**Sebastian Stan Remembers Humbling Audition Experience on ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’**
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Sebastian Stan has made a name for himself in Hollywood, but he recently shared a rather humbling experience from his past that served as an early lesson in resilience. During his guest appearance on *Late Night with Seth Meyers* on 6 October, the 44-year-old Romanian-born actor recounted his unsuccessful audition for *American Idol* in the early 2000s.
In an amusing anecdote, Stan described the lengths he went to in order to try his luck at the popular singing competition. He spent the night camping out in Times Square alongside a friend, eagerly awaiting his moment to perform. Unfortunately, the eager performer found himself falling short of his goal, failing to make it past the initial audition stage where contestants are allowed to showcase their talents for a mere ten seconds.
“I wore these Gap leather pants,” Stan recalled with a chuckle, describing the nerve-wracking setup where contestants were lined up “like they’re gonna assassinate you.” Each individual was then required to step forward and sing a cappella for a brief moment. Stan opted for a medley from *Moulin Rouge!*, but despite his enthusiasm and effort, he did not receive the coveted golden ticket that would have taken him to Hollywood.
Reflecting on the experience, Stan noted how swiftly he recognised that his fleeting ten seconds were not enough to impress the judges including Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson, who were known for their critical assessments. “But I was used to rejection pretty well at that time in my life,” he remarked, displaying a sense of humour about the event that so many aspiring artists endure.
Fast forward to the present, and Stan is now firmly established in the entertainment industry, with roles in major films and series. His latest project, *Fjord*, directed by Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu, showcases Stan in a different light as he portrays a conservative father navigating societal challenges in a progressive Norwegian community. This role marks a significant milestone for the actor, as it involves acting in his native Romanian for the first time.
In addition to discussing his professional journey, Stan also opened up about a more personal experience during his chat with Meyers. The actor recently welcomed his first child with girlfriend Annabelle Wallis in July, and he shared his excitement and challenges of becoming a father. “It’s all coming true, still, over and over again, every time at 3:00 a.m. I have a kid!” he said, conveying the joy and exhaustion that comes with new parenthood.
Stan expressed gratitude for having Wallis by his side as a supportive partner throughout this transformative phase. “I have to say I’m very lucky,” he stated, acknowledging her expertise in handling parenting duties. “I’m basically like a waiter that’s bad at his job. You know, I’m always running around trying to help, and I never get it right,” he added, giving further insight into the learning curve that new parents face.
*Fjord* is set to have a limited release in cinemas on 9 October, before a nationwide rollout on 23 October. In addition to this film, Stan is also set to reprise his popular role as Bucky Barnes in the eagerly awaited *Avengers: Doomsday*, which is scheduled to hit theatres on 18 December, alongside his involvement in *The Batman: Part II*.
Sebastian Stan’s journey from a hopeful singer at an audition to a renowned actor serves as a reminder that the road to success can be paved with setbacks. While his early foray into the music world may not have turned out as he had hoped, the actor’s resilience and determination have undoubtedly shaped his impressive career in film and television.