Do I Make You Proud

The Story
The American Idol producers poured over 150 possible songs for the final two to perform during the final sing-off at the Kodak Theater on May 23, the songs that would eventually become the winner's debut single. When Taylor was confirmed as one of the two finalists, this was the song that was chosen for him to perform
Written by the Absolute team, it parallels Taylor's own journey through the competition and thanks the people he loves for all their support and kindness. And when one journey ends, another one is sure to begin

On the performance night, this was his third song of the night. In front of over 3,000 people at the Kodak and millions of TV viewers, Taylor delivered a solid performance and received glowing reviews from all three judges...especially Simon, who equated the entire show to a sporting event with the third song being the deciding factor. "Assuming that I was right, that the show was tied...then you've just won American Idol", he told Taylor, sending the crowd into a frenzy
The song was released to radio the day following Taylor's win and has already started climbing the charts in several genres, including pop, adult contemporary and country. The rest of the story is left up to destiny

The Lyrics

I’ve never been the one to raise my hand
That was not me and now that’s who I am
Because of you I am standing tall
My heart is full of endless gratitude
You were the one, the one to guide me through
Now I can see
And I believe it’s only just beginning

This is what we dream about
But the only question with me now is
Do I make you proud
Stronger than I’ve ever been now
Never be afraid of standing out
Do I make you proud

I guess I’ve learned to question is to grow
That you still have faith is all I need to know
I’ve learned to love myself in spite of me
And I’ve learned to walk the road that I believe

This is what we dream about
But the only question with me now is
Do I make you proud
Stronger than I’ve ever been now
Never be afraid of standing out
Do I make you proud

Everybody needs to rise up
Everybody needs to be loved, to be loved

This is what we dream about
But the only question with me now is
Do I make you, do I make you proud

This is what we dream about
But the only question with me now (only only question)
Is do I make you proud (is do I make you proud)
Stronger than I’ve ever been now (stronger than I’ve ever been)
Never be afraid of standing out
(never be afraid oh oh oh oh oh oh oh)
Do I make you proud (oh oh oh)

This is what we dream about (this is what we dream about)
but the only question with me now (only only question)
is do I make you proud (is do I, do I)
Stronger than I’ve ever been now (stronger than I’ve ever been)
Never be afraid of standing out
(do I make you proud) do I make you proud (do I)

This is what we dream about
But the only question with me now is
Do I make you, do I make you proud