I can’t begin to tell you how exciting it has been to have a personal connection to Forte. In fact, it is almost surreal. Every time they step on the stage, I am both excited and nervous – it’s crazy.
However, they never fail to disappoint – their performances have been nothing short of spectacular. And the impact of their vocal presence is always augmented by their genuine, caring and gracious personas. How can anyone not love these guys? (Now, I am sounding like Seinfeld’s mother. Oy!). But it is true. They are fantastic guys.
As many of you know, my cousin, Paul Mascioli, manages Forte member Fernando Varela and co-manages Forte. He has been able to share what he could with me over the course of time but numerous details about their AGT journey has been privileged information – so, in many ways, I know as much as y’all before their performances.
Fernando is a powerhouse and has a gorgeous, chameleon-like voice that crosses multiple genres. He truly can “do it all” – he can sing “Nessun Dorma” with technical brilliance and then turn on a dime and knock “Bohemian Rhapsody” out of the ballpark. It really is exciting to witness. And, having met him, he is one of the nicest people one could ever have the privilege to meet. A real gem!
Josh Page has been on my radar for many years, ever since he was introduced to me by one of my former students, Kyle Scripnick. The two met one summer at Tanglewood in Boston. He is an extremely talented, driven and diverse artist with a beautiful vocal gift. A few years ago, I was scheduled to interview Josh, but life has a way of playing with your head and I, unfortunately, never did follow though. I hope to amend this in the very near future.
I am excited that Sean Panikkar completes the trio. He has been a wonderful addition to Forte, loaded with charisma and vocal prowess. He truly completes the package.
So, on Tuesday and Wednesday when they take to the stage, I would like to wish them the very best. I know they will take these final performances to heart and so will we! I will savour this two-night ride like a fine wine, where I hope beyond hope to see them crowned as winners of America’s Got Talent Season 8.
So, MCL readers, I am counting on your votes. If you value this blog and all that has been shared over the years, please propel these guys to the win via your votes. I will thank you endlessly for years to come with more articles than you can possibly read in a lifetime!!
I wish I could vote! Can hardly wait for tomorrow night.
LikeLike
Awestruck – Canadians can vote on Twitter and via Skype.
LikeLike
Rosanne, once again, a wonderful blog from you about our favorite subjects! I have met so many nice folks, like you, along Forte’s journey here, on FB, Twitter etc. So many devoted Forte fans! I am sad to see the AGT part of the road come to an end as we at least got to see the guys every 2 weeks or so. After Wednesday, not so much. We hope you can be the “bridge” between them and their fans as they strike out on their next journey – that of recording & touring careers! They have already “won” – especially our hearts – because, as you write, of their “genuine, caring and gracious personas.” (And their phenomenal voices and harmony too)! I hope they win AGT 8. As has become my weekly duty, I will be voting for Sean, Fernando & Josh like mad in all digital manners afforded me! Like you, I wish them all the best life can offer them and their beautiful families. They sure deserve it! Will be in touch, Lady Rosanne, and many thanks for your elegant coverage of the birth of these 3 superstars.
LikeLike
I feel a very slight connection to Forte too since learning that Sean Panikkar grew up about an hour or so from my home. They are quite the talent. I’ll be wishing them the very best tonight. I really do not see how they can lose.
LikeLike
MCL, excited to see if our wish comes true!
LikeLike
MCL,
You will love Mel B’s prediction . . .
http://www.today.com/entertainment/wholl-win-americas-got-talent-mel-b-makes-prediction-4B11182978
LikeLike
really MCL? Well then, I am voting!
LikeLike
Yes vote away Awestruck and fellow Canadians.
Louise – I read that article and from her lips to God’s ears is all I have to say!! 🙂
Can’t wait to hear what they will be singing tonight.
LikeLike