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A MasterClass Early Pick: Adam Lambert, Cabaret Idol


Could we have found our first Cabaret Idol? Masterclass readers – meet Adam Lambert! The video below is a promotional video that features the many facets to gold ticket recipient Adam Lambert’s singing style. Suffice it to say that this unbelievably talented young man will not have any trouble with the various theme nights programmed […]

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Vocal Masterclass Discussion Thread For American Idol Season 8: The Hollywood Rounds Part 1


Hooray for Hollywood! Could there ever be a better theme song to capture the collective emotions of American Idol viewers after three tortuous weeks of preliminary auditions? I think not. It’s time to get “down and dirty” and face the brutal elimination rounds that will reveal the Top 36 singers for American Idol Season 8. […]

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Vocal Masterclass Discussion Thread For American Idol Season 8: New York And San Juan Auditions


New York and San Juan Auditions are featured in this last episode of the preliminaries and not a moment too soon. I just find this leg of the American Idol journey so tedious – necessary, yes – but tedious. And I am sure that many very talented singers were deprived of airtime, but, then that’s […]

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Vocal Masterclass Discussion Thread For American Idol Season 8: Salt Lake City, Utah Auditions


Salt Lake City, Utah!  Home to Season 7 Runner-Up, the extraordinary David Archuleta. More than anything else, I am excited to see if David will be featured on the Salt Lake City episode. I am thinking not, as his career is jam-packed and enjoying the skyrocketing ride reserved for emerging superstars. However, according to the […]

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Vocal Masterclass Discussion Thread For American Idol Season 8: Jacksonville, Florida Auditions


Jacksonville auditions are in full swing, as the producers and judges reach their next stop of the American Idol Season 8 Preliminary Auditions Tour. I am really pumped for the show this evening. Last week was a disturbing week for me – for a variety of reasons – but, this week, it’s all sunshine and […]

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Jason Castro: Hallelujah: Amar A Morir Premiere: The Santa Barbara Film Festival


Jason Castro’s performance of the Leonard Cohen classic, Hallelujah, at the Santa Barbara Film Festival is nothing short of outstanding. In fact, it is a distinctly inspirational vocal interpretation, one that signifies that, beneath Jason’s shy demeanor,  lies a sensitive, yet sophisticated artistic soul. Through this vocal performance, it was exciting to hear the advancement […]

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Air & Simple Gifts – President Obama Inauguration Performance 2009


Who cares if this performance was live or pre-recorded? It was brutally cold outside and and the subpar temperature would have hindered these classical artists and their instruments to perform to this level of perfection. What a performance! These stellar world-class artists have nothing to prove. They have given an infinite number of extraordinary live […]

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Vocal Masterclass Discussion Thread For American Idol Season 8: Louisville, Kentucky Auditions


Louisville, Kentucky is featured this evening and let’s hope that more talented singers surface on this stop of the American Ido Audition Tour than was the case yesterday in San Francisco. I am a little busy this evening, as I am pre-occuopied with students who are trying voice exams tomorrow. Since I will be accompanying […]

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David and Daniel Archuleta Create A Memorable Performance At Sundance Film Festival


David Archuleta combined his stellar talent with his brother, Daniel, during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. According to Janey, a very devoted David Archuleta fan who attended the showcase, David was in a superb form as always. His musical talent is truly special and his voice is a gift from God – […]

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The Canadian Tenors’ First Single: I Only Know How To Love


There are no words to describe this beautifully performed song by The Canadian Tenors. This song is exquisitely written and their voices soar to inspiring heights as they ride the melodic and lyrical waves of this beautiful composition. These four talented and sensitive young artists make me very proud to call myself Canadian. They have […]

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Vocal Masterclass Discussion Thread For American Idol Season 8: Kansas City Auditions


Kansas City -home to current American idol winner, David Cook. This second show focuses on the auditions that take place in the state of Missouri. Think we can find another Cookie? Ummm – I don’t think so. David Cook is pretty special – both as a person and as a musician. However, the judges are […]

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Vocal Masterclass Discussion Thread For American Idol Season 8: Arizona Auditions


Thank heavens for my spiffy new, wireless notebook. I could sit in the comfort of my bedroom and type in real time as another season of American Idol invaded my musical space. And it was a great beginning to Season 8, as the producers, thankfully, increased the “on air” time for the more talented singers […]

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American Idol Season 8 to Premiere on Fox on Tuesday, January 13th & Wednesday, January 14th , 2009


Well, in just 48 hours or so, the musical ride called American Idol will begin its eighth successful season. I am waiting with bated breath to see how the producers and judges are going to top the magic and charisma of the Top 12 singers from Season 7. It won’t be easy, but they have […]

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And A New Year Begins!


Happy New Year one and all! I hope all of you have had a relaxing and healthy holiday and are ready to begin another year full of fun, surprises, success and, most of all, good health. I had a wonderful time over the Christmas season and am happy to announce that my younger daughter, Maria, […]

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Season’s Greetings From Masterclass Lady: Rosanne Simunovic


Season’s Greetings Now that the Christmas and Holiday season is in full swing, I thought I would add a special sticky post, so that everyone can share the joy of the season and everything it has to offer. You are welcome to add links to your favorite performances, favorite songs, favorite food (yum) and so […]

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Jason Castro Stocking Stuffer: White Christmas


Just in time for Christmas, Jason Castro has released a stellar version of White Christmas that speaks to his distinct artistry. Brimming with soulful flavor and the ringing clarity of his beautifully centered head voice, this is an impressive interpretation of the Christmas classic. I have always loved this song – it was written by […]

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The Canadian Tenors At 5:00 In The Morning.


Can you actually believe how outstanding these guys sound at 5:00 in the morning?  Their discipine is truly inspirational. The Canadian Tenors are on a relentless performance/ promotional tour that doesn’t stop until a few days before Christmas. And, then, like a snap of a finger, the CT madness begins again in January 2009. You […]

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A Masterclass Review Of David Archuleta’s New CD


Before I review  David Archuleta’s CD, I would like to say how refreshing it is to hear an artist who understands the importance of releasing a CD that appeals to the masses. Additionally, David Archuleta and his talented mentors and musicians worked extremely hard to produce an aesthetically clean CD, beautifully and thankfully eliminating an […]

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Masterclass Lady’s December “To Do” List


Okay, I am really behind here and most of you know the reason behind this.  However, time is moving far too quickly and, in order not to feel “out of the loop, it’s time to “take the bull by the horns” and share my views with you about some artists that mean a great deal […]

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Canadian Tenors at Cavalcade of Lights In Toronto Ontario Canada


The Canadian Tenors are everywhere! The demand for these super-talented male vocalists is huge beyond belief. It is only a matter of time before these artists become international superstars. Below, you will hear a portion of their Christmas medley performed during the “ Cavalcade Of Lights” on November 30th in Toronto, Ontario Canada. The audio […]

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