American Idol was for Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, and George Huff what the Apollo Theater of Harlem was to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Gladys Knight and others. At 16, Ella made her singing debut at the Apollo Theatre in 1934. That debut made both Ella and the Apollo famous.

Before Fantasia Burino (right) appeared on American Idol, few people had heard of her. Since American Idol, Fantasia has made history, by becoming the first recording artist to debut at #1 with her single I Believe, which, incidentally, was written by another Idol alum, Tamyra Gray. She seems to have struck the right chord with her dynamic vocals, Cinderella story and effervescent personality. Just recently, she showed us her versatility by co-hosting the 19th Annual (2005) Soul Train Awards. During its awards to outstanding people for 2004, the NAACP chose Fantasia as Female Vocalist of the Year. She has been added to the Star lineup of the 2005 Essence Festival.

Just a few years back, Ruben Studdard (left) was headed to Alabama A&M University on a football scholarship. He sang in the University choir and with a local band in Birmingham, Ala. Now, four years after winning on American Idol, he too is billed with Aretha Franklin, Alecia Keyes as the stars of the Essence Festival of July 2005. He has been so financially successful that his publicist is suing him for $500,000. And judging by record sales, America can't get enough of his laidback and soft-spoken style. His debut album, Soulful sold over 1.6 million copies and garnered a Grammy nomination for best new R&B vocal performer. J Records founder and executive producer of Soulful, Clive Davis told MSNBC, "I saw the pride in the black community, that this was the first American Idol who was a black person, so therefore we wanted to honor and do right by Ruben." In an Interview with Rolling Stone, Ruben summed it up this way, "…rather than being the American Idol. Because I don't wanna be just that. I wanna be Ruben Studdard." We would not want it any other way.

When George Huff  (right) went on American Idol, he was a student at University of Oklahoma, majoring in music education. You could not say that the former contestant was locally known, in New Orleans. Yet he too has done well, after American Idol. A couple of weeks before Christmas, I was surfing the radio airwaves, when I came across an interview with Huff as he promoted the release of his first Christmas album. Upbeat and seemingly optimistic about his prospects, George obviously recognizes that American Idol was not the end all be all, but rather a means to an end. His not winning the show's top prize has not deterred him from his dreams. What Fantasia, Ruben, George and any successful person will tell you is that it's not the final destination that matters, but the lessons we learn along the way that truly make our stars shine longer and brighter.

Before I tell you about those lessons, let me confess: I am a reality show junky. If someone is not getting fired, voted off, swapped or dropped into a tank of slithering eels, I see no point in watching. Now as far as confessions go, this one may not be the most earth shattering. After all, millions of Americans take delight in the prime time escapades of those poor hapless souls who put themselves on display to be judged and oftentimes ridiculed. It is for these very reasons that many critics and self-professed intellectuals have dismissed reality television as a sort of junk food of American culture. Well, I must say that I think they are not only wrong, but they are missing the opportunities to teach young people the real-life lessons displayed each week. Nowhere else is this truer than on my favorite show, American Idol. As much as I love to hate Simon and delude myself into thinking my singing voice is on par with Fantasia's, my true fascination lies in how much the show mirrors the struggles of everyday life. Still not convinced? Think about it for a moment. Where else on television can you see the importance of embracing constructive criticism and accepting defeat graciously? If you are asking yourself, what about shows such as the Apprentice or Survivor, let me add one other caveat.  Where else can you find a program on television that teaches these lessons and has so many African Americans reaping the ultimate reward?

After three seasons of Idol, I have compiled a list of four lessons I think are important towards achieving your goals.

1. Discover Your Talent
2. Embrace Coaching Opportunities
3. Personality Matters
4. It Takes A Village
5. Enjoy The Ride

Discover Your Talent

Anyone who is a fan of the open auditions on Idol can't help but ask the question, who told some of those delusional, wannabees they could sing?  Despite their obvious lack of talent, these contestants have convinced themselves that their passion to sing and desire to entertain would be enough to enthrall music lovers everywhere. How sad. What's even sadder is that like these contestants, so many people are willing to block their real blessings to follow a path that may not be their own. I firmly believe that we are each born with certain talents. The challenge for most of us lies in discovering our innate gifts. Even more challenging is remaining true to those talents by not sacrificing our goals to pursue avenues that could be financially profitable, but leave you emotionally bankrupt.

As a case in point, Jean Johnson was working as a successful paralegal and office manager at a law firm that specialized in employment law. Although she was working in her field of study, spending most of her days with her head buried in law books had left her bored. One day, while perusing the help wanted ads, she came across an opportunity to work as a flight attendant. She thought it might be fun and decided to give it a try. Two years later, she again found herself working in a field she enjoyed but this time lacked the mental stimulation she needed. According to Ms. Johnson, "While I enjoyed both positions, I realized the reason I was not happy was because neither career path was allowing me to use my strongest talents. I began to ask myself, what could I do that would allow me take the best parts of both jobs?" After much soul searching, she decided that the human resources field fit the bill. Ms. Johnson now works as a Human Resources Manager with Fuji Film in Western Maryland. "I am now finally able to couple my interest in employment law while still utilizing my strong customer service skills," states Ms. Johnson. She continues, "It's okay to want to try new and different things, but along the way you also need to develop an understanding of what you are good at doing.Once you know your talents, set goals for yourself and go for it."

Embrace Coaching Opportunities

Each week the Idol contestants do just that, they go for it by singing their hearts out, and each week we cringe as Simon, Paula and Randy deliver their sometimes-blistering post performance analyses. On rare occasions, the Idol performers hurl back insults or question the ability of the judges to recognize true talent. More often however, former contestants such as Ruben Studdard would smile graciously and thank the judges for their honest assessments. Of course in that instance, we now know the outcome. Ruben went on to win, while those contestants who resisted  what the judges had to say faded into mediocrity and eventually off the show. Ruben was smart in that he was willing to listen and learn. As a result, his performances got stronger based on his ability to recognize the importance of being coached.

Embracing coaching opportunities is not something that is exclusive to American Idol. Many successful people can point to someone in their lives whom they are able to go to for no nonsense advice and constructive criticism.

One such person is Renee Sattiewhite. If you take the directness of Simon Cowell, nurturing of Paula Abdul and the humor of Randy Jackson and roll them all together, you will have Renee Sattiewhite, President and CEO of Sattiewhite Training Productions, Inc in Atlanta, Ga. The platform she uses is not the American Idol stage, but boardrooms, strategic planning sessions and training classes. While Ms. Sattiewhite has trained and coached clients throughout North America, she especially enjoys working with college students. Ms. Sattiewhite explains, "For the most part, young people are seeking to understand the keys to success, so when I coach my mentees, they drink it up like water. Like many of the Idol contestants, they are very receptive to what I can teach them." She points to Frederick J. Pellum III as one of her stars.

"One day, Frederick told me he had something he wanted to show me. Imagine my surprise when he took me to the office of the company he and his partner had just started!" At the tender age of 24, Pellum is the co-owner of Pellum & Cassidy Publishing Company in Atlanta. Pellum directly credits Ms. Sattiewhite's influence for motivating him to succeed. Renee points to her list of Sattiewhite Must Do's that anyone can adhere to. They include:

Pay Attention To Details

Not paying attention to details will make you appear second rate. Stay ahead of the rest by ensuring that all the little details are taken care of.

Create A Plan, Stick To It

Successful people set goals and develop a realistic plan to accomplish the goals. Once a plan is created, you can work your plan.

Be Grateful For Challenge

Be grateful for challenges that come your way. They will make you stronger, help you grow and build the confidence necessary for success.

Simon, Paula and Randy could not have said it better themselves.

Personality Counts

My mentor once told me, it's not what you know, but who you know and what they know about you. Can you remember the songs 1st runner-up Justin Guarini belted out during the first season of Idol? Chances are probably not. What many may recall however was how he arrogantly smart-mouthed the judges during the competition. Not exactly the impression an up and coming performer should leave. Winners such as Ruben Studdard, whom Gladys Knight called the "Velvet Teddy Bear," and Fantasia Burino with her Bobo dance have left us with much gentler first impressions. Their personalities as well as their talent make you want to get to know them and to be around them.

We see the same thing in everyday life in the average looking girl at the club who attracts all the suitors or the competent employee but not necessarily the brightest who advances quickly in the organization. These people recognize that you only get one chance to make a good first impression. All the talent in the world will not do you a bit of good if no one wants to be around you.

It Takes a Village

Have you ever heard anyone give an acceptance speech in which he/she was grateful to no one? Of course not.  Usually, the litany of thank you's goes on for what seems like an eternity, with acknowledgments given to parents, relatives, teachers, neighbors, clergy and anyone else whom the recipient has deemed instrumental to his/her success.

There is an African proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child. Even as adults, the village remains a supporting and nurturing influence. While American Idol contestants rely on their growing legion of fans to vote them through to the next round, it is their family and friends who rally to provide not only the votes, but also the emotional support.

Ruben Studdard acknowledged his support network throughout the Idol competition by wearing shirts with the Alabama zip code. George Huff credits his mother as being his American Idol.

Whether it is the Idol stage, in scholastic life or career ambitions, it is important to surround yourself with those people who were always there for you. Basking in their unconditional love and support during the good times is fantastic.  What is even more special is knowing that those same people will be there to lift you up should you falter.

Enjoy The Ride

Now that you've discovered your talents, accepted the coaching and constructive criticism of those you trust and have approached it all with a positive attitude and surrounded yourself with all the right people, you are now ready to reap the rewards due you…right? The reality is that doing all the right things does not necessarily guarantee immediate success. Sometimes you hit speed bumps along the way.

At one point during the current season of Idol, an obviously distraught contestant fled the auditions after learning she had been cut from the competition. In an effort to console her, the show's host offered a few kind words of encouragement, but to no avail. In her mind she was a failure who had no other options but to go home and resume her less than fulfilling life. Despite her talents, the fact that she could not see the value in the experience means she will have a difficult time moving on to the next stage of her professional and personal development. This contestant reminded me of the small children in the back of the car shouting, are we there yet? Are we there yet? It did not matter how they got there, as long as it was by the quickest route imaginable. Forks in the road and scenic routes were unacceptable. Never mind the lessons they would have learned had they just taken a moment to look around.

Sonja Crosby is a human-resources professional with over ten years experience working in corporate America. She has a Master's Degree in Organizational Management and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) by the Society of Human Resources (SHRM).