I can’t wait for tonight’s episode, where I hear that is got heated when the first elimination took place. I’ll be blogging it.

Ok, now I know. It isn’t in my mind, I am not going crazy. Michelle McNulty is the casting director for “The Voice”. She has said, they were looking for real artists. She went everywhere, clubs, YouTube, rehearsal studios and personal contacts.  They were promising the judges that they would not be listening to people that were so bad they would have to be mean, or cruel to them.

It is an open secret that casting agents have people who recruit performers for these shows.  McNulty admits there are so many great singers out there that have not been tapped, and she wants to find them. The team pursued former American Idol singer Frenchie, who because of nude photo’s had been eliminated.

Another one they pursued was Javier Colon, who was dropped by Capitol, after two albums. {I know how that feels}   The casting agent promised everyone would be good, very good, or great.  This is why I love this show. I love that it is not a three-ring circus.

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

The X-Factor has not begun, yet I have my distaste for it already. Paula is a judge… again! Please, save me. Not just that, I have two students who have been through 2 and 3 audition segments and  did not make the cut. These are real singers, not potentially good, but real good, ready-for-primetime good.

The shows that I have faith in, are ‘The Voice’ and the “Sing Off’   These are shows that showcase real talent. Not someone in a E T costume, then it is just a freak show.  I find the superstar coaches on the ‘The Voice’ are really honest, helpful and not just showing up.

I’ve had it with the Simons, and Paulas. They did a good job the first give years, but all good things must end. I would never want any of my students to sing for Simon, I just don’t think he is qualified. He likes ‘Il Divo’ and that’s fine, but it gives you an idea of his taste. Classical!  Good luck with pleasing him.  ‘America’s Got Talent’ is its own entity, jugglers against singers? I enjoy it, Michael Grimm deserved to win.

I remember ‘Star Search”.  that was a great show, but we have evolved and ‘The Voice” gets my vote!

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

They will compete with teams, and eliminate contestants from eight down to four people.  Mark Burnett of “Survivor”, is the producer. I have a new respect for him,, I am so thrilled that the screening of these singers has been thoughtful, and caring.  Very few people did not cut it and I agree that they were not ready.  But, no one has been really bad!!

The premise is four superstar judges have their backs turned, and they listen to a voice, and if one or more is interested in coaching and working with them, they turn around. If 2 or more turn around, the singer has  to choose which singer to work with.

The wonderful judges, Cee Lo, Christina Goddess Aguilara, Blake Shelton, and Adam Levine. The concept is their backs to the singers so they need to impress right away. Then, the judges fight for their fav singers to be on their team, and the final teams will compete.

These judges cannot see the singers so it is fantastic that it is the voice that turns them around, or not!  There was a married duo, They were so surprised to hear two voices,  that all of them turned around, but being from Nashville, they choose Blake Shelton to work with them.

I love that breathe control, and phrasing, is important.  They can FEEL emotion without looking at a face and being distracted. It is about time, that the voice is more important than performance.  I pretty much agreed with most picks. The judges are fighting over these hopefuls, they want to work with them, what a wonderful theme and opportunity for a young newbie to have to choose between all these great stars.

Thank you for “The Voice”, now I have something to blog and write about and look forward to. I will be a critic of every choice once the show gets going with the finalists. I’ll give me opinion, and let you know what I think of everyone. I am so glad that Producers picked decent judges that have talent, can not only sing, but really know the business inside and out.

Country, R&B , Rock, Pop, it’s all covered. Adam Levine from “Maroon Five” is an incredible singer, he was without anyone on his team, at ten o clock, but an hour to go, he got more than the others! Cee Lo is so hot, now, thanks to his writer, Bruno Mars, that he the one they want to work with unless they are country, then it’s Blake.

All four judges turned for a country singer, who really was great. Patrick, he was the second contestant..  He was a younger, kind of plain-looking guy, they all wanted him.   He chose Adam!  How wonderful, you see, now he will get a chance to do something different.  It is a great concept.  Adam and Cee  Lo got the best singers I thought.

A surprise was  a contestant, from American Idol, eight years ago, Frenchie we all remember her. I thought she was a little off but they turned around and chose her, Christina got her on her team.

She said something though, she said “Never give up on your dream.” Even if you aren’t the best, or the cleanest singer, keep at it,, because there is someone for everyone. You may like Cher, and I may like Alicia Keys. It is a personal thing. I think you should tune in to The Voice, and enjoy the fun and competition

that goes on between the judges.  It is very amusing and  not a waste of time!

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

The first girl had such confidence, and was so out of tune, and Jennifer Lopez called her out on it, yet praised her in the same breath. Are they afraid to hurt someones feelings?

The next guy just ruined an Elton John song, it will never be the same to me again. They say how brilliant and how special  he is?

I guess you have to see him live, because to me. and this is the first night I am sitting and really watching because I had an early night and caught up on the tivo from what I missed.  It is bad.The third girl did “Colors of the Wind” I think my 7-year old student does it better.

James Durbin is up next, I am writing now as I watch.  I have found so many great singers on YouTube that these people on Idol are just so-so.  I am amazed at what people will settle for. The first line he sang was so flat, and I have to sit through this, I suppose, because I am just blown away, waiting for someone really GOOD.

Have I become such a music snob? He went up to a vocal fry high, and it was sharp., and the very last note was flat! What is going on.

Tyler loved it! I am baffled, by the comments of these professionals. Then again, Jennifer is an actress, dancer, so-so singer, Tyler is great but a screamer, not a singer, Randy is the only one who called him out on the flat notes, but still said very “tastefully” done? What does that mean?  Hey dude , you were out of tune, but you made it your own?

I must admit that I cannot go on, I need to stop torturing myself, I need to go to YouTube and listen to “Boyce Avenue” and all the great untapped talent that I love lately.

So, this is my over and out, I am so upset that this show is so popular and the public has no ears. For all the nice people who ever said to me, they love my voice, now I am not so flattered, they may have been tone deaf, because millions of people certainly ARE.

I’d rather watched watch news about the Japan disaster, isn’t THAT sad?

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

When I was singing at the Sands Hotel, in my late 20′s I had already been in the business long enough to know the ropes. This time, being all grown up, I did not check with my dad, and I let a con man sign me as a client. He talked a good game. Richard Cardinale was his name.

He was engaged to a waitress in the Copa Lounge where I was working for over a year. She had been an original Copa Girl in the showroom, and I figured he must be OK. Her engagement ring was huge, and as we found out later, was fake.

Richard put my picture on a full page ad in the paper bragging about our partnership. I had used an accountant to take all the FICA, union dues, etc out of the bands checks, but Richard said his accountant would handle it from then on. FLAG!!!

After a few months, with nothing happening in my career that I, myself, didn’t make happen, I grew a little uncomfortable.

Then, another singer from the Dunes, Casino De Paris show, who I would years later replace oddly enough, told me he was also “managing” her. We decided to hire a private eye.

Before we even got a report from him, , on the news was an arrest, in Lake Tahoe. Richard Cardinale was arrested for, bigamy, fraud and many other little interesting charges. Diane, the waitress was the most hurt from this, but I had to repay the guys their taxes, dues and whatever things come out of paychecks. It cost me, but I learned a bigger lesson. That wasn’t even his real name!

Investigate! In those days we had no internet, so it was harder and expensive to do it, but not doing it could have cost me a small fortune had it gone on.

When the other singer and I raided his office to get our promo and tax info, he had all the fake documents and law degree (also fake) on the wall.

I think some of these young innocent singers on American Idol. The ones that don’t make it, may be approached by people who may not be the real thing. You can get so caught up in the desire to sing for a living, that you forget to really protect yourself.

Recently, I signed with two managing partners because we had a common goal to make a musical together. I saw my attorney with the document, and he gave me changes to make. I chose not to make the changes because they were small, and I wasn’t doing it to get rich, I wanted to do this project.

The result was very sad, when the celebrity I was to portray was difficult to nail down, we thought it had a chance,  then, one of my managers died suddenly, Very suddenly,  he  was fine Sunday and gone Monday. After the shock and saddness, which we are still going through, I dissolved my agreement with his partner and the project  was dead.

I’m sad that it won’t happen. It was going to be fantastic and thrilling and my swan songto go out with something so huge.  Now as I just concentrate on teaching. I have more time, time on Youtube to look for talent, and  I’m not impressed with talent I see on Idol, this season. I find YouTube singers much better than the ones that being called, “brilliant” or “great”. I have yet to see brilliant or great since Carrie Underwood.

I realize that I’m in a small club who have the same opinion. I hear on Facebook, from other people who do think these singers are brilliant. But then again, The Beverly Hillbillies ran for a long time, and the public is not very choosy when it comes to art or entertainment. I am not a snob, I just think we should have standards, I love sitcoms like the The Nanny but I know it isn’t art. It’s crap dressed up like comedy.

So my advice to hungry artists out there is this. Do background checks and see an entertainment attorney before you sign on the line. It can save you a lot of money, time and heartache.

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

I had not been working long enough with her to give my  “Thumbs Up” for her to  go and do it. I felt she needed another year. We pumped up the hard work and I got her as ready as anyone could for her audition. We chose Connie Francis’  “Stupid Cupid”, OK,  younger people would know it as Mandy Moore’s song.

The song was right for her because as you can see from the picture, She has beehive hair and polka dot bows in her hair, and cute little clothes and peep toe high stilletto”s.  We started at the bridge and gave it all she had, so they would be impressed at the starting gate.

Nancy is adorable, and is so much better now, then when she did her audition. I hope she does it again, because by next year she will be even better. She is glad she had the experience and she got the yellow ticket to go through, but what they don’t tell you is, contestants have to pass three sets of producers before you even sing for the real judges. Did you know that? We didn’t.

When I watch the train wrecks that are on the show, I remember that they made it through three sets of judges, SCARY.

Here is her story: She and her beehive do were waiting outside in line, sitting down because you wait in line for hours and hours. The camera man comes by and shoots who he thinks is interesting. He scanned  Nancy up and down, asking her to stand, and he thought she was really cute. A few hours later, they got inside, and she was sitting at a round table with 4 other people. Everyone seemed to be at tables in groups.  A man in a suit came over to her and said “Come over here” They moved a few steps away, and he have her a sticker to put on her dress. She didn’t know what it meant. He said, “You are through the first round.”  She went back to the table, sat quietly, and began to look for other people with the sticker she was given. She didn’t see any others.  She went in to sing and sure enough, she made it to the next group of producers.

The second round of producers put her through also, and it was so exciting for her.  She knew she had the beehive and stilletto”s on her side, she is not dumb. She has a nice voice also, but you need to really bring it and I know she knew she wasn’t there yet. She needs more work and we have discussed it. It takes a lot of homework to get there, you need to do that homework, and you need to eat, breathe and sleep music. What they don’t tell you is, the third round of producers was 3 days away! They flew home and then flew back again!

Now, it had been a very long expensive week, it was time for the final round of producers. Nancy went in with the gusto she had 3 days before.. She really brought it, I know she did, just knowing her focus.  The third and final most important round of producers, were, very nice to her. They explained, “that this is a very hard competition, and once you get to L A you need more game” They thanked her and were so kind. Whew, I am so glad that they were kind and respected her effort, and  passion, and expense, to make this audition.

I am proud that even though she didn’t get to LA, some producer”scout” whoever he was,  he saw something in Nancy, she is adorable, as you can see. He saw the special quality that we , who know her sees. It has been forever since these auditions, they were so long ago in the hot summer months. What we have now, is her experience with a huge TV show and a great proud picture with the golden ticket.  But, we are wondering, if the producer gave her the  yellow ticket?  Then, the judges  also give it, something is fishy here.

Well whatever it means,  Keep singing girl, you make me very proud!

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

Then after a lot of foolishness,  Sarah Sellars was good. Not  good enough for me, just because there are so many “good” singers. I want to be moved. She did nothing for me. I don’t mean to sound cruel or anything, I am just expecting something special in the top ten or so. She was good, but not special.

Next a Latin smooth talker had a nice voice,  he could be a Luis Miguel, very nice, Giovanni, you are through!

Jacquelyn Dupree was OK and they all LOVED her. This is where we disagree, you don’t get someone’s hopes up, only to watch them fail.

Brett was really thin and had big big hair and he put baby oil in it to let it shine.  America is probably not ready for him, but Brett has a great voice. A distinctive style. He will be a recording artist. He had a certain quality I was looking for.

The second half of the first week was in New Orleans,   I always expect good things from that city. The first one was just a joke, so, onward and let me see something good! Bring it

New Orleans. I am waiting, and on my laptop, waiting for someone to get my attention. The next 15 minutes was a circus.  Puleeze, then BAM!. a cute, chunky 15-year old boy beats them all!  Jacee rang it in with Dock of the Bay. Unreal, so good, soulful, little kid!!! Amazing. Now I am  excited to hear another winner.

Paris Tassin had a sad story of being a young single mom to a special needs child. She was breathtaking and so soulful and heartfelt.  I think that she will be in the final two standing. I predict this because she is a good singer and beautiful, and has a story, and I was crying. So, there we have it. they can stop now, My vote goes to Paris.

Once again they saved the best for last.

JUDGES NOTE: It is clear that the panel members each bring their point of view. I will always have my own perspective, which will frequently differ from theirs. However, from a TV viewers standpoint, their chemistry is excellent. They are all likable, seem to enjoy the show and each other. Talk shows are already trying to ‘judge the judges’ after just the first show. Give it a rest. Ultimately, the show will sink or swim based on the depth of talent that reaches the final 10, this season. That has been the bigger problem with with the show… weak finalists.

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

Now that I have gotten that off my chest, I am losing my voice from screaming at the TV. I was excited about the new judges, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. I was so excited, and it lasted ten minutes.

Now having seen half the show as I write this blog post, I love Jennifer, and the verdict on Steven… unimpressed, so far. There was a girl, 15, Kensy, with a really nice voice, cute, good energy, style, girl has got it. First thing out of  Tyler’s mouth.. “uhh I’m not feelin’ it.” Randy agrees. I am dying. Jennifer is dying. Really, we have the same open mouth and we are dying!!  I do not know HOW she did it, but Jennifer got Kensy the golden ticket. I wondered if this was theatre? It seemed like a set-up because the girl was so so good.

----------------- American Idol Judges 2011 ----------------- Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez & Steven Tyler

The show still has a lot of time filling stupid people geeking out. I know this show makes a huge amount of money, and the sponsors pay more money for a 30 second or minute ad than it takes to run a country. Why would you show up in shorts and a straw hat to sing “My Way” Funny, cute, ha ha? I am not amused.

Jennifer keeps making funny cracks to Randy like “How did you do this for ten years?” and “What did I sign up to do?” Jennifer Lopez is a really good judge, she cares and wants people to be good.  Unfairly, for us, the producers prefer to keep the people who got through a secret than let us have a look at good talent.

There was a girl in the second hour that was absolutely suited for musical theatre. Jennifer understood it. She was not at all right for American Idol. In the end, the girl cried real tears and begged, and yes, she is going to Hollywood, yes, she begged and they gave in. Now, this girl has chops, for a musical, but NOT American Idol.

There are so many singing styles, they just are not always right for  every genre. A very sweet girl from the south sang the wrong song but sang well. She did “Midnight Train to Georgia” and she should have sung, Norah Jones. But they did see her talent and she got through, I don’t think she is good enough to last very long, once they get to Los Angeles. they have a challenge of learning songs in a minute and singing with a group, which is unfair to the good ones, sometimes they are overlooked in the group and go home when they should stay.

There was a singing waitress from a cafe that I went to, in the New York theatre district, Ellen’s Stardust Diner! I love that place, and they are all really good, this girl, has “it”. I love how Tyler said, “from dessert to lunch!” They all loved her.  Devon Rush is her name, Don’t forget it, I think she is a contender.

She sang the bridge first than the verses. That is exactly what I tell my students to do. Start at your finest strongest part of the song, in case they stop you, you have to wow them from the first note. She did just that, hence the comment from Steven Tyler,“From dessert To Lunch” He got it! Finally, he scored a point from me. But we are having a rough start, I am lovin’ Lopez, but Tyler is scaring me.

Another teen girl was real nice, pretty voice, sad story with a dad in remission from throat cancer, she was going through and she will do pretty well for awhile, but in Los Angeles  she will have to work really hard to stay in the show. There are too many great singers to have good ones make it.

Travis Orlando from The Bronx: “They went and saved the best for last” He was the last one of the day, and oh my God, a little  John Legend, John Mayer, I loved him! I have to say this guy is 16 and he was my favorite. Nice way to end this hard to watch show, Goodbye New Jersey!

So, I am out of here,  more lessons tomorrow, more singers to polish and prepare for this crazy business of show!

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training