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Vocal Masterclass Discussion Thread For American Idol Season 11: The Pittsburgh Auditions


What a fantastic showing in Savannah, Georgia last evening! The new season of American Idol moved smoothly and efficiently, thanks to Ryan Seacrest’s flawless narration and the renewed energy of the judges, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. And the singers! Let’s talk about the singers! The first thing that comes to mind is […]

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Vocal Masterclass Discussion Thread For American Idol Season 11: The Savannah Auditions


Tonight’s two-hour premiere of American Idol Season 11 will showcase the discovered talent in Savannah, Georgia. Two hours for one city seems a little extreme. Has it always been this way? Who can remember from year to year? Not me. So the two-hour showcase allotted to the Savannah singers must be indicative of the stellar […]

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American Idol Judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, and host Ryan Seacrest

A New Decade Of American Idol Begins On Wednesday, January 18th On Fox


Well here we are again. Another season of American Idol is upon us. This year the popular reality singing show is entering its 11th Season, with no sign of “giving up” or “handing over” the reins to another singing competition. Although NBC’s first season of The Voice and Fox’s first season of The X Factor […]

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The X Factor USA

Vocal/Performance Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor Season One: The Final 3


Wow! I almost forgot about The X Factor Finale. Someone should tell Simon that ’tis the season to be baking, wrapping gifts, attending choir rehearsals and/or concerts etc. Not watching television reality shows. Oh well, what do we have here? Of yes, Chris, Melanie and Josh. Good luck to all three of them. The show […]

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David Archuleta Embarks On A Two

David Archuleta To Embark On A Two Year Mission For The Mormon Church


Not only does David Archuleta have the voice of an angel, but he also embodies the spirit of one. At the end of his outstanding performance in Salt Lake City, David made a very special announcement (see the above video) – that he was going to embark on a two-year mission for the Church Of […]

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David Cook: Why Isn’t This Young Man A Superstar?


I have to admit – I just don’t get it! I truly don’t. The fact that David Cook has eluded superstardom leaves me completely and utterly baffled. It leaves me to question the nature of the promotional process once American Idol completes a season. All that hype, all the hoopla, all the exposure garnered from […]

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Vocal/Performance Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor Season One: The Final 3


Well, the surprises just keep on coming. Who would have foreseen Rachel’s elimination last week? However, all appears to be good and well for the spunky little thirteen-year-old with the great big voice and personality. It seems that she is being courted and embraced by Disney. Which explains why Simon was calm, cool and collected […]

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Masterclass Monday: David Archuleta’s Inspiring Version Of Silent Night


This video of David Archuleta performing Silent Night with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra has to be the most compelling, passionate and inspiring performance of this song classic I have ever had the pleasure to see and hear. Recorded live last Christmas and set to air on PBS on Tuesday, December 13th from 8:00-9:00 […]

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Vocal/Performance Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor Season One: The Final 5


I am loving this double elimination thing. Tis the season, right? Far too busy to spend one’s time in front of the TV. This week the singers hit us with two songs apiece so I am hoping to see some diversity in their singing style. I won’t even wager which singer(s) will be eliminated. After […]

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David Archuleta, My Kind Of Christmas

Video Of The Day: David Archuleta Reinforces The Magic Of Christmas His Way


This video featuring David Archuleta performing his original composition, “My Kind Of Christmas” brought such a smile to my face. The melody and the lyrics are brimming with the spirit and joy of the Christmas season and David’s performance captures the magic of the Christmas season so well. Presently on a Christmas Tour with his […]

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The X Factor USA

Random Thoughts On The Top 7 Performances On The X Factor By Malden


Here in the MCL community, I have been very fortunate to be in the company of informative and insightful commentators. Their suggestions and ideas regarding numerous topics are generally spot-on and I tremendously value their input and perspective. After Wednesday’s X Factor performances, one reader by the name of Malden shared some excellent comments with […]

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Picture Courtesy Of TheXFactorUsa.Com

Vocal/Performance Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor Season One: The Top 7


This week, thanks to the double elimination last week, we are down to the Top 7. And, yet again this week, a double elimination will bring the final group of X Factor contestants down to five remaining singers. Anyone want to wager who those five will be? Okay, you talked me into it! I will! […]

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Through Our Eyes By Pamela Pike

Through Our Eyes Offers A Resounding Perspective On The David Archuleta Phenomenon


I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed author Pamela Pike’s book about the enormously talented David Archuleta. This wonderful book, which includes detailed interviews with fans and musicians alike, perfectly summarizes why David Archuleta has continued to be an unstoppable force since his outstanding journey on American Idol three seasons ago. His talent is […]

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Performance Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor Season One: The Top 9 Give Thanks


This week, the Top 9 Finalists will be performing songs to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. And, in case any of you are wondering why I have changed the heading from “Vocal Masterclass” to “Performance Masterclass”, I did so because the focus of this show has been mainly about the production elements in each number. At […]

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Simon Cowell Will Never Find A Superstar On The X Factor Says Sir Cliff Richards


Well, here’s something to think about. And, I have to say, I somewhat agree with this statement. According to Sir Cliff Richard, Simon Cowell will never find a global star on The X Factor because the music industry and their consumers tire of artists when they fall from the charts. And I have to say […]

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Masterclass Monday: Broadway-Based Hip Hop Courtesy Of The Music Man


Good Masterclass Monday Morning to all of you! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? But have I got something for you! Below, you will be treated to an excellent performance of “Trouble” by Robert Preston from the movie version of Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man”. I have also included the opening scene from this show, […]

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Performance Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor Season One: The Top 10


We are down to the Top 10 Finalists on The X Factor. We lost another group last week and chances are we will lose the final group, Lakoda Ryane, this week. They were in the bottom 2 last week so, unless they have rallied a massive amount of fans over the course of this past […]

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Performance Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor Season One: The Top 11


Since today is my birthday, I decided to treat myself to a new name change for this weekly blog topic about The X Factor. It’s hard to know who is singing on this show or being assisted to sing. So, it just seems right and good to simply discuss the performance aspects of this competition. […]

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The X Factor Lip Synching Competition. Welcome To The Twenty-First Century.


Sometimes technology can be used for the wrong reasons, especially when it comes to singing competitions. This video of the Top 12 Group Number has become somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me. I have always suspected that many of the singing acts on this “singing competition” were lip-synching to their pre-recorded tracks. Well, now, […]

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Vocal Masterclass Discussion For The X Factor Season One: And Then There Were 12


Honestly, I don’t know what to make of this show anymore. I am thoroughly confused. Normally, I like well-produced stage shows. However, at this stage of the competition, is the “over-the-top” production masking the true ability of the vocalist? And don’t get me started on the sound effects coming through the audio mix – some […]

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