June 24, 2008
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.
Okay, so help me understand how it is that the judges continue to praise Sheila after that "very hard to listen too" performance of "Get Here". Granted, Miss Sheila knows how to work the crowd I'll give her that...but when it comes to the overall performance which has got to include vocal ability, David has been clearly the front-runner. It astonishes me how very critical ALL of them are of David's performances when his vocals are so much better. Why do they use the term "show-boating" for his soulful-audience involved performances and then call Sheila a genius when she is jumping off the stage doing the same thing? Please don't get me wrong, I wish nothing but good things for Miss Sheila but honestly in my opinion, she just isn't in the same realm vocally as David. I will also have to say that the sound system in this club is horrible. The corded mics are much better than that awful cordless mic and the recordings prove just that. I would truly like to hear both David and Sheila on a clear sound system in a venue that caters to their performances and not to an audience just there to order drinks
I agree about wanting to here Shelia and David on a clear sound system in a venue that caters to their performances and not to an audience just there to order drinks. As far as Shelia's performance being very hard to listen to. There was only one line she had trouble with. If you couldn't hear her very good, maybe you need to get a little closer. No, she and David aren't in the same realm vocally. He has more experience then she does. Shelia sings in recovery rooms and churches. She gets standing ovations when she performs in these places. She has almost 6 years off drugs and alcohol. She also isn't familiar with some of the songs, like the ones the judges pick for her. If you notice when she gets off the stage to work the crowd, it's usually when she is singing Gospel, which is in her soul.
My Turn;
Sheila is a great pleasure to watch and listen to. She may not be perfect with her performances but it is from the heart. David, screams and seems un-sure of himself, nothing is more boring then a performer who is not really positvie of what he is doing.
Wishing them both well, it is not easy performing for a group of drunks and un-attentive guests, especially over a sound system that would not qualify for a warehouse pa system. If a venue is going to showcase performers they need to step up and make it professional. Come on Woody, wanna keep the biz, spend a few bucks! We don't need Valet we sound Ehy!!
Happy Pride Everyone!!!!!
I'll start off by saying this... Everyone is entitled to there own opinions and I'm sure that some of these opinions are biased. I am confident in who I am and what I'm capable of doing on a stage. As a performer there is nothing more difficult to overcome that a bad sound system and a noisy crowd when you know that the subtleties in your voice will not come through the way they should. Sheila, Thank you for being a great competitor and I wish you nothing but the best in your journey from this point on. As for everyone else, enough with the negativity and let's move forward. It Is Done!!!
