The Fall Season Has Arrived. Hello Out There! Anyone?

September 9, 2009 by Masterclass Lady 25 Comments


So much has happened over the course of the summer and, although it was tempting to keep this blog active and running, I’m afraid that my “real life” experiences interfered with my blogging duties.

However, now that the Fall season has begun and my schedule has been finalized, I can now get back to the business of keeping MasterclassLady.Com current and alive!

Let’s see now, since last we spoke, so many wonderful people have left us, including superstar Michael Jackson and super politician, Senator Edward Kennedy. And, I must say that both the memorial and the funeral services for these gentlemen were absolutely exquisite – tastefully done.

Although both came from entirely different backgrounds, both were justifiably respected and applauded by their fans and followers for their contributions – one to the world of music and the other to the world of politics. Their legacy will remain with us for a lifetime.

Interestingly enough, Senator Kennedy was buried on Michael Jackson’s birthday, August 29th, which also happens to be the birthday of my dear father, Henry Giallonardo. My father, who was an extremely intelligent, gentle and caring individual, passed away on July 8th 2000 and I do miss him every single minute of every single day.

Additionally, Paula Abdul will no longer act as a judge on American Idol. I’m not sure if I like this scenario, but, I suppose, time will tell. I just hope and pray that this season’s show will fare better than last – I am still shaking my head over the Season 8 fiasco!

I am very excited for David Archuleta’s Christmas album, “Christmas From The Heart”, set to drop on October 13th, 2009.  I can only imagine how wonderful and inspiring this CD will sound with David’s glorious voice and musical passion at the center of this recording.

And we cannot forget about Adam Lambert. His new CD should be ready for release soon but details weren’t available on Amazon.Com. His website is rocking though! Have a “look-see“!

And, it appears that Jason Castro has released a new song, “Let’s Just Fall In Love Again“.  His fans are relentless in making certain that I have a ‘heads-up” whenever talented Jason inches a step forward to his escalating career.

“Let’s Just Fall In Love Again” is a great, great number and Jason’s voice sounds terrific.  Even though his voice is not as “open” as I know it could be,  Jason sings with musicality and expressiveness. And his diction is crystal clear!

Finally, there’s Jay Leno who is set to take over Prime Time every weekday with his new show. Finally, something to watch on TV at 10:00 P.M. besides Frasier and Seinfeld re-runs – although I worship these shows everytime I watch them for the zillionth time.

As always, I would like to welcome everybody back to the MCL site, as well as express appreciation for those who stopped by every so often during the course of the summer to say “hi” and left comments or news items.  You can’t buy this kind of loyalty!

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Adam Lambert, American Idol, American Idol Season 7, American Idol Season 8, David Archuleta, Entertainment, Jason Castro, Michael Jackson, Music, Politics, Television

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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25 Responses to “The Fall Season Has Arrived. Hello Out There! Anyone?”

  1. letsjive September 9, 2009 at 11:35 pm

    Finally – you’re BACK! I have been a lurker on your fine site for quite a while, and I really did miss your updates and thoughts.

    I have been checking back every so often and tonight I hit the jack pot. 🙂

    I’m so much looking forward to Adam’s CD; it will be fantastic, I’m sure. Also, his recorded song for the film 2012 is supposed to be wonderful. I hope we get to hear it before the film opens in November.

    And how awesome is Jason’s new single? I added it to my playlist and was listening to it in the car a couple of days ago. My daughter didn’t know who it was and she commented that it was a really, really good song. I couldn’t agree more. It is my new favorite “happy song” – work has been rough lately and I really need all the “happy songs” I can get my hands on.

    Welcome back!

    Like

  2. Kariann1 September 10, 2009 at 7:00 am

    Hi Roseanne! Good to hear from you. I have been busy with my little Grandchildren all summer long and managed another trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It has been a nice summer!

    Well, here’s something to ADD to your Introduction:

    tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=430379&g…

    Ellen DeGeneres is New Judge on ‘American Idol’ Sept. 9, 2009, 8:33 PM EST

    By Josef Adalian, The Wrap

    “American Idol” has found its new Paula: Ellen DeGeneres.

    The Fox series has announced a deal that would make the talk show host/comic the new fourth judge on America’s top-rated show. She would replace Paula Abdul, who quit “Idol” over the summer due to a salary scuffle.

    “I’m thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol,” said DeGeneres in Fox’s news release. “I’ve watched since the beginning, and I’ve always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I’ll save from not having to text in my vote.”

    “I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the American Idol family,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can’t wait for this next season to begin.”

    “We’re all delighted to have Ellen join our ninth season of American Idol,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “Beyond her incredible sense of humor and love of music, she brings with her an immense warmth and compassion that is almost palpable. She is one of America’s foremost entertainers, and we cannot wait to have her join our team.”

    DeGeneres has been a major “Idol” fan, featuring contestants from the show on her daytime chatfest on a regular basis. She also came close to guest co-host the show’s “Idol Gives Back” charity special last year, but dropped out due to a scheduling conflict.

    More recently, however, DeGeneres served as a guest judge on “So You Think You Can Dance,” the sister show to “Idol” that airs in the summer.

    “Idol” is produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment.
    (Taken from the AI forum)

    Like

  3. Kariann1 September 10, 2009 at 7:14 am

    I am in a bit of shock that Ellen was selected to be the 4th judge. If she was selected as a Guest Judge, I could handle that. Ellen is a cool comedian; however, there will be more focus on the judges than ever before. This is not a good move for the contestants who have been getting less and less time to sing.

    Ellen did not do a good job on SYTYCD, and I don’t believe she is qualified without some kind of musical background. I like her, but feel the producers have made a mistake.

    Cyndi Lauper would have been a better choice.

    Like

  4. Vonnie September 10, 2009 at 7:53 am

    Yay!!! I’m so glad your back! I have missed this sight so much…Hi Kariann 1 🙂

    I am really disapointed with the addition of Ellen! She is no more qualified than I am to be a judge, I agree with Kariann, just one more screen stealer, the idols will have less time to sing. I was really hoping that they would have offered the job to Shannia Twain…(spelling???) she would have been a great addition.

    Like

  5. Rereader September 10, 2009 at 9:58 am

    Yay! MCL is back!!!

    Like

  6. masterclasslady September 10, 2009 at 10:04 am

    Hi everyone!

    Thanks for the welcoming comments. Now, re Ellen’s role as a judge, I was first excited to hear this news this morning and then, as I read your comments, fully agree that the focus will be shifted from the singers to the judges.

    But, once again, FOX has achieved their goal with Ellen’s selection = ratings. However, I really hope that, in doing so, they have not dessicated the heart of the show – the singing talent.

    Like

  7. Kariann1 September 10, 2009 at 10:19 am

    letsjive, I am excited about Jason’s new single and he was the reason I went to see Idol 7. I hope he does so well that AI will ask him to come back and sing on the show rather than have some singer who is there just to promote their latest CD.

    Hi Vonnie & Rereader!

    MCL, I think Ellen is actually too big of a star for the show. It is demanding to be on two top rated shows. I wonder how this will affect her personal life? I just don’t see how this is going to work, but Ellen will have to learn not to “chat” when judging.

    I think the biggest surprise will be that Kara will turn out to be the most professional of the judges. I hope the producers will care more about the contestants for AI than last season. Yes, the show has us talking about it again!

    Like

  8. louise September 10, 2009 at 10:41 am

    I logged on here this morning after I heard about Ellen and was pleasantly surprised to see that MCL posted a new piece yesterday. Thanks so much for mentioning Senator Kennedy. He was a wonderful example of how people can improve their lives with a lot of hard work. My friend always judged him on Chappaquidick but changed her mind about him after hearing all of the wonderful things he did for people behind the scenes.

    I love Ellen and am looking forward to seeing what she will be able to add to AI. Before we can make any judgements, we’ll have to wait to see how she handles it and fits in to the AI format. Here’s hoping her presence will be a welcome improvement.

    Like

  9. janey September 10, 2009 at 10:52 am

    Welcome back MCL! Just a quick update on Brooke White. She released her debut album this summer and will be touring with Michael Johns! Her album is titled “High Hopes and Heartbreak” and Randy Jackson was the executive producer.

    A bit of gossip for all interested. Yesterday on twitter, Brooke and Carly hooked up and made plans to go see David Cook’s concert in LA. Before the afternoon was over Ramiele, Syesha, Michael Johns and Jason Castro joined them. From what we could surmise David A. was in Utah and unable to attend. And I don’t know the whereabouts of Kristy Lee or Chikezie. haha!

    Like

  10. Lyn September 10, 2009 at 10:56 am

    Nice to read your blog again, MCL!

    Can not wait for David Archuleta’s Christmas CD — a possible tracklist was made public at Walmart’s site and I’m loving the choices. Ave Maria? I’ll Be Home for Christmas? Melodies of Christmas, which may be an original? So excited!

    I’m not too sure what I think about Ellen as a judge on Idol. I love her comedy, but haven’t agreed with her past commentary on the contestants. We’ll see.

    Like

  11. Anniepg September 10, 2009 at 10:57 am

    Welcome Back! I love Ellen. She is a big star in her own right and I hope her stardom doesn’t overshadow the show. She is a big Idol fan and would help to balance the panel. It should be interesting.

    Adam Lambert is doing a great job on the tour. He keeps perfecting what he does. I hope his CD is a great success and we get see him rise higher and higher to become the superstar he deserves to be.

    Like

  12. Nancy September 10, 2009 at 11:23 am

    Can’t wait to get David Archuleta’s Christmas CD. That voice and Christmas songs OMG….it will be amazing. I know what I will be listening to while putting up the Christmas trees at my house this year. So excited!!!! This cd is going to be released in lots of other countries also…they are in for a treat.
    As far as Ellen being the new judge….well, I guess she will add a bit more comedy to the show even more than last season had.

    Like

  13. jess September 10, 2009 at 11:51 am

    Christmas from the Heart is going to be fantastic. Can’t wait.

    Like

  14. sheryl September 10, 2009 at 11:52 am

    David Archuleta’s Xmas cd will make this holiday season extra special for many people! His unique voice is perfect for Xmas music. Thanks.

    Like

  15. djafan September 10, 2009 at 12:09 pm

    Christmas From the Heart by David Archuleta, “the VOICE”, couldn’t ask for a better singer to do justice to Christmas music or anything he sings for that matter!

    Oh I can’t wait! Here is the track listing posted at Walmart.

    http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=12457847

    Like

  16. ambber September 10, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    Can’t wait for the Christmas From The Heart CD by David Archuleta. His angelic voice would be perfect for these songs.

    Like

  17. gemzone September 10, 2009 at 1:29 pm

    MCL so happy to have you back!!! Glad that all is well with you and yours.
    I am so excited for Davids CD “Christmas From the Heart” isn’t the title appropriate David so sings from his heart. I am also excited because Richard Parkinson is arranging a few of the songs so we know they will be amazing!!

    Like

  18. gloie September 10, 2009 at 1:38 pm

    Totally agree with gemzone! so excited for David’s Christmas CD and the name is so perfect. love that Richard worked on some of the songs with David. He’s wonderful! Is it Oct.13 yet?

    Like

  19. Lisa September 10, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    David Archuelta’s Christmas album has been the #1 selling Christmas album on Amazon now for a week, Can’t wait to get it, Christmas will be fabulous this year!!!

    Like

  20. Galen September 10, 2009 at 2:39 pm

    Hey, MCL, glad to have you back! It’s just not the same without you on here–hence the name “masterclasslady.com”! LOL

    Anyway, there is so much to be excited for in the coming months. I look VERY forward to Archuleta’s new yule tide album, as well as Kris’s and Adam’s albums that are dropping November! Oh, and Carrie Underwood is also going to have a new album out in November as well! It’ll be interesting to see whose album tops the charts in that month!

    I have listened to Jason’s new song, and I liked it enough to download it. It has a very Jason Mraz-y feel to it, and I definitely think that kind of music is Jason Castro’s cup of tea! I can definitely hear the song on the radio now!

    As for Ellen . . . the Idol News Heard Round The World . . . I am very excited to see how it all plays out. This could very well be the funniest season of Idol EVER! I really like Ellen DeGeneres, and I am going to give her a chance as a judge. American Idol could’ve done a WHOLE lot worse!

    Like

  21. lesssha September 10, 2009 at 4:31 pm

    I can’t wait for David A CD. It is going to be amazing!!!!!! I just love his voice. I’m going to be buying a few, some as presents of course. Love me some David Archuleta!

    Like

  22. Kathy September 10, 2009 at 6:20 pm

    What could be better than lovely traditional Christmas songs sung by David Archuleta! Nothing but the best when he sings those powerful ballads. I’ll be giving many copies to family and friends this year for gifts. It will be glorious.

    Like

  23. letsjive September 11, 2009 at 12:21 am

    “I am excited about Jason’s new single and he was the reason I went to see Idol 7. I hope he does so well that AI will ask him to come back and sing on the show rather than have some singer who is there just to promote their latest CD.”

    Kariann1 – I thought there was talk of a Jason appearance last season, but then he signed with his label, and things changed a bit. I hope we see him this season, too. Let’s hope Jason’s label does a good job of promoting him – I want to see him do well.

    Like

  24. LaBoom September 23, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    David Archuleta’s stunning ALMA performance! Stunning!! I kid u not! 🙂

    Like

  25. Lori September 24, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    There are two others from Season 8 who are releasing their debut albums this fall as well. I understand Adam is a talented vocalist and performer with passionate fans, but he’s not the only one signed with 19E. Just curious as to why Allison and Kris weren’t even mentioned.

    Like