American Idol Audition Video # 3 & 4 - Shot Through the Heart & Ave Maria
I am REALLY putting myself out there with singing, "Shot Through the Heart" by Bon Jovi. I really appreciate all the feedback everyone has been giving me - and one reaccuring comments is that I probably need to also have more mainstream songs ready. BUT, I have to say that I feel REALLY silly singing this song because I'm not used to singing with the attitude that goes along with it. I think that I kind of look like a dork trying to sing this song. But, what do you guys think about the vocals? At the end of the video Michael starts laughing and I kept it in because we've been laughing all day while I've been trying to record this song. It's been pretty funny! My intern was also laughing at me (since I've recently made one of her duties to include listening to me!) which I kept in the "Ave Maria" video.
Speaking of the "Ave Maria" video I wanted to do another classical piece that was more mainstream - so I figured that this song is as popular as they come! Let me know whatcha think!
xo,
Anna
Shot Through The Heart
Ave Maria
Speaking of the "Ave Maria" video I wanted to do another classical piece that was more mainstream - so I figured that this song is as popular as they come! Let me know whatcha think!
xo,
Anna
Shot Through The Heart
Ave Maria
posted by Michael + Anna Costa at
8:38 PM
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9 Comments:
Hey Anna! I purposely did not read anyone else's comments before I commented this time, so here it goes...
Sweet job on Ave Maria Anna! I really connected a little more with that performance... on that note, there is a good chance the judges will stop you mid song and say, "Okay that was wonderful, you obviously have some skills and technique. Let's here something contemporary or hip." It will be more of a "yeah-you're-good, but can I invest $5 million dollars into you and get a good ROI in the mainstream market?" kind of response I think. But you really did good with Ave Maria.
Okay... on the Bon Jovi lick. I will have to be honest, it was not a good song choice, not well suited for your vocal style. It sounded too karaoke to me. First the good: you were in tune. Okay, the not-so-good: It was missing the attitude (as you noted) and the aggression/anger/angst/passion/personality that it should have. I struggled a lot to connect with you from the first note.
Suggestions--I really want to see you give AI a shot Anna! I know you're classically trained and well suited for that, so finding your "pop" voice and repertoire will be your next big challenge. But if you want to succeed in AI, that's what you'll need to do and that's what they expect you to know. Your vocal tonality is soft and smooth, so a big Mariah/Whitney-like song that stretches out your pipes might not work either. Maximize what you have already. I would LOVE to hear you tackle something along the lines of Leona Lewis, Sara Bareilles, Brooke Fraser or Colbie Caillat. Don't forget to really reach in and pull that emotion out with these songs, make them your own. Find yourself, your personality and pour it out to the world/the judges. You only have a few seconds to wow the audience and connect with them. Hook 'em up with the first verse! Sing 'em like it's your last song, sing 'em like your singing to Michael (er, if that helps or not, LOL) ... I guarantee you he won't laugh next time (shame on you Michael, haha).
Hi! Okay, the Bon Jovi song was actually my favorite so far because I think it's the closest to what I'd expect to hear someone singing on Idol - and even though you felt like you weren't completely comfortable singing it, I could completely imagine you being the "rocker chick" girl on the show :) Which raises a good question about, if you feel like your voice is better suited to classical, what genre would you imagine yourself going into if you did, hopes of hopes, actually win??? What about blues?
Whoa - you have an AMAZING voice!!! I think you could totally make it on American Idol, especially with your previous experience. Seriously - your voice is incredibly beautiful - can't wait to see you up on the big stage!
Wow Armin, That is a super helpful & detailed post. So cool of you. As far as laughing, it's because I just think she's too cute for words & my body couldn't contain it so it came out as laughing. But just for the record, I think she has a gorgeous voice & am encouraging her all the way! I do think her voice is better suited for classical though & you shouldn't try to fit a circle into a square. The judges like people on Idol because of their uniqueness, and if they think she excels & is amazing at classical, then they can envision selling a young, beautiful, hip Celine Dion or Sarah Brightman. Many more people can sing pop, but not many have the pipes to sing classical. I think she should show off her strengths.
...also... I'm excited to maybe hear her sing your recommendations of: Leona Lewis, Sara Bareilles, Brooke Fraser & Colbie Caillat. & I can't wait for her to sing "La Vie En Rose" which she's working on right now!!!
You are the man Michael! Seriously, your support is awesome for her, and I couldn't agree more, she is super cute and has a wonderful classical voice! Wow, I think she'll knock out La Vie En Rose really well, looking forward to that! Going off her strengths can be a good strategy in this case. I also believe Anna's personality will also be a strength, she's so down to earth and fun that she'll connect with a lot of audiences, which can translate into texting votes, yes!!
I'm with Sarah, I did like your "Shot through the Heart". But I think your friend Armin is right in saying you need to reach down into yourself to get the attitude. Also the body movements. Maybe a voice coach who specializes in pop/rock. I don't know. As I understand it, they have you sing different kinds of songs each week, right? So you have to get trained in all the styles - not just jazz and classical. Blues, folk, pop, rock, country. You're going to have to find a way to interpret all those genres. The right song is key. How about an old Journey song. I think your voice could stand up to their lead singer and their songs don't have such tough attitude.
Good luck and love ya
Ave Maria is exquisite. You are amazing. Not AI material, really. My fear would be a nervous voice on those high notes and the end of your audition. I know you didn't like the Bon Jovi- but you were great; big however, it doesn't show your voice or your range and strength. It's kind of flat compared to what you can really do.
Keep trying--the right song is out there. :-)
I think a good pop song for you would definitely be Sara Bareilles' "Love Song." I'd love to hear you sing that.
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