I hope that the VM articles are helping Jason. He really improved this week, I thought. Had a nice meaty sound to his vocal tone.

An all male Top 4? Quite possibly – but not too sure here. Hard to say. It would be a first though, wouldn’t it? Overall, the guys are definitely stronger than the gals this year.

Also, it depends on the theme for Top? When is Andrew Lloyd Webber making his Idol debut? He will want to work with the best singers, so Carly should be there – for sure.

I don’t mind that she is bringing previous musical experience – in fact, I welcome it. However, it is neat to see singers evolve on the show, singers like Clay Aiken and Ruben. That’s what makes this show interesting.

However, American Idol wants to continue to maintain credibility within the music industry, so I can see why they have gone this route with people like Carly and the Davids.

Boy, can she sing though. Her voice is simply amazing.

Thanks for sending the links. I appreciate this very much.

Oh, I sent the link to your blog VOCAL MASTERCLASS. What you say makes sense, is professional, and could help the contestants, especially those with less experience. Sweet Jason…

One last thought here…I feel the TOP 4 could easily be the four guys. IMO, the guys are more talented this season than the girls. Although, I cannot see TPTB allowing that to happen.

I just read a scathing article on Carly and asked where it was printed, as it didn’t have a link. a remark was added that said, “Much of this info was published in a Wall St. Journal article on the difficulties in the recording industry” So, I can’t verify it, but be sure to read it and judge for yourself! http://americanidolrumors.com/american_idol_season_7/american_idol_news/carly_liar.html
And here’s a video of her showing off the MCA studios (Randy’s stomping grounds) http://youtube.com/watch?v=gb3mhGHoS90 Her hair is SO odd to me in brown and in frizz! LOL! I did find the ‘body’ coach interested where he is teaching her how to move and sing at the same time.
Now, I don’t disagree that she should or shouldn’t be on AI … not for me to say … but it does seem wrong that someone (Carly) has had professional “How to move on stage” lessons and other AI ‘kids’ sing just for fun at church or school! I don’t know …

Anita

I am trying to motivate my own students to listen to her music and her voice. so much feeling and warmth – it is truly special, isn’t it?

Thank you for sending my Vocal Masterclass articles to relatives of the contestants. I really appreciate this and hope they are of some assistance to them.

It is hard to suddenly change your technical approach to your singing and performing style but, if some feel they can handle the change, all the better.

Yes, that Season 2 Top 3 was special, but I feel this season will be as well, given the correct combination of singers.

Once again, thank you for your kind comments and for taking the time to spread the Masterclass word.

I have also been watching America Idol Rewind and have always felt Ruben, Clay, and Kimberley have been the BEST TOP 3 ever. With this year, we may find three that are also the best. I must admit I don’t find fondmess for Carly and hope she will not be in that special TOP 3 show. (I feel so guilty. lol)

Your advice to Jason is on point. I do believe he reads your column, and hope he will take your advice. In the past, I have sent your URL to relatives of the contestants. Your analysis is the BEST and I have learned so much. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Kari

I agree about Ramiele – however, I thought she was really trying to communicate and reach her audience this week, but the tears added even more emotion. She seems so shy – very sweet.

Hard to say if the key would have been fine without David C’s health problems. It just sounded really high – but, if that diaphragm wasn’t working with a bouyant kind of energy, then it would indeed affect the natural flow of his voice.

Why does everyone feel they have to sing high all the time? I just watched the “Karen Carpenter” story on TV and the velvet quality of her voice and the emotional connection she had with her songs were so beautiful. You really listened to the words when she sang her songs – just so gorgeous and memorable.

It’s very interesting but after listening to David C. again, I agree that it sat just a bit too high for David’s voice. Maybe combined with the physical tension he was feeling, he just couldn’t relax enough to let the sound flow freely? I would love for him to redo this a key lower, I think it would really fly.

Ramiele did a great job singing after crying- so tough. I wish she had brought that raw emotional edge to all her performances. She would still be on next week!

I think that David was mixing some nice chest voice with his pure head voice when he hit that high Db. His voice sounded so seamless and even, so, definitely, it was his full voice.

However, he always has that glimmer of head voice throughout his range, which is why his voice is so clear and transparent.

This season is really shaping up! Surprising recovery from Ramiele, huh?

And, yes, Vagabond, I remember seeing Clay’s version of this song, “Here You Come Again” and it was excellent. Thanks for jogging my memory.

Cannot wait for next week’s show. It should be spectacular.

It’s been established that David A’s high note in SMM was a D-flat (through an interview with his vocal coach). I think that that was his full voice, head voice, not sure what to call it and NOT falsetto. When listening to the studio recording, where he holds the note a bit longer, it sounds too strong to be falsetto. Any thoughts?

I just love reading your comments…I’m learning so much about voice from you! And you’re always so kind to everyone…Thanks!

Also forgot to mention it’s wonderful how Idol is showing what is happening to some past contestants. I’m glad so many are enjoying success because of this show!
Terry

Did you know that Clay Aiken did a cover of Dolly Parton’s “Here You Come Again” on his last CD (the Clive Davis mandated all-covers CD!) – a slowed down version much like the one Carly sang. If you have a chance give it a listen.

I read somewhere that the contestants are allowed access to the internet- some avidly reading everything (yikes!) and others avoiding the ‘net altogether. I hope they have found their way to this site and get the great vocal coaching!

As a very amateur singer, I love the great tips- my favorite one is to sing uptempo songs slowly. Maybe David A. will pick the right song and practice it that way

I’m becoming a big fan of Carly and both Davids. I love the full sound that each brings to their singing. It’ll be interesting to note the growth of all the performers. It’s too bad Ramiele couldn’t progress a bit more. She has a beautiful voice that just didn’t seem to mesh with a confident performance. I hope she gets good vocal coaching and keeps at it!