Critique of Sanjaya from "The Masterclass Lady" Options

[proudnewyorker82]

http://masterclasslady.com/2007/03/29/amer...0-performances/

SANJAYA MALAKAR: “Backwater” by No Doubt.

Strengths: Sanjaya - well, at the very least, no one can say that you cannot entertain. Once again you chose a song that seemed to evolve from some alternate universe. What is there left to say, Sanjaya that has not already been said? You are having the time of your life on that stage and milking your 15 minutes of fame for all it’s worth.

I looked up the definition of performer and many words surfaced that were applicable to you – entertainer, artist, comedian and my personal favorite: player. Are you playing with us, Sanjaya? Of course you are and it seems that you are quite unstoppable for the moment.

You moved exceedingly well on stage and with startling confidence and certainty. In fact, your voice sounded more resonant and energized than the previous week, hinting that there is more vocal ability there than previously thought.

We could barely hear you in the Top 24 shows! Back then, you were a shy young performer, a quiet young singer trying to find his way on the stage. Three weeks later, thanks to the media attention and heaven knows what else, you have evolved into some sort of icon. All the more power to you!

Critique: Sanjaya –you obviously are not taking this competition seriously. First of all, you sang this song with the same comical gaze on your face, whether or not the lyrics hinted at such an expression. Although I know you are savoring the spotlight and the attention that is presently being focused on you, you must, at the very least, make some attempt to catapult yourself beyond the novelty stage act and into some level of serious and committed singing

As I said last week, part of me was wondering if you chose this less conventional route to hide your lack of technical skills. If so, it’s time to make some changes and really solidify your performances with credible, stylistic and technically secure singing. Next week, Tony Bennett takes the stage and mentors the Top 9. You will be and should be expected to sing in a way that is technically and artistically secure, as the standards will challenge you to do so.

And, we all know that you are capable of tackling the standards. Remember “Steppin Out With my Baby” during the Top 24 competitions? I preferred your singing style when you sang in this genre of music. It was more believable and genuine. Let’s hope that it works for you once again next week.

Good luck, Sanjaya!

[proudnewyorker82]

Can't say I completely disagree, like I said in another thread, I think the poor boy is feeling so down from the negative press, that his spirit has been trampled on.

Constantine really said it all in this video here when he was commenting on the contestants this week:
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/222/popup....php?cl=2221890

I posted that in the general section a few days ago.

[jodeb]

Pretty nice evaluation. She evidently thinks Sanjaya has talent as the people in this section do.

I would love to see Sanjay belt out Stevie Wonder's "For Once In My Life" as we know from the audition, Sanjaya does Stevie very well. Since Tony Bennett did a duet with Stevie Wonder on this song, I know it should be allowed.

Anyone who has heard Sanjaya's you tube version of Chariot, knows that Sanjaya has several *glory notes* in his repetoire that we have yet to hear. This would be the perfect week.

I'm still undecided about the *cornrows.* Should it be campy or straight fantastic singing? Any thoughts?

[proudnewyorker82]

Oh no! He's going to do corn rows? Oy, not on Tony Bennett week, he just needs to be stripped back, sophisticated, maybe even with a tux. Basically he needs to sing sweet chariot style. Like danceprincess said, look 'em straight in the eyes and sing his heart out.

This post has been edited by proudnewyorker82: Mar 30th 2007, 4:03 PM

[jodeb]

I don't want the cornrows either, but thinking of Stevie made me *wonder* LOL.

I just don't know how badly they have convinced Sanjaya that he has to do something weird in order to last. IMO (as yours) I think he can hit it out of the ballpark singing straight into the camera and hitting a couple of glory notes that seem to impress the judges so well. Of course, I dont expect a good word from Slimon, no matter what.

[danceprincess]

Can't say I completely disagree, like I said in another thread, I think the poor boy is feeling so down from the negative press, that his spirit has been trampled on.

Constantine really said it all in this video here when he was commenting on the contestants this week:
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/222/popup....php?cl=2221890

I posted that in the general section a few days ago.

Constantine
How on earth did I not know about this??

Anyway....

I think Connie said it just about right. Sanjaya doesn't need to do that though. He really doesn't need to buy into the bad press! He's really SO much better then that! I hope he shows it this week.

I think last week he was trying really hard to cover up the fact that he was REALLY unfamilar with the song. I think he had to change it at the last minuet because of the theme.

I dissagree with this ladies "15 minuets of fame" comment. Sanjaya still has the power to turn things around.

[hollygo72]

I don't think we have any evidence that he's doing cornrows. Just that it's been suggested by fans. He'll probably do something conservative in honor of Tony Bennet and the era.

[jodeb]

I don't think we have any evidence that he's doing cornrows. Just that it's been suggested by fans. He'll probably do something conservative in honor of Tony Bennet and the era.

Absolutely no evidence. It *is* something that fans would naturally think of when they think of Stevie Wonder.

"For Once In My Life" by Stevie would be perfect for Sanjaya though. I know Stevie is one of his favorites and we all know he does Stevie great from the audition. I think we will get a good idea from this weeks songs what TPTB think of Sanjaya if they give him "For Once In My Life." I believe it will mean they are fully on board the Sanjaya wagon that is going straight to the top.

I would think they have taken notice that Sanjay has just slid across the AOL American Idol poll, even surpassing the much tongue bathed Melinda.

Sanjaya is now # 1 on that poll. TAKE NOTICE IDOL. SANJAYA WILL SELL RECORDS AND THAT MEANS $$$$

[jenniferx3]

Noooo i really hope he doesn't do anything to his hair this week..just straightforward fantastic singing can say enough on its own

[MargoK]

Oh no! He's going to do corn rows? Oy, not on Tony Bennett week, he just needs to be stripped back, sophisticated, maybe even with a tux. Basically he needs to sing sweet chariot style. Like danceprincess said, look 'em straight in the eyes and sing his heart out.

I totally agree with you! I sure hope that is exactly what Sanjaya does.

Margo

[sprout]

i agree with her. i am LONGING for sanjaya to go back to his "steppin out with my baby" style. that's his strength. and that's why i think this week is his week. i can feel it in me bones. someone needs to send this lady a copy of sweet chariot.

for the most part, i do agree with this critique. i hope from now on sanjaya will go full on sweet chariot style. he will silence so many people you will be able to hear a pin drop in frickin timbuktu.

i've said before that i think sanjaya will surprise people on the cast CD and tour.