Singer, songwriter and pop auteur Jordy told us about his Cheetah Girls/Hannah Montana experience...
Jordy: When I was 11 years old, I found myself in a very serious predicament. My parents, both lovers of live music, were always taking us to shows; but this time I had a difficult decision to make. Either go to The Who with my dad and older brother or….go to The Cheetah Girls with my mom and younger sister. Oh and by the way, Hannah Montana was opening. My heart sank. Even at 11, I was starting to discover I was gay, and clearly so were the boys at school. I was bullied for being “girly” - all because I liked to sing. It kept me anxious all the time. Do I do the thing I am expected to do, or the thing I WANT to do? Luckily, I chose the latter. Screw anyone trying to steal my joy - The Cheetah Girls and Hannah Montana it was.
It was at the United Center in Chicago, the same venue I had seen Avril Lavigne and Hilary Duff in recent years. I knew I was in for a very exciting night. I remember the lights going dim and everyone cheering, me looking at my mom beaming with joy. As Hannah (or Miley) took the stage, I couldn’t help but actually think she saw me when she looked in my direction. She waved to the crowd, but it truly felt like she was waving to me. Acknowledging my existence during a time I felt invisible. Then it was time for the Cheetah Girls. I sang my heart out to “Strut”, screamed at the top of my lungs, and was immediately hit with the thought: maybe that could be me someday. It was a night I’ll never forget.
Jordy's "DUMB" is out now.
Photo by Dante Velasquez Jr.
