X-Factor meltdown

I tuned in for the X-Factor semi-finals. I wasn’t knocked out by the performances, but thought that 13-year-old Rachel Crow deserved to be in the finals. She was up against a young man, perhaps 18, Marcus Canty. His performance was weak and out of tune. When the judges gave their save votes, Simon and Paula choose Rachel to stay. Wow, nice surprise. However the other judges, L.A. Reid voted for a male singer and Nicole gave up her vote because she couldn’t cut Rachel. Nicole was crying over it.

Then the Host read the ‘viewers vote’ and as he announced Rachel was leaving, she crumpled to the floor as though fainting. Her mic still on, she was hysterical. Her mother, Simon and Paula all came up and tried to soothe her, but she was out of control. Then saying to her mother “You promised!” …

Excuse me, but promised what!!?? You led your 13-year-old daughter to believe she would win this show? I was very upset, remembering my daughter in pre-school losing a costume contest and her tears welling up on stage, and swore to never put my daughter in that situation again.

The idea of removing age minimums or limits may have seemed like a good idea; however, watching this young girl come apart, before my eyes, was way too much in the name of entertainment.

The X-Factor last night, for me, was not entertainment. It was excruciating pain.

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

The latest audition was a story I just had to share with you. Ken is a strong singer and presence, tall, dark, handsome, ex military, good contestant. I will admit, at first, I thought The X Factor would be something different. The clips on YouTube , from its UK edition were impressive. But, when the show announced that Paula Abdul was joining Simon, I thought “Uh Oh, here we go again…”

Well, my Uh Oh moment came true.  Before I even get to my students audition, The show became unwatchable when they had the American Idol-like, bad singers, and a guy who actually DROPPED his pants in front of the live audience. ENOUGH! I am sorry, I am no prude, but you turn away thousands of good singers for this nonsense?

My student Ken (pictured far right, with another contestant, Javon), and his wife Michelle, flew to Los Angeles, waited six and a half hours, just to get the tickets! The next day , they waited in the rain, until 7pm. Ken made it through to the next day’s rounds. That meant, another night of lodging expenses, and Michelle and Ken missing work. Something the X-Factor Producers couldn’t care less about.

Now the third day, second round of auditions,  He got his golden ticket, and they stayed over again. This time, the security was very rude to Ken’s wife, literally pushing her back.

Ken wasn’t really upset he didn’t make this third round, BUT, he was surprised that some very good singers were passed over. They took 35 people all under 35 years of age from the Los Angeles auditions. Ken is good, and he was better than the man they did take with the oxygen tank. Just sayin’…

These shows are all scripted and calculated. I wouldn’t bet your career on any of these shows.

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

A couple of years ago, I had some students who were right there at the doorstep of being signed by a major label. They had the right manager with connections and some of the best writers… two of whom are now very famous and have gone out on their own as performers. They had videos and me as a coach, and stylists. What went wrong? At that crucial moment they were to do a showcase, they decided that the direction the of the songs, were, well, not the way they wanted to go! What?? When did they decide this?

After a YEAR of recording, pictures, videos, choreography, and going to Los Angeles for a showcase, suddenly, they were not happy with the material? One must realize, that to even have a realistic shot in the recording industry, today, you have to know someone.

Where are these artists now? In a lawsuit with the former manager, waiting for their day in court, hopefully, to be set free to do their own thing. Whatever that will be. Meanwhile the years are going by and their youth is going by.

Then, you must have the material, already produced. It is essential to look great AND young, and be molded and controlled by a record label. Case in point: Kelly Clarkson won American Idol and had to do that stupid movie with Justin-whoever-he-was, and then she hated her music. She had become a big star, but clashed with Clive Davis and went on to produce her next CD without him. It tanked… big time.

Young, new singers, need to listen to the big boys. They know what it takes. If you think you know it all, you have another thing coming.

If you really are a serious artist, you need to be a serious contender. You have to be ready for rejection, and failure. You need a backup plan. Sheryl Crow was a backup singer for Michael Jackson. She first played the really decrepit Huntridge Theater the first time her band was in Vegas. It took time, and the right song before her dream came true.

Have a dream, but have a plan, but listen to those who have been in the business before you, and trust them. Believe me, you cannot do it on your own!

Good Luck

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

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

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

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