Giving up a Fame for Artistry

I was actually shortlisted as the "top 8" for the first episode of Singapore's version of American's Got Talent - it's called OMG (One Moment of Glory). However after to talking to the producers (who were really very nice) and finding out that I would have to mostly sing pop songs and also be using a minus one even if I were to stick to jazz (which wouldn't showcase me to my potential at all), and then talking to some trusted friends in the music scene... I decided not pull out of the competition - they needed an answer the very day I went for the contestant briefing because they had already scheduled profile shoots the next day.I mean, not a great loss to me, in that I didn't exactly sign up for the competition: one of the production managers had actually found my youtube videos and my contact and then basically invited me to audition because, apparently, they were lacking singers.For a moment I was really going to go ahead with it. I have to say that of course for a moment I was flattered that I was picked to be part of the first show which meant that if no one else managed to challenge me successfully out of the rounds, I would have a good chance of winning the prize money. I mean, the chance to win $50,000 doesn't come everyday. $50,000 is alot of money!!!But then having to be on a such a public platform with quite a clearly contradicting artistic direction to the image i am creating for myself as a jazz/pop/R&B singer-songwriter. At this time, so close to my EP launch (23rd August!), it just didn't feel like it would do my image good. Also my family wasn't keen on my doing it at all. That was just the topping.I called the producer and explained my various reasons and she was so understanding. I didnt however close the door completely, I mean, if other more suitable opportunities arise, hopefully they will remember me!