** First off, just in
case this somehow makes it to Jesse himself, I just wanted to thank you for
making all my childhood and teenage dreams come true. I never thought I would
see you in concert, let alone meet you. So thank you. For everything. **
Jesse McCartney,
All right, let me tell you a story. When I was about
five, I was introduced to the lovely boyband called Dream Street. I wasn’t
really into music back then. Granted, I was only five years old, so what did I
know? Anyway, my sister and I were really into everything that was involved in
Dream Street, especially when we picked our favorite members. Courtney’s
favorite was always Chris Trousdale. And, Jesse, you were always my favorite.
My five-year old self always saw something special in you. Believe me when I
say, seeing something special in you hasn’t stopped. And probably never will.
When Dream Street broke up in 2002, my heart broke with
it. But it definitely spurred my love for all boybands. But I never stopped
being a fan of yours, Jesse. And when your album “Beautiful Soul” came out in
2004, everything was perfect. I was only ten years old at the time, but every
song on that album meant so much to me. I didn’t know it at the time, but your
songs have helped me through every rough patch I’ve ever endured in my life.
More specifically, “Because You Live.” It just spoke to me. But don’t think I
have forgotten about your other three albums. They were equally just as amazing
as “Beautiful Soul.” All yours songs have touched me in a way that I can’t seem
to put into words at the moment.
Given everything that I just told you, when I say that
seeing you, Jesse McCartney, in concert has been in preparation for years, I
mean it. Anytime he was in Indiana (I don’t remember all the specific dates), I
was either too young to go to a concert or my mother didn’t think I was ready
for it. And then, on my way home from Ball State one weekend, your face pops up
on my facebook page and announces that you will be coming to BSU. When I say I
freaked out a little bit, I’m lying. I completely lost my shit. I’m pretty sure
I screamed. I think I might have even started hyperventilating. But in the best
way possible. It’s my senior year and I wanted to go out with a BANG. Seeing
you in concert and taking a picture with you made my senior the best year here.
The morning before the concert, I was too excited to do
anything else but think about hearing “Beautiful Soul” performed live. How
pathetic, right? Anyway, I took my sister back to her dorm for her to get ready
for her class. And then I got ready. I showered, did my make-up, and counted
down the hours until it was time to head over to campus. I was so excited and
nervous to meet you that I let my sister do my hair so I looked perfect for the
picture we would take together. Shortly after, my friend Monica showed up and
we were ready for our night to begin.
We got to campus around four in the afternoon and spent
some time in Woodworth, since it was the closest to Pruis. We enjoyed some fast
snacks, taking selfies, and just talking about everything going on in our
lives. And then it was finally time. We got there just in time to be at the
beginning of the second row of people to meet you. We waited for over an hour,
but it was so worth it. When it was finally our turn to take our picture with
you, I was so nervous that I thought I was going to pass out. But seeing your
smiling face made everything so much better. You greeted us with “Hey, guys”
and a smile. I shook your hand, even though I wanted to go in for a hug, but I
didn’t want to be too forward. So I was just happy that I got to stand close to
you. And when you said “Say hi to Instagram,” I didn’t know what to do, so I
did this stupid wave thing? I don’t know, I was just so nervous. Meeting you
took about a whole twenty seconds before we were rushed off. But I understood.
I don’t regret a thing from that night.
Fast forward to you gracing us with your presence on the
stage, and starting the show off with “Leavin’.” I remember everything from
that night. Everything from me screaming so much and so loud that my throat hurt
instantly to watching you choose some random girl in the front row to sing “The
Stupid Things” and another girl to hold your water bottle, and finally, to you
ending your stay at BSU with singing “Beautiful Soul.”
Everything about that night was a dream come true for me,
and probably for most of the others that saw you. I don’t know how to explain
how much you mean to me, Jesse. But I thank you and eagerly await your new
album.
Sincerely,
Caroline Delk
