American Idol Season 11 Top 12 Male Semi-Finalists

Vocal Masterclass Discussion For American Idol Season 11 Top 12 Male Singers-Plus One Mystery Singer

February 28, 2012 by Masterclass Lady 6 Comments


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Finally – the live shows begin! On Tuesday evening, the American Idol Season 11 Top 12 male singers plus a mystery singer chosen from Wild Cards David Leathers Jr., Jermaine Jones, Richie Law and Johnny Keyser will perform for the public votes.

Personally, I feel the live shows should have started sooner. The preliminary auditions drag on and on and on. I start to lose interest after a while. Don’t you?

With pretty heavy competition coming from NBC’s The Voice, American Idol will have to rethink it’s audition process next year. If the live shows had already begun, the viewers would have been more invested in the singers and, perhaps, the ratings would have been higher as a result.

It’s all conjecture, I guess, but that’s just my personal opinion.

Here is a list of the confirmed male semi-finalists:

Aaron Sanders: Pittsburgh
Adam Brock: Pittsburgh
Chase Likens: Pittsburgh
Colton Dixon: Savannah
Creighton Fraker: Pittsburgh
Deandre Brackensick: San Diego
Eben Franckewitz: Pittsburgh
Heejun Han: Pittsburgh
Jeremy Rosado: Savannah
Joshua Ledet: Houston
Phillip Phillips: Savannah
Reed Grimm: Pittsburgh

We wish all of the singers the best of luck, with a special rabbit’s foot tossed to all four Wild Card choices. Who do you think will make the lucky 13 spot – David Leathers Jr., Jermaine Jones, Richie Law or Johnny Keyser? I’m going with Jermaine, although David and Johnny deserve it as well. Live Update follows.

Live Update

  • Reed Grimm – Moves Like Jagger

    • Reed – this was a smooth, jazzy version of this song and you added multiple dimensions to this performance. Your smooth vocals, stage movements and your rhythmically precise drumming skills added a high entertainment value to this number. You need to work on adding more depth to your reedy (sorry) voice so as to incorporate a higher dynamic contrast in your performances.

  • Adam Brock – Think

    • Adam – this was a great song choice for your soulful voice. I love the husky quality in your vocal sound. And, like Reed, you energized the crowd through your strong performing skills. I really appreciated your relaxed and circular mouth position on your upper voice. However, be careful that you enhance your louder dynamics via the diaphragm , keeping that throat relaxed and open.

  • DeAndre Brackensick – Reasons

    • DeAndre -you started this song with your signature falsetto. And, I have to say, I have never seen a performer quite like you. Although your pitch was a bit unsteady, I really respect that you are staying true to your vision as a performer. You exude charisma – your signature vocal style and distinct vocal quality make you stand out from the crowd. Now, make sure that you harness your vocal energy and gorgeous falsetto via the diaphragm. Think pure, uncluttered vowels.

  • Colton Dixon –

    • Colton-loved watching you at the piano. Nice way to start and it added contrast to the remainder of this performance. This was a strong, memorable showcase and your vocal skills really surprised me. There was strong evidence of control and focus at the heart of your vocal sound – really impressive. The dynamic variation was just stellar -you poured your heart and soul into this indie number. I am a fan!

  • Jeremy Rosado – Gravity

    • Jeremy – I loved the quiet ambience you established with this song. You have a very light voice, it just carresses the listener’s ear. Beautiful. Now you have to work on adding more depth to the vocal mix. Make sure that the diaphragm adds strength and direction to your vocal sound and don’t forget to breathe, allowing the breath to support and enhance your vocal sound.

  • Aaron Sanders – Never Can Say Goodbye

    • Aaron – you moved energetically along the perimeter of the stage, establishing nice contact with your audience. You have good control over your voice and incorporated some excellent vocal skills. This was a pretty
    flawless performance. Your ending melisma, that last upper, upper note, your rhythmically secure presence created a memorably strong performance. Outstanding.

  • Chase Likens – Storm Warning

    • Chase – so, you’re a country boy studying theatre? I love it! And I love your voice even more. It is a crisp, focused sound and nicely tuned throughout this performance. You do love the stage, don’t you? Totally relaxed and loaded with charming charisma. Try to maintain a circular mouth position when sustaining your vowles and relax that jaw. This will enhance your voice even more and lessen the tension in your throat. This was a great performance. Loved it!

  • Creighton Fraker – True Colors

    • Creighton – you have a light, pure voice which I just love. And so expressive. Love how you added a rustic dimension to your naturally pure vocals. Your head voice is exceptional. The performance was exceptional. And exceptionally genuine. I want to hear more from you!! Unbelievable.

  • Phillip Phillips – In The Air Tonight

    • Phillip – well, this was a interesting take on this song. You are quite the inventive singer, aren’t you? And, I have to say that I loved it like crazy. And your vocals were passionate and expressive. Extremely unique. You are this season’s David Cook. You know how to expose your soul via your voice. And I loved the whole remake of this song – rewritten melody and all. Bravo!

  • Eben Franckewitz – Set Fire To The Rain

    • Eben – I love your voice and the mature approach you have to your music. I thought, however, that the background music overwhelmed your light, lyrical voice. Be careful of your song selections – find songs that are suited to your youthful vocal sound. There is some solid vocal technique happening here – good for you.

  • Heejun Han – Angels

    • Heejun – you are quite the character. I love you to death. And, guess what? You can also sing like a pro. I loved your sustained approach to your vowels – the round mouth, relaxed jaw and obvious diaphragmatic breath support. This was a very sensitive performance but, like the judges, I didn’t enjoy this particular song for your voice. Choose carefully, researching songs that accentuate your particular vocal strengths and that speak to your distinct artistry.

  • Joshua Ledet – Pull Me Through

    • Joshua – what a great, powerful, song choice. This song just grabbed the listener’s soul. Your voice is a passionate wonder. It is not a perfect instrument but this will get better with time and technique. You truly wear your heart on your sleeve. You will have to work on your technique in order to preserve your voice’s longevity. Scream from the diaphragm not the throat. Keep that throat relaxed and open. However, no one can deny that this was a meaningful performance.

    And the wild card is… Jermaine Jones

  • Jermaine Jones – Dancing With My Father

    • Jermaine – I was so thrilled to see that you were the Wild Card Choice. Your voice is crazy beautiful and a sound that has never been heard on the American Idol stage. You have such control over your vocal delivery and your passion and sensitivity are truly inspiring. Voting public – please put this young man through. Please! Congratulations Jermaine.

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    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
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    6 Responses to “Vocal Masterclass Discussion For American Idol Season 11 Top 12 Male Singers-Plus One Mystery Singer”

    1. kateydid57 February 29, 2012 at 12:16 am

      Thanks for posting your comments so quickly, Roseanne. I would have to say that’s the most impressed I’ve been with the top 12 guys in all the years I’ve been watching American Idol. The producers and the judges did a great job of winnowing down the talent. Most of the performances felt like actual shows from experienced artists. There were a few wobbles and flat notes due to nerves, but really, not a dud in the whole 13. I would have a horrible time narrowing it down to six!

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    2. Kariann1 February 29, 2012 at 4:38 am

      It was a good show with a few terrific performances. Katey is right, there is definite talent here and my choices added up to seven. So, I am going to say for sure: Heejun, Joshua, DeAndre. My maybe are: Reed, Colton, Eben, and Phil.

      I need to say that Adam Brock’s “Think” was very bland. I loved Siobhan Magnus’ the best!

      Just read a Twitter from Nigel and he says the RIGHT five were selected by the fans.

      I agree, the auction process is too long. I hate going from 12 down to 5 in just one week. Some of the contestants we knew very little about. I liked when the elimnation took place in at least two weeks. Yes, MCL – Idol needs to come up with something better to keep up with The Voice. I am excited about the Girls Night!

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    3. Kariann1 February 29, 2012 at 4:39 am

      Auction = Audition! LOL!

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    4. Mindy Moore February 29, 2012 at 5:30 am

      MCL,

      Loved the recap. Unfortunately, I forgot about Idol tonight, so I missed the first half hour. This is the first real good chance I have had to listen to these young men.

      I was praying that Jermaine would be the one they brought back! I did catch some of last week’s show and fell in love with that deep baritone! So happy to see him back and hopefully America will vote to keep him there. That song is so poignant and beautiful, it breaks my heart every time I hear it. I think he has some excellent vocal technical skill and that voice, oh that voice!

      Deandre has me fascinated. I heard a bit of that falsetto last week and wanted to hear more. I only got to hear the clip at the end, but this kid has incredible stage presence. Charisma to spare.

      I heard some of the singing via the throat and not the diaphragm, as you pointed out. Joshua has a great voice, but he was kind of screaming and shouting at points and that’s the absence of diaphragmatic support.

      I also liked Phillip Phillips. Heejun Han picked the wrong song for his voice. I don’t know if it will cost him his chance in the top 12. Eben bit off a lot singing an Adele song. Yes, the background music was too loud. He has a great voice for such a young man. This was not the best song to show it off.

      I can’t speak to all of them, because I didn’t see the entire performances. I do agree that they take too long to get to the live auditions. It seems like forever.

      I really hope that Deandre, Phillip, Jermaine, Joshua make it. Eben, too. I don’t know how they are going to narrow this down. It will be tough, because somebody who is really good will not make it.

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    5. Louise February 29, 2012 at 10:17 am

      I was SO impressed by last night’s performances. I hate to think of most any of them going home.

      A few weeks ago, I thought Adam Brock would be my favorite, and although I do love his voice, I don’t necessarily think he should be one of the last five standing.

      I loved Creighton, Joshua, and Jermaine and I’d love to see them make it.

      Heejun is a really likeable guy with a really nice voice, and I’d love to see him stay too, but I don’t think his song choice helped him last night.

      I’m intrigued with DeAndre, Phil, and Colton at the moment and would be happy if any of them stay too.

      Reed is very entertaining, but a little too hyper for my taste! Aaron was great, Chase was terrific too, Eben has a wonderful voice for such a young guy, and Jeremy has a beautiful voice too. But everyone can’t stay, and these would be some of my choices to not stay. Any other year, any one of them could make the top five, but this year there is incredible talent!!!

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    6. Louise February 29, 2012 at 10:29 am

      MCL,
      I forgot to thank you for posting your comments about all of the contestants while you’re on vacation!!!

      Much appreciated!

      Like