On the other hand, since he's actually managed to successfully perform in a fully staged opera production of La Boheme, that comment would be.......

Totally wrong.

I don't like his voice, don't like his singing, wouldn't like it any better if he wasn't blind, so refuse to like it just because he is, but you have to have respect for someone in that situation who chooses to put himself through a staged opera show when no one would really care if he didn't.

He always had more success in Ireland and mainland Europe. He has released 19 albums

I think it will be interesting to see the voting figures.. I think it's fair to say that last year was a lot closer than most people expected.


I can do better than that http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH8gnijwyNM someone has posted a whole lot of clips in the X-Factor forum.

I managed 30 minutes, but I only lasted that long because my leg decided to go to sleep on me What a load...



Is it OK if I enjoyed it? I go to Naples in a couple of months* so I'm ODing on anything connected, even a song about a cable car! Plus the kids were super cute.

*Sciocca donna that I am, I booked our trip for the week before the Opera season kicks off





Anyone up for continuing with an Opera thread in the Music forums?

I'm not keen either and I thought he was comfortably out-sung by Rolando....

I would be, but we've tried before and without the focus the show provides they always seem to die like most my favourite characters...

Make it so

There's always a focus........for example, now that the evenings are drawing in it won;t be long before people need a decent collection of stuff to fully embrace the Christmas atmos

Like Knitted Rolandos for example....

Including little miniature ones to hang on the tree while enjoying a glass of egg nog and listening to

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeJqUQO2OsQ

I feel a DS Christmas Fayre coming on.........

Done!


Dashes off to make a last minute edit.


Edit: In my excitement, I forgot to give directions
http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showt...8#post51326248

As an amateur astronomer I have to say what wonderful pictures in that video too... What a great find, thanks

He's not an opera singer but he is a very good singer


I liked Darius last year but Joe has been better

If it were so obvious, why are there messages on Twitter saying "I didn't see that coming"? Similar messages appear on other threads on here.

What an arrogant comment. Other people think other things - a lot of people do care and would give their eye teeth to see him in concert He has a wonderful voice and has reached the top of his profession despite his disability and deserves a little more respect. He probably wouldn't like your voice or your singing either.

Hi all. Just wanted to say we had an absolute blast at the show last night. We were put in the VIP section just behind Joe's family and next to the Callow party and wonderfully close to Rolando. Not able to see monitors but were very close to all the action. I'd say Joe edged it on the night but they were both wonderfully entertaining and gave us a fabulous evening. My 17 year old daughter couldn't have had a better evening - having spoken to Rupert Grint at Camp Trafalgar Square on Thursday I think this has been the most exciting week of her entire life.

Delighted that Joe won. He has such a lovely tone to his voice and you can tell that with years of training he could do opera proper.

I liked Darius last year - but Joe is even better.

Shame there was no mention of Darius - or an appearance - as last years winner.

Cheryl did very well - she was a worthy opponent - but she didnt have the "opera" sound for me - whereas Joe did.

I thoroughly enjoyed the series - and I'm looking forward to see what Joe does next - hope he brings an album of songs out that really show off his lovely voice.

Well done Joe - very well deserved.

Hi Dusty... So glad you had a good time.

From where I was sitting at home it really was a great final, with both contestants doing themselves proud and a great atmosphere...

I haven't seen anyone mention Myleene's dress yet, but I would have to say that she saved the best until last - I thought she looked absolutely stunning!

Was that the first time you have heard Rolando sing live?

Myleene looked sensational ... she spent much of her off camera time tugging the dress up ... I think she felt it was a bit precarious!

Not heard Rolando live before - or any of them actually. Thought Katherine sounded much better live than recorded in particular. Rolando outshone the lot of them.

I very much got that impression from home, but then I think he just loves performing live and it just comes across with every note...

Katherine on the whole is very hard done by IMO, she's a very accomplished singer as you will have heard. She also works very hard to improve... her biggest problem IMO is that she so often takes on arias that she either isn't ready for or that don't suite her.

I wouldnt get too set on next years series, viewing figures have been terrible for primetime Sunday night. Think this will be end of Popstar To Opera Star.

Just a reminder that we hope to keep the spirit of this thread alive here Opera, Classical Music and Knitted Rolandos Appreciation

I've only just read back this far... but my own experiences across the board have been somewhat hit and miss this last year or so. Sadly there really are some truly dreadful productions out there....

The one I probably disliked most was an awful modernised production of Haydn's il mondo della luna that was broadcast a few months back - the contrast with this glorious production couldn't have been greater! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp4XsKu2bnk

Well done Joe - a worthy winner

Hmmmm - I know it's very much horses for courses, but they're not views I'd care to openly express when visiting Italy where Andrea is extremely beloved - certainly not if I were a man and wanted to keep my coglioni!


Ye may mock - but my pattern's winging its way to me as we speak! And I've been practising and can now knit to scale!


So glad you enjoyed your evening so much - your daughter must be in seventh heaven!


For me, Myleene has been a wonderful presenter and really proved her worth once she was allowed to spread her wings unhampered by Titchmarsh - she's also been beautifully presented and worn lovely gowns throughout the series.





I agree with your comments on Katherine, who I've always liked - my only quibble is that while she has the voice, she sometimes fails to convey the 'feel' of the arias she sings - but isn't this often a problem with 'plum' arias - particularly mezzo arias - sung in 'isolation' outside the opera setting? Having said that - and donning the protective clothing to shield me from the 'Cheryl fans', Katherine sounded particularly 'creamy' and in beautiful voice in the 'Flower Duet' which, for me, she carried from first note to last.


I think you may be right - what a pity!


Now there's a temptation - well done to whoever started the thread!

Well, I'm happy this morning as I liked Joe from the very first note to the last - sadly, I fear he won't pursue operatic training - he's only 20 years old and young people tend to want instant success and fame nowadays, not years of arduous and sustained study toward a new career which might never be attained.
I'd love him to prove me wrong - granted, as I commented to a friend last night, he has no plangent 'top' at present, nor does he have the necessary 'chest' yet, either literally or figuratively - but that would come with maturity, training and experience - what he has got, and which can never be 'taught', is perfect pitch.

Cheryl made a valiant effort, but she, alas, doesn't have absolutely perfect pitch and lost her way somewhat, several times in both her solo and her duet - although, to be fair, nerves can make sopranos very prone to sounding shrill and sharp.

Overall, I've very much enjoyed this series - the panel were excellent, as was Myleene - the choice of 'celebs' didn't affect me one way or the other as the only one I'd ever heard of was Cheryl Baker - but if the series survives one more time, I really feel that whoever is pulling the strings takes advice on expanding the repertoire of songs and arias given the contestants!

Really enjoyed my (minor) participation in the thread this year - thanks for all the laughs, links and discussion!