10 Things You Can Do When An Artist Pulls You On Stage

You’re at a concert for one of your favorite artists, and they reach out into the crowd to pull you on to the stage for assistance on a song. Maybe it’s vocals, maybe it’s an instrument, but for a few minutes, you get to perform with someone you’ve admired for years.

It’s the kind of thing you dream about until it happens to you.

Then, in that moment, you’ll either go two ways. You’ll nail the performance with skill, grace, and charisma, receiving an applause usually saved for only the most popular songs, or you’ll fall flat on your face and leave the entire crowd believing they could’ve done your part better.

Either way, here are 10 things that can happen when you’re up there.

You let the band talk shit on you (and then show them up).
Just because you don’t look like the band members doesn’t mean you can’t play like them. If you know you’ve got it down, don’t let a little bit of trash talk get in the way of your performance. Shut everyone up with your skills, not your words.

You take your sweet time and overstay your welcome.
Going to see your favorite band play should be enough of a birthday present, and being able to go on stage with them ought to make it the best birthday ever. Awkwardly hanging around with them until it’s time to play the first few notes of a song? Well, that just makes things weird for everyone.

You stupidly suggest a song other than the one being played.
If someone calls you on stage, you’re the guest and they’re in charge. You don’t get to choose the song. You don’t get to choose the conditions. You don’t get to choose anything. Don’t be an asshole, just be thankful.

You get super nervous, but then you dominate the performance.
Unless you’re used to it, being on a stage can be nerve-wracking. There’s no reason to be ashamed of your nerves, just don’t let it affect your performance. Be the superstar you know you are (unless you’re not).

Awkwardly reach out to the artist, just to show how similar to them you are.
Writing letters to your favorite musicians might be a little outdated, but with social media, there are more ways to contact artists than ever. If you’re going to ask one to bring you on stage, you better have a good reason. Although it can still seem a little stalkerish.

Throw caution to the wind and perform an ode to the artist.
If Beyonce (or anyone else) gives you the microphone at her concert, there are two things you need to do. 1) Make sure your vocals are on point. 2) Pay tribute to Queen Bey through song. Make sure you get both done and don’t embarrass yourself.

Let your mom be your agent for the night.
Nobody’s got your back like your own mother, right? Well, there’s no shame in letting her talk your way on stage if you can belt it out like a professional. Your mom will love you either way, but make sure you nail it if you’re going to call in the big guns like that.

You go a capella and blow everyone’s minds.
Yeah, singing or rapping over music is cool, but there’s some wiggle room for error. If you specifically tell the artist to cut the beat and then drop bars? Well shit, you just elevated yourself to legend status for the night.

You go from not having a microphone to screaming with enough ferocity to win over the crowd.
From a technical standpoint, artists and their crews aren’t always the most prepared to have another person on stage. If it takes a little while to get you a working microphone or instrument, just consider it more buildup to the moment when you finally get to show off. Then take full advantage of the added hype.

You shut those doubters and stereotypes down.
Who says a skinny white guy can’t have the voice of an old soul singer? Or why can’t a tiny Asian girl fill in on vocals for Slayer? It’s your chance to go up there and break down stereotypes.