Today The Scene commences its seven-week review and analysis of the GT&T Guyana Star Jingle and Song Competition with the Quarter Final/Individual Round which aired last Sunday.
The aim is to provide constructive criticism and we acknowledge that we are not professional producers or any such thing, but are part of the viewing public. Our rating is based on general presentation, vocals, judge’s comments and audience support with 5 stars being the highest.
Nicole Osbourne – “How Could an Angel Break my Heart” by Toni Braxton – Now this was a well-rounded contestant who brought her ‘A’ game. Judge Charmaine Blackman told her that she needs to work on her enunciation because her first few lines were jumbled. We agree, but generally it was an outstanding performance. 4 Stars
Tataum Grenville – “Brown Eyes” by Beyonce – Attempting a Beyoncé song is not something easy, since this diva has a high pitched voice. Was she even feeling that song? We do not think so… The judges thought her performance was weak and that she could have done a whole lot better, we totally agree with them. At this stage of the competition that was just a poor performance. 2.5 Stars
Lerone Souvenir – “Family Portrait” by Pink – Predictions are that he is going to make it to the final! He got a standing ovation from the judges. They loved how he presented his own version of the song. Lerone is a very versatile singer with a quite unusual raspy voice but nevertheless loved by the judges and all who had a chance to hear him. 4.5 Stars
Darren Benjamin – “Simply Amazing” by Trey Songz – The judges loved how he brought his own version of the song. But Judge Shawn Bhola told him that it is going to take more than that to amaze him, we agree. He displayed no emotions during his performance. He was told that he needs to bring his personality. 3 Stars
Aaliyah Roshevel – “Because you love me” by Celine Dion – She sang her entire song off key which just did not work for her. The judges thought that she could have stylized her performance but clearly that was not enough. This young lady is known for her powerful mesmerizing high pitched voice. Maybe something happened! Great outfit, poor performance. 2 Stars
Ominelle Orna – “Un-break my heart” by Toni Braxton – Though at times she shouted at certain parts of her performance, the judges loved her high and low notes. But it was quite noticeable, as Charmaine pointed out that some notes were.3 Stars
Dorian Obermuller – “I Believe” by Fantasia – Now he had the audience screaming. According to the judges his performance was fabulous. “Fierce Fabulous and fantastic” were the words Judge Joel Ghansham used to describe his act. He said he sang the song because he loves his country and the support from the people makes him want to cry. 4.5 Stars
Latoni Beaton – “Ready for love” by India Arie – Judge Gordon Moseley thought that her performance was flat while Judge Shawn Bhola did not agree; he said that she handled the performance perfectly. 2 Stars
Edward Perez – “How do I breathe” by Mario – One of the judges thought that he was missing the ‘it’ factor. What is the ‘it’ factor, really? We think that it was a fair performance, but not if you’re fighting for a place in the semi-final. 2.5 Stars
Sonia Barrow – “No one” by Alicia Keys – Her act was special and she definitely brought the love into the air. She changed up the song and brought her style, the acoustic really worked for her; even Charmaine agreed to this and you know how Charmaine’s ears are tuned to vocals! : 4 Stars
Renata Bailey – “Have you ever”’ by Brandy – The judges said her performance lacked cutting edge and they did not know why she choose that song. She came out in red and white, which caught the attention of Shawn who mentioned that she looked good. We wonder why Joel started to laugh when he heard this, he even said it reminded him of a groom who was dressed in all red – was he referring to Charmaine’s husband? Oh my! Drama… you got to love those two. 3 Stars
Neil Maraj- “Crawl” by Chris Brown – It was obvious that he was so not in time with the keyboard player in the background. One of the judges thought that he ended remarkable while Gordon disagreed saying he (Maraj) was going north, the keyboard man was going south and Gordon was going Kitty/Campbellville! Ha! 3 Stars
Shellon Galley- “Hometown Glory” by Adele – She was told by the judges that she has a flexible voice and the song just did not match the dynamics of her voice. Adele has a very distinctive voice and to take on this dynamic song you have got to give it your all. 3 Stars
Jemaine McBean – “When a Woman’s Fed Up” by R Kelly – The panel told him he brought his ‘A’ game. Solid as a rock, cutting edges- were the words Shawn used to describe his performance. Gordon thought that he played it safe. It was not perfect but it was definitely enjoyable. 4 Stars
Charmaine Couchman – “Stronger Than Me” by Amy Winehouse – We liked her low notes. According to the judges her performance was excellent. But she was told by Charmaine that she needs to bring out the intricate melodies – we have no idea what that means. 3.5 Stars
Nikeisha Alexander – “Honesty” by Beyonce – We remember watching the Miss Guyana Universe 2012 interview and seeing this young lady who mentioned that she wanted to be a singer. She is well on her way. She brought style and uniqueness which made a great performance. 4 Stars
Dale VanBrook – “Mama” by Chris Brown – He dedicated his song to his mom who died when he was only three. He handled the song quite well but the performance was lacking. You can’t just stand there and sing; you have got to bring on a show and that show was missing. 3 Stars
Ryan Hoppie – “When I was your Man” by Bruno Mars – This young man got a standing ovation from Charmaine – rare and astonishing! He was told that he has great control of his voice and that he was going to be in the next round. 4.5 Stars
Michael Spencer – “I Believe in You” by Il Divo – I thought he had a fair performance. He was told by Charmaine that some of his lines sounded mediocre; while Gordon thought he played it safe. 3 Stars
Karissa Couchman- “Mad” by Neyo – The panel told her that it was smooth, passionate and comfortable. Joel told her that she was well controlled. That is one of our favourite songs by Neyo but we honestly felt her performance was lacking something. 3.5 Stars
Tuchiene George- “If This isn’t Love” by Jennifer Hudson – Alright, here is where we are confused. We think she handled this song well yet we thought she didn’t – ugh! Hudson has such a mighty voice and we know we shouldn’t have expected that from the contestant but we felt she had the potential so she should have at least kicked in the bridge a little better, nonetheless we loved it. 4 Stars
T’Shanna Cort- “I am Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera – We thought she performed the song with attitude which is admirable. We love the way she always adds spice to her songs. Gordon mentioned that he expected more from her but it was a good performance. 3.5 Stars
Diana Chapman- “I Was Here” by Beyonce – This song, the original, gives you goose bumps. Diana handled it quite well. Her performance was rock solid and she was told that she is a force to be reckoned with. 4.5 Stars
Ernesta Nelson- “Russian Roulette” by Rihanna – Gordon was singing along (No surprise there). She brought a lot of emotions to it and we loved it. We love when someone can perform. The judges told her that she was getting better every week and we agree. 4 Stars
Joanna Tracy- “Halo” by Beyonce – Gordon told her that sometimes he forgets that she is in the competition but she definitely came alive with that song. We did not like this rendition of “Halo”; it just sounded shaky to us but we know Joanna is an excellent singer. She gave it her all and the judges loved it. 4 Stars
Lemuel Chester – “All that I am” by Joe – Good vocals, good performance, range, the judges told him. We think that he is shy and he needs to bring a little more performance. 4 Stars
Natasha Yapp- “Super Woman” by Alicia Keys – She dedicated her song to women with AIDS and cancer, which was a nice touch. We loved her act and her genuine pull on the song inspired us so much we went and downloaded it. She brought out the inner fighter which mesmerized the audience and the judges. 4.5 Stars
Michael Small- “Hero” by Mariah Carey – Shawn told him that he had a good performance and he will see him in the next round. This is a little guy with a big voice that wowed the audience. His performance was astonishing but he was told that he needs to work on his line endings, any guesses as to who told him that? 4.5 stars
Sheibeth Hinds- “One Moment in Time” by Whitney Houston – She was pretty good. The panel thought that it was unique and off the hook. What do you think? 4.6 stars
Mickael Sam- “I Swear” by All-4-One – He poured out his emotions which bettered his performance. He is an extraordinary singer. 4 stars
Kentroy Allicock- “Flying Without Wings” by Westlife – What a way to end the Quarter-Final and it wasn’t a good landing either. And to put the rotten cherry on top of the spoilt cake, he blamed the organiser for forgetting the lyrics – I’m sorry, are you in nursery school? As Charmaine said it was a great disappointment. 1 star
The 15 who moved on to the Semi Final which was held last Thursday were Darren Benjamin, Neil Maraj, Ryan Hoppie, Lemuel Chester, Dorian Obermuller, T’Shanna Cort, Lerone Souvenir, Karen Couchman, Michael Small, Ominelle Orna, Natasha Yhap, Diana Chapman, Sherbeth Hinds, Sonia Barrow and Edward Perez.
We were pleased to see some of those names, but shocked to see others off – but we guess that’s what we all love about these competitions… the unexpectedness. Next week: Review of Semi Finals of the 2013 Season of the GT&T Guyana Star Jingle and Song Competition! (The Scene)
