Qualification Round Recordings & Comments

Joe Amato

"Put On A Happy Face"

Amy says: "Nice choice--upbeats are always great to hear! I appreciated your attention to the diction. I look forward to hearing you "bust out" in the next few rounds! Nice job!"

Helen says: "You have a 'crooner' style going here, which you don't hear much nowadays. You have a tendency to slide a bit, but when you hit the notes right through the middle, the sound rings true. This is a fun song and it sounds like you enjoy singing it."

Ray says: "Nice job, Joe. I think the song is just right for you. Do however check the notes because this song is SO well known there can't be any fudging. Also, I believe the key is a little low for you. The held note at the end is closer to your real range. Keep singin'!"

Gabriella Battista

"How Lovely To Be A Woman"

Amy says: "I don't know you, but I feel like this was a great choice for you and your age. I like how your voice is seamless; ie...there was no obvious "break." Good for you. I'm sure you have worked hard on that! Don't be afraid of those high notes--you've got them, just trust yourself!"

Helen says: "The story of the song was told well with attention paid to the diction throughout. Your voice has a nice bright tone and you sang with enthusiasm. Become more confident with pitching difficult intervals and try to sing right through the middle of each note."

Ray says: "You go, girl! You are living this song aren't you? It made me smile because, believe it or not, when someone records a song and smiles...it's audible! Nice voice and nice choice!"

Michael Campbell

"Marry Me A Little"

Amy says: "You have a great leading man quality to your voice. I hope that you sing higher stuff in your next rounds because I thought the high sustained notes were fabulous and would love to hear more of that!!! I was really drawn to that energy. Be careful of some of the low notes--some of them weren't exactly accurate but I think it's because they were a bit too low for you. Great sound!"

Helen says: "I love the tone of your higher register. There was real excitement captured towards the end of the piece. Next time, watch the balance between voice and accompaniment more, so that you can make the most of your sound. Looking forward to hearing more!"

Ray says: "If I'm not mistaken you're accompanying yourself which is remarkable just for that...especially considering you're doing some Sondheim. From what I CAN hear you've got all the tools you need to really be successful in this field. It sounds like you might have a great voice for this style. BUT! I need to hear your voice! Set that mic closer to your mouth..I want to hear every nuance! And when singing Sondheim...nuance is everything!"

Ryan Cappleman

"Joey, Joey, Joey"

Amy says: "You have a very contemporary sound, which I always seem to be drawn to. You have a very great musicality to your voice, be careful not to close up those upper notes, let them fly! I really liked that you chose a lesser-known song. That will always suit you well for auditions. Great diction and flow. Nice job!"

Helen says: "A nice lower register here. Be more confident with your higher notes because they could be beautiful! On the long notes, try to keep your breath support consistent as sometimes the notes lost energy and that is when pitch can dive. I liked this performance as it had a sense of honesty."

Ray says: "If I'm not mistaken we have another contestant who can accompany themselves! I'm not very familiar with this song but I like the intent you put behind it. That's always the most important thing to understand. As a voice teacher I can teach technique but it's very difficult to teach intention. Vocally, I liked the contemporary sound to your voice. I'd love to hear you do a song from a more recent musical. Don't forget about mic placement! We want to hear YOU!"

Annie Forrest

"As Long As He Needs Me "
from Oliver

Amy says: "You have such a great tone, and it's so very connected. I can tell you have your breathing under you and under your control. That's so great in a young singer. It will also serve you well in an audition situation when we all tend to freak out and lose our breath! I liked how you sang the song like YOU sing it, and didn't try to copy what you had heard before. Great!"

Helen says: "Wow! You had some great notes at the end. What a climax! This was a really interesting interpretation of the song. Just be careful of your pitch as it occasionally went a little sharp. Generally though, you sang right through the middle of the notes. I'm looking forward to what you have to offer in the next rounds."

Ray says: "Really nice job! Nice voice, good control, nice power at the end. That track wasn't helping you much either, too many variations, ya know?! I think this style of material is a great choice. Now, being from London, there shouls be a clear distinction between Cockney (which is a fairly gutteral vocal pattern) and "English". The differences seemed to blur throughout the song and because this is another well known song you must maintain the correct accent throughout. REALLY nice job!"

Kelsee B. Hankins

"There Are Worse Things I Could Do"
from Grease

Amy says: "You have a great clear voice; keep up the good work. I love your diction--I think you could choose more wisely for your gift in the next rounds because you have a very special voice and I don't think this song did you justice!!! Keep going with your fantastic tone quality. It's lovely."

Helen says: "Your voice really cuts through, especially your top notes. You've got a consistent sound throughout your range, which is good to hear. Diction is always clear and the performance is precise. The recording doesn't quite seem to capture the emotion and mood as well as it could, so next time, use your voice even more to tell the story."

Ray says: "Ray says: I think that this is the most polished voice I've heard so far. You're doing everything right vocally and the intent is clear. Now I'd love to hear something more juicy...something with more depth. You are on the RIGHT track."

Megan Herzing

"I Don't Know How To Love Him"
from Jesus Christ Superstar

Amy says: "You had a great vocal presence and energy. You have the perfect sound for what is "selling" at NYC auditions right now, a nice bright sound with a clear mix. I can't wait to hear you sing the more contemporary stuff."

Helen says: "The mood of the piece was captured well. Your dynamics were quite well controlled. Be careful not to embellish the phrases the same way every time. There is some raw talent here!"

Ray says: "I can't even begin to tell you how hard I'm laughing...I just got home fron seeing "Hairspray" last night and if you don't fit the bill vocally for the lead in the show, I don't know who does! I'm hearing you sing that score! If you don't know any songs fron the 50's...go learn some! Or Helen Reddy (didn't she record this song?). Diction, great. Clarity, great. Focus, great. Now the bad news, LOL! This song is beyond your emotional level currently. Historically, Mary Magadelene was considered a prostitute (Da Vinci Code is probably more accurate) and in this moment of her life she experienced an epiphany the likes of which few of us has ever known. Totally life changing and that has to reflect in this song."

Tabitha Judy

"Vanilla Ice Cream"
from She Loves Me

Amy says: "I really enjoyed listening to your voice. You have a very nice soprano. I think being a teacher helps you really know how to project and get your breath underneath you. I would suggest that you use some of that theatrical background a little more, ie don't be afraid to talk-sing a few of the key words or phrases as you see fit. Nice relaxed top note--that song is famous for it, and you did it justice. Keep up the good work!"

Helen says: "Lovely clear voice. I thought the acting was quite good in the song. You nailed that top note. Well done!"

Ray says: "Stage fright is a curious thing. It is seldom associated with ability or talent. It seems to be associated with critical comments heard when we are young. I've been there, so have many people in this business. And you have nothing to be fearful of...beautiful voice, lovely face and two first names! LOL! Great job and nothing to fear with us. Keep up the good work."

Chelsea A Kreines

"By The Sea"
from Sweeney Todd

Amy says: "I really enjoyed your lower range. You also did a nice job with the accent, and I can tell that acting the songs comes easily to you. That song is really difficult, and maybe you might want to look at songs for a younger singer, because you have that great youthful sound and you should take advantage of it while it lasts!!! And don't be afraid of those high notes, just put more breath support into them and they will be BEAUTIFUL!!"

Helen says: "Great attempt at the accent. You have a natural vibrato and I'm sure once you start your lessons it will get even warmer. I agree with Amy about choosing younger roles. There is plenty of time to play middle-aged characters. Exploit your youthful exhuberance! Try to relax a little more, especially on the high notes. Overall though, a promising performance."

Ray says: "That's a big hunk of a song to chew off for someone who's 16 and starting voice lessons soon. Wow! Really nice range and clarity in the voice. Voice lessons can only enhance a really good instrument. Sondheim might be a tall mountain for you to climb at your age but you handled it very well. Let's try some Laurie from "Oklahoma" or Luisa from "Fantasticks". Nice job."

Claire LeBorgne

"Show Me"
from My Fair Lady

Amy says: "You have a nice clear soprano! I would like to see you put more breath support under the high notes to let them soar right out, and then I think the vibrato will be more natural. I definitely think they are there--this song is just so fast that it makes it hard to get the breath under you! I also liked your attention to the diction; just make sure that you are hitting every note in the runs, everyone knows this song and will be expecting accuracy. Keep up the good work!"

Helen says: "I would have loved for you to do the accent. Eliza Doolittle sounds strange as an American. Excellent diction, clear sound. You need to check the context of your song though. Good work."

Ray says: "Beautiful voice. I'm pretty sure you weren't home schooled for voice unless someone in your family is a voice teacher. You've learned good technique and you're being very careful in this song but it's not a careful song. Eliza is pissed. You've read the text and seem to want to use romantic phrasing when the words lean to romantic. But that's not this song. She's angry, frustrated, lonely and for the first time stands up for herself. Stand up! Make that beautiful voice get his attention and demand what your heart wants! That alone will solve all the phrasing issues. Sing it! "

Jessica Mennella

"I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You "
from Evita

Amy says: "Absolutely great diction. Nice pitching, as well. I would work on "smoothing" out the performance, with your breath and relaxing your neck muscles. I also really liked the added urgency in the 2nd section that showed your acting depth. Great job!"

Helen says: "Thank you for choosing this song and not "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina"! I thought you made the song your own. What I'd like you to work on for the next round is really relaxing the muscles in your shoulders and neck, opening the throat and really supporting the upper register notes with your whole core. This will create a more open sound."

Ray says: "This role may well be one of the most difficult in theatre today for a woman. It requires good range, great acting, dancing, vulnerability, sexiness and determination. I think you've done a nice job with this portion of the show. It's not the most showy but it's sexy. Hear those latin rhythms? There's where your voice needs to go. I wanted to be seduced by that sound because that's what she's doing. This is one of those rare instances where great diction works against you...loosen up on that, play the vamp and make this song work for you. Nice voice and range. Great work."

Angela Merrithew

"If I Loved You"
from Carousel

Amy says: "What a great easy, soprano you have. I feel like you are perfect for that genre! You had a nice clear, soaring voice. Be careful you don't close the word "you" too much, but I know how hard that is! Great!"

Helen says: "What lovely vibrato. Such a beautiful song and such a beautiful voice! This was just blissful to listen to. Thank you."

Ray says: "Absolutely beautiful. Beautiful voice, perfect diction, great vowel placement and a nice understanding of the song. Great choice and great job."

Jessica Miller

"Far From The Home I Love"
from Fiddler On The Roof

Amy says: "Nice, easy, soaring soprano voice! I like how you didn't try to force a sound, and yours a very natural easy feel. Great diction, great placement. NIce job!"

Helen says: "Very pretty sound. Very clear sound and solid storytelling. Watch your phrasing: check that where you are breathing makes sense in the context of the lyrics. Good job."

Ray says: "Beautiful voice and nice choice of song. Your phrasing is nicely done and as the song went on you sounded more and more connected to the text. Really lovely. My only concern (from the technical end) is that you seem to be constricting your breath slightly which reveals itself in your intake of breath and on the high note at the end. Open that throat and let that beautiful sound ring! Very nice."

Jamie Muscato

"King Herod's Song"
from Jesus Christ Superstar

Amy says: "Jamie--Great diction! I can tell throughout that your acting is a strength. You made some nice acting choices, but I would be careful not to speak-sing too many lyrics. It doesn't always translate as well when we can't see you acting it.
I look forward to hearing you do sustained notes in future rounds because I can tell there are some great sounds up there--and I want to hear them! Nice job."

Helen says: "Whoever is training you is doing a good job! Your voice has a nice resonance developing and your characterisation is good. The sing-speak of the end of the phrases actually dropped the energy, so be wary of that. Next time, I'd like to see you pick something a little closer to your age. You have a lot of potential."

Ray says: "Very lovely tenor voice, good diction, good clarity but I do have some issue with interpretation. Herod is not a happy man and as King he's used to absolute power. Which means that because of the repetitious nature of this song there must be a variation from verse to verse. Is he entertaining his entourage or is he becoming increasingly angry? I can easily hear you in performance with this song but with that beautiful clear voice you should try something more young and romantic...perhaps 'On the Street Where You Live' from "My Fair Lady" or 'Younger Than Springtime' from "South Pacific". Nice voice."

Matt Newhard

"C'est Moi"
from Camelot

Amy says: "I really loved your work on the heart of this song. Very nice choice. Don't be afraid of opening those higher notes right up at the beginning--I feel like you might be holding back a little (sometimes we learn to do this if we have a big voice in choral settings!) You have a very nice tone and I am LOVING those low notes. Those are very special."

Helen says: "You have a lovely rich sound and the lower register is particularly warm. The performance was rhythmic with just the right balance of rubato to be expressive. A surprising voice! Good luck with the next round."

Ray says: "C'est bon! Lancelot has always been one of my favorite roles and I've used this song often in auditions. Nice resonant voice, good diction, fine clarity. Those higher notes at the beginning can be helped by tweaking the vowel of "Ca-me-LOT" to more of an "awe" sound than an "uh" sound and you've got it nailed! The track you were singing to was a bit too mechanical for me but I understand that that's what ya got and you adjusted nicely to it! Good job!"

Marie Rivest

"If I Were A Bell"
from Guys And Dolls

Amy says: "I love your acting range. This was a good choice for you to be able to show that. You are a very versatile singer, and I loved the high notes when you didn't shy away from them. They had a great tone when you went all out! Nice job!"

Helen says: "You have a very interesting sound. Your top register has some lovely vibrato that you could possibly exploit throughout your range. There was a lot of character in the voice and it's my guess that acting is a real strength here."

Ray says: "Marie, you're winning the prize for me so far in this round for one simple reason. You're telling the story. That in itself is the secret to success in this biz. You have a lovely voice and you know how to use it. Your song is a great choice and you know what you're talking about and that puts you WAY ahead of most of the people who enter this biz. Can't wait to hear more. P.S. Bring that mic closer to you...I wanna hear ya!"

Erik Scott

"There's A Sucker Born Every Minute"
from Barnum

Amy says: "Erik--I immediately was drawn to your energy. Fantastic diction and I loved the ending with the sustained notes. Can't wait to hear you sing the contemporary round."

Helen says: "You have lovely energy and enthusiasm that comes across in your voice. The character of the piece was captured quite well. Good luck with the competition!"

Ray says: "Nice voice, Eric! Your voice is nicely focused and natural and the song choice is an excellent one for your voice type. Don't forget that with all patter songs (songs that are fast and wordy) it is mandatory that you sing slightly ahead of the beat because the human ear follows the first sound that it detects...you want that to be your voice! Nice job!"

Kathleen Sera

"Much More"
from The Fantasticks

Amy says: "Excellent clear sound! You had a nice smooth tone while maintaining clear diction-that is no easy feat! You also have a strong middle voice, which is usually the hardest for female singers to develop so good for you! You are ahead of the game on that. Good choice for your voice!"

Helen says: "This song really suited your voice. You told the story well throughout and landed on those top notes with such effortlessness! This is a very pleasing sound: very smooth throughout."

Ray says: "Absolutely lovely voice! Being unsure of your age I'd say you were PERFECT for this role of Luisa. I've done El Gallo many times and I wish most of my Luisa's sounded like you. That being said...for interpretation, remember that Luisa (Though 16 in the script) plays much more 13ish in our day and time. This score was written in the 60's and views the world from those eyes. Luisa experiences everything with total passion and abamdon. She's living the most romantic life she can dream of. Just a lovely job! Looking forward to more!"

Lesley Shuman

"Out Here On My Own"
from Fame

Amy says: "I think you really captured the mood of this piece. I appreciated the fact that you didn't feel it needed to be overstated, it was simple, and lovely. It probably would have been easier for you up a key, I'm guessing? Those higher notes are great--very folksy and easy. I loved it!"

Helen says: "You didn't overdo this piece, which was refreshing. Were you accompanying yourself? If so, well done, but watch that the piano doesn't drown your voice. Very nicely done."

Ray says: "Many of us choose audition pieces that reflect how we feel about life and I believe that's the case here. This song has allowed you to interpret it in a very personal and intimate way which is always a plus for me. High scores for interpretation. However, it's difficult for me to judge the quality of your voice because the track many times washes you out. So I'll pass making a judgement about that and hope we get a little clearer picture in the next round. Hope to see you there!"

Rebecca Smith

"I Could Have Danced All Night"
from My Fair Lady

Amy says: "Are you kidding me? I couldn't believe you were only 16, let alone you had never had any lessons. That early-Julie Andrews voice is going places. I do think the track was off in some places, or that you were having a hard time hearing it, but you have some pipes, kiddo!"

Helen says: "You have a free, clear sound. Be careful with rhythm, as your melody often was not in time with the accompaniment. A good choice of song for you, as it suited your voice well."

Ray says: "Remarkable voice for having had no training. I didn't even know I could sing when I was 16! But that was last century, LOL! Keep in mind that the people working on Broadway have trained for years, there's no short cut. For the next round may I suggest that you sing with a piano player and not a recording and that will help to alleviate any problems with tempo. Really nice job."

Kaitlyn Stobbe

"Much More"
from The Fantasticks

Amy says: "Are you a fellow Texan?? Great job! I like that you put alot of acting into this song; sometimes people just worry about the notes, since it's so hard musically. You have a fantastic instrument, and alot of control for your age. Keep up the great work!"

Helen says: "Your higher notes soared. You have a very even sound with clear diction and strong character evident throughout the performance. It's hard to believe you are only sixteen! This was just lovely to listen to."

Ray says: "Bee-you-ti-ful voice. I don't remember the last time I heard such resonance in that lower register from a 16 year old! Remarkable. Nice voice, nice diction, nice breath control. Watch the "r's" at the end of words..."much morerrrrrr" and be careful not to slur downward or upward to notes (that means to slide from one pitch to another). As the song progressed the interpretation improved dramatically. I don't know if it was "recording fright" or what but try listening to your recording and match the ending with the beginning. REALLY Nice job. 16...jeez."

Pamela Wong

"All That Jazz"
from Chicago

Amy says: "What a great sound. You have great diction and a truly natural talent. Be careful not to manipulate the sound--your own quality is quite lovely. I think you are going to tear up the contemporary round. Nice job!"

Helen says: "This is a great contemporary sound. The character of the piece was captured well and the overall shape of the piece was conveyed. Be careful not to force the sound: I heard some tightness in the climax of the piece and this could be detrimental to your vocal health in the long term. Exciting performance!"

Ray says: "That's HOT! I'll go to prison with you anytime! LOL! Great sexy, smoky voice, great interpretation, great diction & clarity. You are doing ALL the right things. Great song choice. Good luck!"