Tonight, American Idol continues its journey while highlighting the talent discovered at the Houston, Texas auditions.

I thought last evening’s show in Aspen showed some very promising talent.

There were a couple of guys with resounding baritone voices and, of course, Hippie Girl Haley was just tremendous. What a surprise!

And she is different and quirky in every good way, so I trust she will venture far in this competition.

So nothing more needs to be said – let the show begin in!

What do you think of the season thus far? Let us in on your favorites in the comments sections.

I have always wanted to travel to Aspen Colorado, so the closest thing I will encounter is catching a glimpse of it here and there during this evening’s American Idol Aspen auditions.

I wonder if anyone will ski into the auditions. Just a crazy thought!

I pretty much thought that the San Diego auditions were a bust, although I really liked the unassuming and genuine talent of Jane Carrey. She seems rooted and focused, raised with the correct work ethic.

I think there will be more to this story as the season unfolds – at least this is what I hope will happen. Time will tell, but I am rooting for her.

I do like where this show is headed this year. Presently, there seems to be a diversity of talent headed to Hollywood, so I hope this element will be reflected in the Top 24 and, ultimately, in the Top 12.

What do you think of the show thus far? Let us in on your favorites in the comments sections.

Reblogged from The New HOT 95-7 – Celeb Gossip, Music News, The HOT Show – KKHH-FM – All The Hits:

Last night after the big NFC Championship game, FOX aired a special episode of San Diego ‘American Idol’ auditions. Much to the judges surprise Jim Carrey’s daughter, Jane Carrey, came to audition! Take a listen to her sing, and find out if she got a golden ticket to Hollywood!

What did you think of Jane Carrey’s participation in the American Idol auditions in San Diego? To tell the truth, she is taking a huge risk given her background, but seems like a talented and unassuming young lady. I love her and wish her the very best

Well, apparently there is some important game on tonight, acting as a lead-in to a special showing of American Idol.

As you can plainly see, I am not an avid sports fan – except when the Olympics air.

Then I turn into a raving lunatic, acting like an avid and obsessive sports fan. It really is one of the great mysteries of life.

But, I googled the information and it is the NFC championship game between New York and San Francisco.

American Idol airs directly after the game on Fox at 10:00 Eastern. So, as long as there is no overtime, we should be good to go.

Also, was I the only one bummed over the fact that the Coal Miner Kid, Shane Bruce, didn’t receive a golden ticket to Hollywood during the Pittsburgh auditions? So much air time was allotted to him, so perhaps he will come back as a wild card.

And why didn’t he perform “In The Still Of The Night” for the judges instead of the coal miners? “Hallelujah” just doesn’t cut it, plus it is over-performed. He brought nothing new to the table with this song.

Nevertheless, he demonstrated great potential for growth and, given his personal history, would have attracted a huge audience. So, either Idol will rethink this or they have another agenda in mind.

Tonight’s show features the discovered talent at the San Diego auditions. Are you excited and pumped? I am! Comments are open so start this party early!

What a fantastic showing in Savannah, Georgia last evening! The new season of American Idol moved smoothly and efficiently, thanks to Ryan Seacrest’s flawless narration and the renewed energy of the judges, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

And the singers! Let’s talk about the singers! The first thing that comes to mind is fluid. Their voices were clear and effortless. Their vocal sound just oozed from their bodies, pitch perfect and transparent.

Now, I cannot for the life of me remember all the names because that’s the way my mind works. I’m a numbers gal.

But suffice it to say that the vast majority of the singers brought a huge smile to my face with their creative, nuanced approach to their music.

And, although Philip Phillips ended the two-hour showcase with stellar vocals reminiscent of a younger and, perhaps hipper, version Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks, a great deal of talent still needs to surface over the next three weeks before we declare him the one to beat this season.

But he is one to watch closely, very closely!

So, we are off Pittsburgh tonight and I am very excited. Are you? Who are your favorites so far? Please share in the comments section.

Enjoy the show!

Tonight’s two-hour premiere of American Idol Season 11 will showcase the discovered talent in Savannah, Georgia.

Two hours for one city seems a little extreme. Has it always been this way? Who can remember from year to year? Not me.

So the two-hour showcase allotted to the Savannah singers must be indicative of the stellar level of talent at these auditions. Or, we may be treated to some tedious filler and back stories but then it wouldn’t be American Idol without it, correct?

Whatever the case, enjoy the resonating sound of Ryan Seacrest’s singular voice during the narration because, depending on what happens with his contract negotiations, this may be his last season.

And that would be a shame. No one can take his place. He makes it look so easy. He is unflappable, intelligent, accommodating, genuine – just a regular guy with a heap of ambition and talent.

So,let the drums roll out and the trumpets sound as we begin – hopefully – another full decade of
American Idol.

And please add your comments and thoughts in the comments section of this blog topic.

Well here we are again. Another season of American Idol is upon us. This year the popular reality singing show is entering its 11th Season, with no sign of “giving up” or “handing over” the reins to another singing competition.

Although NBC’s first season of The Voice and Fox’s first season of The X Factor did perform to high numbers, none came close to the ratings and popularity of American Idol.

This show is so ingrained in the mindset and viewing routine of the TV audience that it is going to take a cold day in hell for this show to disappear off the radar.

The only way this will happen is if Fox decides not to renew Ryan Seacrest’s lucrative contract next year.

If he disappears from Idol, the show will follow in its footsteps. He literally and figuratively is the voice of American Idol. I cannot imagine this show without him. Can you?

As you ponder this question, have a look at this year’s schedule and give us your take on a couple of interesting changes to the format. Should be interesting.

Wednesday, Jan. 18 (8:00-10:00 PM) Season Premiere, Part 1
Thursday, Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM) Season Premiere, Part 2
Sunday, Jan. 22 (10-11PM ET/7-8 PM PT) Auditions Episode (Special Broadcast)
Wednesday, Jan. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Thursday, Jan. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Feb. 1 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Thursday, Feb. 2 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Feb. 8 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Thursday, Feb. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 1
Wednesday, Feb. 15 (8:00-10:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 2
Thursday, Feb. 16 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 3
Wednesday, Feb. 22 (8:00-10:00 PM) Performance Challenge
Thursday, Feb. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM) Semifinalists Announced
Tuesday, Feb. 28 (8:00-10:00 PM) Semifinalists Perform/400th Episode (Special Broadcast)
Wednesday, Feb. 29 (8:00-10:00 PM) Semifinalists Perform
Thursday, March 1 (8:00-10:00 PM) Results Show; Finalists Announced & Judges’ Wild Card Picks Revealed (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Wednesday, March 7 (8:00-10:00 PM) Finalists Perform
Thursday, March 8 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show; First Elimination (ET live/PT tape-delayed)

Become a fan of American Idol on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #AmericanIdol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at @RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @yo_randyjackson; @JLo; and @iamstevent.

Hello everyone!

I hope y’all had a relaxing, memorable holiday. Mine was splendid and filled with family, laughter, music, good food and just plain ‘ole fun!

But now the decorations have been carefully stored, the house is quiet, the baking is gone (thank heavens) and the laugher and pitter-patter of my grandchildren’s voices and feet respectively are a happy memory.

So what to do, what to do? Oh yes, I have a blogging site or two or three to address.

So here I am – finally – ready to roll.

And, with the New Year, we find ourselves immersed in January 2012. But, no January blues here because it is Awards Show season.

However, more important, a new season of American Idol, the raison d’être behind this and many blogging sites, is premiering this week. I don’t know about you but I think January and American Idol go together like cookies and milk.

We also have Season 2 of The Voice on the radar, as well as NBC’s new series “Smash”, featuring American Idol Season 5 Runner-Up, the very talented Katharine McPhee.

So, it is going to be a very busy few months with lots to chat about. I can’t wait to share ideas and opinions with all of you once again.

Are you excited about the return of American Idol and The Voice? How about “Smash”, The Grammys, The Golden Globes, The Oscars, The Tonys and so much more?

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a safe and happy Holiday Season. It has been such a pleasure to share this blog with you.

I hope all of you realize how important you are to the success of this blogging site. I love reading your comments – they alway make me smile.

But, more important, I have come to realize that you are an intelligent, very caring and most loyal group of individuals.

It is comforting to know that you value high quality and innovative music as much as I do.

May the blessings and spirit of Christmas be with you and yours 365 days a year.

Wow! I almost forgot about The X Factor Finale. Someone should tell Simon that ’tis the season to be baking, wrapping gifts, attending choir rehearsals and/or concerts etc. Not watching television reality shows.

Oh well, what do we have here? Of yes, Chris, Melanie and Josh. Good luck to all three of them.

The show runs on Fox on Wednesday from 8:00-9:30 P.M.

Don’t forget to hit the comments section while you watch the show or after the telecast! Always looking forward to your comments!

Not only does David Archuleta have the voice of an angel, but he also embodies the spirit of one.

At the end of his outstanding performance in Salt Lake City, David made a very special announcement (see the above video) – that he was going to embark on a two-year mission for the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.

David became overwhelmed with emotion when he made his announcement:

“It’s not because somebody told me that I was supposed to do it, not because that I no longer want to do music anymore, but it’s because it’s the feeling that I felt that I need to do next in my life.”

I have to say I wasn’t totally surprised. After meeting David during the American Idol Season Seven summer tour, I mentioned to my family that something very special was happening with David – beyond music.

His spirituality and introspective nature was just so tangible. He seemed to be seeing and capturing an essence that others could not visualize. The world that he created for himself was a very special one and now we know why.

It is important in life to understand your instincts and prioritize what is really important. It makes for a meaningful, solid and truly successful road as a human being.

I congratulate and applaud David for his impeccable taste and lifestyle choices. He may not have won that American Idol title, but sure as I’m standing here, he is the epitome of one.

The video below captures both his announcement and his final number in the “My Kind Of Christmas” tour stop in Salt Lake City. It is truly beautiful – in fact probably the most beautiful version I have ever heard.

And, interestingly enough, the audible breathing that is the result of David’s vocal cord paralysis, was barely evident in this number. All one could hear was the passionate glory of his gorgeous and expressive voice.

Please stop by and share the love in the comments thread. Don’t be a stranger.

I have to admit – I just don’t get it! I truly don’t. The fact that David Cook has eluded superstardom leaves me completely and utterly baffled.

It leaves me to question the nature of the promotional process once American Idol completes a season.

All that hype, all the hoopla, all the exposure garnered from weekly appearances on American Idol should be an enormous platform for catapulting an artist’s career, especially one as talented as David Cook. You would think so, right?

But, no, it rarely happens and no one knows why.

Season Seven Of American Idol, where David Cook emerged as the winner, was arguably the most successful season ever.

Their summer tour sold out huge venues both in the United States and Canada. Many, many unique stars were born, including David Cook, David Archuleta, Jason Castro, Carly Smithson, Michael Johns, Brooke White.

Just reflecting on this wonderful group of singers brings a smile to my face. They are all phenomenally talented in their own special way.

While Simon Cowell wants us to believe that he and he alone has found artists with the X Factor, I beg to differ. All of the American Idol singers mentioned above possessed this integral factor in spades.

David Cook’s version of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean“, which originated with artist Chris Cornell, was a show-stopping moment on the show, one that repeated itself many times throughout Season Seven.

Did record producers not realize the gem they had in David Cook? Could someone not have envisioned an album of classic rock songs featuring David’s signature style and sound?

We all know that Rod Stewart has made gazillions with his cover albums, launching another exciting phase in this singer’s career.

Listen to the video below. It screams superstar. Please, record producers, stop with the cookie-cutter, mind-numbing approach to musical success and stardom and start producing stars of quality, intelligence and charisma.

The world needs singers of passion, with a strong moral compass and multi-dimensional visionary approach to their artistry.

David Cook’s new CD, This Loud Morning, was impeccably conceived and produced. David threw his heart and soul into this CD and it deserves to be recognized at a higher level.

You can purchase “This Loud Morning” on Amazon.Com or download it via ITunes.

Where are the David Cook fans? Are you as frustrated as I from the lack of exposure David is receiving? Hit the comments below, while you listen to “Billie Jean”.

But, more important, tell your friends to download his album pronto. Please. We need more people like David in the music industry and we must ensure his longevity as an artist.

Well, the surprises just keep on coming. Who would have foreseen Rachel’s elimination last week?

However, all appears to be good and well for the spunky little thirteen-year-old with the great big voice and personality. It seems that she is being courted and embraced by Disney.

Which explains why Simon was calm, cool and collected at the news of her elimination. It’s his show after all and chances are he knew what was coming before the show aired.

So, that leaves us with Marcus, Chris, Melanie and Josh. Not what I envisioned for a Top 4! How about you?

The show runs on Fox on Wednesday from 8:00-9:30 P.M.

Don’t forget to hit the comments section while you watch the show – or before! Always looking forward to your comments!

This video of David Archuleta performing Silent Night with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra has to be the most compelling, passionate and inspiring performance of this song classic I have ever had the pleasure to see and hear.

Recorded live last Christmas and set to air on PBS on Tuesday, December 13th from 8:00-9:00 P.M., David’s arrangement of this beautiful carol is nothing short of exceptional.

His phrasing, inflection, his lyrical, seamless vocal quality and expressive interpretation, are absolutely sublime. His face is radiant throughout this song and genuinely expresses the meaning of the lyrics in every verse.

Watch how his demeanor changes for each verse. It is very evident in the third verse, where his facial expression and body language mirrors the text so very well. He wears his joy and happiness on his sleeve. It really is remarkable.

David has released a CD and DVD with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir called Glad Christmas Tidings.

It is an absolutely exquisite “watch and listen”, capturing the spirit of Christmas through stellar vocal and instrumental performances.

It is available for hard copy or digital purchase from Amazon.com or via ITunes.

But do yourself a favor right now and listen to the video below. It is an excellent way to begin your week and to be reminded where the meaning of Christmas truly lives and breathes.

Update: You can also order Glad Christmas Tidings DVD from Deseret Book for $18.74, free shipping code, 12DaysFree

Also, I was just informed by one of my readers, Janey, that Silent Night is NOT included on the PBS special. So, if you want to enjoy the entire show, you better order yourself the DVD tout suite!

I am loving this double elimination thing. Tis the season, right? Far too busy to spend one’s time in front of the TV.

This week the singers hit us with two songs apiece so I am hoping to see some diversity in their singing style.

I won’t even wager which singer(s) will be eliminated. After last week’s surprise eliminations – Drew and Astro – pretty much everyone’s head is on the cutting block.

The show airs Wednesday from 8:00-9:30 on Fox.

Don’t forget to hit the comments section while you watch the show – or before! Always looking forward to your comments!

This video featuring David Archuleta performing his original composition, “My Kind Of Christmas” brought such a smile to my face. The melody and the lyrics are brimming with the spirit and joy of the Christmas season and David’s performance captures the magic of the Christmas season so well.

Presently on a Christmas Tour with his “My Kind Of Christmas” show, David is following his own career path with the vision and passion he brought to American Idol Season Seven.

He has a very intelligent, strategic plan regarding his career, knowing full well that there is huge audience out there ready to embrace him with open arms.

To follow your dreams without the security blanket of a record label takes courage and maturity.

And, as David said, being tied to a record label is very restrictive for, given the nature of today’s music industry, it can be an erratic and disloyal partnership.

David has released a CDand DVD with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir called Glad Christmas Tidings.

It is an absolutely exquisite “watch and listen”, capturing the spirit of Christmas through stellar vocal and instrumental performances.

It is available for hard copy or digital purchase from Amazon.com or via ITunes.

Also, author Pamela Pike’s book, “Through Our Eyes, is the perfect reading complement to this CD and DVD. You can purchase Through Our Eyes: A Fan’s Perspective on Artist David Archuleta At Barnes And Noble or at Amazon.Com

Enjoy the video featured below and make sure you share the joy in the comments section!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Here in the MCL community, I have been very fortunate to be in the company of informative and insightful commentators.

Their suggestions and ideas regarding numerous topics are generally spot-on and I tremendously value their input and perspective.

After Wednesday’s X Factor performances, one reader by the name of Malden shared some excellent comments with us and I would like to highlight them for you:

“The Jackson kids did not seem thrilled to be there. “Ah, Grandma, do we really have to go to that show?” “Yes, I promised Simon we would all be there. He made a nice contribution to our charity foundation.”

I thought host Steve Jones might improve after a few week of experience. Not be so stiff, loosen up, get more comfortable. I was wrong.

I find it amusingly odd that the judges are introduced in such a grand fashion each week, as if they are the true stars of the show. Are Olympic judges treated like this? Are Supreme Court judges treated like this? Since when does being a judge make you deserving of a glittering entrance befitting a crowned head of state?

Josh — the loud music and poor sound mix made his voice seem muffled and hard to hear. He was back in hard rock mode that I don’t really enjoy.

Astro — He’s very talented but I’m frustrated at not being able to understand his lyrics. I can only catch a few words here and there.

Drew — her “sing-talk” performance style reminds me of the British singer Ellie Goulding. The ongoing British version of X Factor had a 16-year-old girl who sang in a similar style and was just voted off last week. It’s a style I associate with mature singers who are past their vocal prime. It’s quite striking to see a very young girl adopt it as her signature style. I enjoyed her vocal tonite, but she has a way of making all her songs sound alike.

Rachel — the ultimate example of a spunky young girl you can’t help liking. But I’m not seeing a pop star.

Marcus — suffers from the same problem almost every week — his vocals start out strong but become progressively weaker as his movements become more energetic.

Chris — The best vocal performance I’ve seem from him, although still not great. I always seem to enjoy his performances despite the numerous vocal flaws.

Melanie — Almost a repeat of last week: another big song, another great vocal.

I agree with MCL that Marcus and Chris are probably in the most jeopardy. But I would not be totally surprised to see Astro or Rachel in the bottom group.

I think Astro may be facing the same issue that Adam Lambert faced: most of the people who like his style of music are not the kind of people who watch shows like this.”

Malden echoed some of the problems that, I feel, have been holding back this show from less than stellar ratings.

At its core, The X Factor does not seem genuine. There is a whole lot of hoopla, smoke and mirrors, electronic manipulation, over-produced performance sequences and scripted arguments that I find tiresome.

Can someone come out on stage and just sing, please? The only person that has proven capable of that is Melanie and, at times, Josh, but, after last week’s emotional tirade, Melanie’s personality leaves much to be desired.

And I don’t remember her speaking with a Bahamian accent during the audition episodes. What gives, Melanie?

So, thank you Malden for your timely input. Hopefully, the judges will refrain from their “Carmina Burana-tinged” entrance and bring the focus of the show back to the singers.

Now, it’s your turn to add to this lively topic. Comment away!!

This week, thanks to the double elimination last week, we are down to the Top 7.

And, yet again this week, a double elimination will bring the final group of X Factor contestants down to five remaining singers.

Anyone want to wager who those five will be? Okay, you talked me into it! I will!

Drum roll please and thank you: My picks are (in alphabetical order) – Astro, Drew, Josh, Melanie and Rachel. Although, from what I understand, Chris Rene has quite the following. So, who really knows?

This week celebrates the music of the late and great Michael Jackson. This should highlight some interesting performances.

The big question here is: which song will Astro perform? Will it be a rap/hip-hop combo, similar to what we heard a few weeks ago?

We shall know soon enough. The show will air this Wednesday from 8:00-9:30 on Fox.

Don’t forget to hit the comments section while you watch the show – or before! Always looking forward to your comments!

A few weeks back, I featured a rising young star in the entertainment world named Fernando Varela.

In this article, I hinted that more exciting opportunities were on the horizon for Fernando.

Well, the cat is out of the bag! On November 26th, 2011, Fernando was featured as a rising star during the David Foster And Friends showcase held in the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas.

Performing Puccini’s Nessun Dorma from the opera, Turandot, Fernando hit every note out of the ball park, through his passionate, jaw-dropping performance of this opera classic. The video is featured at the end of this article.

His vocal performance left everyone cheering, including the Foster Man, who declared that Fernando would heretofore be remembered solely as Fernando, the singular name status reserved for the greatest of stars.

Managed by my cousin, Paul Mascioli of Mascioli Entertainment located in Orlando, Florida, I am understandably proud of Fernando’s achievement via Paul’s unrelenting guidance and vision.

Congratulations Fernando and Paul. This is most certainly the beginning of an exciting and long career .

And special thanks to David Foster for creating this enormous platform for talented young artists around the world.

Follow Fernando on Facebook

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I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed author Pamela Pike’s book about the enormously talented David Archuleta.

This wonderful book, which includes detailed interviews with fans and musicians alike, perfectly summarizes why David Archuleta has continued to be an unstoppable force since his outstanding journey on American Idol three seasons ago.

His talent is uniquely special. David sings from his heart and has only the utmost respect for his music. And this respect carries over to his fans, his musical peers and extraordinary mentors.

I had an opportunity to meet David when he was touring with the Top Ten from American Idol Season Seven. I can’t remember when I have had the privilege to speak with such a mature, thoughtful, caring and genuine human being.

And then, there is his voice. That singular, passionate voice! It is one of those special instruments that moves, inspires and remains with you long after the performance is over.

In her book, Pamela Pike made absolutely certain that no stone was left unturned. She has provided the reader with incredible insight into the relationships David has established with his fans and mentors.

Also, because of my Vocal Masterclass articles for American Idol on the MasterclassLady.Com site, I was given the privilege to add my personal insights about David’s outstanding vocal talent in this book.

It is an absolutely heartwarming journalistic achievement and one that I highly recommend.

Through her detailed interviews, Pamela Pike has perfectly captured David Archuleta’s essence and, more important, his singular talent to achieve excellence every step of the way.

Purchase Through Our Eyes: A Fan’s Perspective on Artist David Archuleta At Barnes And Noble

Purchase Through Our Eyes: A Fan’s Perspective on Artist David Archuleta at Amazon.Com