MASTERCLASSLADY.COM

By: Rosanne Simunovic

What a jam-packed week. Idol Gives Back has become bigger than ever and the performances, collages and tributes last evening were outstanding and deeply moving.

But, I am here to discuss the Top 8 performances of inspirational songs. It was, generally, a pretty solid night of singing, but some of the singers looked incredibly exhausted. I am sure that the schedule leading up to this week’s theme has been extremely hectic.

It is difficult to imagine how the singers manage to select, arrange, rehearse, memorize and perform these numbers, given that they have so many other obligations to fulfill while they are on this show.
I don’t think I was on the same page as the majority of the viewers and/or judges, but, it’s there for the asking – after the jump. (more…)

By: Rosanne Simunovic

Well, this week’s showcase was a mixed bag of tricks, wasn’t it? I was trying to decide whether this theme should be labeled a musical misdemeanor, but then some singers very noticeably elevated Ms. Parton’s music in a gigantic way.
I am late posting this week, so, let’s get to it, shall we? (more…)

I am experiencing some problems with the Wordpress.Com format and so there has been a delay in the Vocal Masterclass article for the Top 9 show.

Please check back often. The article is done - it is just not formatting properly on this site.

Hang in everyone and thanks for your patience

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…)

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.

As promised, the very talented American Idol Season Seven Top 50 competitor, Josiah Leming, is now being featured on MTV.COM. The Executive Producer, of MTV.COM News, James Fraenkel, is very committed to ensuring the ongoing musical success of Josiah Leming.

Here is the link to the MTV.COM article, followed by a live link to the MTV.COM Video Show.

Additionally, he will be a featured musical guest on the Ellen Degeneres show later on today.

Your comments are most welcome.

Well it appears that the Josiah Leming lovefest is gaining steam, as this exceptionally talented Top 50 competitor from American Idol Season Seven has landed a television performance spot on the Ellen Degeneres Show on Tuesday February 19th, 2008. I am ensuring that my DVR is ready to go and so should you because this young man will, in time, be an unstoppable force in the music industry.

Additionally, I have received word from Jim Fraenkel, the Executive Producer of MTV.COM that a special documentary on Josiah will be featured on the MTV.COM website Tuesday morning (February 19th) at 10:00 A.M. A link to the webcast will be available in the coming hours, as the entire staff have been working round the clock to capture the essence of this young man. A production team traveled to Morristown Tennessee on Friday to film Josiah in his hometown environment, speaking with family members and, of course, focusing on his talent.

However, what he does need is immediate mentoring and artistic grooming skills in order to better prepare him for the difficult process of gaining fame within the music industry. A grounding force in a musician`s life is a prime means of life support. No one should have to swim these rocky musical waters alone and rocky it is and shall be.

Right now, he is riding on the crest of the American Idol wave of popularity, but this too shall come to an end. He needs people that will stick with him in the long haul, as his vagrant lifestyle at such a young age is real cause for worry.

In the meantime, let`s celebrate the emergence of a promising young artist, for whether or not he is your favorite, you cannot deny his prodigious talent. Thanks to YouTube.Com, you can gather a sneak preview of his past performances. Better yet, click on over to Josiah`s MySpace.Com’ site, where you can hear and see Josiah sing and view his numerous blog entries.

For all the latest American Idol News, visit SirLinksalot: American Idol or the American Idol Official Site

Your comments are always welcome