On the website LittleThings.com, Caroline Bayard recounts a heartwarming event that occurred when 34-year old Christopher Maloney decided to appear on a reality television show called X-Factor UK. She reported that he found himself initially overcome by stage fright, to the point where he appeared close to tears and his body quaked. Fortunately, the judges remained patient.
Caroline Bayard indicated that Christopher Maloney had decided to appear on the show only after great difficulty. He delayed appearing at an audition for more than five years. Even afterwards, he hesitated to perform before an audience.
Then a tragedy occurred. Christopher Maloney’s grandfather passed away. “The Rose” by Better Midler was played at the funeral, greatly impacting the grieving young man and others in attendance.
Christopher Maloney moved in with his widowed grandmother, in order to help care for her. The elderly woman helped inspire him to find the courage to appear on the television show. After many years of hesitation, Christopher Maloney resolved to sing before a television audience.
When he appeared on the British reality show, he chose to perform “The Rose” as a tribute to his grandparents. Caroline Bayard reports that Christopher Maloney selected this particular song because it held meaning for him due to the fact that his grandmother had shown such strong faith in his musical abilities.
He mustered the courage to overcome stage fright. When he sang “The Rose,” he delivered a remarkable, memorable performance. His singing delighted the audience.