MasterClass Monday: American Idol Season 11 Finalist DeAndre Brackensick’s Incredible Performance Of Pretty Wings

May 2, 2016 by Masterclass Lady 4 Comments



I don’t know how DeAndre Brackensick lost the American Idol Season 11 win.  Don’t. Know. How! 

Seriously – listen to his relaxed, spontaneous, meticulous vocal of Pretty Wings (featured below this article)  and then you decide if American Idol dropped the ball with this unbelievably gifted and charismatic young artist. 

Not only does he have a uniquely soulful sound, but his look and demeanor are so distinct, his performing style riveting to watch. 

He moves seamlessly and effortlessly from head voice to full voice up, down and sideways throughout his range. DeAndre is noted for his incredible ability to vocalize with his head voice, which he does so beautifully in this number. However, in this song, he gives us glimpses into the resounding strength of his full tenor voice, which is is equally beautiful. 

And, toward the end of this number, he takes a dip in to his lower range – perfectly intonated and projected. Why?  Because he carries the head voice element throughout every part of his range, which results in an even, perfectly centered and resonant vocal timbre throughout this jazzy, soulful melodic line. 

You can still download some of DeAndre’s American Idol performances, such as Master Blaster (iTunes Link),  I Like It (iTunes Link),  Sometimes I Cry ( ITunes Link),  Only The Good Die Young (iTunes Link) and  Endless Love (iTunes Link) on iTunes.  

I couldn’t find any other links to singles or albums post-Idol or I would have happily  shared them with you. 

DeAndre is presently preparing for some more sold-out shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland Australia in May after the resounding success of his shows there in 2015.  He is living the dream and enjoying continued success, using his American Idol platform as a basis for building a successful career in this crazy music business. 

I wish him the best and will continue to follow this dynamic and prodigious performer. 

American Idol Farewell Season, American Idol Season 11, Masterclass Monday
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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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4 Responses to “MasterClass Monday: American Idol Season 11 Finalist DeAndre Brackensick’s Incredible Performance Of Pretty Wings”

  1. James May 2, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    Just imagine what I could do if given the FULL AUTHORITY to make ‘American Idol’ au courant again:) Help Mssrs. Brackensick and Rosen—among others–become the first true Idol superstars, hire Kris Allen and Michael Sarver to be among the staff songwriters, ‘outside’ the box thinking when it comes to both tours and promotions, new and more helpful panel of judges.. . .:)

    American Idol–still has–despite the ‘nonsense’–a vast amount of goodwill with both the public and performers. There is talk it will return.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Masterclass Lady May 2, 2016 at 4:29 pm

    One can only hope James. But I would like to see true artists / like DeAndre – excel in the new format if it returns. Not interested in same old, same old

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  3. Lesley May 2, 2016 at 5:09 pm

    I’m glad you can express with your technical knowledge what I’ve felt about DeAndre’s voice for years!
    You’re right he should have gone much farther on Idol. I’ve been an avid fan of his since then and have been following his growth. He keeps getting better and better.
    Personally I see DeAndre as a singer who doesn’t sing in hopes of being famous but rather sings because he loves to sing. He’s a very humble guy which makes you want to root for him even more!
    I’m not sure if you mentioned his other covers on his youtube channel and also his two singles. “Her Crazy” and “Fuss n’ Fight” (which he recorded with artist Molia.”)
    Thanks for the kind words for my favorite singer!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Masterclass Lady May 3, 2016 at 12:52 am

    Thank you for stopping by, Leslie. I have always admired DeAndre’s talent. He is a gem of a singer. You are correct in saying that he sings for LOVE of the music but I wish someone noteworthy in the business would tap into his full potential. He is so marketable. I will check out his other YouTube videos. Thanks again. Keep spreading the word about DeAndre. 🙏👏

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