Comments on: Top 11 American Idol Season 7 Vocal Masterclass Article: The Lennon-McCartney Songbook Part Two

By: novoicenow

novoicenow — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 05:14:54 +0000

Considering how much people were impressed with Amanda’s comments when she left the show, it might be time to review the age requirements for participants. I had a number of very talented children. My oldest played the violin almost instinctively and several of her teachers said she could become a concert quality musician. They wanted me to push her. I decided not to fight with her about practicing as much as would be required to reach that goal. She is now a scientist who has a delightful hobby with her music. Another child had the self motivation to make a career of music. Perhaps it would be wiser if participants on the show were old enough to be free of the problem of ‘stage parents’. On the other hand, I’ve known of ‘stage wives,’ ‘stage husbands’ and in terms of the Olympics in past decades, ‘stage governments’.

By: masterclasslady

masterclasslady — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:50:22 +0000

Well, thank heavens for laptops and wireless service. I am tied up here at the airport due to “mechanical errors”. Probably won’t see sunny Florida until midnight tonight.

But, Icecold, thank you for sending this beautiful version of “Yesterday” by Donny Hathaway. It is a deeply moving rendition of this song and it really encourages the listener to hear the words of this gorgeous lyric.

This man knows how to communicate and move his audience to greater heights, more so than the original artists – and that’s saying a lot.

And his voice is such a wonderful instrument – so free and, like you said, so pure.

Thanks again. It soothed my frazzled nerves while waiting at the airport.

By: icecold06

icecold06 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:24:43 +0000

MC Lady.. thank you for your articles.

I am not sure if you are familiar with his work. but Donny Hathaway has been cited several times by many idol hopefuls and many professional singers as inspiration. I know you are on vacation (hope you have a great time) but Donny recorded a live version of the Beatles Yesterday.

I would love to hear your critique on this version. IMO it is by far one of the most moving vocals I have ever heard. I think he has the most pure voice in music history(across all genres). But I would like to get a professional opinion? What say you?

By: American Idol Headlines for 3/24/08

American Idol Headlines for 3/24/08 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:36:03 +0000

[...] Masterclass Lady [...]

By: masterclasslady

masterclasslady — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:43:24 +0000

Oh my goodness, this is awful. And I do agree, the last comment (March 22 by ArtGrrl) sadly does ring true.

I hope that David is receiving a plentiful supply of love and positive reinforcement to counter-balance the venom coming from his “father’s” selfish attitude.

This is child abuse everyone. And I am a HUGE child abuse advocate.

By: wadahoot

wadahoot — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:22:43 +0000

Here are some of the links where I read about David A’s Dad:

http://www.tmz.com/2008/03/19/jeff-archuleta-stage-dad-from-hell/

http://guanabee.com/2008/03/portrait-of-a-stage-dad-jeff-a.php Be sure to read the comments in order … by the end I’m ready to apologize to David’s Dad, then I read the last one (March 22 by ArtGrrl) and that one rings true. Poor kid.

By: masterclasslady

masterclasslady — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 23:50:00 +0000

I am loving these comments more than the original Masterclass article.

Wadahoot – you are a hoot! Thanks for adding your creative comments. I agree with so many of them and they made me laugh.

Except David A. – It upsets me that he is under so much pressure. I feel for the kid. I wish he could be loved just for being David, you know? Maybe these are all rumours.

By: wadahoot

wadahoot — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:19:03 +0000

Quick thoughts on these ‘kids’

David Cook – I think he’s prematurely balding and his hair is a young person’s combover … I doubt it’s gonna change!

David A. – from what I’ve read, his Dad is a “Stage Mom” x 100. He yells at the poor kid right before the show at the last rehersal … no wonder David messed up last week and why he looks like he’s gonna’ cry when he gets his reviews.

Michael & Carly have a few of the same strikes against them (no matter if I think they are stupid!). 1) they are not Americans … this IS American Idol; 2) they are both older, so the teeny-bops don’t connect; 3) they are both married, so it’s hard to count them as you Reality TV Boy/Girlfriend!

Ramielle – there’s just something about her that seems ‘off’ … like I’m expecting some big internet blowup with porn or an arrest! Weird, I know, but she just seems kinda slimy to me (sorry!).

Chikezie – is adorable, fun and trying SO very hard. I wish people would be patient and let him find himself … I think we’d really like who he finds!

Amanda – What was America thinking?! Thinking … ? Oh, they weren’t! WHO on God’s Green Earth wants to see Kristy Lee on tour instead of Amanda?! Is Amanda great? Nope, but I bet she’d be FUN! Is Krisy Lee … ummm … anything? Nope. Arrrgh!

Kristy Lee – (pages purposefully left blank, because she is)

Syesha – Introduce yourself, Girlfriend! Let us know who YOU are! I want to like her, a lot, but she’s still a bit of an empty canvas to me.

Brooke – I adore Brooke! I would have loved to have been able to afford a nanny like her for my son when he was growing up! I think her biggest problem is that she’s only 24. She comes across so much older and mature, but then glimpses of her lack of maturity smack one in the face and people don’t realize she’s so young!

Uh-oh … I TOTALLY forgot Jason! That CAN’T be good for him! He needs to take the whole thing more seriously. It’s like Novoicenow said about Carly/Michael … they seem to drip desperation … but Jason doesn’t seem to connect to the reality of the show … he just tootles around and sings and throws in thoughts and motion if he happens to think about it. Jason my boy, you have an amazing, unique opportunity right now, and I feel you’re squandering it completely.

Thanks for letting me spill my thoughts!
Anita ~ Indianapolis

By: masterclasslady

masterclasslady — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:38:18 +0000

Thanks for your vacation wishes everyone. I am looking forward to a break from the insanity for a while, but will miss writing this article.

I’m happy that I will be back when the mentors start working with the Idols -unless Mariah is there next week? Not sure. But I did not want to miss Andreww lLoyd Webber.

Katherine – I love that your comment about David A. and I should have added this into my critique. He has performed some upbeat songs, but you are correct. He needs to have fun on stage and connect in a way that highlights his youthfulness. Good call!

By: katherinesmom

katherinesmom — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:01:18 +0000

I think the Beatles’ songs are deceptive- sometimes simple melodies with tricky intervals here and there. The singer’s trap of repetitive lines, where you have to keep “raising” the notes in order not to flat. Paul McCartney and John Lennon had the advantage of being the songwriters- the lyrics held special meaning for them and you could clearly hear that when they sang. It’s difficult for singers unfamiliar with the Beatles to realize the emotional impact these songs had for a generation.

That being said, David A., David C., Michael, Carly, and Chikezie gave good performances. Ramiele lacked an emotional connection, as did Kristy Lee and perhaps, Amanda. MCL, I just don’t get Syesha as much as you do!

If both Davids can show us a flip side of their performing personalities, the audience will be blown away. David A. needs to bring a youthful energy and joy to an uptune. David C. needs to bring the raw passion to a ballad that makes us see a vulnerable side to his persona.

What?! You’re going on VACATION? You’re not going to do a Top 10 Masterclass article? The nerve…just kidding! Have a great time in Florida- don’t forget the sunscreen!

By: bizzee24

bizzee24 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:31:55 +0000

I just love reading these reviews. MCL, I am amazed at how you are able to pick out such details with the singers’ techniques; how do you do it? I completely agree that David A.’s performance was stellar!

Have a safe and nice trip to Florida !

By: CuriousC

CuriousC — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:22:36 +0000

I enjoy these critiques immensely! Thank you. The talent this year IS amazing and my favorites change each week.

By: David Archuleta » MASTERCLASSLADY’S take on David’s Performance this week.

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:25:17 +0000

[...] http://masterclasslady.com/2008/03/20/top-11-american-idol-season-7-vocal-masterclass-article-the-le… [...]

By: novoicenow

novoicenow — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:53:23 +0000

I really appreciate your counsel and your emphasis on being positive and helpful. I hope the singers have access to your comments. In addition to singing well it seems to me that those who advance must display humor, vulnerability, and an attractive physical appearance.
I was sorry to see Amanda go because I had begun to see beyond her facade of tough rocker with too much makeup and bad hair to the sweet young face and courage.
I have analyzed my negative reaction to David Cook and realize it has nothing to do with his voice, but a lot to do with his hair. I think that many would be pleased to see him make a change. Looking beyond his varying degrees of being unshaved, I see a nice face with even features. I wish he could find a way to let us see a warmer aspect of his personality, as you suggest, this might happen if he sings a ballad.
David Archuleta not only has a wonderful voice and appealing youthful personality, but he dresses with an eye to variety and style. His use of various jackets over T shirts accents his stage presence nicely. He is always a little too nervous when not performing, but on stage, he’s in the zone.
Carly is someone I close my eyes to hear. She is not unattractive, but her stage presence has several deficiencies. Her hair is a bit matronly which is a curious contrast with her tattoos. Her face pinches up at times and I flinch, and she seems nervous of the camera.
I like Chikezie’s energy and warmth. He is fun to listen to as well as look at.
Kristy Lee Cook, Syesha and Ramielle share a niche of being young, pretty, talented and just a little bland. They each have a demographic that loves them, but they share those demographics with other singers in the final ten.
By contrast, Brooke White is like a combination of Glinda the Good and Giselle from ‘Enchanted’. I have noticed that many are quite willing to give her a pass on her coltish awkwardness because of her warmth and vulnerability.
Michael Johns is attractive and talented, but you feel his age and a hint of desperation, a trait he shares with Carly. Taylor Hicks, by contrast, had gray hair, but he had energy and a carefree attitude that attracted fans.