Everything works out in the end. That's what the Pride Idol finals has taught me -- and, hopefully, more people -- about this crazy mix of public appeal and judges' scores.
David B. and Shelia G. are, without a doubt, the final two I'd been hoping for from the beginning. The only other feasible contender would have been Aike, who suffered an early fizzle because of song choice.
But David and Shelia have both proven savvy when it comes to choosing tunes that fit their styles. David has offered a nice mix of old-school and contemporary. Shelia has wisely showcased her gospel flair. They've learned the often-difficult art of truly being themselves -- and that alone deserves some applause. (Insert clapping here, please!)
Going into this week's finals, it really could go either way. What's a judge -- and a Guava Lamp crowd -- to do?
My advice to David: Keep it modern. We know you can do classics, but more recent songs have proven trickier. If you can nail that, it shows us another side of your talent. Vocally, remember not to shout or oversing. Slow, steady and subtle really shows off your voice. And also, when you're dressed more comfortable, more like yourself -- that ease translates to your performances.
My advice to Shelia: Work it out, girl! Shelia's gospel performances have been competition standouts, and if she continues down that path, expect more. Listen to your heart. And if you do have to do a modern song or something you're not familiar with -- put your own spin on it. Don't change for the song. Shake things up to suit YOU. Don't let the nerves rule you. Channel that, like you do so many emotions, into your song.
I'm excited to see what happens Thursday. I'm anxious to hear David and Shelia perform. And I know, regardless of who wins, that both singers should be proud of themselves. They've come a long way in a few short weeks. And be ready to rock it out at the Pride Festival!
I can't wait for next year.
Who do you think has the edge? Did the right two make it to the finale?
And don't forget, pick up Thursday's Houston Chronicle for stories on Pride Idol, the parade, the festival and all things fabulous. Or simply click and bookmark here.
Well the June 12th performance was a mixed bag again - but I have to say, those who are taking it seriously are really working their butts off and it is wonderful to watch their improvements. And if any of you have ever had to work before an audience who is just not paying attention - you would know how difficult it is for these contestants. I applaud each of them!
I know I have been cast in the role of Simon, and I really have done little to change that perception, but I do want to make something perfectly clear - I love each and every one of these singers. They get up before us week after week and put themselves on the line to entertain us. And sometimes I might come across a bit stern - but it is only because I want the best for each and every person up on that stage.
I guess last night got the best of me and I went off on Zea - but I just felt she was up there playing around and being a bit goofy (showing us her "fun" side), and I had just gotten done seriously trying to get through to Lance - who I really do believe has a nice voice, and wants to sing - you can see it in his eyes when he performs and when we critique him - he is trying - he just has so many uncomfortable habits built up by performing for crowds that cheer on the histrionics and enjoy the "Star Search" presentational style. So I go after him on that and try, in a somewhat entertaining manner, to get him to understand what I am saying - get rid of all the crap and just get in touch with the material... But then Zea comes up there and acts all silly and goofy and all I can think is, "this is a crime - Lance really is giving us his all and trying, and she is just wasting our time..." so I went off... And I felt my self getting more and more upset as I talked - it just consumed me...
Well all that said - she did come back on her next song and did a much better job. So maybe she did listen... and her fans and that better second number helped her hold her place in the contest.
But alas, poor Lance didn't - and it might surprise those of you who have been following the contest - but I am sorry to see him go... I hope he thinks about what we said and that he learns from our comments and does something with his music - passion is a huge part of art and he has a great passion for singing. Good Luck Lance!
Didn't mean to go on this long - so let me wrap up by writing, David keep going... You have grown, or maybe just got more comfortable in this situation - but you are becoming the dark horse to win this all... My best advice at this point is find the right song and really connect to it and sing it for yourself - we will be right there and it will touch us. Think about the difference between someone in a cover band doing a song, and a true artist doing an original song of their own - there is a sense of ownership and belief in the song. Learn from that...
And Sheila, what can I say - you have your own style and it is real - or at least comes across as real - and that's all that matters - you are a joy to watch...
OK - that was just some passing ramblings from me - I look forward to next week and the surprises in each performance...
Lance and his lack of ability to listen to the judges -- or was it lack of care? -- got the boot. I think he forgot that our scores count for a whopping 75-percent of the outcome. And, truthfully, his fan club didn't offer much help in the texting department. All bark, no ballots.
I wish Lance well, and I hope he really, truly works hard at finding out who he is a singer. He has to do it if he plans on purusing this seriously.
The contest right now, it seems, is between David and Shelia. Both are unique in their approaches to music. And either would make a fine winner.
David has really paid attention to the judges' comments and learned how to control his voice. He's gone from shouting and showboating to really singing. His challenge now is to work on his presentation and, perhaps, surprising us a bit. Take a few chances. And don't be afraid to show up in a T-shirt and jeans. Be you.
Shelia's performance this week -- Shirley Ceasar's stirring I Remember Mama -- was the best of the competition so far. I think it put a bit of a lump in everyone's throat (at least those who were listening). It did mine.
Shelia can't be anyone but herself -- and that's her ultimate strength. Her performances aren't technically perfect or full of power notes or big, sing-along moments. But they are quintessentially her. I see her struggle sometimes with confidence, but it's endearing, really. She's one of the few performers who makes me want to see more.
Her way to win? Keep picking songs you feel in your soul. We'll feel it, too.
And what can I say about dear Zea, our electric youth?
I think the lights were out, actually, during her Debbie Gibson(?!) tune. Hey, I love Debbie, truth be told. But Electric Youth? I'm still trying to figure that performance out. I think Zea may feel a bit overwhelmed because she's made it this far. Maybe she entered on a whim, but she's here now. And there is some magic there. I just wish she'd trust herself and her voice.
A few other things, since we're talking Pride Idol:
-- Toddicus is a great host. Funny and fiery.
-- Ernie Manouse and Alan Lett make great co-judges. It's a blast.
-- More people should come out. More!
-- But please: SHUT UP!
The crowd on Thursdays is completely disrespectful of what's happening onstage. If you're not there for the show, how about you go somewhere else? Some of us are trying to listen.
And if you are there, why not at least TRY and give it a chance? These contestants are working their butts off. Give them some respect. Listen, listen, listen.
You can pick up that trick, talk about Britney Spears or gossip anytime.
I can't. I'm ready to judge! Maybe I'll just show up and judge karaoke.
It's amazing how different the contestants sound when I listen to the clips on playback, without the noisy crowd drowning out so much. Here are some quick thoughts:
Lance: Listening to him sing back When You Say You Love Me was sort of a revelation. His performance is easily the best, technically speaking.
I understand why he chose the song, but it's not necessarily a good reason. More than anything, it sounds old-fashioned. Nothing about Josh Groban's music is modern. Lance needs to pick something that will sound and feel current. There's also a slight pinched quality to his voice that I think comes from trying so hard. If he relaxes, he may be able to go far.
Zea: Madonna's Crazy for You is clearly out of Zea's range. Not that she can't sing it, but she's affecting a higher tone than what her voice is comfortable with through much of the song. It's also just not a great choice. Too slow.
I think Zea should just go all out and sex it up a bit! Make it fun.
Shelia: Why do I just like Shelia so much? I think it's because more than anyone left, her personality comes through when she sings. It's not technically perfect, but I can feel her heart when she performs. And I can feel it listening back to her performance.
All she needs to work on -- a bit -- is her confidence. Trust in herself and that she can do it.
David: He's really rebounded from the first week. David's got a fun stage presence, and he clearly seems more comfortable as this progresses. Listening back, all I'd say is be careful to not strain your voice. Let the song flow from you; don't force it. At times, he seems to be pushing a bit too hard.
I'm still a bit sad that Michele is gone. (Sniff.) I just think this was the wrong venue for her voice. There's a really pretty delicacy in her voice that I love, and I still hear it in her last performance.
Seriously -- listen to her take on the Cure's Just Like Heaven. Not too bad, really. In fact, listen to all her performances. I think her challenge was what I said during judging: figuring out a way to power up without losing the sweet magic of her voice or veering out of her range. Guava Lamp's noise level was too much for her, and I think we lost a unique talent too early. Sigh.
But on to the finals! Who's your favorite? Who will make it? What do you think of the clips on the website?
But mostly, it's shown me that there's lots of talent in Houston that isn't being properly showcased. I'd love to see any of this year's -- and most of last year's -- singers taking a real chance and singing at local clubs, putting together a CD and really getting out there.
Maybe Pride Idol will give this year's final quartet that boost. What'd I'd really love is for them to take this experience and turn it into something great, something beyond karaoke nights at a gay bar. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)
I encourage any of the contestants to regularly use some of the great tools provided by the Houston Chronicle. We've made it really easy for local musicians to get their ames out there and their music heard.
HandStamp -- a lively blog updated regularly by myself and Sara Cress, chronicling all the goings-on in the local music scene. Find gigs, learn about new bands, join in the discussion.
Houston Bands database -- If you're a singer or in a band, let us know here. Include all your info and music in our ever-growing database. All genres, from bluegrass and emo to exotica and noise. Seriously.
And now, on to this year's quirky quartet, the four remaining Pride Idol finalists. It's a diverse lot, and each has their strengths -- and weaknesses.
What I think is most important for all of them is to not think of this as simply a singing contest. A Pride Idol -- if you allow me to cheese out for a moment -- should be someone that represents the struggles, the successes of a community, via music. I want to see a piece of myself reflected back in that person.
What we're all looking for is someone who connects -- with a song, with the crowd, with themselves. A few flat notes, some off-key moments. No big. But be yourself. Don't show us who you think you should be. Show us who you are.
Lance: I wasn't immediately taken with Lance, just because so much of what he does is hidden behind posturing and staginess. He never seems completely relaxed, and his performances have a pageant feel to them. Because of that, it creates a wall between him and the audience. He gets too caught up in doing what he thinks is right or what he thinks will cause an impact.
Lance, we'd love to love you! Show us who you really are.
I'd love to see more sincerity in his performances and less of a measured constriction in Lance's vocals. He has talent. I just don't think he's using it correctly. There are some moments when his vocals are really strong, but it's hidden behind too much fuss.
And stop listening to Josh Groban. Please. He's the antithesis of what we're looking for. Or at least what I'm looking for.
Modernize a bit. Loosen up. Just shake everything off before you get onstage and -- be. Just be.
Maybe something like this:
Zea: Another rough starter for me. I fully expected Zea to be gone but quickly. But she listened and stepped it up during the second week. I'm not sure who the Zea was we saw the first week, murdering Whitney Houston, but she's long gone.
Zea's strengths are her presence -- elegant and charismatic -- and the unique tone of her voice. It makes her stand out, but it's also a hard sound to marry to the right song. She was spot-on with Jewel during week 2. This week's Madonna ballad was just OK. Not really the right match, and it sometimes felt unnatural.
But I like Zea, more and more each week. She's clearly trying and listening. And -- forgive my Paula moment -- she looks great.
I think if Zea finds the right song, it could be terrific. There's lots of color in her voice. She just needs to figure out the best way to use it. For some reason, I can totally hear her singing Natalie Cole. And though we suggested a more uptempo song for next time, this performance in particular popped into my head:
Shelia: It's impossible to not be taken by Shelia's spirit. She's alternately shy and confident, feminine and masculine, joyous and intense. And what's great is that she brings all of that to her performances. They, more than anyone else's, brim with emotion.
Shelia's challenge, then, is to find the perfect song to channel all of those feelings. She's come close, particularly during this week's Alicia Keys tune. I felt the love emanating from her partner, who was watching proudly from the crowd.
My suggestion: Forget the search for melody and stick with what you love. Great music isn't about a catchy hook. It's about feeling and energy. Bring us the gospel if you want to. Or maybe Fantasia Barrino or Mary J. Blige.
I think Shelia is waiting to explode. She just needs a bit of direction. I've got tons of ideas for her.
David: I've seen David perform for a long time, and I know he can do this. That's why I'm glad he's started hitting his stride.
That said, I think there are some kinks he can smooth out. He tends to overshoot sometimes when he sings -- a little too loud at times when he could be softer. David has a big voice, but it doesn't always have to go so BIG.
There's also some showiness in his performance that could be toned down, but it's obvious he's working on it. He seems confident and comfortable on the stage. And his performance this week of Walking in Memphis was the most engaging of the night. I noticed some of the crowd stop and pay attention -- always a good sign.
If and when he hits the final two, David should work on adding some nuance to his vocals. Pull back at times and just let his voice work with the song instead of hitting it over the head. It will make for a much more dynamic performance.
I'd love to hear David tackle a song like Luther Vandross' Dance With My Father, a gorgeous tune that requires a big voice -- without the usual power. It would be a challenge, but one that could pay off big.
Or how about:
Just my observations. What about you? Who's your favorite? What do you think the final four can each do to win?
Last night's competition proved that suprises can and should be expected from our contestants. I have to say, after listening back to the clips, some of the singers were much better than we gave them credit for.
On the flip side, some of them were not quite as flawless as we might have thought. It reiterates that the stage presence and crowd participation is just as important as the actual vocal performance. In other words, without seeing the singers perform, everything changes! It shows how the magic of the energy in the room can mask a mediocre vocal, and a lame performance and distract from a fantastic vocal. It's all a matter of finding a balance between the variables, based on the singer's strengths. It takes practice, honing in on what works. Fortunately for some of our contestants, they'll have plenty of time to perfect their art by the time the finale comes around. May the best singer/performer/entertainer win!
Last night - who would have believed - everything changed - completely!
If you were with us the first night, you would have walked away thinking you knew how this contest would end... Us judges even discussed who we thought would win it all - and Aike was considered by one of us to be the one who would win it all!
Flash forward to this week - and Aike was the one sent home!!!! I think we are all still in shock!
David proved he can listen as good as he can perform - taking the judges advice to heart - he came back strong and impressive!
Michele seemed like a different person - gone for me was all her charm and sweetness - that "Something Special" we had all commented on last week...
Lance slipped a bit - but with some work he could climb back up to the top - he certainly is an audience favorite. But last night was a bit too staged and planned - did I hear someone say "Drag Performance" (no offense to all my friends who are AMAZING Drag performers - but it is just a different style of performing...)
Sheila proved the most consistent - but still has yet to deliver what us Judges are looking (and listening for) which is something with more melody. Maybe next week we will finally get to hear that.
And the biggest surprise came from Zea - After last weeks "drunken" (not sure if she was or not - simply using that as a descriptive term) off pitch poor yelping performance, she showed she really wants to win this thing and came back a different person. A softer gentler vocalist appeared and we were all so pleased!
Aike never really got the chance to show us all he was capable of... Even thought it wasn't a great performance, it was ultimately the text voting that did him in. But Toddicus invited him back to sing next week - maybe he will wow us all with out the pressure of the competition upon him.
So all I can say - I'm in no place to call this thing at this point - everything I thought I knew going into last night changed and now it is anybodies race!
I'm looking forward to hearing the sound samples when they are posted...
