More recaps, but I hope no one minds since it seems to be a relatively slow day.

This is from MasterClassLady, also known as Rosanne Simunovic. She's a sweet lady, a vocal teacher, and an accomplished choral conductor who's worked with a number of big choral and musical performers in Canada. I didn't find her website until after AI ended, but I found her articles particularly interesting because she focused on vocal/technical ability and showmanship.

Needless to say, she was very impressed by Adam.

Top 13 American Idol Season 8 Vocal Masterclass Article: The Music Of Michael Jackson

By: Rosanne Simunovic

Well, this was quite a night! American Idol listeners were treated to fantastic performances highlighting the musical repertoire of Michael Jackson and, for the most part, all of the Top 13 finalists delivered admirably well.

Welcome, everyone, to another Vocal Masterclass season of American Idol!

I have to say that this year’s crop of singers are quite the diverse group! And to be given the opportunity to select songs from Michael Jackson’s songbook must have been such a fulfilling musical experience for these young artists.

This was an absolutely brilliant way to “kick off” the eighth season and, additionally, it showcased the current elements that permeate MJ’s music. His music has easily withstood the passage of time -after all, genius is genius at any point in time...

ADAM LAMBERT 27-years-old: “Black And White”

Strengths: Adam-you are a consummate performer and your enviable background in musical theatre equipped you with a solid foundation for this week’s Michael Jackson theme.

Throughout this number, you provided the viewers with an extraordinary visual and aural experience. This was a strong performance in every respect – expressive vocals, fantastic stage skills and authentic communicative ability.

Your strong theatrical background obviously prepared you for this phenomenal moment in time. You waited for the right time and place to audition for this show and the wait was well worth it – for you and for us.

The key to success is realized when preparation and opportunity collide and you are a stellar example of this statement. You have obviously worked extremely hard to hone your craft and to develop into the confident performer we have recently had the privilege to meet.

I feel you will be an unstoppable force in this show, as you are like a chameleon and wear a coat of many colors in your singing style. A true Cabaret Idol! How I have been waiting for this day!

Bravo and congratulations on bringing such a high level of disciplined artistry to the American idol stage!

Critique: Adam-over the coming weeks, be very careful that you “rein in” the screaming aspect of your vocal delivery. You have strong diaphragmatic breathing skills, so I feel that you understand the fundamental aspects of solid technical singing.

However, you do not want to over-extend the natural capability of your vocal gift, so always make certain that the more potent sections in your songs are delivered through the support of your diaphragmatic breathing muscles.

And, make absolutely certain that you practice both the vocal and choreographic elements slowly and meticulously, in order to ascertain that one performing element is not over-powering the other. We never want your voice to take a back seat to your stage performance nor do we want you to perform like a robot. Ha!

However, you are a stellar performer and I do look forward to what you have to offer in the weeks ahead.

Congratulations Adam!


Top 11 American Idol Season 8 Vocal Masterclass Article: The Grand Ole Opry

By: Rosanne Simunovic

This week’s theme show focused on the music catalogue from the Grand Ole Opry. Generally, given my classical and musical theatre background, I hold little interest in this particular theme night; however, I do respect that there is an enormous audience for this music and that spells ratings!

Performance-wise, this was a splendid showcase for the singers. The straightforward musical structure of the selected songs generally encouraged the singers to apply a distinct, innovative approach to these often-performed numbers.

As a result, we were treated to some refreshing and modern twists on the original cover songs. This is what I was listening for and the singers that succeeded in this artistic task gave the strongest and most memorable performances.

Randy Travis was a superb guest mentor and he patiently guided these singers through the rehearsal process...

ADAM LAMBERT 27-years-old: “Ring Of Fire”

Strengths: Adam-well, that was one, sexy, take on this signature Johnny Cash number! And the Cabaret Idol becomes even more evident with every passing week! This week, another piece of the Lambert musical puzzle was revealed and it is shaping up to be a good one.

Your Middle Eastern interpretation of this song was quite the inventive arrangement. Your eyes really connected with the television camera, bringing all of us along for this very unique musical ride. However, I do have to say that the first part of this song was lost on me, but then, as the song progressed, Cabaret Adam kicked in and I loved it! Loved! It!

Your head voice was gorgeous and you effortlessly accessed this area of your range with the support of your advanced technical skills. The beauty of your head voice accented the fact that you have the range of a counter-tenor, but I think you already know this. The beauty and the clarity of your upper range is really remarkable – so transparent and true.

I also loved the dramatic hand, arm and head movement; they strengthened the visual components of this number and beautifully complimented the aural experience. You were totally immersed in this song and your artistic focus throughout this number was exceptional.

Paula was so correct when she said: ”You are raising your own bar each week”. In essence, you think like an athlete and are competing against yourself. That signifies confidence and a promise of creatively exciting showcases in the coming weeks.

Bravo Adam!

Critique: Adam-you need to adopt a more vigilant approach to the production of you lower range. At the beginning of this song., I felt that your voice lacked true focus. Part of me thinks that it was due to nerves. There was a bit of a quiver in your voice, which signaled to me that the diaphragmragmatic breathing muscles were not fully engaged during the supportive process.

Breathe deeply and dig into those lower notes and make sure you create a cohesive blend of chest and head voice in that part of your range. You need depth and clarity in this part of your range, so that your baritone voice sounds seamless when you move into your stellar upper range.

Propel your voice to your vocal masque and make certain that the lower end of your voice is brimming with head resonance. Otherwise, your baritone voice will continue to sound vague and ambiguous.

Also, from an artistic standpoint, always know that I have deep admiration for everything you have to offer to the American Idol viewers each week. However, I feel that you are going to have to “reel it in a bit” and create performances that touch Middle America. You can still be “artsy” over the long term, but, in the next couple of weeks, we need to see and hear performances that will grab the voters, performances with which they can identify.

You are intelligent enough to do both at the same time and, from watching your pre-Idol videos, I know you can do this. Just stand there and sing your heart out – be one of us and let your vocals shine in a way that will rock this competition out of the water.

Presently, the theatrical aspects of your performances are masking the stellar beauty of your voice. I can appreciate it, but, I am not too sure if the general audience is on the same page as me.

However, when all is said and done, you are a consummate performer, the likes of which we have never seen on American Idol. You take artistic risks and I truly admire your creative tenacity. The show is fortunate to have discovered you, as your performances are truly distinctive and absolutely unique.


American Idol Season 8 Top 10 Vocal Masterclass Article: The Motown Era

This week American Idol paid tribute to the fantastic music from the Motown Era. Legendary artist, Smokey Robinson fulfilled his role as guest mentor to perfection by working and weaving his Motown magic on the remaining 10 Finalists .

I would also like to mention how absolutely exciting it was to see and hear Stevie Wonder(ful) on the Top 10 Results Show. Is he phenomenal or is he phenomenal?

And I did enjoy hearing Ruben Studdard – it’s been a long time and he still sounds spectacular, doesn’t he?

ADAM LAMBERT 27-years-old: “Tracks of my Tears” by – Smokey and the Miracles

Strengths: Adam-your performance was gorgeous beyond belief. You are an extremely intelligent performer, as evidenced in you interview with Smokey Robinson. You voiced weighty, thorough questions for Smokey and I feel it elevated your approach to this song. It’s always good to do your homework, but you went “above and beyond”, so kudos to you for this.

The peaceful and poignant setting you established throughout this song was absolutely beautiful. You sang the song in a manner that reflected and highlighted the emotional core of the message, thus demonstrating that one does not need to sing loud to get his or her point across to the listeners.

The sign of a true artist is to fully translate the mood and the message to your audience and to make them listen without forcing them to listen! In this respect, you were supremely successful, Adam, and I applaud you for exposing yet another side to your persona. And another piece of the cabaret puzzle is in place!

I also loved the classy, sophisticated new look. Wow – tres chic indeed! I barely recognized you – you are quite the chameleon! This new look was so perfect for this song -you exuded a quiet sophistication throughout this number and it mirrored your refined and elegant vocal style.

I was also extremely impressed that you had the courage and confidence to sing with restrained head voice and resonance throughout this song. It really emphasized how prepared and meticulous you are as an artist in this competition. You emoted this song in a tender, delicate way and allowed the beautiful lyrics to translate to the hearts of your listeners. The words and music came to life through your superb artistic rendition of this wonderful classic.

Your signature style is truly indomitable, Adam, and I congratulate you once again for giving us a glimpse into the essence of your stellar performing ability.

Bravo! Excellent showcase once again!

Critique: Adam-I guess you have your own way of approaching your technique – spread mouth and all. In the long run, you have to be so careful of the continued use of this approach in your singing style. I felt that, this week, it really diminished the full clarity and core of your head resonance.

Also, the horizontal placement of your mouth also encouraged you to sing through all the vowels in the diphthongs in some of your words. When you vocalized the word life at the 1:24 mark in the video, I would have preferred a cleaner, pure “ah” vowel. You grabbed every vowel in that “eye” diphthong and, for me, your voice projected back instead of front. It lacked stability.

Same thing happened at the 1:49 mark on the word “smile”, and at 2:43 in the word “place”, but this time you were entering an even higher section of your vocal register and it was more pronounced. You voice did not sound grounded. It was a recurrent problem throughout this number; however, I am just pointing out some significant areas in the song where I felt that your voice noticeably suffered because of this technical glitch.

It is so imperative that you keep your mouth circular and your jaw relaxed, thus allowing the diaphragm to harness and direct your vocal energy. And avoid those diphthongs – the pure vowel is the way to go. Your voice will enjoy more depth, more resonance, more transparency if you follow this regimen in the rehearsal and performing process.

However, I could audibly hear the lovely crescendo in your voice on the final word “need”. The mouth was all wrong, but the stomach muscles were obviously kicking in to create this very difficult, yet effective, crescendo.

Yet, I was aching to hear this final note with a perfect mouth position – circular and relaxed. I have no doubt that it would have been an even more effective ending to this beautiful number and would have released unnecessary tension from your throat muscles.

Congratulations, however, on an outstanding artistic performance.


American Idol Season 8 Top 9 Vocal Masterclass Article: Top ITunes Downloads

By: Rosanne Simunovic

Because I am traveling tomorrow, I am giving the readers an abbreviated Masterclass article this week. What you see will be my real time comments after viewing tonight`s show.

However, I have one word to describe tonight`s performances -brilliant! For me, all the performances were considerably strong and the individual performers improved immensely in one week! Pretty amazing stuff!

ADAM LAMBERT 27-years-old: “Play That Funky Music” by – Wild Cherry

Strengths: Come to the cabaret and enjoy another creative performance by Adam! Why bother to write? I just enjoyed! This was genius personified. Your vocal range is astounding and your stage movements – m-wah! And kudos to you for acknowledging Rickey Minor and the band. I cannot describe this performance – words do little justice to the extraordinary vocal and performing skills you brought to the stage.

Critique: Adam – critique? Give me a break! One cannot critique a phenomenon. However, take care of those upper range notes – please tell me you are screaming from the diaphragm! Please! And try to keep your mouth in a circular position. Those screams will have even more depth!


I know they're more SRS BSNESS than funny, but as someone with a microscopic bit of musical and vocal training, I always find it interesting to get a professional's opinion on the crazy shit our HBIC can pull. Plus reading them made me more aware of the ways Adam improved over the course of the season.