Wednesday 9 April 2014

[Open Thread] The Monthly Competition



Let's move along the mini singing competition thing we were talking about it in last week's Free For All Friday. In this post I need your help ironing out the logistics of the operation.

For instance, how are we going to pick the song(s) for it? It seems like you guys don't want to do the same as one another, but, in my opinion, that makes it harder to judge a winner. Talking about judging, how are we going to pick a winner? Use a poll of some sort? Also, how long do we leave the entry period open for? As for a prize, I'm thinking the winner gets to pick the theme/song/Diva/whatever-we-eventually-decide-the-criteria-for-picking-the-song(s)-is for the next round.

SO MANY QUESTIONS!!

HAALP!

197 comments:

  1. Just to start off the discussion I will repeat the suggestion I made to Black Robin a few moths back, discussing that singing competition.
    I suggested every competitor sings two songs. One which is the same for everybody and I suggested a song which is I think fairly easy to sing for many levels, will show the ability, oft overlooked, of singing a quiet sung with emotion and has an abundance of youtube karaoke versions available...When You Say nothing At All.
    And then everybody sings a song of their own choice in which they can show off what they believe is their individual strength.

    I suppose you could just leave them all up for say a month and let the upvotes be the jury?
    Though in that case it might be easiest if you have everybody post their videos/soundcloud in the comment section?

    Or everybody gets like a week or two to submit their efforts to you and you post them in an blog post and people vote in the comments.
    But that I think would be creating an awful lot of work for yourself as you then would have to tally up both comments and votes on comments after the voting period ends.

    Hope these suggestions help any. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm thinking you should do how you want this whole competition to be. Whether the same song, or not. Same artist or not. This is your blog, therefore you're the supreme, lead this coven LOL. You will never satisfy everyone here so maybe you could ask 1-5 people about this, just like a council. Then you guys decide.

    ReplyDelete
  3. My heads going to get big! STTTAAAAAAAAAP! Though Gabourey was in the coven...so....conflicted...https://31.media.tumblr.com/581dfca84d72826c48fec7049f253f1e/tumblr_n0o3wy8E1v1qgtf8yo1_500.gif

    ReplyDelete
  4. That's actually a really good idea. Missed that first time around! Gold star pour vous!

    ReplyDelete
  5. http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r349/reddragon2_photos/tumblr_m850mk2lNc1r2votz.gif

    ReplyDelete
  6. In case anybody doesn't know When You Say Nothing At All, here are a female and a male cover of the tune...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWCAvpo30Ro
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCpom1z2BMg

    ReplyDelete
  7. No 2 participants can do the same song. Each will have am individual song choice. Give a designated time like 6pm Pacific, 7 Central, 8 Eastern. I think a whole week is fine. Anymore than that is unnecessary.
    As far as judging, don't leave it up to a poll. Choose a certain amount of judges: AT LEAST 3 or 4. People who can be VERY objective when it comes critiquing.
    Prizes/Award: I don't know. Maybe create a vocal profile for them lol That would be pretty awesome. Well, that should be the ultimate prize. A casual prize for winning a round should probably be choosing a theme, as you said.
    So to wrap it up: 7pm Central time is when submissions are due, the participants should be given a week. Any later than that is automatic disqualification/loss. Not more than 1 participant can sing the same song. 3 to 4 Judges: Make sure to chose WISELY so that judicious evaluation is given so that it can better the progress of the participant. As for the prize, choosing the theme. If there's an ultimate winner in the grand scheme of things: Create a Vocal Range Profile on them.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Cont: For the submissions, create a Facebook page. They're obligated to post their entries there. I'm pretty sure everyone has a YouTube so you can have them post the links to their entries on the FB page you create. Maybe some are comfortable using sound cloud. Either way, have them post the links on the FB page where the judges will then judge them. Make yourself as well as the 3/4 judges admins.
    Or create a thread on this site where they can submit their entries. It seems like that would be easier.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Not a good idea. It forces people to either open up a facebook page to enter or to view the entries. Or to share their facebook with everybody.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Which is why I later suggested that a thread be made seeing as it would be a lot easier....

    ReplyDelete
  11. Not 100% sure of letting the upvotes decide who wins. If you'r not logged in, you can upvote your own comments, change the IP and vote again. I doubt somebody will do that, but still... I think that everyone should post "I vote this song" and that the account should be one that has at least 5 other posts in the forum or something like that.


    Also, if we are doing that thing of posting two songs, what if we make a list of people willing to choose a song? Like, everyone who is more or less active in this forum sings up and when it's their turn, they choose one of the songs. This community has a very varied taste, so we would make sure we choose a lot of different styles.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I agree!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Unless, of course, one doesn't have a disqus profile but you are extremely familiar with and recognize their names - like me for instance and a few others. LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yeah, you're right! Otherwise we'd be leaving you, Opie and Thedigblackbick aside.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I don't believe it's doubtful at all. People do it. But, I certainly agree. Up Votes are virtually the last thing to take into consideration. There needs to be some degree of objectivity to this.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm just gonna post that amasing cover by Lindsay Pearce. *slowpoke*



    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=vt_lGyhlNF0

    ReplyDelete
  17. Well actually, that was my suggestion already. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Personally I doubt very much anybody will go through such lengths. But yeah the risk is there. Still I'd say that risk outweighs the disadvantage of picking a jury.
    Let's face it, whomever is in the jury will be criticized for not
    belonging there or after the competition for their picks or non picks.
    Who wants to be in that position or face that kind of aggravation on a blog?
    Also the pool is already limited to those who didn't enter the competition.
    And how do we know, that jury member didn't enter under another tagname? etc etc.

    The posting two songs idea is that one of the songs should be a fairly easy tune for any level singer to do something with. And the same song for everybody. I suggest a song which depends on something other than belting because it is more likely individual songs will be belters than quiet songs.

    The second song each contestant can pick for themselves. Which would reflect obviously their individual and varied taste and view of their own abilities.

    The ideas of first voting on a jury or first voting on which songs people can choose from seem to me to make this all way too big a production.

    And anything favoring people who post a lot doesn't strike me as fair.

    ReplyDelete
  19. How are you going to logistically make sure no more than one person sings the same song? That would mean only the first entry would have free pick and every next contestant has less and less options.
    It also means each new contestant within that week has to check which songs he can't do and maybe learn and record another song in an ever shorter time space.
    Both strike me as very unfair situations.

    ReplyDelete
  20. i agree with this idea the most out of them all, up votes can be faked so judges would be best . my vote for judges would be DD, opie ever and then another 2 who are NOT too prolific on the blog as to eliminate personal comment feuds coming into the judging. but YAAAAAAAAAASSSSSS to your idea gur!.
    http://24.media.tumblr.com/a7fb96ef04ce7637bb39919a6786f201/tumblr_mz3er98mBN1qzwh14o1_250.gif

    ReplyDelete
  21. Very descriptive Leith and I totally feel your pain. I have done similar stupid things plenty of times.

    I was already thinking of my "go to" song when I am pissed off in a certain area when I saw your post and I think your situation totally qualifies for this one too

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmSHwCGI9-w

    The liking and not yet knowing if the other is interested...that is unavoidable in life I guess.
    But that not adding to your own pain by being that nice and polite...that you will learn to not do anymore. After you stepped in it a couple of times. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm against it for the simple fact that it's almost discouraging. Several people do the same song, ultimately one of the few people who covered it will have done it better. I don't think it's fair for someone's effort to be dethroned. To work hard on something and have it completely overshadowed is somewhat hurtful. No one can truly shine. Everyone should have their glimpse of the spotlight. No, there aren't less options because there are THOUSANDS of songs people listen to and like. And if you've noticed, not a lot of people are on this site. I doubt they'll be scrambling for song choices. It's a first come first serve basis. Whoever chooses the song 1st gets to sing it. Trust me, it doesn't pose a real challenge at all. I highly doubt more than 11 people will enter.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Although I can't go off of anticipated entries. Still, finding out who chose what & knowing which songs are/aren't available isn't at all tough. You simply look in the thread. Let there be some degree of uniqueness. Anyway, this is personally how I feel it should be. If you don't concur, which you don't - obviously lol - then that's alright. All I know is that this MUST be objective in order to truly be fair. To have to capitulate that your cover is inferior to someone else's is very disheartening. "His cover of this song was better than theirs"........discouraging much?

    ReplyDelete
  24. just to put my two cents and a penny in , i really think judges would be best (kinda like a american idol but more fab). up votes can be faked by creating false profiles whereas if we choose people who have a wide range of interests and tastes to judge we will hopefully have a more equal judging format. people can ask to be judges and give a good reason then DD can chose who will judge, i think opi's idea of a common song and then a song of the contestants own choosing is a great idea also.

    now let the games begin !. http://24.media.tumblr.com/8f65a885d21ba86b6ad349c0eb669228/tumblr_msvkoolo071ql5yr7o1_250.gif

    ReplyDelete
  25. Still sets up an unfair situation. And it's not so much that there aren't plenty of songs in the world but have you ever noticed that the songs singers pick in competition are a fairly limited amount of covers? There are million of songs but there are few singers who know how to sing them all.

    It seems rather contradictory to first want all that objectivity and then complain about the risk of one cover of song A overshadowing the other. Doesn't that simply mean the first is simply better? And isn't that the point of a competition? To determine a winner of sorts. Not to give an "equal spotlight " to all.
    If the purpose was to give equal spotlight to all, DD could simply open a free for all kind of thread where anybody can post himself singing without any competitive element added.

    I btw think it is entirely possible to have to covers being equally good. Even when they are widely different interpretations.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Yes, I know this is just how you feel. But the discussion was meant to be aiding DD to decide how he wants to set it all up. I think it is therefor appropriate to point out all sides of each suggestion.

    There is no way imo for a singing competition to be completely objectively judged.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Yes, ultimately every competition will have a winner. You jump in the game be prepared to lose. HOWEVER, that doesn't mean that everyone can't at least SHINE in their own way. It's bad enough that there's always going to be loser, but to couple that with depriving them of an opportunity to shine and be unique? That's a bit much. They at LEAST deserve that. Even if they so happen to lose, they'll shine & that's what we want. At least I hope so lol

    ReplyDelete
  28. We're judging them vocally. I'm well versed in vocal pedagogue, it's quite easy to be completely objective. I mean, from what criteria do we judge if not technicality? If that's a blur then that's something that needs to be both addressed and clarified.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Everyone's should sing throw that ass in a circle with an accompanying twerk video, with their own hand written verse replacing that really terrible original verse.... I'm not just saying that because I hate the song and wish it was better....I just want to see everyone's take on southern twerk music...LMAO....

    ReplyDelete
  30. But that is why I suggested the two song option. Because that gives every singer the chance to shine at what they think is them at their best.

    Btw that is a downside to that upvoting system indeed..that there will be obvious losers. The jury system does have as an advantage that they could pick just the winner or best three and the rest will never know who was "last".

    ReplyDelete
  31. I do like the idea but I think it this stage it would be overwhelming as this is a fairly new competition. I think once it's settled down and further solidified then the 2 song option will have a more definite place in the competition. For now, it's too much. 1 song, I think, is enough. For now at least.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I feel it should be judged the same way anybody judges which singers they like. How we decide which singer's single we would buy? We go by what we enjoyed enough to want to hear again.
    Who the hell ever does that purely on objective vocal theory?
    This is supposed to be just a friendly competition I would think. It's not an audition for a music school/vocal teacher.

    ReplyDelete
  33. And you called me stank? Negro please lmao!

    ReplyDelete
  34. If that's the case we may as well default to the voting system. Subjectivity has no limits. To some Christina has a phenomenal voice & to some it's completely dreadful. It goes two ways. There has to be some degree of Objectivity, you know? It isn't fair to be subjective. Different strokes for different folks. The only way to truly be fair is through an objective lens. It isn't hard, really. You can tell if someone's singing through their throat, if their intonation is imbalanced, whether there's stability & or breath support. You can hear it, and it doesn't take a trained ear to distinguish them all. I personally feel it's a lot easier & would be more fair.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Just out of curiosity..who here would fit those criteria, can be trusted by most to be objective and does not desire to enter the competition themselves?
    And then is willing to go through hoops to become a juror?
    Only to probably be hated on after? LOL

    ReplyDelete
  36. Well, no..people who have not had vocal theory do not know these things.In fact, generally speaking that is a very small group.
    But also, it presupposes that is the only criteria to judge good singing.
    Also what are you going to use as the deciding factor if more than one singer has excellent technique? You will still end up going with some subjective factor.

    IMO if a Christina like singer is liked the most, that would be a deserving winner.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Well than you'd better hope DD approves of your submitted reason for doing it. ;-)
    Kinda surprised though...you are not going for the role of contestant?

    ReplyDelete
  38. Exactly my question. The criteria isn't really specified. Maybe we should come up with things to judge off of. For example:
    Originality
    Creativity
    Intonation
    Emotion
    Or whatever, you know? So yah, I see how it's a bit of a problem. Ughhhhhhhhh!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I mean, it may be the most objective to judge technique but it is imo not the only criteria for good singing.
    It is also something which leads to a song choice fit to display technique only or mostly. Thereby excluding many different genres,

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'd like to, if the opportunity presents itself. I have to find a way to maneuver around the very limited time I have. I'm currently on Spring Break so I've got time to spare.
    But as far as my entry? Heavens no haha. I'm no singer. I can do it but it's not really my thing. What about you? Thinking of joining?

    ReplyDelete
  41. I don't see the problem. Like I said, the criteria in that upvoting system would simply be...number of people who liked it. For whatever reason it may be. That would be beside the point. The criteria would be...most liked.
    I know I like songs for being sung well technically, I like other songs for being sung emotively well. And others I really appreciate a particular singer's phrasing.

    ReplyDelete
  42. LOL Like I said many times...I couldn't sing myself out of a paper bag.
    Only thing my unmelodious drone is good for, is putting babies to sleep.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Do you think maybe we should assign each judge a specific set of criteria to judge from? Like for instance Robin judges technicality. You judge the emotional connection, Leith judges Creativity? Ehhhh, that's still a waste I think. Well, judges deliberate and come to consensuses all the time. It shouldn't be too hard, though.

    ReplyDelete
  44. LOL I thank you for the nomination Ruru. I don't know how well I fit the other criteria but do know I at least am not one to worry about being hated afterwards. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  45. But then which criteria are you going to judge? ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  46. I would PROUDLY submit a video of such.

    My friends & I will probably do one like this perhaps whilst I'm singing in the background.


    (The dancer in the middle was #FIYAH and then some...)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z9iR2zkmgg

    ReplyDelete
  47. Whereas I was a bit weirded out at first, admittedly, dude in the middle was going ham. But just to let you know it'll be a complete and utter waste 'cause I doubt anyone can out-twerk/dance Robin lol
    Gone are the days where "twerking" was actually juking...

    ReplyDelete
  48. LMAO.

    As was I but I suppose the "heels" were, somewhat, significant seeing as they were trying to replicate Beyonce's routine and what not. Nonetheless, the dancer in the middle K.I.L.L.E.D me.


    'Twerking' has gone through so many sylistic phases throughout the past decade (or two) that I've given up on it altogether. Anyway, I'm more adept at 'Traditional/Contemporary- African/Caribbean' dance... LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  49. well as i said it would be DD obviously then my first thought was you because your active on the blog, care not for others negative opinions and generally a good person with knowledge of artists that far surpasses many others plus you listen and have come to like marina, and lana through following the blog so yeah thats my reasons for voting for opie haha presidential election.

    id also "apply" for the role of judge even though my chances might be low, i guess my merits might be the fact i like a range of singers from all genre's , i have absolutely no problem with anyone on this blog, im have time spare to help out and iv worked in lots of musical theatre jobs before i went to study fashion, not exactly ideal for the task but its worth a try lol.

    oh and i like cats...that alone surely shows how great i am lol.

    ReplyDelete
  50. "you like cats"

    "nuff said! Ya got my vote!!!

    (but in all seriousness..I think you'd make an excellent judge)

    http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r349/reddragon2_photos/tumblr_mot3jjKCGq1rw1wnno1_400_zps23e2e987.gif

    ReplyDelete
  51. This Is going to be fun to watch! Good luck to those competing :).

    ReplyDelete
  52. Good but I'm underwhelmed. This is sooo not my style...this is sexy...I do ratchet!!!! LOL JK.

    ReplyDelete
  53. You forgot to mention that Avi is able to sing two tunes at the same time. That's not something you usually see!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Recently shaken by a bit of bad news, I've decided to post a little song that really does nothing to cheer me up lyrically, but does make me feel better because I find the song "cute" :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRNlBU1fQ7o

    ReplyDelete
  55. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEKfhKlv32c

    Currently obsessed with this woman just oh my lord I'm so amazed by her :)

    ReplyDelete
  56. How "Ratchet" though? Dirty or outright- filthy? LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Anything on the floor, inverted that causes every inch of the body to move. LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  58. That 'fuck you" is just so perfect and one can sing it along with such feeling....it's a great release I find.

    I'm sure you will be over it tomorrow Leith. :-)
    And seeing as one can fall in love in one glance, I don't think it really is all that foolish if a few glances sometimes deeply effect one.

    ps I think the correct word is Effect here but I am not entirely sure. To hopefully clear it up http://www.dailywritingtips.com/affect-vs-effect/

    That should distract you LOL

    ReplyDelete
  59. LOL DD I am thinking, are you starting to have second thoughts yet? By the looks of it there seems to be more interest in being a judge or just listening than there is for being a contestant?
    Another suggestion would definitely be to keep things real simple the first time, until you have an idea of how many actually enter the competition.

    ReplyDelete
  60. btw here are two other songs by Ani who imo really knows how to write a lyric.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_pMYbleHpU

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55AZRDkMZJs

    ReplyDelete
  61. [Milia] I think it would be very exclusive for the competition to just involves 3
    judges. But DD could have a compromise between votes and judges. Judge can have more weight than polls. Also who really is going to flood
    the voting from this competition? That's kind of intense.

    ReplyDelete
  62. thedigblackbick10 April 2014 at 04:40

    I'm going to suggest the way they do it for All State Music. Basically, you have two etudes, a lyrical one and a technical one. In band, we get to pick the lyrical one (usually) and the technical one is given to us. What I say we should do, like Opie suggested, is to have one technical female and male song to sing for everyone (in any key) and one song of choice. There should also be two rounds just to make sure the judges make the right decisions (brings up another point, judges ARE needed. No more than 4, because that will cause more discussion and issues).


    Something else to note is that each audition must have a time limit. (I want to say no more than 60 or 90 seconds).


    Example for Men: All men must sing an excerpt from the American National Anthem as their technical etude in any key. For their lyrical etude, it can be a song of choice.


    Example for Women: All women must sing an excerpt from Somewhere Over the Rainbow as their technical etude in any key. For their lyrical etude, any song can be chosen.


    Of course, the technical etudes won't be these songs, they need to be songs that help exhibit proper technique. Lyrical etudes (the ones you pick) is when you show your true raw, emotional vocal ability.


    As for judges, just pick 3-4 (male and female) judges that won't be subjective. I guess we all know each other very well and we can, as a community, pick the judges.


    Finally, the reward. I think there should be a male and female one winner, a second place, and a third place (and perhaps an honorary mention). First place may get a vocal profile, second place can have their face or name on the blog somewhere, third place etc etc (I suck at choosing rewards).


    What do you y'all think?

    ReplyDelete
  63. thedigblackbick10 April 2014 at 04:40

    I upvoted for the gif.

    ReplyDelete
  64. The poll is a risk because I know at least 2 people on this site who have multiple accounts & have in the past liked their comment. How I figured it out? The style, and I'm not wrong. If someone was narcissistic & desperate enough to do that then I wouldn't exactly rule the idea out that others would attempt it as well. Look at what J Cole did. The man is talented, surely enough people had already purchased the Album (Born Sinner)...this guy took it to Oz by purchasing the whole isle of his albums to increase sales. It's not unconventional, at all. People will go through unnecessary lengths, it ain't even a question. Hell, if I truly wanted to win I might consider doing that. Judges are the safest route to go.

    ReplyDelete
  65. ...You're a lil freaky ass brother LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  66. I know this is random lol, but I need help singing 'My All', 'Outside' and 'Fantasy' by Mariah Carey. I'm female, and 14 years old, so. I know my voice hasn't yet matured, I have a feeling I am a soprano, as I can access head voice quite easily. Is there a certain vocal fach which would find it easier to sing each of those songs? Could you please suggest a song (preferably by Mariah, but suggest your own!) that would be something easy. I would also really love tips on belting! I seem to have a lot of head resonance, is this desriable?

    ReplyDelete
  67. Precisely, each person perceives/links to emotions in very different ways. People convey their emotions in a large mix of ways & from an observer's point of view it won't always resonate. And that can also, in ways, be offensive to the contestant as they might have personally felt they were emotional. Then maybe they'll go out of their way to prove their emotional aptitude & it'll be pretentious. I think the safest way to this is to be objective. Sure, the judges can critique on how they felt the emotion but it shouldn't be a determining factor.
    I think Devonte would be an excellent choice as far as judging originality/creativity is concerned. I'd say you but I'm assuming you'll be participating, right?

    ReplyDelete
  68. Oh, why thank you Sir. : - )


    If DD is to go by the prospectus of choosing judges, I actually, somewhat, hope I get to judge within that particular category seeing as I'm an adept listener of almost every western- genre/style of music there is. You, or Robin, would be a fantastic choice for the "vocal (technical)" aspects in my opinion - both of you if it were to come down to it. Perhaps, one of whom could concentrate on male voices whereas the other on female?

    ReplyDelete
  69. I would love to participate but in all honesty I have no time to record any demos or covers any more. Not to mention, this little competition is quite the challenge to construct and right now, I'm not so enthused about the various ideas. Not to say that they are bad because you and Opie's ideas are really good and there some others that had good ideas too but the ideas are polar opposites and finding a zone to compromise will probably be a bigger challenge than the competition itself LOL.


    But, I do have an idea on how to judge emotion. For me, I love witty, sensual, clever, or out of the ordinary lyrics that paint a vivid picture. If the singer chooses an original, we can judge based on the vocal arrangement and how it ties in with the lyrics on top of the depth of the lyrics too. Maybe that could help with the rating of being emotive. As for as those who go with doing a cover, the idea wouldn't work. It'd have to fall on how creatively they differentiated themselves from the original singer of the song. Now that could be fun for a judge.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I think you guys are all way over thinking this. It's all becoming way too technical and too demanding and I dare say putting off potential contenders.
    Reading all these suggestion alone I got a bit tired of the whole thing already.
    I therefor am sticking to my original suggestions of two songs and the audience basically be the judge. If somebody is pathetic enough to cheat and spike the voting...so be it.

    ReplyDelete
  71. As much as I would love to be a judge (LOL), essentially, you are right. Your idea is mostly fair & balanced Ope's. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  72. [Quick check in] Will sift through the replies tmw! Thanks for all the responses [though I feel half will be from opie...LOL (no shade)]

    ReplyDelete
  73. LOL Devonte..looks like everybody wants to be a judge. In my suggestion...everybody will be.

    I think the system already is set up that you can't vote your own posts.
    I think anybody sad enough to try and win something like this by rigging the votes...well, that person is so desperate for attention, perhaps we all should in that case just let him/her have their empty "victory".

    You know, just out of the kindness of our hearts and human compassion.

    ReplyDelete
  74. LOL Think Sasuke and Devonte are giving me a run for the money in THAT "competition". But I feel confident ,if we are having a most comments competition, I already won by a landslide.
    I want my price to be one of your awesome Cat gifs. Thanks! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  75. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QYxuGQMCuU

    ReplyDelete
  76. Right now, I'm fascinated with the Brazilian take on twerking. Its so precise and intricate and right up my ally. Its not as floppy and sloppy like American twerking. It actually reminds me of Mapouka with its movements but is just more choreographed to an extent. They call it Funk or something along the lines... And the music is also very on point as far as a listening experience goes... I can do all kinds of floor tricks to Brazilian funk.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Where on earth do you find these Gifs? They give me life! "Fly like a queen take to the sky. I need you now Bow carry me high!"

    ReplyDelete
  78. https://vine.co/v/MeXOnIh11QB https://t.co/ut2VG8TBjO omg someone retweeted this on my tl and i've never heard any make with this strong falsetto

    ReplyDelete
  79. I don't know if it's been mentioned already, but I think it would be great that only audio was uploaded. No visual effects at all. Just to avoid things like the guy who did the remake of Mariah's You're mine, for example. So the songs should be either uploaded to soundcloud or to youtube but with just a black photo (or maybe a lyric video).

    ReplyDelete
  80. I think that's a great idea. That way there will be no focus on anything but the vocals.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Yeah... I tend to do that LOL. It should be much more simplified than my overactive little mind wants to make it.

    ReplyDelete
  82. I just posted it under your comment because it was the most recent in that discussion but I really meant all of you guys. :-)
    And I agree with Sasuke..you should be a contestant. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  83. I skimmed through the comments but I'm way to tired to check if this has been said already.


    I definitely don't want one song for everyone, because no one wants to watch that. I think it'd be great though if we had themes like certain singing shows have had. Such as "90's week" or "Motown week" or even weeks that tribute a single artist. It'd keep the songs and styles similar, but we wouldn't have to have to hear the SAME song from everyone. Honestly if two people sang the same song, it's not a big problem either.



    I'm not sure if the idea of having the winner pick the next theme is a great idea, because I don't wanna get that ONE guy who's like "let's do Gaga songs!" or some shit. But of course, if the winner wanted to discuss it with DD or the judges, that would also not be a bad idea.


    As for judges: I think people who have stuck with this blog for a bit should know who the main homies of this site are. Those people who aren't singing, but have proven their knowledge of the voice should definitely be judges. (*Pushes Opie into the spotlight.*) And the "results" post of the contest should all contain the judges comments.


    I know I'm most likely going to enter. I know my voice won't compare to any of your guys'. but it'd just be really nice to get some feedback and critique.

    ReplyDelete
  84. You are very sweet MikeyPop but I would never say I have "knowledge of the voice". I like to think I know a bit about singing from a listeners point of view who listens to a fair range of genres.That I can recognize good singing when I hear it. But that's about it as far as my "knowledge" goes. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  85. No plans to enter the fray?

    ReplyDelete
  86. Why not compete Seren? :-)

    ReplyDelete
  87. That's kinda what I meant by knowledge though. I mean I'm sure Simon Cowell doesn't have a deep technical knowledge of vocals either (or at least he hasn't shown it). But of course, having another judge who actually has technical knowledge wouldn't hurt either.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Singing? No. I can't sing lol (but so wish I could).


    Maybe I'll try judging sometime. But I don't know to much about vocal pedagogy. I could judge other things like emotiveness perhaps.

    ReplyDelete
  89. I'm so lost right now. Can somebody please explain

    ReplyDelete
  90. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtDltLZz-9Y

    ReplyDelete
  91. For parody lovers... I could totally have done without the Chris Brown part, but I still found this funny as hell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wFwYBPvYu8


    And I'm amazed by how incredibly good that woman is at imitating voices ._.

    ReplyDelete
  92. Hahahaha Not sure how I feel about being compared to Simon Cowell.;-D
    But okay, I get what you mean now.

    ReplyDelete
  93. DD is planning to set up a singing competition. He asked for suggestion on how to set it up. These are it....the suggestions and the pro's and con's to them.

    ReplyDelete
  94. How many judge again? if 4 im thinking. DD (of course), Opie, Primo, and maybe who'll have the most upvotes. I mean basically people here are still going to judge even though they are not in the panel.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Primo? Absolutely not. I like him in all, but HELL no!

    ReplyDelete
  96. But the guy clearly knows his stuff. he has a degree and experience on music

    ReplyDelete
  97. Surely primo will be a contestant?

    ReplyDelete
  98. oh well that's a waste then. i think he is better off as a judge due to his vast knowledge of technical stuff. but just imagine you and him on the same panel. it's like mariah and nicki, too much drama hahaha with sense though. i would love to see that

    ReplyDelete
  99. Well, like I said...I am promoting the upvote judging system. Tbh I am not so sure I want to be a judge and I certainly doubt if we'd both be in a jury, primo and I would ever get to a consensus.
    I am pretty sure I'd decline for that particular ....."pleasure".

    ReplyDelete
  100. if we are going to use the upvote system, then only those who have account should be recognize, also the number of their comments. Maybe 150 comments are enough to prove they are not fake people. and you simply have to judge, everyone is yearning for it and you truly deserve a sit.

    ReplyDelete
  101. LOL If it is only people with an account, I don't qualify. And a lot of regular posters won't either. And you can't check of non accounts how many posts they made either.
    And why anyway?
    I see it as much in the vein of hit charts. You like it, you hit upvote, done.
    I really don't care about anybody sad enough to rigg the voting. Tha's so sad, it most be all such a person has, let them have that little in that case, is my view. :-)

    Seeing as the most votes any comment here ever got is like in the twenties and took 3 years to get there...I don't know where you get the idea there will be votes in the hundreds.



    And I dare say, plenty of people are hoping I will not be a judge. Several of them expressed the opinion in the very first thread DD posted on this, months ago. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  102. How about the winners face be incorporated into the title: Diva Devotee. I see Rihanna in the last "E". I'm sorry but she needs to go. Let the winner's face take the place of her's. Now THAT would be pretty damn awesome.
    I still think judges will be best as it's the safest way to be fair, and a lot less corrupt. 3/4 judges would suffice. Have everyone submit their entries by Sunday, 7pm CENTRAL time. One song per participant, no one can do the same song. We have to break up the monotony. Have the winner's face incorporated into the logo. Vocal profile perhaps. Whatever. Come up with new themes. 1st round is a song of their choice. 2nd week is any song by Queen. Stuff like that.

    ReplyDelete
  103. Hypothetically we go with the judges, there are 2 definite places for both Opie and DD as that's the majourity vote. The other 2 spots are a bit of a gamble. They could go to practically anyone. I highly recommend Devonte. The guy has a very talented, keen musical ear. Count on him for honesty and insight. You'll need him, undoubtedly. 4th? Whomever ya'll see fit to judge.
    I'm curious about the elimination process, though. How is it done? Like, one person is eliminated and they're no longer in the competition and it continues? Like American Idol? Or it's just one winner of each week and then everyone can re-enter the following week for another shot?
    I'd prefer the American Idol approach, with an elimination each weak. I love the cinematic feel to it :D

    ReplyDelete
  104. Whereas I'm able to scrutinize objectively, I'd be very inconsistent as I sometimes default to subjectivity when I'm unable to find an optimum. Take beyonce for example, she's technically a marvelous singer but I've an incorrigible disdain for her voice as I it's extremely basic & singularly faceted. Regine's technique is horrid, but I'm unable to put beyonce above her for the simple fact that I feel Regine's instrument miles greater than her's. I have been completely objective in the past but it sometimes makes me cringe. Robin can't judge 'cause he's participating. At least he better, or he'll find a wireless leg up the depths of his ass if he doesn't lol

    ReplyDelete
  105. LOL Much as I appreciate the nominations, I am aware many feel quite the opposite. Also, I understand you are envisioning that AI format in which the jury also critiques every single participant?
    That's not something I would want to do or am capable of doing.

    ReplyDelete
  106. Taylor swift is on the E. two skanks

    ReplyDelete
  107. I think it's Christina.

    ReplyDelete
  108. I doubt that using judges will reduce corruption. Their opinion may be biased for many reasons. Letting everybody vote will help avoid that one-person-bias.


    Also, I don't like the American Idol approach. What if I don't want to participate until the next three next because of any reason? Or if I can't post a song every week, month or whatever? I prefer Mickey's idea: each week a different theme. DD could choose it himself.

    ReplyDelete
  109. I wonder where that whole weekly concept came from. DD mentioned Monthly but even that seems ambitious..seeing as he already couldn't keep up the weekly Free Friday. By all accounts DD has plenty to do outside of this blog?

    ReplyDelete
  110. I said weekly just because Sasuke said so, but TBH I also think that a weekly contest will be something really hard to pull off...

    ReplyDelete
  111. If we are going to use the upvote system (which IMO is quite better than the judges TBH), are we going to be allowed to vote more than one cover or are we going to have to choose one? I think the best thing is just to chose one, because I don't feel like I'll be able to indirectly tell anyone from here "I don't like you cover" by not upvoting it, I'm too soft for theese things... Having to choose just one cover, however, is more like saying "yeah, I did like yours, but I liked this one better, sorry :S".

    ReplyDelete
  112. Re Taylor..that was my thought as well. Low as my opinion of her as an artist is, she seems,except for her behavior towards exes, quite a decent human being.
    And anyway..."skank" is often misused I feel. I mean, this is almost half a century after the Sexual Revolution! Calling women names simply for having sex with other adults? Come one now people!!! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  113. Nah, one could just vote for whichever and each cover one likes. I can assure you few will vote for everybody. I am pretty sure in the end there will be clear winner or winners.
    And if you feel uncomfortable with anyone seeing who you voted for ...simply vote logged in as a "guest".

    ReplyDelete
  114. LOL My dog also never "gets'' what it is my cats expects from him.

    ReplyDelete
  115. Yep, that's another option I guess

    ReplyDelete
  116. Matheus Dias Lee12 April 2014 at 01:35

    I think I've commented here a few times before and videos of mine have been used...well one for one vocalist, Jessica Jung, but I'd like to perhaps like point out that I agree with MikeyPop, I don't believe one song for everybody would work. That's actually a very bad idea, unless everybody has the same style, it won't work.


    Everybody would need the same style and range for that. Of course if you have school, you can handle every single song, but I doubt everybody can sing in every style here, so everybody should be free to choose the style they're strongest at and then be judged fairly on things that are more objective, yknow? What's truly objective in singing? Obviously tone isn't, so only technique would be fair for at least a technical aspect of it, Idk bout song choice being counted for it, whatever everybody wants.


    I just feel everybody should be judged on what they're most comfortable and confident in, and then be judged on how well they handle what they do best in, so their phrasing, their timing, their intonation, their breath control, support, their vocal placement, their consistency in keeping vocal tone and tone production throughout their range, their musicianship, their musicality, playing with dynamics and the song. So those are fair aspects that truly be heard and judged, if someone is straining, using vocal effects properly because they want to or because they have no other choice because being throaty is the only way they can hit those notes. Yknow what I mean?


    That's just my view on this and I'm opened to people's opinions obviously, I'm only attacking some aspects of this issue, some others I have truly no other view on.

    ReplyDelete
  117. A bit too busy to do that :)

    ReplyDelete
  118. it is taylor. DD confirmed it to me. anyway, the skank was the first adjective that came to my mind. and i find it so hilarious. nothing really serious ;)

    ReplyDelete
  119. But I would love to see a Mariah/Nicki style judges feud between you and Primo tho.

    ReplyDelete
  120. As much as I love the suspense of finding out who gets to stay for another week. I feel like we shouldn't have eliminations, because I always find a common trend where incredible talent get cut early in the competition before we get to see their true potential, or maybe the first few themes just weren't really good with their voice/style, and half-decent singers lead us trudging through weeks of unexciting performances.
    There's a Canadian singing show called The Next Star, which features teen singers, but I think it's great how they keep the top contestants the entire season, so we can really get a good idea how talented the singers truly are.

    ReplyDelete
  121. Yep, totally agree, for me a skank is the woman who has a compromise but still has sex with other people, and even then, only if it happens often (everyone can make a mistake). And, althought my knowledge on her love relationships (or the ones of any famous) is limited, I don't recall her having cheated on anyone.

    ReplyDelete
  122. A shame! And just saw it and confirmed..of course. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  123. I'd have thought folks had seen plenty of fueding between Primo and me already?

    ReplyDelete
  124. But if the first adjective is not applicable...why not go for the second one that comes to mind? ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  125. You're about the ONLY person on here I've met who's actually aware that show exists. Yes, I love the concept of it as well. Even more than that.....Keshia <3

    ReplyDelete
  126. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2LA4EGE7Y0

    ReplyDelete
  127. Yay, I'm not alone (referring to last paragraph)

    ReplyDelete
  128. Plus there won't be any people upvoting the singers because they're superhot if we'll make this an upvoting system

    ReplyDelete
  129. LOL "rigging the voting", voting for "hot" rather than vocals"
    And here was me thinking all the time I was one of the big cynics here.

    Or am I? Because the assumption there's going to be a super "hot" contestant or not more than one might on the other hand be very optimistic.
    Personally I anyway suspect most contestants to be gay dudes. And if all the guys from this site which I have heard, would compete...well, I'd say there are at least half a dozen "hot" ones as far as this lesbian can judge.

    iow...I don't think it would matter but hey, DD could run a "beauty" contest alongside the singing competition and then people can vote separately for "hot" and for good singing.

    ReplyDelete
  130. tbh I didn't really give this a second thought when I wrote it down, although I had that guy in mind. I don't really remember his name and he was probably fake, but he's a caribbean model and pretty handsome, I just had him in the back of my head.

    A beauty contest ! I'm so down for that
    http://www.danthatscool.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/tumblr_m7ygk3jNXs1qb9pa3o1_500.gif

    ReplyDelete
  131. Unfortunately I don't know who Keshia is. I only know of the show because I remember spending a weekend in Vancouver, Canada. And a Next Star marathon was on, and I had nothing to do. So I watched all of season 3 in a day. All I remember is that Diego did not deserve to win and Brandon had a really really funny face.

    ReplyDelete
  132. LOL Ah yes, him! He certainly looked handsome in those pictures..whoever the poster actually was.
    I really thought he was genuine but seeing how he disappeared when that other dude claiming he was a fraud showed up a few times,...I guess he wasn't genuine.

    Oh My, I might inadvertently have provided DD with yet more work now.
    On the other hand, I bet if there was a beauty contest here we all know who would want to be judge and contestant AND vote for himself.
    Maybe we better just declare the winner right here and now. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  133. LOL You should make a T-shirt of that MikeyPop..." I went to Vancouver and all I saw was A Next Star Marathon"

    ReplyDelete
  134. That wouldn't be much of a lie because I don't remember much noteworthy from that trip

    ReplyDelete
  135. I wanna be a juuuudge :D

    ReplyDelete
  136. Vancouver's beauty is almost unmatched, in my opinion. Wherein Vancouver did you go?

    ReplyDelete
  137. The drop dead gorgeous goddess on the panel!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  138. She seems to have learnt to restrain herself now. I love her voice so I guess I'm gonna have to check more of her material :D

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehfUCK1Co9E

    And to show something a little more belty of her...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImT5RM8LrS4



    She's very young but has one hell of a potential!

    ReplyDelete
  139. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_IEuSKzeZI#t=264 she's so good!

    ReplyDelete
  140. What I wonder is... what about the other things he said about him? He explained he had been abused as a kid and stuff like that. I can't help but to wonder wether it was true or not.

    ReplyDelete
  141. He also explained he was diagnosed with certain issues. Seeing as I guessed that much, I am going to believe that. Which means that anything else he claims regarding his life past or present I will take in the appropriate light.
    Which means, I am not doing much wondering. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  142. Oh hang on Leith, was that a response to the dude subject of my first paragraph or the one of the second paragraph?
    I presumed you were responding to the second but on rereading ...I started doubting since I suddenly remembered both made the claim of child abuse.

    ReplyDelete
  143. I actually have no idea because i don't remember seeing any landmarks or anything of significance except I ate at a really nice french restaurant for breakfast.

    ReplyDelete
  144. I looked her up, you're absolutely right, she's gorgeous and fierce and I love her.

    ReplyDelete
  145. Speaking of judges, my friend Matheus (who's commented below) has been somewhat of a frequent commenter and reader of this site, had expressed some interest in being a judge. I know he goes to a music school in LA in vocal performance, and has made vocal range videos (one of which has been used on this site) and has done a vocal critique video on a member of 2NE1, popular K-Pop band. I don't have links to the videos but I'm sure he'll be happy to provide them. But there's a qualification if you need some. He's pretty unbiased and good in his voice analysis, so I think he wouldn't be a bad choice for a judge.

    ReplyDelete
  146. Seeing as I am the one who suggested everybody sing the same song...I'd like to point out that I suggested this being done in combination with a song of own choice.
    The reason for the one and the same exactly being that it will give an idea of musicality.
    I feel it is very hard to judge musicianship, musicality. as is whether they sing the way they do out of choice or necessity, based on the one song obviously chosen because it will be their strongest song.
    I also feel that judging on technique only is actually not "objective" at all. It gives a clear and imo unfair advantage to certain style of singing..the "show off" style a la the belters.

    Singing imo is a hell of a lot more than technique, that would be an intellectual judgment only..it is also about emotionally reaching your audience.
    And imo the latter is actually the main point of singing.music.

    ReplyDelete
  147. Sorry those last two words should have been *singing/music*

    ReplyDelete
  148. What does the winner of the competition get?

    ReplyDelete
  149. As it says above ...

    "As for a prize, I'm thinking the winner gets to pick the
    theme/song/Diva/whatever-we-eventually-decide-the-criteria-for-picking-the-song(s)-is
    for the next round."

    ReplyDelete
  150. Matheus Dias Lee15 April 2014 at 23:44

    Ahhhhh I see you'd have to sing 2 songs right, one being assigned and the other one being free choice. You're right, it might be good for musicianship and musicality since then you'll be able to see what everyone can do with a song.
    Well musicality isn't hard to judge since you gotta do something with dynamics and it's easy to hear if you do nothing with a song or something, but I do agree that musicianship may be. Then again it's all about owning it, so Idk about that specifically, it doesn't have to be huge changes.


    Well it wouldn't be judgment based on technique only, but it'd be a big criteria, it is objective. I mean you don't have to a belter or show off, if you choose a style that requires a certain style of singing, not belting, then it's cool, you don't need to oversing, you can still have good technique is a normal range, as long as you don't choose a song and still manage to strain on your own choice, you don't need big G5's, but if you're going to sing C5's, you better be able to support them, yknow?


    You're completely right, it's a lot about emotionally connecting to the audience, but that's also very subjective, what to many is very emotional, to many is just blank and empty, so that's not a way to judge. If someone is giving out a show of emotion but it's all of pitch or just bleeding through their throats, yknow something is definitely wrong. Dynamics come into play for emotional judgment, yknow, so it helps~~ It's all hard to judge, cuz then preference comes into play. You have to be fair, you're not gonna say someone who's singing a G5 is better than someone who's singing a C5, if they're basically different songs it's fine as long as they do well in their own songs. It's how well they do in a song, yknow? Then against one another, by comparing like "scores".

    ReplyDelete
  151. Matheus Dias Lee16 April 2014 at 02:22

    Awww thank you! I'll gladly provide videos here as he said, it's true about being in a music school here in LA.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXL-_w419S0

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXCN45oy-Y8&list=UU1DiC9R3tMfu_R4qUCThFUg

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=904bhtW8r1s

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZXzhPKeVzI

    ReplyDelete
  152. re the last paragraph...and that is why I am for simply using upvoting. That way people can like very different songs equally and in the end, the winner)s) will be the ones best liked by the most people.
    And it really doesn't matter whether it is best liked for it's perfect pitch or a particular high note or what ever other reason.

    In the end all music stands and falls by whether it can gain an audience.
    It can be a very large audience or it can be a small audience but nevertheless..in the end all music is "judged" by whether there are some people who want to hear it again or hear more from that singer.

    ReplyDelete
  153. ps I feel if you are doing a general competition that is the way to judge it.
    If however we were talking an audition or a exam for a music school or some such. THEN it should be all about technique and such.

    ReplyDelete
  154. Matheus Dias Lee17 April 2014 at 23:20

    sorry I didn't reply back but it's cuz I actually kinda agree, but it's definitely more of a contest than a competition, it's more about what people like as opposed to real skill, it's about popularity, which is completely fine! ^ ^

    ReplyDelete
  155. LOL well I can hardly complain about that can I? But anyway there is no obligation for you to reply. It's nice that you did though. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  156. Holy SHIT! That ending.

    ReplyDelete
  157. A few things wrong with this. 1. She does take pretty good care of herself. I mean she does need to stop it with the cham pag a knee but other than that she is pretty good about keeping herself in good shape. She has a personal Chef and a trainer. Her weight fluctuates but she never gets obese. 2. Can we just stop it with the "Nodules and Age" excuse? Im not attacking you for this but its so overblown its making me sick. She has some bad habits that some proper lessons will take care of. The Nodules just make her longevity in a performance shorter and her rehabilitation longer but other than that she doesn't show any forms of degradation aside from her hoarseness in the upper register (which has always been there, it has just recently become much more noticeable), her placement, and the occasional very...bad performance. 3. She does promote her songs...unfortunately though her latest hits havent been generating radio hype and this seems to be the driving force behind how much television promotion an artist gets. Which weirds me out because #beautiful sold very well but didn't get a lot of radio hype. The rest I can't help but agree if she wants to get more success.

    ReplyDelete
  158. Shut the hell up, you're entering this damn competition!

    ReplyDelete
  159. IDK. Based on observations (played this song for 10 people), a lot of people wondered when the whistle was coming if they knew it was a Mariah song and were like, "wtf" she could change like that?? It'd probably be best if she separated the two but damn she lazay. But then two people thought it was Ariana Grande so idk.

    ReplyDelete
  160. Gosh, now I'm sad. I didn't want to be sad. I hate you Opie TT_TT Leaving my momentaneous bipolarity aside, I really liked that song. I didn't expect that "fuck you" at all, but hell, I REALLY did felt it, same as the rest of the lyrics, they really describe how I'm feeling.


    I think that what drives me more mad about it is that the whole thing is absolutely stupid. I didn't even know that guy. I simply made a fool of myself by a few glances, so it shouldn't affect me... but it does. And I kinda hate myself for being such an idiot (and such a pussy -.-U). Well, I know myself, I'll be better tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  161. Best of luck to those that wish to compete, and good luck to DD sorting out how the whole thing will be done :)

    ReplyDelete
  162. thank you !,aw such a cute gif ! i had this one saved for my post but i didn't want to over gif the blog hahaha :).

    http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/2013-10/enhanced/webdr05/15/9/anigif_enhanced-buzz-19070-1381845280-0.gif

    ReplyDelete
  163. OMG I just read again what I wrote. I look like one of those girls who post things like "I'm sick of so many problems" in her facebook status and then, when you ask them, they say "nothing, I don't wanna talk about that". (I ain't gonna do that, though)


    I want to punch myself TBH -.- There's this guy I've come across with a few times in the library which I find incredibly handsome (a friend and I call him the Olympus God) and there's been a few times when we've exchanged some glances. One of my flatmates and I have a saying: "If he/she stares at you and smiles, he/she wants dick" (yeah, kinda brute, I know, but it works 100% of the time). The point is... We shared a lot of glances but not a single smile, but I thought "who cares? he's stared at me many times, I should make a move". While he had gone to take a break, I went to print some things and when I got back, he was with a girl. "Yellow alarm", I thought. I had the ideo of checking if he had a girlfriend/boyfriend by giving him one of the jelousy-test I had to make for social-psychology class, because you need to have a couple to fill them. Then, both the girl and him took one: "orange alarm" I thought, so I asked them if they were a couple... and yeah, they were "Freakin' red alarm!!!".


    And unfortunately, that didn't end there. They had a mini-argument about the things they had written in the test and after two minutes they had a little make-up with the consequent kisses, jokes, smiles... And I was there, left with a mushroom face as we say here. Both, rejection and having been studying 2 hours, left me unable to keep on studying, but when I was about to leave they said "can you keep an eye on our laptops for a sec? we'll be right back". And since I am one of those people who, when asked a favour, can't say no, I accepted. I HAD TO WAIT FOR THEM FOR 40 FREAKIN' MINUTES!! I guess they went for something to eat and t have sex in the bathroom or something, it's the only explanation I have.


    So that's it, I want to punch myself for being doubly stupid (thinking he liked me and accepting to keep an eye on their laptops). And, TBH, I also want to punch them both, specially the girl. I know they're not guilty of anything, but I just feel that way, which makes me feel guilty, which makes me want to punch them even more for making me feel guilty... and so on in the vicious circle I always get trapped by when I can't stand someone who hasn't done anything bad to me.

    EDIT: God, that's a huge text I wrote ._.

    ReplyDelete
  164. ps "unable to execute some of the vocal acrobatics I can execute, and that as aggregate my divas can execute."

    Hahahaha That is the purest demonstration of the inflated ego of a narcissist I have seen in a long time!
    Priceless, dude, Priceless!!!

    ReplyDelete
  165. http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110629005054/glee/images/0/0f/Kurtcedes_-_Yay.gif

    ReplyDelete
  166. I think DD's question (at me) went to to my criticism on whiny factor.

    ReplyDelete
  167. Primo Uomo Assoluto7 June 2014 at 01:04

    Actually, some of my divas were quite merciless criticizing those they deemed incompetent. For example Callas, Yma Sumac and Joan Sutherland.


    I think I'm as nice as people treat me :) if you notice, there are people here that treat me nicely and I treat nicely right back. In fact, some of them like me enough to want to add me on Facebook and establish a friendship :)

    ReplyDelete
  168. Can't say I cared much for his writing style ( steeped in an over and questionable use of adjectives) but yeah, that essentially covers my feelings indeed. :-)
    I feel btw British male pop went through much the same progression.

    ReplyDelete
  169. Primo Uomo Assoluto7 June 2014 at 01:04

    If your break happens around F4, you just might be a tenor.
    Negotiating the passaggio is challenging and requires training. I'd advice if you want to learn some basic good technique check out the book "Singing for the stars" by Seth Riggs, though the one thing about his technique I find incomplete is its lack of reinforcement on adequate breathe support, which is essential for vocal longevity.

    ReplyDelete
  170. Primo Uomo Assoluto7 June 2014 at 01:04

    His vocal quality is nice but rather paper thin, perhaps I like thicker male voices, as, for example, my favorite male vocalists are Jackie Wilson and Tony Martin.
    Also, the strange way he reaches his low notes (by depressing his larynx) is troublesome.

    ReplyDelete
  171. Primo Uomo Assoluto7 June 2014 at 01:04

    I guess I'm lucky I didn't look at the video while listening. It's good to keep an open mind in music and be able to distinguish a pleasant timbre from actually good singing, and being able to independently recognize both.

    ReplyDelete
  172. I think his voice being so low saves him from the whiny factor. But only just.
    He's kind of interesting in that he seems on the one hand a good singer (listen to A house is not a home" as well) but on the other hand not really ..."special" enough to inspire much passion in a large audience for very long? But that is just how I "feel" the vibe from this guy. I could be very wrong. In fact I have been very wrong in that kind of "feel" in the past.

    ReplyDelete
  173. Primo Uomo Assoluto7 June 2014 at 01:04

    This is quite good! His placement is a little nasal, but I think might be the cheap microphone he's probably using. I like how he takes a solid column of sound towards the passaggio and his whistle tones are quite nice.

    ReplyDelete
  174. Primo Uomo Assoluto7 June 2014 at 01:04

    Would be good to point out that even pro opera singers such as Joan Sutherland, Maria Callas, Pavarotti, Beverly Sills, etc kept taking voice lessons till just right before they retired. One always needs an extra pair of trained ears to keep things right and tight :)
    Only those who saw voice lessons as "taking away from their natural talent" such as Natalie Dessay and Rosa Ponselle didn't take voice lessons regularly. They are also some of the same that when vocal problems showed up, didn't know how to fix them.

    ReplyDelete
  175. Exactly, she doesn't care enough. But I love her and her voice :D and the champagknee left me lol :P her interview with Alan Carr was hilarious

    ReplyDelete
  176. I have seen her latest photos. She's much smaller than she was in Emancipation of Mimi and her photos from her vacation definitely show off her muscles and curves. She's not a twig but she isn't unhealthy as far as her weight goes. She promoted #beautiful as well as she could but then she got injured. After that was Christmas season and she did her annual christmas performances. As far as the Art of Letting go is concerned though, it didn't strike as big of a chord with her audience as she hoped and so she did a few promotional performances for that song but nothing to really drive it home. Though I am very weirded out with the lack of promotion for Youre mine aside from the hundreds of radio interviews shes done. Also *Side Note* I know we are going into "Technicallys" here but Mariah does regularly see vocal doctors and consults her mother as a vocal coach. So either she needs to see a new coach or she just doesn't care enough to change her singing style.

    ReplyDelete
  177. I can't agree more. I was shocked and beautifully surprised to find Lara Fabian taking vocal lessons like a regular singing chick when most of us here consider her technique immaculate as is.


    "You're mine" was basically a Trey Songz modeling gig tbh. No lies detected.
    Sadly, I don't think she'll do it because she's very comfortable in the studio where she can do multiple takes.


    And sadly, she's just not as humble as Fabian.

    ReplyDelete
  178. Actually, you can sing "Mine" without slowing down the temp much accept she modulates down instead of up. hmmm....icu mimi

    ReplyDelete
  179. Has anyone thought the chorus seems a bit like:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_wwEglFUb4

    ReplyDelete
  180. Oh. I guess I was wrong. lol. Maybe Mariah should have dropped her album and single at the same time. At this point who know's what the outcome will be. I think her best bet is to release an uptempo song since these mid-tempo and slow ballads are not working, that's if she looking to keep her sales record up. The last time she released a quality up-tempo (l don't consider "obsessed" quality) was "Its Like That" and it worked well for her and it kicked her album sales of too great a start. Personally I would love for her to do something low key, put out album that is not commercial or trendy and maybe stop at some famous lounges to do some real singing as Tamar is doing.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFJ7U6nlVZw

    ReplyDelete
  181. The Queen of Reinvention herself, who cares if she lipsyncs or not?

    ReplyDelete
  182. I posted a link of her singing, His Eye Is On The Sparrow. I think she is about 15 in this clip, her voice is much clearer and she didn't have her trademark rasp just yet. I think she got it from smoking cigarettes later on. Here voice sounds very bright here to me.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUO8ncg7U6w

    ReplyDelete
  183. Oh okay lol. No worries then. Sorry about the assumptions on my part.

    ReplyDelete
  184. Any Pentatonix fans? They have 4 amazing vocalists all with ranges over 3 octaves, two of them can do whistle tone, and one can even enunciate in whistle tone. Incredibly talented people

    ReplyDelete
  185. For all the critics of my girl Xtina out there, I thought I'd share this video! The song is taken from Back to Basics, and though never released as a single, a video was made for it in 2008 after giving birth to her son. I can say right now, Opie will LOVE this.
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYxmS4UNrWY

    ReplyDelete
  186. Mariah released two dance/club remixes of Triumphant, which featured no raps an sung verses. I guess someone just took the sung verses and applied them to the original instrumental track. But you're right, the release Triumphant was a mess.

    ReplyDelete
  187. Blake Shelton is pretty generic as far as his song writing goes.

    ReplyDelete
  188. How bout the guy who just *SPOILER* won the Voice Uk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qGHOEZRoYc

    ReplyDelete
  189. "Bow Down" and two other tracks that were so bad I can remember them were, actually released before her surprise album and all three failed horribly as singles. People were saying Beyoncé album would fail as "4" did in numbers.
    And "Triumphant", I have no idea what she or who ever made the decision, choose to release a track with all verses rapped. I have never seen such a thing done, by any artist, any genre not sing on at least one verse. She was indeed featured on her own track. Anyways Im not sure if anyone has ever heard this version, but It has a bit more of Mariah singing on it.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rffAP-d25h4

    ReplyDelete
  190. https://24.media.tumblr.com/8de9c90360effcf2ce9f1b97b81bdfb7/tumblr_mh6mup3dHl1qld79mo1_250.gif He also refuses to wear a top a lot of the time...*jiggle jiggle*

    ReplyDelete
  191. Bow down was never released as a single. It was smooshed together with a song that was used in her tour advert for the O2 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnocW1mqOMI] as a teaser. The other songs she released came from soundtracks [Rio, The Great Gatsby, the Life is But A Dream Dvd] and other people's albums [Kelly Rowland, The Dream, Jay Z]. But none of those songs made it on to her LP.

    Bow down did make it onto the album, though. But by then it had renamed to Flawless, so no one would have known it was the same song until they bought the album.

    ReplyDelete
  192. someone else who shares your pain, opie :www.iscreammusic.com/males-in-rb-oh-how-they-have-changed/

    ReplyDelete
  193. LOL So I hear. But it is still a mystery to me as even before realizing I prefer women, as a young girl myself, the guys I went for were not that type.
    I mean, I was crushing on Charles Bronson (yes, I AM deeply ashamed now ;-D ), Paul Newman, Gary Cooper and Mats Wilander.The strong silent type of man.

    ReplyDelete