MASTERCLASSLADY.COM

By: Rosanne Simunovic
The Top 7 singers performed exceptionally well this week, and, on a couple of occasions, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the performances. I thought Mariah Carey was absolutely wonderful with the singers, providing constructive and positive support to all of them.

It cannot be easy to work with this year’s crop of vocalists -they are so diverse in style and substance. So I highly commend Mariah Carey for her fine work with these singers. I think that all of them flourished under her guidance and advice

Brava Mariah! (more…)

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

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…)

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…)

by Rosanne Simunovic

Kudos to Paul Anka! He was a wonderfully supportive mentor this week and it was so good to see him work in such a positive way with these young singers. Brian Melo, I am sure speaking for all four singers, readily thanked him on stage for his valuable and informative coaching, saying that Paul Anka’s suggestions really assisted him to perform these songs with respect and artistic confidence.

This week, our Top 4 were challenged to perform two songs apiece in the company of a stellar group of musicians lead by the incomparable Orin Isaacs. It was an interesting evening of performances and, in all cases, one song fared better than the other.

Let’s have a look see, as we await the final results this evening. (more…)

by Rosanne Simunovic

I bet you didn’t think that I would write an article for the Top 5 performances, did you? Well, neither did I but I finally had a moment to myself and this is the result!

However, before you start the read, I have to say that I absolutely adored Kelly Clarkson’s input and interaction with the Top 5 singers. She is such a genuine and real person and I am sure that her experience as an American Idol must have been very beneficial to the mentoring process for the remaining five singers: Brian, Carly Rae, Dwight, Jaydee and Matt.

So kudos to Kelly! What a doll! (more…)

by Rosanne Simunovic

I am a little late posting the Vocal Masterclass article this week, so I will dispense with the pre-Vocal Masterclass yada yada! As I said in the Top 6 discussion post, I thought this was a great show and I stand behind my first impression. So, throw oranges and apples and whatever at the computer screen if you don’t agree. Or you can leave a comment at the end of the article, but be nice! (more…)

by Rosanne Simunovic

The music of the legendary rock group, Queen, was showcased this week and I wondered how well our young singers would fare with this very difficult, extremely intense and distinctly theatrical music.

This is serious music, my fellow readers, and it separates the true artist from the karaoke singer. Individuality and creativity is the name of the game and, unless you are Freddie Mercury’s incarnate, you better come up with something truly exciting and inspiring.

Queen band members, Roger Taylor and Brian May, gave timely and inspiring advice to our Top 7 and appeared to be a wonderfully supportive and gifted team of mentors.

Let’s have a Masterclass peek or two at the Queen love fest shall we? (more…)