Recently dismissed "American Idol" contestant Tim Urban became a household name for lots of reasons: His infectious positive energy in the face of nasty criticism, his Bobby Sherman hairdo and, of course, there was his hilariously awesome slide across the stage.
Sure, Simon called Tim's performance "completely and utterly pointless and silly," but you gotta hand it to Teflon Tim. He created a water cooler moment in a season that has been almost devoid of morning-after chatter.
When Tim stopped by to speak with MTV News about his recent "Idol" elimination, I had to get a lesson on how to perfect "The Slide."
Teacher Tim broke it down for me in three easy steps.
» Slide on the back of your leg muscle and your butt. As Tim says, "It's got a little bit of a cushion." (Don't fret, non-athletic types: I mentioned that I have nary a muscle on my entire body, but Tim was confident that even the tiniest dweebs still have a little flesh to help soften the fall. He was right.)
» Momentum! Momentum! Momentum! The secret is to get a good running start and then let that momentum carry you as you tuck your foot under ever so slightly. Don't do a death drop like a drag queen. Think baseball, not Lucky Cheng's.
» Use Your Hand To Break The Fall! "You may want to take your hand and let it ease [yourself down]," Teacher Tim says, but do not lock your elbow. Ever! Also important: "Don't jump. It's not a jump and a slide. It's more of a fall."
Tim's advice was spot-on. After a brief lesson (and a Hail Mary or two), I tried my first ever Slide and it worked! I didn't hurt myself at all. I don't even have a bruise!
Watch the video, memorize the three steps and — after consulting with a doctor and waiving your right to sue Tim Urban, MTV, MTV News, Jim Cantiello and any/all associated parties should you hurt yourself — try "The Slide" for yourself. Let me know what kind of luck you have (and follow the rest of my "Idol" musings) @jambajim!