September 30, 2013 
Forte is well on their way to superstardom.
Earlier, I was emailed the Official News Release from SYCO and Columbia Records, stipulating the exciting projects awaiting the talented members of Forte, Josh Page, Sean Panikkar and Fernando Varela.
Included with the official release is the much-awaited track listing for their new CD.
And I am beyond pleased to share this with you now. It is very, very exciting.
Here is the Official Syco/Columbia Records News Release:
“AMERICA’S GOT TALENT” FINALIST FORTE
SIGNS WITH SYCO/COLUMBIA RECORDSSELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM DUE THIS FALL,
SINGLE “CARUSO” AVAILABLE DIGITALLY TODAY
SPECIAL NEW YEAR’S WEEKEND RESIDENCY SCHEDULED
AT THE NEW TROPICANA LAS VEGAS DEC. 28-30(Columbia Records; New York, NY – September 30, 2013) – Forte, the multicultural, operatic tenor trio whose performances on America’s Got Talent captivated millions and launched the group into the national spotlight, has signed with SYCO/Columbia Records.
Forte is pleased to announce the release of their self-titled debut album, available everywhere November 12. The lead single “Caruso” is available digitally today: http://www.smarturl.it/forteiTunes. Pre-order the album here: http://www.smarturl.it/forte. In addition, the album features “The Prayer,” a duet with fellow America’s Got Talent finalist Cami Bradley, as well as several songs the group performed on the show including “My Heart Will Go On,” “Unchained Melody,” and “Pie Jesu.” See below for track listing, and listen to “Caruso” on SoundCloud now.
“We are excited to be joining one of the most prestigious labels in the entire music industry,” the group said. “To go from complete strangers to a bona fide group on the same label as the top names in music is simply incredible. We can’t wait to share this album with our fans.”
Forte are gearing up for a very special New Year’s in Las Vegas. The New Tropicana Las Vegas will play host to three very special New Year’s weekend headline performances by the group, taking place December 28, 29, and 30. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.troplv.com. Forte will also headline New York City’s famed Carnegie Hall on Saturday, November 16 as part of a benefit concert for Kate Winslet’s Golden Hat Foundation, which supports those living with autism. Tickets are available starting Friday, October 18. Visit http://www.carnegiehall.org for more.
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It’s hard to imagine the members of Forte were complete strangers a few months ago. Having met just days before their first audition for America’s Got Talent, the trio mesmerized millions on the eighth season of the reality competition series. Solo artists in their own right, Josh Page, Sean Panikkar and Fernando Varela combine their individual talents to create one incredible, multicultural vocal force.
Josh Page answered his musical calling in 2011, after randomly being pulled on stage by Josh Groban to duet with the superstar at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. He has since been invited to fill in for Andrea Bocelli at rehearsals and joined former America’s Got Talent contestant Jackie Evancho on tour as a guest. Sean Panikkar, whose parents are from Sri Lanka, never dreamed of a career in opera. In fact, he enrolled in the engineering program at the University of Michigan. Opera gradually became a bigger part of Panikkar’s life, and after college, the singer performed with several prestigious institutions, including the Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera. Raised in Puerto Rico, Fernando Varela was discovered on YouTube by hitmaker David Foster and ultimately won Foster’s “Born To Sing” contest. Varela’s global performances span some 31 countries, including a performance in Monte Carlo, Monaco with Maestro Giancarlo Chiaramello (conductor for the late Luciano Pavarotti), the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra in Canada and the National Symphony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
Forte track listing:
1. The Prayer (with America’s Got Talent finalist Cami Bradley)
2. Pie Jesu
3. Somewhere
4. Unchained Melody
5. My Heart Will Go On
6. Caruso
7. Nessun Dorma
8. Bridge Over Troubled Water
9. Something
10. O Holy Night
11. Silent NightFor more, visit:
http://fortetenors.com
https://www.facebook.com/ForteTenors
https://twitter.com/fortetenors
https://soundcloud.com/fortetenorsofficial/caruso-mp3Contacts:
Catharine McNelly | Columbia Records
Catharine.McNelly@sonymusic.com | 212-833-4731Russell Eslamifar | Syco Entertainment
Russell.Eslamifar@sycoentertainment.com | 310-467-5704ABOUT AGT
America’s Got Talent returned this past summer with the hottest performers from across the country competing in the blockbuster reality show’s eighth season. Bringing the variety show format back to the forefront of American culture each week, the show features a colorful array of hopeful future stars — singers, dancers, comedic performers and unique acts of all ages. While each contestant has the chance to strut and perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges including Howard Stern, Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Heidi Klum, the eventual winner is chosen by the television viewing audience. Since launching in 2006, America’s Got Talent has been sold in 177 countries, with localized versions of the hit being produced in more than 54 countries around the world.ABOUT SYCO ENTERTAINMENT
Syco Entertainment is a joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music and is one of the world’s leading global music, film and television production companies responsible for some of the world’s most successful global TV and music franchises. Syco Entertainment is also the world’s most successful producer of international talent with Syco Music being the record label home for such diverse international recording artists as One Direction, Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, Little Mix, Labrinth, IL Divo, Jonathan and Charlotte, Tate Stevens, Emblem3, Fifth Harmony, James Arthur, Ella Henderson and the Loveable Rogues. Syco’s television assets include the global franchises The X Factor and Got Talent. The X Factor was created by Syco Television and is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia. Local versions of The X Factor are produced in more than 42 territories and the US version of The X Factor airs in over 205 countries. Got Talent first launched in the US as America’s Got Talent and remains the No. 1 summer entertainment show. America’s Got Talent airs in 193 countries with original versions of the format now produced in 56 territories around the world, making it the world’s biggest selling TV format. Britain’s Got Talent remains the highest rated entertainment series since it launched. The 2013 series finale of BGT had a peak audience of 17.4 million, the highest peak since the 2009 final. Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 discovered the global singing career of Susan Boyle, who has sold 19 million records to date. Got Talent has boosted broadcasters’ prime time audience shares by more than 300%.Syco is co-producing an autobiographical 3D film centered upon the lives of global pop sensation One Direction. Morgan Spurlock will direct the film, giving fans a snapshot look into the lives of the band as they embark on the sold out world-wide tour. Additionally, Simon Cowell is Executive Producing with Harvey Weinstein to create a film centered around the remarkable success story of Britain’s Got Talent winner Paul Potts, with James Corden taking the role of Potts.
ABOUT COLUMBIA RECORDS
One of the most respected and successful record labels in the world, Columbia Records is home to established superstars and exciting new talent. Columbia Records is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment.ABOUT SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a current roster that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including Arista Nashville, Beach Street, Bystorm Entertainment, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Day 1, Descendant Records, Epic Records, Essential Records, Essential Worship, Fo Yo Soul Recordings, Kemosabe Records, Legacy Recordings, MASTERWORKS, Polo Grounds, RCA Inspiration, RCA Nashville, RCA Records, Reunion Records, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Syco Music, Vested in Culture and Volcano. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.
I am so proud of my cousins, Paul Mascioli and Mike Mascioli of Mascioli Entertainment, for helping to initiate this incredible multi-cultural collaboration. My family rocks!
Congratulations to Forte members, Josh Page, Sean Panikkar and Fernando Varela for their stellar achievement. You are a gift to the music world.
Masterclass Lady On MySpace.Com
Vocalist.Org
MasterClassLady.Com 
Hi Rosanne! What an amazing past 48 hours, eh?!! Forte goes to #1 on Amazon with PRE-BUYS of their album – with no photo of them! (I bought 2 CDs)! Then the BRILLIANT single, “Caruso”, comes out on iTunes at 12:01AM today. (I got mine by 1:01AM)! : ) We missed you at Forte Tenors Fan Page where it was going nuts, yesterday! Susan Williams, Fernando Varela’s real life wife, joined us and we had such a great conversation with her! She was so nice – and a singer in her own right! Apparently she was the singing voice of one of Disney’s princesses. Susan said the guys (Fernando, Josh, Sean) STILL did not believe it was real – they were holding back until they saw if the single and the album had any buyers. Whaaat??? They’re selling like hot cakes and I think the guys are finally believing it was all real and not just another dream. This will make a wonderful musical / movie, don’t you think, Rosanne? (Better than Mama Mia)!!! Talk with you soon!
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Hello Rosanne,I know you are just as happy as everyone involved in the process of creating this super talented Tenor trio,I am so glad for them and their families ,yes families have to be mentioned they have to go through
the process too..
Hope Mandel and Stern eat their words!!
Wish the Tenors the very best and much more
success in the coming years..
PS.And a childrens bedtime CD Brahms and Mozart are the front runners…
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Suncatcher – I am beyond thrilled. It is indeed overwhelming and I don’t think the guys fully realized how loved they were until the CD and single came out. That “Caruso” recording is so beautiful I could cry. Incredible. I cannot wait to see what else is in store for these talented artists. Go Team Forte!
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Rosa – a Children’s CD. How perfect. The possibilities are endless, aren’t they?
When I heard Caruso today! I thought of Howie and Howard and how ridiculous they look and sound with the success of these recordings.
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Suncatcher – I saw the thread with Susan Willliams and had a great big smile on my face reading the conversation. She is a real sweetheart and immensely gifted in her own right.
I apologize for not joining in but my house was crazy busy yesterday and it was all I could do to read FB with any coherence. Haha
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Chills – just got a chance to download and listen to Caruso… love the track list, especially the two Christmas songs!
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Good morning, Rosanne! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a single with Fernando and Susan some time? I saw their duet video of The Prayer and it was so nice! She has a gorgeous voice.
Rosanne, you have a much better ear than I do so I have a question. After listening to Caruso several times, is it me or is Fernando starting to sound more and more like Pavarotti? Caruso is exquisite – all 3 of the guys are stunning – but to me, Fernando is the frosting on that cake! Wow! Would love to get your take on this!
No need to apologize! Kudos for having a life these days, Rosanne! Forte has taken over mine – and I have never had that happen – and I’m old as dirt! Will be in touch! Best, always!
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PS – Rosanne, if you get a chance, go to SoundCloud to view the 35 comments about Forte’s Caruso. They are wonderful. They also have the full version of Caruso for free at : https://soundcloud.com/fortetenorsofficial/caruso-mp3
We are asking our members to BUY Caruso at iTunes instead so the guys get PAID and Josh can feed his Alpacas too! : )
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Awestruck – isn’t Caruso simply amazing? It takes your breath away. And the Christmas songs are a perfect idea with the CD being released just before Christmas. I am sure they will release a Christmas CD next year. Fingers crossed
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Suncatcher – You have a great ear. Over the years. Fernando has been compared Pavarotti. Some critics have said he is Pavarotti’s true successor and I agree. He really nails his major solo in “Caruso”. I could listen to his sections over and over again. All three are outstanding but this song, being one of his favourites, resonated with him and it shows.
I would love to hear a recording featuring he and his equally talented wife Susan.. Everything in time, I guess. The possibilities are endless.
Thank you to referring me to the comments in Soundcloud. Exciting. 🙂
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ML – as much as I like Fernando and I really do, comparison to Pavarotti is a bit over the top or maybe a bit like apples to oranges. Pavarotti was first and foremost an opera singer, among the best opera tenors ever. Yes, he “crossed over” at the end of his career, but he still remained an opera singer. Varela is an excellent classical crossover singer who did study classical singing and might’ve started in opera but didn’t pursue it for whatever reason. If anything, Sean Panikkar who is a real opera singer might be a better comparison.
Do you really think Fernando is a better tenor than (in no particular order) Polenzani, Beczala, Filanoti, Florez, Kaufmann, Grigolo, Fabiano, Valenti, or for that matter Sean Panikkar?
Mathew Polenzani:
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Kitty – I am not going to make comparisons between Fernando’s voice and his illustrious peers you mentioned in your comments.
Please read his bio – and note the credentials and the accolades. http://fernandovarela.com/about/
His voice is a work of wonder. He can sing a flawless “Nessun Dorma” and then, with the turn of a dime, perform “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
There are many excellent singers in this world, one of whom is Fernando. Yes, his career has been more cross – genre than, say, Sean or any of the fine singers you mentioned in your comments, but his operatic or classical skills should not be dismissed because of this. He just took a different t road and it has served him well.
Thank you for supporting him. Have a listen to his Nessun Dorma. It is exquisite.
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ML – I saw his biography. It is impressive, but not as impressive as Sean’s or any of the singers I mentioned. I consider calling him Pavarotti’s successor disrespectful to all the tenors we have singing in opera today as well as tenors he sings with in Forte. He did sing in regional theaters, true, but this isn’t enough to be called a successor to one of the top opera tenors ever. To me it implies that you think he is better than all of them which is what I object to because to me he hasn’t proven it.
It goes both ways – I don’t think Pavarotti would’ve sounded good if he tried to sing pop for example. Varela’s strength is that he can do both.
Yes, his voice is wonderful, but I didn’t like what he did with Nessun Dorma in the performance you posted a while ago. There were some exquisite parts, but I absolutely hated the notes he added to the end — this isn’t a pop song, and it doesn’t call for it dramatically, this was out of style. Here Calaf says “I shall win” and then add those strange pop notes? How does it make sense dramatically? I’ll try and listen to his other performances of this aria, but still singing one aria however well doesn’t qualify one as “Pavarotti successor”.
At any rate, I am not dismissing his classical skills, simply objecting to calling him “successor of Pavarotti”. Actually, I think nobody is anybody’s successor, every singer is unique.
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Kitty – you raised some valid points. But, Fernando’s voice is so beautiful, so expressive that I still concede his Nessun Dorma is one of the best I have ever heard.
I love Sean – his voice is pure magic but I think all three singers – Sean, Josh and Fernando – contribute equally to Forte.
I don’t want to start comparing these singers. I love all three – for different reasons, so I would like to leave it at that.
I hope – no, I know! that Forte will be an international success story within the year. They are phenomenal. Thank heavens those three singers found each other – by doing so they have created a stronger platform to display their enormous talents.
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I think Fernando’s voice is beautiful, as I said I only objected to “Pavarotti successor” comment for the reasons I mentioned. I don’t really think anybody can be Pavarotti’s successor in opera either, not because today’s singers aren’t as good – they all have different strengths, but because everyone is different., At the same time, I don’t think Pavarotti was “the best” either, one of the best – yes, maybe the best of his generation in some roles but not in every role (can anybody?). I like the sound of Fernando’s voice, I really do.
Yes, I do hope Forte goes far (and I hope Sean doesn’t give up his opera career).
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