I can’t figure out what the problem is with these links. Blake’s is fine and the links work in the Top 10 Vocal Masterclass.

Thanks for drawing this to my attention. I will continue to unravel the mystery.

P.S. Sanjaya’s mp3′s (www.rickey.org)
sound better than his live performances. How can that be?
erformances.

My email address is masterclasslady@hotmail.com. Sorry about that. I have to add a contact page.

Yes – you can add my site to your blogroll and I will reciprocate if that is alright?

Re the round mouth question – the mouth has to be round – like a circle and the jaw must slowly relax and move to a down ward position when a singer vocalizes into the higher range.

However – there is too much of a good thing. If the jaw is over extended to the point that the side facial muscles feel tight, then this is wrong. There has to be a relaxed feeling in the upper body and facial muscles.

It take s a while to refine the consistently round mouth on all vowels, but it really is the ticket for securing a focused, pitch centered sound, as long as the breathing muscles are working efficiently.

Re Mikalah, I don’t have time today to check my critiques of her, but it’s possible that her soft palate was not elevated – thus the nasal tone,

Articulation of consonants are important – that’s a techique in itself. If done correctly, it actually augments the bel canto method of sustained singing, so it’s something that Mikalah and all singers have to perfect over the course of time.

I have another question. In almost every critique you mention that the singer should have a round mouth on all of the vowels in order to sustain a nice tone. Is it possible to have too round of a mouth whenever you sing? If so, what would that sound like?

Also, going back to Season 4 (and I have read those critiques but would like a little more clarification) you commented that Mikalah Gordon had great Bel Canto technique. However, Mikalah was very hard to understand when she sang and her voice sounded as if it was all in her nose or stuffed down her throat. What causes that?

Thanks.

I’d like to contact you about adding your site to my blogroll, but I didn’t see a contact email address for you.

Please contact me at:

http://www.theclayaikenblog.wordpress.com

theclayaikenblog@gmail.com

Thanks!

I really hope she has supportive people in her life that have her best interests at heart.

After seeing her latest appearance on the show, does anyone else think it looks like she has developed an eating disorder?

Let’s give these singers time. We have yet to see their true personalities and that is where the problem lies re the lack of magic.

Chris Sligh was trying to be jovial with his “Fro Patrol” chant last week – it made me laugh and it also made me realize that this is what is missing from the show_ the personal dynamics.

I have so many favorites from every season. I think the only person that I hold really close to my heart is Season Three competitor – John Stevens.

The courage and dignity he maintained in the face of intolerable ridicule and hate was something I will never forget.

He is now at the Berkeley School of Music or Boston Conservatory in Boston (can’t remember which one) developing his musical talent under excellent and supportive musical mentors who will guide him to attain the wonderful career he so deserves.

Season 3 was not that impressive to me – Season 4 though had Bo and Carrie and Constantine (grin). Carrie is the whole package, she’s beautiful, and talented, and doing so well in her career post-idol.

Season 5 had the most unique talents – and I agree about Taylor. He has music embedded into his soul and is pure entertainment. Plus Chris Daughtry has done pretty well for himself too! Lots and lots of fun last season.

This year although I like several of the singers – my top 4 right now are Melinda, Jordin, Blake and LaKeisha – none of them really are showing the kind of “magic” that I’d like to see.

I remember when, in season 2, I heard Clay sing “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” on the wildcard show. I got goosebumps listening to him sing – he has that “magic”. I’ve seen him perform live several times and he’s amazing.
I’ve seen Kelly Clarkson as well and she’s so much fun and has lots of talent – wish I hadn’t missed Season 1.

Masterclasslady – does any one male and/or female singer really stand out for you from any season??? Just curious! I look forward to your critiques each week and truly hope the contestants have a way to read them and take your advice!
Terry

Plus Kellie Pickler was a riot!

This year – generally the singers are very good, but just really intense. Give them time to emerge as “personalities”

-Matt
http://www.mattgunn.ca

Blake, in particular, is improving every week. Lakisha and Jordin were both strong performers from the very beginning.

Keep up the Taylor love. I know I am, although I do confess thta I have not had time to chat over at GC! Will get there eventually.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hard to know if Chris can accomplish this change in his vocal technique. It’s quite and adjustment and old habits die hard. Time will tell!