Sorry for the delay in a reply but it is a very busy time of year – lots of guests and celebration.

No – I feel Melinda was just outstanding during this song and I hope my Masterclass critique reflected this.

Gina wasn’t my favorite going into this competition, but she slowly grew on me. I admired her determination and drive to improve on her performing and vocal talent.

However, most people are not as forgiving and/or objective. They just have their favorites and keep jabbing the speed dial with very little thought to whether or not the votes are deserved.

I was shocked that Gina got voted off last week. I thought her performance was her best and am still a bit puzzled. Any thoughts?

The former position – touching the bottom front teeth-is preferable and encouraged, because it is in a more relaxed position and, also the back of the tonque, will remain lower.

The other position – touching the gums, creates more tension in the tonque and also the back becomes more elevated – therefore blocking the throat area.

In the meantime, watch Lakisha and Jordin. Whether they are or are not your favorite idol this year, they sing with outstanding technique most of the time.

Lakisha is the best of the two, only because of her age and vocal maturity

Glad to help!

Yes- everything should fall into place, as long as the mouth is circular and the jaw is relaxed.

Sometimes, though, the support system in the diaphragm has to be adjusted, as some singers tend to forget to access their back muscles in addition to their stomach muscles.

Also, it helps to think of a forward projection when focusing the voice and the sound must have a forward momentum, – in other words the sustaining process has to be a continuing entity.

The muscles must always be working and the breathing process a constant.

There should always be some level of resistance in the muscles, similar to when one lifts weights – you never go back to the starting position as you want to retain the momentum.

By the same token, if the rib cage collapses, you lose the supportive momentum and the vocal tone starts to reflect that.

Also, singers have problems managing their air, sometimes releasing too much air too soon, thus creating either an airy sound (vocal sound mixed with air) and/or a vocal sound that has too much chest voice in the mix.

Sustaining a pure uncluttered vocal sound (head voice) is often good and then increasing the volume of the voice from that point by adding more strength( therefore, releasing more air and adding some chest voice) from the diaphragm will ensure a beautiful resonant vocal sound.

Hope this helps. To sing well requires a great deal of hard work and concentration, so I am always amazed when I see the AI singers improve each week on the numerous technical aspects to singing.