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Who is leaving us tonight? I think we may have a shocker on our hands. Between the negative commmentary from the judges and the less than adequate performance last evening, does this mean that Jason’s time on Idol is approaching the final phase?

All of the other singers have showed tremendous growth and promise in the last few weeks but Jason has remained artistically and vocally stagnant. He has a very relaxed and intimate vibe to his singing style that would work extremely well in a smaller environment - a nightclub or coffee house. However, on the Idol stage, it really does not translate in a monumental way to the live and viewing audience.

Also, Brooke White had some problems last evening. Even if she didn’t encounter the false start during the opening of her song, she didn’t establish an emotional connection and, additionally, the song choice was less than inspired. It did not suit her style.

Let me know what you think. For now, I am off to enjoy the sun and sand in the beautiful state of Florida. Yes, I am a Canadian, but, when I am vacationning here in the sunny state, I am truly an American at heart.

As I write this, I am a few hours away from boarding a plane enroute to Florida. The warm weather and hours of relaxation will be most welcome.

As, I stated in my last Vocal Masterclass article for the Top 11, I will not be writing a formal Vocal Masterclass article for the Top 10 because I will be too busy having fun in Florida.

However, I am opening the floodgates to you - my intelligent and insightful readers - to take over the reins. I know that many of you have given in depth commentary on this site and this is the perfect chance to expand on it.

Additionally, it will give me an opportunity to gain your perspective on the performances, as I won’t be able to watch them on Tuesday ( but, I am sure that YouTube.Com will save the day there.)

Feel free to use the whole “Strengths” and “Critique” format if you wish, but, certainly, that is not mandatory.

I will have my laptop with me, so I will be online from time to time and join in the fun.

Good luck to the Top 10 singers. I really think we have a competition brewing here!

AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 7 TOP 11 VOCAL MASTERCLASS: THE LENNON McCARTNEY SONGBOOK PART DEUX

By: Rosanne Simunovic

This week, some of my all time favourite Lennon-McCartney songs were highlighted and, generally, the Top 11 singers were in excellent form.

I wasn’t on the same page as the judges were in terms of evaluating the Top 11 showcase. I thought that the singers chose some really complex songs and, in doing so, revealed even greater potential in their performing ability.

Also, just a quick note: I will be vacationing in sunny Florida next week, so there will be no Vocal Masterclass article available for the Top 10.

Additionally, the Top 9 Vocal Masterclass article will be posted later on in the week, as I will be travelling back from my Florida vacation. I will post a discussion thread, so there is solid Masterclass input from the readers.

So, let’s get to it, shall we? (more…)

I thought that the songs selected this week were much better and more sophisticated than last week. I was not on the same page as the judges regarding the performances, as I felt that many of the singers generally performed better than last week.

So, as until my Vocal Masterclass evaluation is online, please share you opinions about the Top 11 performances.

My article should be online sometime on Thursday.

By: Rosanne Simunovic

Is there a more exciting way to begin the much anticipated Top 12 performances of American Idol Season Seven than with performances from the legendary songbook of John Lennon and John Paul McCartney? What a night!

Welcome everyone to another Vocal Masterclass season of American Idol. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be able to critique the vocal performances of these very talented 12 singers and, when you add the Lennon-McCartney musical element to this mix, then the experience is all the more delectable. I cannot for the life of me even fathom that these singers would have a difficult time finding a song to suit their vocal style and substance. John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote music of consequence – extremely melodic, musically contagious and very sophisticated (classical orchestras around the world have showcased their music)

So, let`s move forward and examine if these singers did indeed grab the reins and score a surprise or a curve ball this week in their race toward the Idol crown. (more…)

As I feverishly write my Vocal Masterclass evaluations for the Top 12 performances this week on American Idol, I will leave the comment lines open so you can voice your evaluations as well.

Generally, I thought that this was a great show and that the majority of these very talented singers interpreted the Lennon-McCartney songbook with superb artistry and vocal excellence.

There were some surprises - good and bad - and nervous energy distracted some of the singers. However, that’s to be expected. Oh the fun and drama of live television!

A special “shout-out” to 17 year old David Archuleta. I know he must be hurting right now, but, all in all, if you looked past his memory lapse, it was still a very solid -but tentative- showcase. His talent was still very evident.

The Top 12 Vocal Masterclass article should be online sometime tomorrow. Comment lines are now open!

I have to admit that David Cook was not on my artistic radar when American Idol Top 24 premiered three weeks ago. It was initially difficult to sort through these 24 singers and the only singer that seemed to be creating any “buzz” was 17-year-old vocal prodigy, David Archuleta.

However, this week, David Cook cemented his place in the Top 12 by performing an outstanding rock-inspired version of Lionel Richie’s, “Hello”. After his memorable performance, the accolades came pouring in, first from judge Simon Cowell who stated that “Lionel Richie would be very pleased with his performance”.

And pleased he was as Lionel Richie made a special shout-out to David via American Idol host Ryan Seacrest saying that he was so impressed with David Cook’s performance that he is immediately re-releasing David’s version as a single.

Additionally, Entertainment Tonight donated valuable airtime to Lionel Richie’s endorsement of David Cook, generating more buzz and excitement for this extremely talented musician.

I believe this has set some kind of precedent on American Idol; I cannot recall any Idol performer from past seasons inspiring this enormous level of accolade and acknowledgement from the music establishment this early in the season. If so, I am sure I will hear about it.

In fairness to young David Archuleta, I believe that John Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, was extremely moved and inspired by his equally outstanding performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine” a couple of weeks ago. This young man is extremely accomplished and, given his young age, exhibits a mature level of focus and determination in his approach to his music.

So, we have two emerging stars and equally noteworthy front-runners in this very interesting, very diverse American Idol competition this year.

However, David Cook is a fighter and he is the one to watch over the next 11 weeks. I think this artist is capable of many more jaw-dropping performances over the course of this competition.

In case you missed it, here is David Cook’s performance.

First of all, I have to say that I was extremely pleased with the selection of singers for this season’s Top 12. I think that the strongest singers did indeed advance to the finals of this American Idol competition, even though some very good and promising singers were lost along the way.

However, that being said, I truly believe that we will be treated to many memorable musical moments this year. The 12 singers offer distinctly creative musical talent that will beautifully evolve and inspire over the next couple of months. I don’t believe that any of these singers have peaked quite yet during their Top 24 performances, with perhaps the exception of David Cook and David Archuleta. And, even these two singers will continue to amaze and astound.

The glimmer of future outstanding showcases is inevitable, as many of the chosen 12 - if not all - improved immensely over the past 3 weeks. As they become more comfortable performing live on stage in front of millions of people (just typing those words seemed surreal and frightening), they will reveal the true extent of their vocal and performing talent with increased confidence and continuity.

I would like to congratulate this year’s Top 12 in first name alphabetical order: Amanda Overmyer; Brooke White; Carly Smithson; Chikezie; David Archuleta; David Cook; David Hernandez; Jason Castro; Kristy Lee Cook; Michael Johns; Ramiele Malubay and Syesha Mercado.

Well, is this a nail-biter or no? Based on performances and performance order, once can almost predict who will be leaving and who will be moving on to the Top 12.

Overall, I am more excited about the male singers this season. The female singers have not created any memorable performances that inspire me to say, “She’s a star”.

Looking back on previous seasons, I can still envision the memorable Top 24 performances of Season 4 contestants Nadia Turner, Constantine, Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood. And who can forget Season 5 contestants - Taylor Hicks, Daughtry, Kellie Pickler and Katharine McPhee? And let’s not forget the outstanding talent of Melinda Doolittle during Season 6.

The guys are shaping up quite well, but the gals need to do some serious work on their performance and vocal skills.

As the hours tick by and we move closer to announcing this year’s Top 12, please share your comments and come back after tonight’s show to voice your opinions.

Overall, I thought the Top 8 ladies were a little flat this week - literally and figuratively. The voices sounded really constricted and there was far too much chest voice applied to their upper register singing.

Syesha was far and away the best vocalist of the week and her radiant star power is undeniable.

Closely behind her was Ramiele, although she appeared very timid and stiff throughout her performance. Her vocals were splendid, however, and I applaud her for using her technical gifts so consistently well.

Amanda was wonderful this week and she is most certainly growing on me. She takes risks and I love to see that in a singer. I wonder, though, if her voice can withstand the rigors of this competition, given her intense style of singing.

Feel free to comment and express the pros and cons of this week’s Top 8 female performances.