[Review] Charlotte Church: "ONE" EP

As far as I can work out, Charlotte Church has decided to make music her own way. Those that follow these things will know that she has recently been quietly touring small venues across the country and as far as I can work out surprising many people with her latest change in direction. According to her fan newsletter she is planning to release 5 EPs over the coming year and the first one (titled 'O N E') came out this week via iTunes. I have no idea whether she will be releasing a hard copy too. Here's what I thought:

[Watch] Birdy performs "Bird Gerhl" At The Opening Ceremony Of The 2012 Paralympic Games

Whereas Rihanna and Jay Z showed us how not to pick music in keeping with an event you're playing at  [Read more, here] sixteen-year-old, Birdy showed us how to pitch it perfectly; providing one of the most moving moments from the Opening Ceremony of the London Paralympics with her cover of of Anthony Johnson's Bird Gerhl.

Bird Gerhl, a self-acceptance song about transcending ones own limitations and insecurities to succeed in following your own dreams, was a great song choice that fitted not only the accompanying performance by acclaimed dancer David Toole- which unfortunately you don't get to see in this video- beautifully, but it also successfully echoed the struggle and triumphs of many of the athletes in the stadium.

[Watch] Rihanna Performs at the 2012 Paralympics Closing Ceremony.

I'm not quite sure why Rihanna and Jay-z turned up at the closing Ceremony of the 2012 London Paralympic Games- I had thought it was about showcasing the "Best Of Britain". I, however, can take an educated guess: Coldplay frontman's wife (Gwyneth Paltrow) is best friends with Jay Z's wife (Beyonce) and Jay Z's biggest signing/money making artist, is Rihanna. But who knows.

But hey-ho, the crowd seemed to enjoy it- irrelevantly entertaining as it was- and it managed to give them a break from the 15 strong set from Coldplay.

[Review] RIP Mariah Carey's Voice: "Triumphant (Get Em)" Live at NFL KICKOFF

Mariah Carey gave her first EVER live performance of new single Triumphant (Get Em) at the opening of the NFL Kickoff and delivered anything BUT the performance that was needed to revive the song's efforts on the charts.

Anyone who likes Mariah Carey for her whistle register will love this, and consider this performance a success; but anyone who loves Mariah for her strong belting, her (usually) uncanny pitch control, her gorgeous tone, and her overall Godliness when it comes to "the voice" will be EXTREMELY disappointed.

[watch] Leona Lewis Performs Accoustic Version Of "Trouble"

With the release of new album Glassheart fast approaching, it looks like Leona Lewis is stepping up the promotional trail of its second single, Trouble [Review].

Just released is this beautiful and acoustic rendition of the song, and it has to be said, it packs quite a mightier punch than the "edgier" version that's been shipped to radio.

Leona Lewis gives a stunning vocal that shows a voice that is restrained but powerful, multifaceted in tone and timbre, but ultimately brilliantly controlled. It's clear to hear that all those years of vocal training have paid off, making her one of the most technical singers of the next generation of Divas.

Still not a fan of her vibrato, though...

Rest In Peace, Hal David

A death that passed many of us by on the first of the month (September, 2012) was that of Hal David. A genius of  a lyricist, he wrote many a great song over the decades- even though you probably weren't aware of him or his contribution to music. Well, regular commenter (and also, post writer) Opie wrote a few words regarding his passing in an email, and I thought I'd share them:

Songwriters, where would our Divas be without them? Would we remember the great Divas if their wonderful voices weren't singing words and music which touch our hearts across time?

This week saw the passing away, at the ripe old age of 91, of one of the great lyricists of popular music, Hal David.

His words to the enduring tunes by Burt Bacharach surely served the following Divas well?

In celebration...

[Watch] Alanis Morissette, Brandy, Carol King and Carrie Underwood Perform at The 2012 MDA Show of StrengthTelethon

The annual MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) Show of Strength Telethon aired Sunday, September 2nd, 2012, and it was a good cause some of our favourite Divas- Brandy, Carol King, Carrie Underwood and Alanis Morissette- lent their support to by performing at the event!

Check out said performances, and my thoughts on them, below!