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
May 1, 2007 
Masterclass Lady On MySpace.Com
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Enjoy Cole Porter! Break a leg…
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Busy practicing for my gig over the next few days. I heard that the Blakester beatboxed and I missed it! Darn Also, that Lakisha and Melinda were excellent.
I didn’t watch the show. Anyone else agree?
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^ I was really impressed by Blake! He picked a song that really suited his range, and he made the song his own. The beatboxing was really well used in this song, and there were times when he imitated the scratching effect a DJ does with a record by repeating words of phrases. It was great artistically and a solid vocal—he wasn’t straining for high notes.
I also enjoyed Melinda. *nods* She can truly sing anything. She had the rock growl and everything! I also thought that Phil opened the show well; it was a good song for him.
The problem I had with Lakisha’s performance is that she didn’t really embrace Bon Jovi’s rock sound; she picked a ballad this week, and it sounded nowhere near “rock.”
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Jen – that sounds great. I will watch Blake’s performance tomorrow on YouTube, as well as the other singers.
I did see Phil’s number – then had to go and rehearse for the musical. He looked and sounded terrific.
Sounds like a great show.
Everyone here has to be MasterclassLady this week. Please keep the comments rolling in!
rreader -thanks for the “good luck!” I’ll need it. I just recieved the score four hours ago and the show starts tomorrow.
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=) Good luck with the rehearsal! ^_^
I just wanted to add that upon watching LaKisha’s performance, I liked it better than when I had just heard the mp3. I feel that she believed what she was singing and sang well, but I thought it was a rather safe song choice for her. I would have liked to see her challenge herself this week.
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Sorry you missed the show last night, MCL. I agree with the information you were given–Melinda, Blake, and Lakisha were terrific!!! Simon compared Melinda to a young Tina Turner! I loved Blake’s originality. And in addition to giving a terrific performance, Lakisha showed more personality than she has in any other Idol show. But the most disappointing performance of the night was from Jordin and I’m afraid her fans voted like crazy to keep her which makes me fear that Lakisha might still get voted off tonight. But at least the judges were pleased with Lakisha’s performance last night and I didn’t think they were trying to manipulate the voting audience. And it’s a toss up between Phil and Chris–not my favorites–but good performances. Of course, all of these observations are from someone who knows nothing about vocal skill!!! If I had to rank last night’s performances, it would be (starting with the best): Melinda, tie with Blake & Lakisha, Phil, Chris, and Jordin.
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Phil – Blaze of Glory. He walked to the stage via the stairs in the audience. Showed charisma and personality. I thought he was very good; better than DAUGHTRY. Simon blistered him and he thinks Phil is in danger. Pffft.
Jordin – Living on a Prayer. Eh. Vibrato and too low? Straining and looks completely out of place. NOT a rocker gurl at all. A complete mess. I would love to see Gina do that song.
LaKisha – This Ain’t a Love Song. Nice opening. Er, that low growly thing pops up, briefly. She’s into the song, which is good – most animated in weeks. Way to go – where ya been hiding!? OMG, Simon said he would “like to kiss you”. She came down to the judges’ table and planted a big kiss on his lips. I think he was a bit embarrassed. Too funny!
Blake – Shot Through the Heart. He is changing it up, bigtime, which is very dangerous, but I admire him for taking the chance. His hair is black 😮 but it works. Beat boxing, a bit of reggae – very cool. Carrying the mic stand 😆 He is entertaining! He laid it out and got a standing O from the audience and the judges. Blake baybeee!
Chris – Dead or Alive. I can’t imagine him singing this song. Jon said to go for the blue note. Not a bad start; he’s graveling his voice. It sounds better when I close my eyes. Not great, but not horrible. Simon isn’t sure it was enough.
Melinda – Have a Nice Day (ugh, what a name for a song!). I watched this with my mouth open. Melinda is not just a great singer, she is an actress, and a rocker! Who knew? She tore it up – AGAIN.
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MCL,
I’m sorry you are sick, but glad to have you around! Hope you get well soon. 🙂
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MCL, what a week you are having! Hope you feel better soon.
Here are a couple of youtube links for Blake:
this one starts right up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzHfqlubucA
And this one shows the Jon Bon Jovi intro part–but they added some graphics when Blake sang:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXu9B9atvv4
It was nicer to see it on TV than on youtube–maybe one of your friends or students has a tape for you to watch?
Blake came out and PERFORMED and ENTERTAINED. (Yes I am shouting, but it was like being at a Blake concert by the end of the performance!). Finally, someone entertained on AI6! He had it well coordinated with the drummer and played off of the drummer in a very fresh manner. You could tell this was all Blake’s arrangment and not someone telling him how to present himself. His creativity makes me joyful.
Lakisha brought some sass to the evening–I think she has had some coaching within the last week as had Simon. He was really nice to her and the whole “kiss” thing was one of those Idol moments that makes you wonder if he scripted it. Earlier this week he said on Ellen that he listens/watches the rehearsal performance, so maybe he did plan it.
Melinda rose to the occasion as did Phil. Phil really put it all out there–for the song “Blaze of Glory”. Melinda did not disappoint, but, despite Melinda getting the pimp (final song) spot, Blake stole the evening. Phil sang first of the evening and I’ll note that Melinda got her third pimp spot since the audience could vote and Phil has had only one, back in February before the top 12. Jordin and Lakisha each have had two spots. Chris and Blake only one each–like Phil. It is clear who the producers want to promote.
Chris tried last night and Jordin was a mess. Chris should not have picked a song that made Daughtry stand out last year–it made for an unfortunate yet easy comparison. Jordin did not come across as the next winner of AI (the way Simon and Randy have been working so hard present her to us in their comments and interviews). She struggled to reach low notes–you tube can give you the rest of what was the worst performance of the night.
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zazzy and xena – thank you for your well wishes. What a brutal night I had. Just awful.
I saw Blake’s Youtube performance late this morning, as my husband was raving about it.
Thanks for the links, though, zazzy. It’s good to have them on this blog.
Have to lie down, but will check back later.
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Masterclasslady, you can see all of the performances on Rickey.org, sans the judges comments, which are generally worthless. Blake and Melinda were the best and Jordin was horrible. Chris was his nasally self (why do they keep pimping him???) Phil was good, not great, and LaKisha was powerful, but I think she’s a goner.
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I hope Lakisha doesn’t go home tonight.. she and Blake were the best last night.. but Blake is all show he hasn’t got strong vocals at all. Show is good though as many artists have been successful without having a strong voice. I just don’t get Melinda..she can sing(probably the best singer out of everyone) but so WHAT?? She is really starting to bore me
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OK I miss the show most weeks(I hate nighttime classes) so I download the full eps from here
http://z10.invisionfree.com/The_Idol_Craze/index.php?showtopic=1104
thats last nights show, and its good, high quality video. Depending on your connection speed it can take a while to download, but it’s worth it.
I loved, LOVED Blake and Melinda, they were awsome…and I don’t get hte boring thing about her. To me she’s always one of hte most entertaining and she can SING, not just sing, SING. LAkisha was the best we’ve seen her in weeks, but I don’t know if it will make up for last weeks votes. Phil was suprisingly good, Chris was pretty meh. Not bad but not very good. And Jordin was awful. I hated it.
Hope you feel better
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Well.. so much for my song selection source! Although I also heard next week is “rock song” night? Now I’m doubting whether that’s right.. if it is, maybe those songs will pop up.
MCL: Sounds like you’re having a heck of a week! Hope you’re on the mend and can hit the keyboard again soon.
PHIL: Bland but digestable as always… kind of like the wonderbread sandwiches my mom packed in my lunchbox when I was a kid and didn’t know what good bread tasted like. He was in tune, sorta, but I hear that pinched quality on the final note.. then watch as the blood rushes to his face as he strains to hold it out. Better than his usual..
BEATBOX BLAKE: recordscratching effects, beat box breakdown and some pop-locking! On IDOL? who woulda thunk? Then he throws some sweet, sustained notes in there, and gets the audience with him.. I don’t think half the audience got it and half didn’t as Simon sneered.. it was innovative, original, daring and totally un-idol-like, which made it truly great. It wasn’t rock and roll, but I liked it!
CHRIS: Forgettable. Wanted Dead or Alive?? This is an anthem to studliness and his wispy, girl voice is no where near what’s needed. Also, he’s completely detached from the lyrics.. or is he mumble-singing again because he forgot the words?
JORDIN: A total mess.. her Chakka Kahn hair was rocking more than her singing. She’s clearly flat on several notes, which is interesting as the verses are waaaay too low for her. She sang it in the key of G, the lowest note was only a G below middle C.. a totally singable note and common for pop singers. good luck honey.
LAKISHA: It wasn’t a rock song, but it was a Bon Jovi Song. Her voice velvetty smooth, but I still don’t believe her? She tries to loosen up, but it seems kind of rehearsed to me.. and when she is asked if she has ever had vocal training, does it surprise anyone when she answers proudly: No, I never have.
MELINDA: Leave it to Melinda to find a Bon Jovi Song that ISN”T sung in Karoke bars. Have a Nice Day.. snarly, with attitude and guts and knows how to get her Tina Turner on. She’s on every single night.. there is nothing so far that she has sung that hasn’t worked on some level. I think that’s a first on Idol.
I think Lakisha and Chris are goners.. which is fine with me.
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Thank you everyone for covering for me this week. I am feeling almost human, but still can’t eat anything but bread and bananas.
You are all wonderful at critiquing these singers and I have watched them all via youtube.com
All but two were absolutely wonderful and really came out fighting. In a real world, Lakisha, Blake, Phil and Melinda should be the Top 4.
Jordin has had some phenomenal performances, but she has lost the nerve or the spark over the last couple of weeks. She clearly isn’t ready for this show – she is only 17, so there is still so much potential in her musical future.
Chris – his voice doesn’t have enough dimension. He has a really green, poorly produced vocal quality.
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MCL: bread and bananas? ugh, hope you are feeling better soon.
I don’t think Jordin is going home, even with her ‘Livin on a Prayer’ disaster, her emotional “Never Walk Alone” from last week brought in the votes and the 2 weeks are combined. That’s why I’m sure it will be Lakisha.. this week was better but wasn’t enough to save her.
So pull up a blanket and some chicken soup and watch the fun !
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LadyLaurie and everyone:
Feeling much better – chamomile tea and toast did the trick. Chicken soup tomorrow
Very emotional results show I thought. The close relationship between Chris and Blake was especially unique.
“I would leave for him “, Chris said about Blake. Now there’s a first right there. Sometimes it’s not always the performances you remember and this generous statement by Chris is extremely memorable indeed.
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Glad you’re feeling better!
AI is definitely getting more interesting — there is so much talent in the final four and none of them can afford an off week. Is it this point in the competition when they each begin singing two songs?
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MCL, I look forward to reading your comments each week. You really know what you’re talking about! I’m sorry about your flu, but glad you’re feeling better.
I’ve been blown away by Melinda’s performances all season. I don’t think Idol has ever had a contestant who didn’t have an off week. She’s a powerful singer, but really the whole package. She delivers every week.
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I am so glad you are feeling better. Do not forget the honey, lemon warm water mix. 🙂
This was a very emotional night, I did not expect it to be. I have to agree that Phil should have been in the top four people under estimate his vocal powers and talent. I cried when they called his name. I have never seen anyone leave with so much grace. Chris was wonderful too. Phil sounded amazing tonight.
Well Simon , you got what you wanted.
IT is going to be a very intense few weeks and no one is safe…. there are no room for errors.
But then , Phil gave a flawless performance last night……so, I do not know what to say.
There is no business like show business……..
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Good morning everyone:
I went to bed right after I posted my last comment. Feeling a little better this morning, but still sort of wiped, you know?
Thanks again for all your kind and caring comments.
Angel – I did try the honey and lemon. That’s my favorite, along with chamomile tea. (smile)
I agree – there is a real competition starting among these 4.
Poor Phil – he sang so well over the past few weeks and to me, he is the one that improved the most from his initial performances.
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MCL–Glad you are on the mend; try some applesauce–it gives you a shot of energy when you are feeling low from the flu. And take it easy so you rebound more fully. 🙂
There are only three weeks left for AI 6. This year’s F4 three girls and one guy is the opposite of last year’s F4 three guys and a girl. From the guest judges to last spot pimping, the show’s producers have been determined to have a woman win this year.
Can Blake foil their wish?
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MCL, what went wrong with Jordin’s performance? Was the song too low for her? The verses sounded shaky, but I felt that she was also straining for the high notes as well.
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MCL, I’m sorry to hear that you are under the weather. 😦 I hope you feel better soon. I agree with you that Melinda, LaKisha, Jordin and Blake are the front runners. MCL, the question of the evening was for Blake, and he described how he goes about arranging his songs. Very interesting, I hope you catch it on YouTube.
Again, best wishes for a speedy recovery.
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Glad you’re feeling better–try Jello. It’s essentially sugar water, and sugar is a good stomach settler, so it won’t upset anything but will help rehydrate!
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Hi, Beth; I’m not Roseanne, but I’m a singer myself who studies technique. Here’s my take on Jordin’s performance:
Personally, I thought the key was the best key for her. It is definitely difficult being a female singing a male rock song. The high notes in this song were pretty much right near the upper limit of her chest voice as of now (around an E5). If the key were any higher, those notes would have been really strained. The low notes also were actually not that low, I believe around the A below middle C. Even sopranos (like myself) should be able to produce that note fine.
I think the problem was that Jordin wasn’t supporting her lower notes well enough (in terms of diaphragmatic breath support and such). Her singing was unfocused at parts throughout the verses, so the pitch wasn’t centered at all times, resulting in the shakiness.
In terms of her upper register, her lack of training is evident up there because she carries quite a bit of chest voice to get there, making some notes slightly strained and heavy-sounding. She hasn’t quite found the mix, the balance between head voice and chest voice. I believe she’s been singing like this for quite some time, so she knows how to control her voice up there in order to make her high notes sound “all right,” but she’s still overextending her chest voice.
I think the key was fine, but the song itself is difficult in terms of range, so I don’t think it was the wisest song choice for her.
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Zazzy – I keep applesauce as a staple in my pantry. (laugh). Thanks for the heads up though.
Rereader – I know jello is good, but I poured a little caffeine free coca cola and let it sit for a bit and it gave me bit of a sugar boost.
Yamile – thanks for your “get well” wishes, as well. Very much appreciated
I am overall a new person. I taught many students today and I love them all to death, so it was a good day.
Back to normal and back to writing next week’s Masterclass article.
Now, re Beth’s question about Jordin, Jen’s analysis is absolutely correct and I couldn’t have said it better myself. Truthfully, this young lady is really not ready for the pressures of an Idol experience.
She seems really overwhelmed and her technique is starting to become flawed and irregular.
Next week’s performance is crucial for her. She has had two shaky weeks and a third would not sit well in the minds of the voters. I wish her well.. She is so young and she has a long time to develop and hone her performing skills.
But – you never know. Let’s see what next week brings.
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I was just over on YouTube, listening to the studio version of Melinda’s Have a Nice Day and wow! She managed to get that sneer on the phrase “Have a Nice Day” into her voice, not just her face–and as unfamiliar with rock as she says she is, she didn’t just sing the song as written, she changed it up. I’m even more impressed than I was before. Great job!
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So happy to hear that you are back to your normal self! I wish you hadn’t missed this week’s results show because you missed one of the best farewells of any contestant. Phil was awesome!
He received wonderful comments from both Jon and Randy (who was involved with producing “Blaze of Glory”). Phil gathered many new fans while proving he can sing rock as well as country. I had tears in my eyes when he was eliminated!
Melinda was wonderful, as always. Jordin was horrible. Jon told her she would have trouble with this song. She could have changed her choice, but didn’t. Blake was quite entertaining! Kiki returned to her old form and did a nice job.
Please don’t get sick any more, OK?
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MCL,
Have you looked on You Tube for each contestants songs from Tuesday? Would love to have a brief review from you 🙂
Barry Gibbs is mentoring next week
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Note: I don’t buy music, or movies.
In the last seconds of Blake’s song, I sat, with open mouth, and found myself saying outloud, I’d buy that as a single 10 minutes from now! How creative, original, fun and unusual. A very talented young man!
I LOVED Jordin’s hair! She is a DOLL and my 18 year old son is enamored … she’s his latest ‘reality TV girlfriend’! LOL!
Phil is THE most classy, kind and warm man they’ve had on this show. What a GREAT guy. His departure was moving.
Chris … pffft
LaKisha is trying SO very hard. She is incredibly talented in the ‘real’ world, like at church, but her lack of training and worldliness is really showing.
Melinda … I can’t STAND this woman. She’s a good singer, but personally she totally turns me off and I don’t know why.
Gosh, I love this show!
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I’m really surprised by Anita’s comments about Lakisha and Melinda. I don’t understand what Anita means by Lakisa’s “lack of training and wordliness is really showing.” I don’t see that Lakisha has a problem with this at all.
AND I can’t for the life of me figure out how someone could not STAND Melinda. The only thing I can figure out is that they don’t think she’s being genuine–because Melinda is so extremely talented it doesn’t make sense to them that she would be insecure or not have a big ego. I personally think it’s very refreshing.
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Some people go by looks. Kind of sad isn’t it?
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Xena – I have seen the performances on Youtube and I commented generally on what I thought were the “highs and lows”.
Unfortunately, I wish I had the time and energy to write even an abbreviated Masterclass, but it’s almost impossible. I still am not feeling 100% – getting there – but not quite.
However, I am back on board next week for the Top 4. Thanks for you support.
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Lakisha is really worried about this week.
She clearly knows she’s at the bottom of a very talented final 4 and is begging fans in specific states, and even Sanjaya fans to vote for her.
Check out this link
http://blog.mlive.com/idolchatter/2007/05/lakisha_jones_talks_about_stress_and_pleads_to_san.html
I personally am not a Lakisha fan. Looks have nothing to do with it, she does not communicate emotion to an audience in my opinion. Her big voice is a thing to behold, and she has her moments, but she’s an ametuer in a field of pros at this point. Maybe that is a little of what Anita was also saying.. however, I can’t understand anyone listening to these singers and hating Melinda Doolittle.
There hasn’t been a singer in Idol history that has been as versatile, consistent, dynamic, convincing and completely professional in all aspects as Melinda. I hope she doesn’t get eaten up by the Idol contract machine, and has some freedom to make her own decisions… she has a stellar track record so far.
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I’m glad you are feeling better MCL!
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I’m a bit puzzled by Anita’s reference to Lakisha’s “lack of training”–even more puzzled by Lakisha saying she had no training, because in her questionaire for American Idol, in the first week, she responded to the question “Do you have any formal singing training?” with “I have training in classical and opera.” ( http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season6/lakisha_jones/ ) When did she lose it? 🙂
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xena – thanks for the “feeling better” greeting.
rereader – I too was very confused over Lakisha’s remarks, as she has stated that she did receive classical training and, more so, sings with blatant evidence that she is classically trained. Very strange.
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I think that Lakisha was a music major in college, but left before graduating. I’m not sure whether that fully counts as being trained or not, however.
At any rate, eagerly awaiting your article in a couple of days!
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If anyone is interested in tonight’s show, there is a spoiler article here:
http://mjsbigblog.com/top-4-spoilers-and-other-assorted-odds-and-ends.htm#comments
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Here is another spoiler for tonights performances.. USA Today article… they get into the detail of what’s involved with song choices. check it out:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2007-05-07-idol-final-four_N.htm
Two songs each:
Lakisha: Run to Me and Staying Alive.
Blake: You Should Be Dancing and This Is Where I Came In
Jordin: Woman in Love and To Love Somebody
Melinda: Love You Inside and Out, and How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
MCL: so sorry about the loss of your good friend
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LadyLaurie – thank you so much. I really miss her. She was always championing me and my music. Such a generous, caring and special friend. Loved by everyone who came in contact with her.
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Rosanne, no more favours from this gal.
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