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 [...]
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Through Our Eyes Offers A Resounding Perspective On The David Archuleta Phenomenon
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 [...]
Read morePerformance Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor Season One: The Top 9 Give Thanks
This week, the Top 9 Finalists will be performing songs to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. And, in case any of you are wondering why I have changed the heading from “Vocal Masterclass” to “Performance Masterclass”, I did so because the focus of this show has been mainly about the production elements in each number. At [...]
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Simon Cowell Will Never Find A Superstar On The X Factor Says Sir Cliff Richards
Well, here’s something to think about. And, I have to say, I somewhat agree with this statement. According to Sir Cliff Richard, Simon Cowell will never find a global star on The X Factor because the music industry and their consumers tire of artists when they fall from the charts. And I have to say [...]
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Masterclass Monday: Broadway-Based Hip Hop Courtesy Of The Music Man
Good Masterclass Monday Morning to all of you! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? But have I got something for you! Below, you will be treated to an excellent performance of “Trouble” by Robert Preston from the movie version of Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man”. I have also included the opening scene from this show, [...]
Read morePerformance Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor Season One: The Top 10
We are down to the Top 10 Finalists on The X Factor. We lost another group last week and chances are we will lose the final group, Lakoda Ryane, this week. They were in the bottom 2 last week so, unless they have rallied a massive amount of fans over the course of this past [...]
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Performance Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor Season One: The Top 11
Since today is my birthday, I decided to treat myself to a new name change for this weekly blog topic about The X Factor. It’s hard to know who is singing on this show or being assisted to sing. So, it just seems right and good to simply discuss the performance aspects of this competition. [...]
Read moreThe X Factor Lip Synching Competition. Welcome To The Twenty-First Century.
Sometimes technology can be used for the wrong reasons, especially when it comes to singing competitions. This video of the Top 12 Group Number has become somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me. I have always suspected that many of the singing acts on this “singing competition” were lip-synching to their pre-recorded tracks. Well, now, [...]
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Vocal Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor Season One: And Then There Were 12
Honestly, I don’t know what to make of this show anymore. I am thoroughly confused. Normally, I like well-produced stage shows. However, at this stage of the competition, is the “over-the-top” production masking the true ability of the vocalist? And don’t get me started on the sound effects coming through the audio mix – some [...]
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Masterclass Monday: A Halloween Treat Featuring Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford Performing Excerpts From Phantom Of The Opera
The year was 1988 and the occasion was the Tony Awards. However, this performance, featured below, is timeless and so appropriate for Halloween. Both Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman render exceptional performances during this medley of songs from Phantom Of The Opera. Happy Halloween everyone. Enjoy the goodies and the kiddies and all the fun [...]
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Vocal Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor Season One: The Live Shows Begin
This week’s X Factor, scheduled to air from 8:00 – 10:30 P.M. Eastern on Tuesday, October 25th, will give us an opportunity to see the 17 Finalists perform live. The telecast is unusually long because the Top 12 singers will be determined by the judges during the final segment of the show. Then, next week, [...]
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Vocal Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor: Judges’ Homes
This week on The X Factor, the singers advance to the judges’ homes where they will receive further mentoring by one of the four judges. Nicole Scherzinger will be mentoring 8 singers over then age of 30, Paula Abdul is in charge of 8 groups, L.A. Reid is coaching 8 male singers from 12-30 years [...]
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Vocal Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor: The Bootcamp Auditions
Oh goodie! We’re off to Bootcamp this week on The X Factor. And apparently it is quite the uncomfortable experience. Also, the “nitty gritty”, “down and dirty” venture associated with this pressure-cooker competition is clearly laid out for all to see and enjoy. Also, Simon Cowell and LA Reid have already declared their picks for [...]
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The X Factor’s Tiah Tolliver Defies Odds And Advances To Bootcamp
I have watched this video, featured below, so many times that I’ve lost count. It really is quite the spectacle. The looks on the faces of Nicole and Paula as they tried to compute Tiah Tolliver’s vocal performance were absolutely hilarious. What a mess of an audition. Was there a map that accompanied this performance [...]
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Jazzlyn Little Brings Down The House On The X Factor
On Thursday evening, 16-year-old Jazzlyn Little drew a standing ovation from three of the judges plus a hearty accolade from fourth judge Simon for her riveting performance of Mary J. Blige’s song, “I’m Going Down“. Well, I am sure that she is not going down anywhere soon because this talented and determined little spitfire showed [...]
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Vocal Masterclass Discussion For The Final 2 Auditions Of The X Factor
The final two audition episodes of The X Factor air Wednesday, September 28th and Thursday, September 29th on Fox at 8:00 PM Eastern. I thought last week’s two episodes were pretty promising, although the tasteless joke auditions were overkill and unnecessary. If this is to be a singing competition, is it too much to ask [...]
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Masterclass Monday: A Singular Performance Of Bohemian Rhapsody By Rising Star Fernando Varela
You will have to search far and wide to find a better performance of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Fernando Varela is a rising star in the music world, possessing impeccable vocal ability and musical artistry. His innovative version of this great song classic is absolutely brilliant. His ability to inherit and produce every vocal part in [...]
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Vocal Masterclass Discussion For The Premiere Of The X Factor
Well, tonight’s the night. The premiere of the much anticipated X Factor airs on Fox from 8:00-10:00 Eastern. The show is open to singers from the age of 12 years and up, soloists and groups. I like this concept right off the bat. It has worked for The Voice and for America’s Got Talent. The [...]
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November 28, 2011


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