Anyone who knows me knows that Ms. Wynonna Judd has been one of the biggest influences on my music and my performances. For as long as I can remember, there is just something about the way she sings a story, an experience, a dream, a thought that just resonates within me. She sings with every inch of her being. From the bluesy belt-them-out or the in-your-face songs, to her ballads where she reaches down into the depth of her soul, she always takes you on her journey. The way she connects with each individual in her audience to those notes she hits that make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end, is how one day I hope to perform.

I had the privilege of attending the Judd’s “The Final Encore” performance in Phoenix, Arizona on December 19th. After a quick pre-party get together, I was taken to my seat which was about 10 feet from the stage. Wynonna and Mama Judd entered the stage and delivered the most awesome show. Wynonna’s vocals were absolutely incredible – My woman was on her game! They sang for over 2 hours! Immediately after the show, I, along with some other guests, were taken back stage for a meet and greet. This is where the surreal begins!

It was my turn to meet Wynonna and her mom. As I walked up, she looked at me and said, “Oh my God – you’re that singer – the one that sings at the rodeos. I still have your CD!” Absolutely stunned, I said, “Yes Maam”. She gave me a big hug and told me I had a gift and that I need to keep singing and never give up. She recalled that we had met in Idaho and told me I had sang “Hunka Hunka” (Burnin’ Love) for her. See what I mean about making each one of her fans feel special. I think I levitated two feet off the ground!

Now, at this time, I noticed there was a film crew capturing our moment! To say I was beyond euphoric is an understatement! We took our picture, actually two! The first was a regular picture, then we did one with the signature Wynonna “Elvis Look” and the signature Jake “Eyebrow Raise” – so cool! She gave me another hug and again told me to keep singing and thanked me for being so supportive! Filled with awe with just seeing my woman in an awesome concert, getting to meet her and her mom AND having her remember me, to the encouraging words she gave me, I was a happy man ready to head back to my res hall at ASU.

As I turned to leave, I was approached by a lady armed with a clipboard saying, “Excuse me Mr. Nelson – would you come with me please”. For a moment I thought “Oh no… What did I do?!” She, along with the cameraman, led me down the hallway about 20 feet away from where Wynonna and Mama-Judd were doing their meet and greets. She told me she was from the Oprah Winfrey Network and that they would like to talk to me about what they had just overheard and filmed about my experiences with Wynonna . She had heard Wynonna talk about meeting me at a concert in Couer D’ Alene, Idaho (that was one of the biggest highlights of my then young 13 years of age!) It was at that concert where I went to the front of the stage to shake her hand. I handed her an envelope with some pictures and a CD of my singing. She took the envelope, told the band to stop the music, and proceeded to tell the audience….”Ladies and Gentlemen, this is real life, right here, right now! This is where dreams come true! He will open for me one day”. I have never forgotten those words or that night – it was so awesome!

Anyway, back to the story. With cameras rolling, they asked me to recount the story of our first meeting in Coeur D’Alene. They then asked me if I would mind singing some “Burnin Love”. Being the ever-so-shy one, I let it rip! When I finished, Miss Wynonna leaned out and said, “You go Baby” and everyone standing around erupted into supportive hoots and hollers! She then asked me if there is a particular “Judds” song that has a special meaning for me. Of course I said “Guardian Angels”.

Among other things, I told them that Guardian Angels has special meaning for me because I truly believe that I have family members who have passed who are my Guardian Angels who watch over me. I told them that I sing this song during a lot of my performances. They then asked me to sing a couple of verses from Guardian Angels – I was only too happy to oblige! We then talked a little more about my being literally a life-long fan of Wynonna and other things. To say that this was beyond anything I could have imagined is an understatement. After “high-fiving” everyone in the hallway I left the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix and headed back to my res hall at ASU Polytech to pack up for my trip home for the holidays the next morning! My story may end up on the “cutting room floor”, but it does not even matter! I am so blessed and am still in shock! I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to see one of my greatest musical influences and have the opportunity to speak with her, and speak about her! A huge thank you to my family for always being so supportive of me and for making it possible for me to go see my Wynonna!