Finally, it was star time. I stepped over the velvet rope and into the judging room. Walking somewhat shakily to the microphone, I lowered it to my mouth (the last applicant was rather tall) and introduced myself to the room. Then I lowered my head and started to sing. Unfortunately, I was so nervous from the events of the day, so emotionally adrift at the loss of my trusted advisors, that my voice cracked like a twelve-year-old's at a stripper convention. I blushed a deep red and bravely struggled through "Silent Night" but it was obvious that my voice wasn't going to carry the day for me. Desperately, I began to run through a dance routine in my head, confident that my flashy footwork would win their hearts, but I was never given the chance. I was gently escorted from the room. By de-emphasizing the singing, I shot myself in the foot for the audition. I had misguessed the priorities of the judges. My mistake, however, was not unfounded; given that MTV is, for the most part, concerned with style over substance, I had thought that a good "look" would prove more worthwhile than actual singing talent. If I had sung better, I would have had the opportunity, perhaps, to dance, making all the preparation worthwhile.     It's been several weeks and I still have not gotten my callback. I am trying to remain positive about the situation, but it is very difficult. This was my time, and through a number of corporate machinations, it was stolen from me. If you believe that I should be given another chance to audition, with my manager and entourage by my side, please write to ABC Networks or MTV. back next