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I have been so sick here with some wicked flu and thought that nothing would garner any strength or comment from me for a while. Additionally, I wasn’t able to watch the Top 5 show because of my malaise, but this morning, after reading all the vague “Paula-Jason” comments on my Vocal Masterclass Discussion Thread, I figured I must have missed a doozy of a telecast!

Paula just never stops , does she? Critiquing Jason’s second song before it was even performed? I thought this was the most incredible “Paula” event I have ever seen, superseding the “Corey Clark” debacle as well as the time that Constantine Maroulis was unexpectedly voted off the Season 4 line-up. When his elimination was announced, there was Paula, weeping uncontrollably in the arms of Randy Jackson. It was quite the spectacle.

This lady should quit her day job -or, in the case of American Idol, her questionnable job as a judge - and sign up for a reality-based sitcom. The ratings numbers would be gangbusters

However, all kidding aside, can she, along with the Idol honchos, find it in themselves to issue an apology to the person who was unfairly maligned by this nonsensical mess last evening - Jason Castro? I truly hope so. It should have happened last evening, but, I suppose, the shock value was still too fresh.

But, to go on all the talkshows today and simply cover her huge guffaw by more excuses, without taking Jason’s feelings into account, was, to me, unconscionable.

Yes, I had my brief laugh this morning and it bouyed my stuffed up spirits for a small span of time. But then, the reality of what she had done emerged on Jason’s confused and deflated face. Is it no wonder that he had trouble delivering his second song? I still think that this song would have been a marvellous moment for him, but Paula and the Idol franchise dashed whatever confidence remained in this young performer.

I am looking forward to the show tonight. I really love Neil Diamond. I was fortunate to see him in concert years ago and he staged a superb show. He is a passionate, intense performer and absolutely adores and respects his audience.

So, I think he will give these singers excellent advice on what it takes to arouse and stimulate an audience with authority and conviction.

I am now entering week two with this horrible cold and flu virus. I have re-arranged my teaching load here, but I am still pretty wiped.

I will do my best with this week’s Vocal Masterclass and have it online ASAP.

By: Rosanne Simunovic
Personally, this week’s show was one of the highlights of the American Idol 7th season. The opportunity to watch and learn from Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s interaction with the Top 6 was indeed an exciting and memorable one.

I thought Andrew Lloyd Webber was absolutely amazing and tirelessly patient with these singers. What an opportunity for these 6 young vocalists to remember and take back with them once the show completes its run in May.

I am running late this week, so let’s get to it, shall we? (more…)

It’s Andrew Lloyd Webber night and I have the flu. So, I will be watching the show from the comfort of my bed. I love his music and nothing - I tell you - nothing will deter me from experiencing this show.

Hopefully, the performances will cure all ills - especially mine - because I want to “Masterclass” these performances in a very big way.

I will have the Top 6 Masterclass article online late Thursday. If not, then sometime on Friday. I had to re-organize my schedule because of this annoying little virus, so please bare with me.

Here is the song list -not necessarily the order-courtesy of TMZ and MJs Big Blog. The order is now official.

Syesha Mercado — “One Rock & Roll Too Many” from “Starlight Express”
Jason Castro — “Memory” from “Cats”.
David Archuleta — “Think of Me” from “Phantom of the Opera”
Brooke White — “You Must Love Me” from “Evita”
Carly Smithson — “Jesus Christ Superstar”
David Cook — “Music of the Night” from “Phantom of the Opera”

MCL Note: I find it interesting -and it gave me a chuckle -that the two Davids both chose music from “Phantom Of The Opera”. And so the race to the Finale begins. I love it!

Comments anyone?

I am extremely upset regarding the recent news of Jordin’s Sparks health problems.

According to MJs Big Blog, Jordin’s career is temporarily (I hope) on hold until the inflammation in her vocal cords subsides.

When will the mentors/managers/agents of these young singers realize that pushing these artists to the brink of exhaustion while singing with poor technique is an absolute recipe for disaster.

Please share your comments and news about Jordin, as we watch for further developments about Jordin’s health.

When I listened to the opening refrains of “Ave Maria”, I was actually worried. Kelly sounded a bit breathy and fragmented within her approach to her phrase lines.

However, Kelly being Kelly, the end result was absolutely glorious. She added some lovely vocal embellishments during the second verse of this song. Yet, in the end, it was Kelly’s genuine grace and poise that stole the show.

Hope you enjoy it.

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…)

I really loved tonight’s show - but, until my Vocal Masterclass article is completed, I will refrain from voicing my favorites. However, I will say that Mariah Carey seemed like a wonderful mentor - very supportive and kind to all the singers.

Please share your comments.

Here is a quick link to MJ’s Big Blog Spoiler for tonight’s Top 7 performance.

I have been meaning to add this each week, but, better late than ever. MJ will be updating the Spoiler thread once she receives further confirmation of the song performances/performance order later in the day.

Enjoy!

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…)