American Idol Performance In Toronto Ontario: A Masterclass Memoir:Part One

First of all, let me say thank you – to all of you – for your enthusiastic response to this website. Because of your support, this site has grown in popularity and, hopefully, credibility.

The success of my Vocal Masterclass articles led me to the point where I was able to enjoy face-to-face conversations with this year’s Top 10 singers from American Idol. So, my gratitude comes from the very bottom of my heart and depths of my soul.

Alright – Part One of my journal begins.

We arrived extremely late Friday night, yet, still had such a difficult time falling asleep. So, morning came very quickly and before we knew it we were off to the Air Canada Centre in Toronto to see the Top 10 performances.

The manic intensity of the crowd was quite contagious; I felt like a school girl again and I, along with my thirty-something daughters, were soaking up all the excitement.

We had great seats – extremely close to the stage and by the right side stage perimeter where many of the singers navigated from time to time. So, we could really see the expressive quality in their faces when they performed –so neat to see this LIVE and not seated in front of a TV set or computer.

Before I launch into the individual performances let me just say that all the singers sounded exceptional. They performed with tremendous energy and superb vocals and the crowd really really responded so favourably to all the performers.

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Also, my head was alternating between the stage and the large screen, checking for technical flaws in my usual obsessive style. (laughter) I never stop, do I?

First up was Chikezie and he was so strong, so powerful. He is such a tremendous performer and his vocals were extremely strong. All three songs were spectacular and the crowd just loved him so much. The energy and passion he exerted was so contagious and set a very high standard for those who were to follow.

So, when little Ramiele came out, she had he job cut out for her. And after delivering her first number so very well, wouldn’t you know it? The mike malfunctioned! So, the poor little thing was standing on the center catwalk looking around for help – anybody? Finally, someone brought her second mike and, guess what? That didn’t work either.

At this point, Michael Johns, who was scheduled to sing after Ramiele, sauntered out to the side of the stage and comically pointed to his watch. The crowd went wild and applauded and so the tension of the moment – no scratch that – minutes- was forgotten.

Finally, Ramiele went backstage and, after a minute or so came back to center stage with a healthy mike and resumed singing. The crowd cheered her on and gave her a thunderous ovation after her numbers. What a little trooper she is! She sang extremely well indeed, given the technical difficulties that tampered the momentum of her trio of performances. Adorable!

Then, the crowd went wild as the band started to play the intro. to “We Will Rock You”, signaling Michael Johns’ performance set. And, I have to say, this guy is a tremendously significant performer. The charisma, the vocal talent and his artistry is absolutely perfect.

He knows who he is as an artist and I truly hope he attains a savvy record deal. He deserves to be in the spotlight long after this tour ends, as his voice is pure gold and his soulful delivery riveting to see and hear. The audience cheered long and hard after each song in his set.

His “Dream On” number was sizzling hot, so passionate and potent. And, when he introduced it, he said something to the effect that this number was the last song he performed in the competition and he didn’t care because he loved it so. I laughed so hard. What a character!

I still wish he would relax his jaw, though! Lots of tension is evident in the lower part of his face and it gives me cause for worry. He has a beautiful voice and I really hope he takes good care of his God-given talent during and after the tour.

The applause for Michael at the end of his set was extremely strong. The crowd cheered and applauded for a very long time and it was hard to believe that he finished 8th in the entire series. It was difficult to get my head around this knowledge given the strength of his performance in Toronto. Oh well, that’s why we love the show, correct? The unpredictability and the suspense!

Following Michael, Kristy Lee walked on stage and she looked absolutely beautiful. The crowd responded warmly to her and, because she was in Canada, she substituted her performance of “God Bless The USA” with a Martina McBride number called “Anyway”.

I love this number – the message is powerful and it requires strong, intelligent vocals. Kristy Lee has a very special gift to perform songs that deliver a distinct and resonating message and this song highlighted this fact. She sang this song with poised proficiency and the crowd loved it. I know it was my favourite number from her set.

Then it was Carly’s turn to take to the stage and the crowd went wild in anticipation of her appearance. And rightfully so! She was in a word –extraordinary. Her vocals are astonishing, they truly are! And her timbre is so distinct.

All three songs were so spectacular and left us wanting for more. She moved with determination and finesse and, throughout her showcase I was confused as to why her career never took off pre-Idol. It doesn’t make any sense in my mind. She is a consummate performer with strong stage presence and vocal skills.

However, she, along with Michael Johns, must be very careful about the discernible areas of tension in the facial muscles. Her jaw was very tense and I sense she feels that the sound resonates better this way. However, in reality, she is exerting undue pressure on her vocal cords, pushing the sound from her larynx, (shudder) and this could cause problems over the interim. The push has to come from the diaphragm and nowhere else.

However, at the end of her set, the crowd went wild and justifiably so. Her performances were strong, she spoke in a genuine way to the audience and chose three outstanding numbers for her set. Such a savvy performer and such a superb vocalist!

The last soloist before intermission was Brooke White and, as the piano emerged from the bottom of the stage, the opening strains of “Let It Be” filled the vast space of the Air Canada Centre. Even though she doesn’t have the strongest technical skills, her voice sounded glorious. The key selection of all three of her songs was perfectly suited to the range and quality of her voice.

She looked radiant on stage and the audience adored her. She is a genuine, caring performer and the audience loved her quieter demeanour – such a contrast to those that preceded her. However, she sang and performed exceptionally well, so much better than what we saw during the competition. She proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that sometimes less is more. I am glad that there are singers like Brooke White, artists who are steering the music industry into a new direction.

The first half of the show ended with a Group Number, featuring these six performers. And, the focal point of this group number featured a duet between Michael Johns and Carly Smithson. Looks like the TPTB are really promoting these two artists, so it will be interesting to see the result of this promotion as time goes by. But, whatever the reason, I am thrilled. Both are amazing vocalists indeed.

Next Up: American Idol Performance In Toronto Ontario: A Masterclass Memoir: Part Two