Vocal Masterclass Discussion For American Idol Season XIV: The Top 12 Females

February 26, 2015 by Masterclass Lady 8 Comments




Picture Credit: AmericanIdol.Com

Update:  My apologies to the last few singers who performed last evening. I just noticed that, although I had written critiques for all of them, my blogging platform – WordPress – did not update this blog topic. Very frustrating. However, the last three singers were outstanding – with a special mention to Tyanna. I am on vacation so I don’t have time to view the performances again and add a critique. It was a great show, overall. 

Well, did you enjoy the male performances on Wednesday evening?  Personally, I felt that the strongest performances came from those who sang without a guitar in hand. They were able to connect more fully with their audience and propel their songs to a higher dynamic level.  

The only exception to this rule was Savion who managed to do both. He craftily displayed his guitar, vocal and performing skills.  He was very resourceful given the short time frame for his performance. 

Now it’s time for the girls to strut their vocal stuff. Once again, I have no favorites going in to this portion of the competition so I can be totally objective in my comments. 

How about you?  Do you have any favorites among the gals?  

Performing for your votes on Thursday, February 26th at 8:00 PM on Fox is:

Best of luck to all the gals!   Also, as I will be travelling,  I cannot provide live updates.  However, I will try to add my thoughts later on in the evening. So, comment away, MCL Community!!  

Lovey James – “Love Runs Out” by OneRepublic 

Lovey – I loved that you used the entire stage during this performance. However you lower range was problematic. Very poorly supported. And, as a result, you encountered intonation problems.  You need to remember to create energy and support within in your lower range as you certainly can do so in your upper range. However, I applaud your visual power and enthusiasm during this performance. Good job! 

Adanna Duru – “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit and Jesse Glynne 

 Adanna – this song performance was loaded with dimension – from the quiter moments to the more powerful. Good for you. And you were very committed throughout this showcase.  However, like Lovey, you need to lend more energy and support in your lower range. Articulate your words crisply while  sustaining the melodic line on the pure vowel. Think British!  I applaud you for using the stage – it allows for a more interesting performance no, certainly, establishes stronger communication with your audience. Good work! 

Alexis Gomez – Gunpowder and Lead” by Miranda Lambert 

Alexis – our Latino Country Gal!  You have such a great look and this counts for great deal in this competition. I loved that you moved throughout the stage and didn’t stay planted behind the microphone, strumming your guitar. I am not sure if this song selection was the best at this stage of the competition. You have a good voice but I was aching to hear more range from you.  However, your confident demeanor  throughout this number was excellent and you certainly came to the show to entertain. 

Joey Cook – “Somebody Like You” by Keith Urban 

Joey- our singer/accordionist. Now, that’s what I call unique and certainly a first for American Idol.  I can’t remember seeing a female singer play an accordion on this show.  I love the whole quirky nature of your demeanor and voice. What a hoot! This song was loaded with personality and, even better, surprises!  You are a phenomenon in the making. Seriously, from the dance steps to the accordion to the blue hair and the distinctive vocal sound, you are totally unforgettable and unque! And totally what this competition needs..  Brava!! 

Katherine Winston – “Safe & Sound” by Taylor Swift 

Katherine – you encountered some pitch issues during this number, probably from nerves.  Make certain that your diaphragm guides and supports your voice.  However, that being said,  loved the quiet demeanor you created for this number and the gentle way you used your head voice. Your voice has an angelic quality that sets you apart from some of the other girls I heard up to this point. I am actually happy you sang a ballad – it creates a special emotional bond between the singer and listener. It is not always about singing loud and jumping all over the stage. Good for you. Congratulations! 

Shannon Berthiaume – “Who Knew” by Pink 

Shannon – you need to learn to enunciate your words more clearly, especially in your lower range. And this would assist you with your problems with intonation. Your voice, unfortunately, lacked direction and support.  You need to gather some good technical advice from a vocal teacher or coach so that you can gain more confidence in your vocal performances. You are very talented and have an indie sort of style – which I love – so make absolutely certain you home your vocal skills with the proper technical skills. 

Loren Lott – “Note to God” by JoJo 

Loren – you created a beautiful presence on stage. But, oh my, your vocal performance ran away from you. Your intonation was off throughout the entire showcase. You carry a great deal of chest voice In your vocal mix and this would, in fact, emphasize your poorly centered vocal line.  You need to discover the ringing quality of head voice, the purity and the beauty of this very necessary vocal element. However, that being said, you gave a very passionate performance and, despite the pitch problems, I appreciated the passion and verve your brought to this performance. 

Shi Scott – “Umbrella” by Rihanna 

Shi – you are one beautiful presence on that stage. 

Maddie Walker – “Love Gets Me Everytime” by Shania Twain 

Sarina Joi-Crowe – “Mamma Knows Best” by Jessie J 

American Idol, American Idol Season 14, Singing, 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
View all posts by Masterclass Lady →

8 Responses to “Vocal Masterclass Discussion For American Idol Season XIV: The Top 12 Females”

  1. rereader February 26, 2015 at 6:03 pm

    I don’t have any favorites on the women’s side yet, but that said, I do find Joey Cook’s voice interesting. I’m looking forward to seeing how the ladies do in the very short time they have available to them!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. rereader February 26, 2015 at 9:59 pm

    My stream-of-consciousness notes as the show goes along:

    I know Lovey went first, but I had to run and take care of something and missed her entirely. (Why don’t I remember someone named Lovey? You’d think I’d remember that.)

    Adanna was second, I came back at the very, very end and didn’t hear her either.

    Alexis: I’m not crazy about this song–it has very little melody–and I think I heard some off notes, but she does know how to involve the audience very quickly. And yes, Keith is right–dump the guitar!

    Joey: That accordion is too big, I can’t see her! Hmmm, I don’t know this song, but it suits her very well, and I like the way she’s flirting with the camera and the audience. Wait, what, it’s a Keith Urban song? I’d never have guessed that. And I am still intrigued by her voice. But there seems something strange about the way she is pronouncing words.

    Katherine: Starts off a bit shaky–and her voice sounds kind of tight? compressed? to me. And she’s having pitch problems. Ah, there, her voice opened up some as she went on, she finished stronger than she began. I don’t know this song either, but I do like it.

    Shannon: I can’t make out a single lyric she’s singing. Also she’s getting a bit shriek-y and off key? I’m not enjoying this.

    Loren: That started okay, but she’s having pitch problems off and on and it doesn’t sound better to me for being really loud. Powerful is well and good, but if you’re going to go that loud, be sure that those are the right notes!

    Shi: …? That was really…strange. I can’t really make out the lyrics, and she sounds a little hoarse maybe? Or just out of breath? Bleat-y. And also a bit shriek-y. (I don’t recognize the song. Sorry, Harry.)

    Maddie: I do like the laid-back vocals she’s putting down. She seems relaxed, and her voice sounded relaxed, which is good. I prefer that to a high-powered song that makes the singer tense up or push.

    Sarina-Joi: Oooh, that’s good straight out of the gate, her voice sounds totally solid to me. Tuneful AND powerful. Love it! (And that is not the sort of music I usually choose to listen to. :))

    Jax: Um…what? Where’s this affected faux baby-voice coming from, and why? The second part was much better. And she had no trouble staying on pitch, which tonight is worthy of note.

    Tyanna: Lovely richness she has to her tone, and an excellent song choice for her. She did seem to get a little out of breath in the middle, but she can learn to phrase better and avoid that.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Idol Girl February 26, 2015 at 10:30 pm

    Once again, while the performers are little more polished than last year, the performances suffered from a rushed format and poor acoustics. Hope this is not a sign of how it will be when we get to the one night a week stage.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Louise February 26, 2015 at 10:40 pm

    Was rather disappointed again, but my favorites are Sarina and Tyanna. Jax is much too affected for my taste. I don’t like that at ALL!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Idol Girl February 27, 2015 at 11:11 am

    Putting both together, guys are stronger than the girls this year.

    Like

  6. janey79 February 28, 2015 at 1:36 am

    Only one word from me: Tyanna.

    Like

  7. rereader March 1, 2015 at 6:39 pm

    Here’s something I find interesting–I see that while watching/listening, I was impressed by Tyanna and Sarina-Joi…but the only performance I actually remember is Joey’s!

    Like

  8. hunter March 2, 2015 at 1:34 am

    rereader, i was going to remark that i really liked joey. and you’re right, hers is the one i remember. she is my favorite girl. mcl, she had the accordian at her audition. (she called it a squeeze box, that is still an accordian, i think?)

    Liked by 1 person

%d bloggers like this: