure to have costs the I can't even fathom, all of which will be well worth paying. (Though I'm sure current parents can tell me stories—and many have!) But our "golden ticket" moment will be her birth... but don't expect me to jump up and down and scream; it's not my style.

Best of all? No harsh critiques from Simon Cowell.

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