About Masterclass Lady
Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli.
When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler.
She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8.
In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman.
In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins.
In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright.
In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins.
Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
February 23, 2011 
Remember these singers above? Talk about catching lightning in a bottle! The combined charisma, artistry and musicality of these wonderful Season 7 singers was pretty special.
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MCL…will this year be the same format as in 12 guys and 12 girls, or are they just gonna mix them up?
I don’t like when the producers go into a new year with an agenda…like a girl win year! It really hurts the other kids, especially the guys! I agree just let it happen the way it will, guy or girl, they are going to get a new idol.
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Vonnie – I do believe that next Tuesday 12 guys will be performing and, then, on Wednesday, 12 girls.
I think 5 from each group will move on to the Top 10, based on viewers’ votes, with the judges adding 2 or 3 Wild Card picks to complete a Top 12 or 13.
I don’t like this format at all. I loved watching the Top 24 perform every week, as they moved toward a Top 12.
I’ve already lost interest. Not too sure we will be left with the best talent in the end. I may be wrong but…,,,,,
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So far, Mr. Robbie Rosen is the only contestant with–IMO–the true grace and elegance of a stage performer. I felt that ‘elegance’ when I saw him wating in line for his initial audition:) Plus his movie-star looks[nice schnoz also:)], approachability, humility and charm by the kilogram.
I was IMPRESSED with his intial audition: He has good tonality and clarity[though he seemed to be straining with the high notes and I could hear some breathing]; I also liked his phrasing.
Get this: I saw where one reviewer wrote that Mr. Rosen has a ‘thin voice’: Really? If his voice is ‘thin’, what does that make the vocals of Ms. Britney Spears.
Did you hear any ‘thinness’ in his voice.
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Rosanne,
I remember Randy saying last week that Season 10 has the best talent of any season!!! Of course, I right away thought of Season 7. It most certainly was, hands down, the best American Idol Season. This group now to me, has yet to show me they are more talented as a whole, than Season 7. So, I think Randy just might be smoking something. Ha! Ha! Ha!
randy saying last week
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I agree Anita!! Best talent? Um not in my mind and I wonder about the personalities as well. I think we will gain a stronger impression of all the singers this week and, certainly, next week.
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Yes James I agree!! Thanks for reminding me I remember Robbie Rosen from the New Jersey auditions. He sang “Yesterday” and it was gorgeous and musical. I will be on the lookout tonight. I hope he makes the Top 10, I really do!
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Hi James and Anita,
I don’t remember Robbie Rosen, but I will most definitely look for him tonight, barring we get to see all of the talent before they cut them!!!
I’m really worried for some of the singers who have not yet been showcased up to this point!
MCL…Thanks for the info, and I agree I liked the old format much better too! I liked when it didn’t have to be a certain amount of one or the other, alot of talent goes home this way.
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I am on grandmother patrol here tonight so I will try to make notes about all of the singers and share them with you later.
TRY is the operative word here!! My newest grandchild is just 3 weeks old and his Mom ( my daughter) just had gall bladder surgery. Good times!!!
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Rosanne,
I’m so happy that you have been back. and have missed reading your posts. How have you been feeling?
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Anita! Thank you for asking. Not too bad. I really have to pace myself. I tire quite easily. Lots of activity around here and it is so easy to become overwhelmed.
I hope you are well. It is great to see you back on this site. 🙂
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MCL, I think we all share the same lament but I feel pretty sure that it will never change much, if any.
Don’t worry Vonnie, its part of the plan. We should see Paul and Kendra soon. My daughter tells me that Paul plays several instruments well. I would like to hear a whole song from each of them. It looks like there will be some group singing tonight from some ads I’ve seen.
James,
I have noticed Robbie since his original audition. He has exhibited a lot of skill, so far, for his age. I like the resonance that can come from a prominent proboscis. Tonight’s Beatle theme should be a good one for him. I noticed sort of a lounge singer vibe from him though on one of the songs I heard him sing, but I can’t say which song it was at this point. Hopefully, that isn’t his usual style. My overall impression of him is good so far.
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Tonight’s show was awesome. I loved how they were in Vegas!! I was in Vegas last year; didn’t see the Beatles show, but still saw some shows. It’s neat to pick out the spots that the cameras showed that I was at though!
I’m glad of some people that made it through…I was flipping back and forth between this and a very exciting game of curling taking place between Canada and Manitoba; so it I missed some of AI.
I saw J-Lo at the end though – boy did she ever have a hard time saying no to Chris. I wish he would have made it through; I think he really deserved it. I hope he comes back next year and tries again…he was someone who grew on me and not just because of his story.
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Yes bizzee there were some unfortunate eliminations. Many great singers were cut – Hollie, Deandre and John Wayne. Very sad.
However, the show was excellent and I am loving these judges more and more.
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I was so, so sad that Chris got cut. He was such a wonderful guy. : ( I honestly don’t think Haley should’ve made it, her voice is awful, IMO. Hollie was a lot better.
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Oh my goodness – I had an entire post disappear! Hello!
OK, I thought tonight was a very enjoyable evening highlighting lots of talent. However, the Las Vegas performance hour should have been much longer. Less drama and more singing!!
I am on the Robbie Rosen band wagon! He is a talented young man, and he just may be the “dark horse” of the competition. I loved the duet on “Something” with Julie and Tim. It was my favorite performance of the night.
Jennifer really liked Hollie and DeAndre. I wonder if they could come back on the Wild Card round? They were both attractive and had good voices!
Is anyone sick of the scripted drama? Wouldn’t you like to see more singing? Nigel just couldn’t resist, could he? We didn’t see Jacee or Brett. Wonder how they did in Las Vegas or the “Sing For your Life” section? I don’t like the idea of voting on the TOP 24 to get down to the TOP 10 (with three wild cards). It seems like we won’t know them as well as in the past.
Congratulations on the birth of your new Grandbaby, Roseann!! I envy you even though I have four of my own! No new babies, although we are still working on potty training my youngest. My oldest is taking guitar lessons and is quite familar with the Beatles music, unlike some of the Idol contestants! ;o)
I am very excited about Thursday’s show!
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James,
Yes! After putting a face to the name, I do know who Robbie is, and yes he is one of my hubby’s favorite’s, he is supporting Scott and Robbie this year.
Yay! I finally got to hear Paul McDonald, I love his soft voice!
I have a few more favorites from the Vegas show! Plus, the duet between the guy and girl who were both playing keyboards and singing…I don’t know who they were, but I liked them both.
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Erin-agree with you about Chris and Hollie. Plus you can add Deandre. Looks like, as always, they pad the Top 24 with a combo of less talented, superb talent, and the Top 2 or 3 they want to advance deep into the competition.
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Grammie – I too am hoping that Hollie and Deandre come back as Wild Cards. I think we need to start a strong fan base for those talented singers that were eliminated. It may influence the outcome of the eventual Top 12 or 13.
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I think idol should give us a free week…meaning that we should have two nights of hearing the guys then the girls with no voting, so that we can hear each one of the singers. It is so un-fair to some of the top 24, because we have not heard from them during Hollywood rounds.
I would like to hear their stories and hear them sing a full song, instead of a snippet!
My list is growing with new favorites…just don’t know their names! And then there’s the green-mile; they have to make it past that!
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Yes, Vonnie, I agree. In this respect, nothing has changed. All those close-ups of Scotty and Lauren are kind of a turn-off for me. It just isn’t fair at all.
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I agree with you about Paul McDonald, Vonnie. I think he’ll be one of my favorites.
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Erin,
I was not impressed with Haley’s voice either. I don’t quite understand how the judges liked her so much. She sounds like she’s wining when she sings. The girl that Jennifer said should come back in 2 years, and would have a great chance of winning, was much better, I thought.
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I’m still trying to sort out all of the singers. Among the men, I’m most interested in Robbie Rosen and Tim Halperin. I’m not sure why, but I’ve noticed that the African American men have just not generated much buzz. I’d like to hear more from Jordan Dorsey and Jerome Bell.
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Sue- those are my Top 2 guys right now. Tim and Robbie.
Paul McDonald has a great “Taylor Hicks” sort of vibe and I expect he might do very well in the competition.
I love Julie Zorrila and Thia Megia as well.
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I also enjoyed the show last night (well the portions I saw). I just felt so bad for J-Lo;.
I’m curious as to how talented this year’s group is: as per Randy’s comment but also because some really good ones got cut. D
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I really enjoyed the show, some of the Beatles songs were great – however like most people – I wish there was more singing and less of everything else.
I loved the Tim/Julie duet – I’d not noticed Tim before – just the kind of voice/tone I love.
A close second for me was kendra/paul – although Paul doesn’t seem to know what to do with his hand without a guitar.
Then for sheer enjoyment, scott/lauren/denise – yes it didn’t show off the vocals like a power ballard – but a lot of fun, and I could watch it again happily.
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Barbara,
Are Tim and Julie the couple who started their song each seated at keyboards! If so, I liked both of them!
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Yes Vonnie they were!! Love them both so much.
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Vonnie – I loved that too!! At first I thought it was the band playing for them and then realized it was actually them! 🙂
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It’s been a long time since I have been here, but I actually decided to tune in earlier than I ever have to Idol this year. This was the first episode of this new season that I watched last night. I made it a point to just put aside my deep love for the Beatles and their timeless, brilliant songs and listen to these young people without putting such high expectations on them.
I also wanted to say hello to my dear Masterclasslady, Roseanne! I hope that you are well and congratulations on the new addition to your family. Loss can be followed with new life and it’s a beautiful rite of passage.
I find myself in agreement with the format during the Las Vegas portion of the show – way too much unnecessary drama and not nearly enough singing! I am really not sure of the names, since this is my first chance to hear all of them. A few did stand out to me – one is Robbie. I love his voice and think he could be a real contender in this competition. I also liked Paul McDonald with that amazing, distinctive husky tone in his voice. I also loved the girl and guy who did their song at the keyboards, but cannot remember their names. If they are Tim and Julie, then I love, love them! I think there was a guy named Scott that I also really liked.
I hope to get acquainted with these young people, learn their names and then watch them on this long journey. This is a first for me, tuning in for the Hollywood round and Vegas.
I really wanted to check out the judges and see for myself all of the changes that this show has promised. For now, I am keeping an open mind.
Hello to all of the wonderful people I have come to know so well on this site – Vonnie, J, Grammie Keri, Gene W, Sue, Anita, Louise and all the new people who I hope to get to know better.
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Thanks everyone for being so welcoming again this season. MCL – Congratulations!
I wanted to add that the judges have really won me over this season. I love how Steven just reacts so viscerally to the music. He’s fresh and funny. Jennifer has really grown into her role of providing honest and compassionate critiques to the singers. And Randy’s vocabulary is growing!
I don’t miss Simon or Kara at all.
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Hi Mindy…!!! So glad you joined in early this year!!! I am much like you, still learning the names of some of the singers…Idol has not worked very hard this year introducing us to more than a hand full of the singers!
Last night was actually the first that I/we got a glimps of some of the kids, Oh! but what a wonderful field it is this year, I already have so many favorites. Many of the same that you mentioned, Paul McDonald, Scott McCreery(?) not sure of his last name, Tim and Julie, and a few others that I hope to find out their names tonight…!
Again, glad to have you back posting!!! 🙂
MCL,
Thank you for the info on Tim and Julie…Wow! they both were great!
bizzee247,
I was not really paying attention when Tim and Julie first started playing, but as soon as they started singing I definitely perked up, but alas, I missed their names! Wow! Can’t wait to hear more!
Sue,
I too think the judges are great, such compassion from Steven and Jennifer…Randy has even toned down the not-so-nice comments!
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Vonnie,
Thanks for the welcome back! It’s great to read the comments from so many of the old gang and some great new people, too. I was really on the fence about watching this season, but curiosity got the better of me. This time I decided to check out the earlier rounds that I never see and it’s a mixed bag. Now I understand why some people have fan bases early on and others have to try to catch up. They are very selective in who they show and how much we get to see of them.
Sue,
I agree with you about the judges. That was another reason for my desire to get an early look at the proceedings this season. I always liked Randy, so it’s good that he is still there. He does seem to be making an effort to give more fully realized critiques and not rely on the old “dawg” stuff! Nice to see. I was prepared to dislike JLo, but was surprised to see her showing real compassion and trying to be real and honest, yet always with a tender touch and something nice to say.
The regulars here know that I was furious with Kara last season. I am pleased that she is no longer there. It’s not her strong suit. However, the biggest surprise for me is Steven Tyler. I thought he would be blathering and incoherent and all over the place. I was pleasantly surprised to see him being gracious, knowledgeable, quite funny and a bit unpredictable. New blood is sometimes a good thing! Also, only three judges! YAY!
I know that I won’t agree with many of the ones they cut as the top 24 come together. The saving grace is that I am not as invested emotionally, but it’s hard to see someone who seems so talented go home over others who seem to fit the “mold”, so to speak. I am dearly hoping that it is more about the singing and real talent, but I have learned to temper my expectations with this show.
Taking time away from this site to think about some things and how I approach the show, has given me a new perspective. I was proud of myself for not taking the kids to task last night for not doing the Beatles justice in my eyes. That’s not what it was about. I can love the Beatles music that meant so much to me in my teen years, while still giving a new generation their chance to put their own spin on the songs.
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The judges are gaga over Lauren and she’s not even that good, IMO. And she seems really annoying and obnoxious!
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Erin – I don’t get all the Lauren love either. It is indeed strange.
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Oh darn, I tried to remember names and match their faces. The girl that got married in LV….was she eliminated? If she was, she seemed to be happy about it instead of the protocol of her past dramatics.
I also was prepared not to like J-Lo….but wow! she really tugs my heartstrings ~ how sweet she is and definitely knowledgable about music as well as Tyler. For once, I am glad Simon is gone. He usually makes me upset. Now I can enjoy the show.
What about the girl who became sick? the one with a boyfriend who didn’t make it (the blonde, not the redhead).
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Vonnie, I see that u are a grandmother as well as I and a baby boomer. I also love the Beatles. Aren’t u surprised about some at the auditions LV don’t know the Beatles?
I saw (trying not to brag) the Beatles in 1965 in Chicago at the baseball stadium and it was full (of screaming girls). We could not hear the songs!!! LOL. My cousin and I were not screaming or fainting…but used a pair of binoculars. Ringo’s hair swung back and forth like cornsilk……beautiful men.
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Welcome back, Mindy! Good to hear from you again.
MCL, I’m curious about how you knew on Wednesday that John Wayne Schulz was eliminated since they didn’t show that until tonight. Did I miss something last night?
I was very happy that Theia (I’m not sure how to spell her name) made it. As for the other girls, I honestly don’t know enough about them to know whether I like them or not. But I’m already a fan of many of the guys. Casey Abrams is incredibly talented but I’m wondering how the general audience will feel about him.
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Louise – it was all over the message boards. Tons of spoilers! Try http://www.joesplaceblog.com
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I don’t like the fact that they have been pushing this girl since the first night. She’s good, but not good enough to be a winner. There are several girls who outshine here. I really like Karen and find Pia very talented.
I do believe Colton got robbed. Maybe TPTB were afraid he’d get all the teen girls text message votes? I am not all that impressed with Brett. Jacee just wasn’t ready for this competition. I really do like Robbie and like that the judges feel he is unassuming and a musical genius. This is a really talented group!
I see so many old (not age) friends returning! Hello to all of you! I have two questions:
1. Was Jacob’s performance of “God Bless the Child” the best to ever appear on Idol in all the seasons?
2. Is Casey the most talented musician to ever appear on the show?
Thank you!
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I truly don’t understand why the judges chose Clint over Jaycee.
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Louise,
Thanks so much for the welcome back! Great to see you here, too.
SurleyBSerious,
I was fortunate enough to see the Beatles in Atlantic City in August 1964. My sister and I found out ahead of time that they were going to be there when our family would be vacationing, so we managed to cajole our parents into getting tickets. Needless to say, they didn’t know quite what to make of it. We were up in the rafters at the Convention Hall and there was so much screaming that you couldn’t really hear much. I needed binoculars to see them, but it was the experience of a lifetime!
Grammie Keri,
You may remember that I was never shy about giving my opinion here, so to answer your two questions –
No to the first one.
No to the second one.
It will be interesting to see how America responds to some of these young people. I wonder if some will be able to win them over. I see a great deal of talent, which is always a pleasure to see. However, I do see some who could be polarizing. Jacob has an incredible voice, but he can go for the rafters and take it to church and risk going over the top. I am interested to see the reaction to him next week, but what a personality! You certainly wouldn’t ever forget him.
I really, really like Robbie. I almost don’t want to have a real favorite this early in the competition, but his last performance just gave me chills. One never knows how these kids will handle the pressure of performing live. I also like Tim, Paul McDonald, that kid with the amazing low baritone who reminds me of Johnny Cash. I just have to get the names right! Is he Scott or is that someone else?
I really like Julie and loved her duet of Something with Tim. That was beautiful. I am thinking that there are two Laurels, but I could be wrong. I heard some great voices among these young women, but the names just escape me.
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First time posting here. This year certainly is shaping up to be an interesting one. Although I wouldn’t say the talents are overwhelming, but there has been several contestants I think are great.
The ones I like so far are Tim, Robbie, Paul, Julie, Pia, Thea, and Brett (he’s just adorable, I can’t help it).
As for the ones I don’t like:
Jacob Lusk: pretty much oversings every single song. Constantly seems like he’s on the verge of emotional breakdown. He does have a great set of pipes though.
James Durbin: this guy just makes me cringe every single time he sings (considering I am a big Lambert, Cornell, Mercury, Perry, Plant fan, that’s saying something). He can certainly go to the sqeaky side, but his “scream” usually doesn’t have much musicality behind it. His one trick of a single run ending at a harmonically incorrect high note is really getting on my nerve. High notes should always be incorporated into the song itself rather than treated just as a “wow” factor, or else it gets repetitive really fast (such as the girl from S9).
Lauren Alania: Her tendency to use falsetto at the end of every note is really starting to annoy me. Obviously she has the skills to do that, but I don’t think every song calls for that kind of vocal style. I also don’t like the tone of her voice.
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Hi kazu…Welcome!!!
Hi SurelyBSerious,
Ooopps! I think you may have me confused with someone else here at MCL’s…not a grandma yet, my son is only 18, so hoping he waits a few years, LOL……I was born in the early 60’s, so I was still slobbering on my toys when the Beatles hit…I am familiar with alot of their songs, but not alot, basically more of the most popular one’s!
My musical taste covers alot of generations though!
I still however am very shocked that these kids did not know the beatles songs!!! Of course, if I think about it, my son probably don’t know alot of their music either! He thinks Madonna is ancient!!! 😦
To All,
With the exception of 3, I am thrilled with this years contestants…Scott and Paul, definitely my favs so far, girls; I have a few that I really like but need to learn their names!
I wish that there would have been a spot for Colton, I could have easily booted one of the 3 that I wish hadn’t made it to give him a spot!
Mindy,
I know what you mean, I think each year that I am not going to get so invested in this show…but it never works, by this time each year I am so invested, as much as I don’t want favorites (because it clouds my vision for the other contesants, lol) I always end up with the one that pulls me right in to the idol quicksand!!!
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Hi Kazu! I started posting a bit here last season, and everyone has been really friendly.
Among the women, I’m impressed by Pia Toscano and Karen Rodriquez. I feel that we’re all struggling with the women because the producers haven’t really allowed us to get to know them individually. It’s all been about Ashley and Lauren Alania with a few glimpses of Thea thrown in.
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I missed last night’s show. 😦
From what I have read though, there were some surprises. No Jaycee? That saddens me, I liked him.
Do you we have 12 girls and 12 guys again?
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I was not sorry to see Jacee go at this point, sometimes he was very mature, like in the dignified way he handled the whole group episode, but at other times he felt like a very young boy. I would like to see him back in a couple of years when his voice and image has matured a bit and he stand a better chance.
Likewise Chris Medina, he had a nice voice at times but not outstanding, I was glad he didn’t go through on his back story, but also really happy to see his back story and the publicity it has given the appeal to help his girlfriend. However at the end he said he was going to give his music another try – I hope he does and comes back with more.
Like many others though, I do wish that more people had been given a fair exposure, instead of focusing so totally on the dramas (eg Ashley).
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Vonnie, completely agree with you on Colton. He should have James Durbin’s spot, especially after Mr Durbin first compared himself to Adam Lambert, then completely murdered A Change Is Gonna Come. It was bloody.
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To Grammie Kari:
No and no. They are incredibly talented but come. on. We have seen very gifted talented over the past 10 years – too many to mention!
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Well, we certainly have some great talent to look forward to next week. However, we lost some along the way – Colton, Deandre, Hollie. I wonder if they would be considered for the Wild Card spot or if the Wild Card spots will be drawn solely from the Top 24? Methinks it’s the latter. And, supposedly, Casey Abrams is ill and may not be able to perform in the Top 24.
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Ok at the moment (may change after next week if they all go out) my faves are…
Karen Rodriguez (Spanish Song at end)
Julie Zorrilla (playing piano and singing)
Thia Megia (sweet voice despite frightening vocal coach)
Casey Abrams (different and good musician – but needs to stop screwing his eyes up (and maybe cut his hair/shave….)
Tim Halperin (piano playing again)
Scotty McCreery (just love the deep voice and I was pleasantly surprised by last song and Beatles that he has a bit more than the ONE song)
Sorriest to see go – Colton Dixon in the last trio to be told, I loved the solo they showed.
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Dearest Mindy, welcome back! 🙂
Grammie Kari, I agree with you and Sue that these women (Pia and Karen) stand out to me! I watched some of Pia’s pre-Idol videos (you can find them HERE), and I’m impressed by her excellent pitch, (generally) very free coordination, and her ability to sing a variety of genres. She sounds beautiful in “The Prayer,” and stylistically, that song is very musically different from a lot of her other covers.
I also agree with Barbara that Thia Megia is one to watch. I thought that even before last night. I don’t think we’ve gotten to see her full range of vocal ability, but I’ve seen some of her recent YouTube covers (on that note, I knew about her from YouTube way before even America’s Got Talent, and trust me, she’s improved a lot!), and I think there’s some promising talent there.
SurelyBSerious, the girl you mentioned who became sick and whose boyfriend didn’t made it is Jacqueline Dunford.
(Yes, I scare myself with my ability to recall contestant names. I don’t think I’ve forgotten any of them really, lol.)
I think I have more I wanted to say, but that’ll suffice for now. I must be getting to more productive matters… =P
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Just a quick note before I go and do some more work – Chris Medina has a record out today.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/what-are-words-single/id422369478
Written by Rodney Jerkins in response to the story of Chris and Juliana – I think it is going to also be on the Tonight show. I couldn’t get a snippet to play on itunes but there were some great comments – hope it goes well for him.
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MCL,
As much as I hate to hear that Casey is ill and may not be able to perform in the top 24, will he be able to continue with idol, or will they replace him? I really like him and think that he deserves to be top 24, BUT; if he can’t compete, I hope they give Colton his spot!!!
Is that bad of me???
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Just read about Casey Abrams…seems that if he is not better and out of the hospital for today’s taping of the guys he will be disqualified…how sad is that, last year the guys and girls nights were swapped because of Crystal, why not do the same for Casey?
It would be a real shame for him to be outed because of an illness…why can’t they have the guys sing, without Casey…no voting, no one gets cut, then next week they can cut four!!!
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Oh! Grammi Kari,
No and No!!!
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Vonnie – there us only one performance show for the Top 24. From these performances, we move on to the Top 12.
I don’t like this format. I preferred the “whittle down” process where we slowly worked toward voting through our Top 12 over a 3 week time span.
Hence the panic re Casey. I believe the Top 12 Male Performances will be taped live today.
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MCL,
Really? One show, 12 people goes home? Wow! This is so sad for the kids who did not get equal air time!!!
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Barbara, I’m loving Karen Rodriguez too, and last night was the first time I actually noticed her. Gorgeous voice.
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Since Casey is ill, they really should tape the girls instead, like they did last season. That’s only fair. Also, I agree, the format of taking 3 weeks to get from 24 contestants, down to 12 was much better. This again, doesn’t seem fair to the contestants
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Okay, I ran over to M’s and got the list of the top 12 girls…now I can put names to faces!
I like; Julie, Kendra, Pia, Thia, and Karen! There is a tie between 3 of the other girls as to who I would put in the 6th spot…Ashton, Haley, or Tatynisa!
Guys; Paul, Scott, Casey, Robbie, and Tim!
The other two spots are up for grabs!!!
It’s so hard having favorites at this part of the competition cause they could very easily go home, but I like so many this year that hopefully at least one or two of my favs will stay in!
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Dearest J,
Thank you so much for the welcome back! I never stopped thinking about all of you while I was gone, but you are someone who became very special to me. I think that I have told you how much you helped me to understand the vocal gift I was born with, but never understood. It has made me a much happier, more fulfilled person and you were a big part of that. Your love of singing always comes through in your comments!
I wanted to weigh in on James Durbin, the guy who did really murder A Change is Gonna Come. The regulars here know how much I loved Sam Cooke and this last song of his was so painful for me that I couldn’t listen to his recording for a long time. I honestly didn’t even recognize the song at first. I think he demonstrates the difference between just shrieking for the sake of it and doing it the way Adam Lambert did, which actually sounds like true singing and can be so beautiful. I usually don’t have a problem with the power falsetto singing or whatever the correct technical term is for that, but this is an example of wretched excess. Of course, I thought that Adam did justice to Sam Cooke’s great anthem when he sang it in the finale.
I also agree with MCL and others that it is much better to gradually weed out the singers over a three week period, rather than in one episode. I think it’s manifestly unfair to those who have gotten precious little screen time.
I have a photographic memory, so I don’t know why I am having trouble with names, especially the ladies but I think it has to do with the fact that I just didn’t see much of them. I always get nervous about the really young ones like Thea Magia. I see that they actually lowered the minimum age to fifteen for this season. Based on J’s comments, I will keep an eye on her and hope that she can handle the pressure. I will also check out Pia in the link that J provided. I want to get to know these girls, so that at least I will have given them all a fair shot and can decide for myself who deserves to get into the top 12.
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Mindy,
I so agree with your frustration over the girls this year…there are so many that I have heard little snippets of but never names, and then some of the girls in the top 24 I had not heard until the green-mile walk!!!
So many of them have such beautiful voices, but no-one will know who they are going into elimination night! Sad really!!!
Honestly…all but three of the contstants could be top 12 and I would be happy!
I so appreciate your comments about Adam! He could make a rock wail sound like a beautiful, emotional part of a song; while James seems like a wonderful young man, but, he is over using the rock wail to the point that, that is all you hear during the song!!!
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IMHO It is a dilemma for me about whether to spread out the singers over time or to eliminate all 12 at once. I think perhaps……..repeat, perhaps, it is easier for the eliminators…not to drag out the stress over time. My gosh! whoa! I don’t think there is one cool cucumber except maybe Scottie, the deep voice teenager with red hair. (Did I help u to put a name to a face?)
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>smile<
I had to play back over and over the last show where they showed the names of all 24 at the end of the show.
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Vonnie,
You may well remember how much I loved Adam Lambert. I was a strong defender of his singing style and use of that power falsetto singing. He had the technical strength, control and discipline to do it properly.
Remember Siobhan? Oh my goodness, that was quite a time! I loved her high pitched notes, too, but I don’t think she had the knowledge and control that Adam did. He was a good deal older and had so much experience and great training on the stage. It can turn people off if it is used inappropriately or too often or just for effect. That’s kind of what I think James Durbin was doing. He didn’t use it when needed, just to try to impress everyone with it. He has a voice and, hopefully, will have the good sense to leave the vocal acrobatics for special moments.
If I can’t stand it, then you know it’s really too much because I don’t mind that kind of singing. Additionally, the song A Change is Gonna Come has so much power and meaning that the words kind of say it all. If you let the song tell the story, sometimes that is a lot more effective than incessant wailing.
We have had our differences with favorites, but this time I am in complete agreement with your early favorites among the guys. I will make an effort to watch the ladies this coming week, so I can get more familiar with their voices and pick out the ones I think belong in the final 12.
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I think we need some self-control here – I like to come to this site because we have intelligent discussions and compassionate people who assess talent. This year, I am hoping to see a great showcase for that talent.
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Sorry olivia craner – I had to delete your comment. We don’t resort to name calling on this site. I am not turning cartwheels over the girls either , but there are a couple of them that are very good. Let’s give them a chance.
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Thanks Julia!
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