American Idols & Juniors Perform Carpe...
Tanya
09 May 2009
As I started looking for more Carpenters' songs on youtube, I stumbled across some renditions that were made by young singers at different shows. Sorry, if you have already discussed this before, but still, I would like to hear your opinion, as Karen's fans, if you don't mind. 
American Juniors
Julie Dubela - Rainy Days And Mondays
Katelyn Tarver - We've Only Just Begun
Danielle White - Close To You
American Idols
Danny Noriega - Superstar
Ruben Studdard - Superstar
Clay Aiken - Solitaire
Elliott Yamin - A Song For You
Music Room/Sarah Geronimo - Masquerade, Solitaire (Not exactly American Idol, but still very interesting)
American Juniors
Julie Dubela - Rainy Days And Mondays
Katelyn Tarver - We've Only Just Begun
Danielle White - Close To You
American Idols
Danny Noriega - Superstar
Ruben Studdard - Superstar
Clay Aiken - Solitaire
Elliott Yamin - A Song For You
Music Room/Sarah Geronimo - Masquerade, Solitaire (Not exactly American Idol, but still very interesting)
suspendedIngaffa
09 May 2009
Hi
Yeah, the people who have performed 'Carpenters' songs on American Idol have mostly done versions by different artists - with the exception of Danny Noriega from last season, in fact I specifically remember Paula Abdul saying that she appreciated how he did the 'Carpenters' version. I remember when Clay Aiken sang 'Solitaire' and Neil Sedaka being a guest on the show and him saying something akin to Clay's being the best version ever of the song... I wasn't too thrilled about that.
As for Julie Dubela, I remember her from the audition rounds of American Idol and them showing footage of her singing 'Rainy Days and Mondays' from her American Juniors appearance after she didn't make it through further into the show's season.
Ruben's version was in Luther Vandross' style, and Elliott Yamin performed his as a cover of Donny Hathaway's 'A Song for You'.
I do like it when songs the Carpenters recorded come up on these shows... it's pretty awesome.
Edited by suspendedIngaffa, 09 May 2009 - 07:02 PM.
Yeah, the people who have performed 'Carpenters' songs on American Idol have mostly done versions by different artists - with the exception of Danny Noriega from last season, in fact I specifically remember Paula Abdul saying that she appreciated how he did the 'Carpenters' version. I remember when Clay Aiken sang 'Solitaire' and Neil Sedaka being a guest on the show and him saying something akin to Clay's being the best version ever of the song... I wasn't too thrilled about that.
As for Julie Dubela, I remember her from the audition rounds of American Idol and them showing footage of her singing 'Rainy Days and Mondays' from her American Juniors appearance after she didn't make it through further into the show's season.
Ruben's version was in Luther Vandross' style, and Elliott Yamin performed his as a cover of Donny Hathaway's 'A Song for You'.
I do like it when songs the Carpenters recorded come up on these shows... it's pretty awesome.
Edited by suspendedIngaffa, 09 May 2009 - 07:02 PM.
Tanya
10 May 2009
You know, we also have such a show broadcasted in Russia, and it's called "Stars Factory". 
In fact, now almost each country has it's own analogue of "American Idol". And yes, the beginner singres mostly sing covers of the old hits, that were once performed by other artists.
He really said it?!!
Wow, that wasn't very nice of him. I hope that Richard didn't hear that, because it might have hurt him a lot. 
Why would he say such a thing? Maybe it was just some kind of men's solidarity. 
But even if he didn't want for some reasons to mention Karen, his statement was still ridiculous because besides her, we also had Elvis Presley who sang it brilliantly, and it cannot be even compared to Clay. BTW, have you seen this one? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GVlQdIv0Vo Somebody has put Karen's and Elvis' versions together to one clip! 
Oh, I'd give anything to hear them singing in real duet... 
Wow, I didn't know that 'A Song for You' was a cover too. Frankly, I have never heard about Donny Hathaway before.
It would be interesting to hear his recording, although I'm sure it won't sound any better than Karen's. 
And I definetly can understand why she didn't make it. I don't know much about her, but from what I've seen in profile, the girl has had very inflated ego, that is larger than her real abilities. Her rendition of "'Rainy Days and Mondays" was really awful (in my opinion). She didn't sing, she just screamed. In fact, the only covers that I liked from the list above are of Danielle White (very sweet perfomance) and of Music Room, (especially when the guys singing "Masquerade" altogether - it was really touching.)
Yeah, it's pretty good to know, their music's still alive, and the new generetion learn more about those, who were their folks' idols, but on the other hand, it's very hard to sing these songs and not to be compared to those, who sang them before, especially if they did it in such a superb way, as Karen... Sometimes it's just too much for them... It's not only a matter of voice.. She had such a great charisma and stage presence that it's really difficult to be up to this standard...
In fact, now almost each country has it's own analogue of "American Idol". And yes, the beginner singres mostly sing covers of the old hits, that were once performed by other artists. QUOTE
I remember when Clay Aiken sang 'Solitaire' and Neil Sedaka being a guest on the show and him saying something akin to Clay's being the best version ever of the song... I wasn't too thrilled about that.
He really said it?!!
Wow, that wasn't very nice of him. I hope that Richard didn't hear that, because it might have hurt him a lot. Why would he say such a thing? Maybe it was just some kind of men's solidarity. But even if he didn't want for some reasons to mention Karen, his statement was still ridiculous because besides her, we also had Elvis Presley who sang it brilliantly, and it cannot be even compared to Clay. BTW, have you seen this one? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GVlQdIv0Vo Somebody has put Karen's and Elvis' versions together to one clip! Oh, I'd give anything to hear them singing in real duet... QUOTE
Elliott Yamin performed his as a cover of Donny Hathaway's 'A Song for You'.
Wow, I didn't know that 'A Song for You' was a cover too. Frankly, I have never heard about Donny Hathaway before.
It would be interesting to hear his recording, although I'm sure it won't sound any better than Karen's. QUOTE
As for Julie Dubela, I remember her from the audition rounds of American Idol and them showing footage of her singing 'Rainy Days and Mondays' from her American Juniors appearance after she didn't make it through further into the show's season.
And I definetly can understand why she didn't make it. I don't know much about her, but from what I've seen in profile, the girl has had very inflated ego, that is larger than her real abilities. Her rendition of "'Rainy Days and Mondays" was really awful (in my opinion). She didn't sing, she just screamed. In fact, the only covers that I liked from the list above are of Danielle White (very sweet perfomance) and of Music Room, (especially when the guys singing "Masquerade" altogether - it was really touching.)
QUOTE
I do like it when songs the Carpenters recorded come up on these shows... it's pretty awesome.
Yeah, it's pretty good to know, their music's still alive, and the new generetion learn more about those, who were their folks' idols, but on the other hand, it's very hard to sing these songs and not to be compared to those, who sang them before, especially if they did it in such a superb way, as Karen... Sometimes it's just too much for them... It's not only a matter of voice.. She had such a great charisma and stage presence that it's really difficult to be up to this standard...
whoserman
10 May 2009
QUOTE (Tanya @ May 10 2009, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
I remember when Clay Aiken sang 'Solitaire' and Neil Sedaka being a guest on the show and him saying something akin to Clay's being the best version ever of the song... I wasn't too thrilled about that.
He really said it?!!
Wow, that wasn't very nice of him. I hope that Richard didn't hear that, because it might have hurt him a lot. I disagree. Richard has never been so protective of his own arrangements that he hasn't been able to acknowledge and respect others' arrangements. In fact, he usually jumps at the chance to.
The funny thing is that Solitaire was one of Karen's least favorite tracks, so if she was alive today, she might even agree with Sedaka's assessment.
betossantana
12 May 2009
QUOTE (Tanya @ May 10 2009, 04:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wow, I didn't know that 'A Song for You' was a cover too.
Leon Russell wrote and recorded it originally.
suspendedIngaffa
21 May 2009
Hey...
came across something kinda cool - Michael Slezak from EW puts out an article after every episode of American Idol and he mentioned Karen in it. This is a very popular column so I thought it was worth mentioning. Here is a link to the page in which she is mentioned - http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007164_2...80292_3,00.html and the author of the column references another article that also brought her name up - http://jodywatleyblog.blogspot.com/2009/05...ol-may-12.html:
So, yeah... pretty neat. But I would say that Karen did have a 'big' voice... full and awe inspiring, but I understand their point.
came across something kinda cool - Michael Slezak from EW puts out an article after every episode of American Idol and he mentioned Karen in it. This is a very popular column so I thought it was worth mentioning. Here is a link to the page in which she is mentioned - http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007164_2...80292_3,00.html and the author of the column references another article that also brought her name up - http://jodywatleyblog.blogspot.com/2009/05...ol-may-12.html:
QUOTE
2. Kris Allen is a terrific Idol winner. Those of you who want to stick to your limited ''Kris Allen is a mediocre singer!'' scripts, feel free to skip this section. But then, of course, you'd also probably dismiss Karen Carpenter, John Lennon, and Jim Croce for not having big enough pipes. (Hat tip to Miss Jody Watley, whose recent blog about Idol made mention of those three artists, specifically their simple, distinctive, and totally praise-worthy voices.) And while you're at it, let's write off Bruce Springsteen, and Dusty Springfield, and Erykah Badu, too. My point being that just because someone's voice isn't huge, or octave-scaling, or range-y, doesn't mean it can't be fantastic.
And no, that's not a dis against Adam Lambert. Nor is it my attempt to put Kris Allen on the same level as Carpenter or Lennon or Badu. It's just an acknowledgement in the superlative-driven world of Idol discussion that there are all kinds of voices worth getting worked up about. And Kris, who hails from the less-is-more school of singing, has put down some stellar, show-stopping performances this season: ''Falling Slowly,'' ''She Works Hard for the Money,'' ''Heartless,'' ''Ain't No Sunshine,'' ''To Make You Feel My Love,'' and even ''Come Together.'' If that's not an Idol-worthy résumé, then my iPod has been badly duped, people! What's more, Kris' lovely duet tonight with Keith Urban, to the strains of ''Kiss a Girl,'' show the kid's got as much charisma, and as strong a voice, as one of the best-selling country stars of the decade.
And no, that's not a dis against Adam Lambert. Nor is it my attempt to put Kris Allen on the same level as Carpenter or Lennon or Badu. It's just an acknowledgement in the superlative-driven world of Idol discussion that there are all kinds of voices worth getting worked up about. And Kris, who hails from the less-is-more school of singing, has put down some stellar, show-stopping performances this season: ''Falling Slowly,'' ''She Works Hard for the Money,'' ''Heartless,'' ''Ain't No Sunshine,'' ''To Make You Feel My Love,'' and even ''Come Together.'' If that's not an Idol-worthy résumé, then my iPod has been badly duped, people! What's more, Kris' lovely duet tonight with Keith Urban, to the strains of ''Kiss a Girl,'' show the kid's got as much charisma, and as strong a voice, as one of the best-selling country stars of the decade.
QUOTE
Kris is not a belter obviously and won't win any vocal dexterity contests, but I love the tone of his voice. He has a likability that has helped him - I call it an 'It' factor. People like him. He's handsome too, which doesn't hurt. I grew up in the Midwest and loved the music and voices of The Carpenters (Karen had an amazing simple voice), Seals and Crofts, Jim Croce and so many others outside of all of the R&B i listened to. I loved The Beatles, and neither John or Paul had the type of vocals that would make you hold your throat in awe, but they had distinct quality.
So, yeah... pretty neat. But I would say that Karen did have a 'big' voice... full and awe inspiring, but I understand their point.
cam83
21 May 2009
To say Karen had a simple voice. Karen had a 4 octave range for goodness sake. Yes, not a lot of people know that...but that is a tremendous voice to have in our music world. Karen just never felt the need to do vocal acrobatics like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston or Christina Aguliera, although they are very good singers...Karen had that extra something special...made you feel good!!
My thoughts,
Cameron
My thoughts,
Cameron
BlueBoy
22 May 2009
QUOTE (suspendedIngaffa @ May 21 2009, 02:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey...
came across something kinda cool - Michael Slezak from EW puts out an article after every episode of American Idol and he mentioned Karen in it. This is a very popular column so I thought it was worth mentioning. Here is a link to the page in which she is mentioned -
came across something kinda cool - Michael Slezak from EW puts out an article after every episode of American Idol and he mentioned Karen in it. This is a very popular column so I thought it was worth mentioning. Here is a link to the page in which she is mentioned -
I noticed that Karen got top billing each time he mentioned several artists....
Tanya
22 May 2009
suspendedIngaffa thank you for a very interesting article! Althoug I have no idea about who Kris Allen and Adam Lambert are, I also have never heard of Erykah Badu, Seals and Crofts and Jim Croce, but still, it was very pleasing to find out that he likes Carpenters music and Karen's voice.
And I agree with his words, too. Having "big throat" still doesn't make you good artist. If we take for example Julie Dubela - she tried so hard to demonstrate her vocal abilities singing "Rainy Days and Mondays", and what she's got in the end? So it doesn't matter at all how wide your vocal range is and how long you are able to hold the high notes. In my opinion, one of the biggest distinctions of Karen's voice is it's uniqueness. You can never confuse her with other singer...
Edited by Tanya, 23 May 2009 - 04:39 AM.
And I agree with his words, too. Having "big throat" still doesn't make you good artist. If we take for example Julie Dubela - she tried so hard to demonstrate her vocal abilities singing "Rainy Days and Mondays", and what she's got in the end? So it doesn't matter at all how wide your vocal range is and how long you are able to hold the high notes. In my opinion, one of the biggest distinctions of Karen's voice is it's uniqueness. You can never confuse her with other singer...
Edited by Tanya, 23 May 2009 - 04:39 AM.
CarpsButtonFan
22 May 2009
QUOTE (Tanya @ May 22 2009, 03:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
suspendedIngaffa thank you for a very interesting article! Althoug I have now idea about who Kris Allen and Adam Lambert are, I also have never heard of Erykah Badu, Seals and Crofts and Jim Croce, but still, it was very pleasing to find out that he likes Carpenters music and Karen's voice.
Jim Croce is an excellent artist.....I love some of his stuff, but he died tragically
and quite soon Operator---Jim Croce
Never heard of Erykah Badu but I've heard Seals and crofts. I also like 'em too
Summer Breeze---Seals and Crofts
betossantana
22 May 2009
QUOTE (cam83 @ May 21 2009, 09:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Karen had a 4 octave range for goodness sake.
Not QUITE...
http://www.richardandkarencarpenter.com/fans_ask_7.htm
QUOTE
Karen probably had, with her chest and her head voice, a little over three octaves.
QUOTE (Tanya @ May 22 2009, 05:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I also have never heard of Erykah Badu, Seals and Crofts and Jim Croce,
Wow, I DO know two Croce songs, I got a name and I'll have to say I love you in a song, I love the latter, it's so simple and touching! They were featured in Brazilian soap-operas of the nineties (can't imagine why, maybe they had released some Croce collection and wanted it promoted):
http://mistodownload.blogspot.com/2009/04/...ima-vitima.html
QUOTE
01. BLACK ROSES - Inner Circle (tema de Irene)
02. I LIVE MY LIFE FOR LOVE - Firehouse (tema de Ana)
03. BE MY LOVER (Radio Edit) - La Bouche (tema de locação - São Paulo)
04. I GOT A NAME - Jim Croce (tema de Zé Bolacha)
05. MORE THAN A WOMAN - Flava To Da Bone (tema de Isabela)
06. BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE - Frente (tema de Carmela)
07. NO MORE "I LOVE YOU'S" - Annie Lennox (tema de Helena)
08. LET'S STAY TOGETHER - Bobby Ross Avila (tema de Patrícia)
09. HOLDING ON TO YOU - Terence Trent D'Arby (tema de Bruno)
10. AROUND THE WORLD - East 17 (tema de Tonico e Carina)
11. THAT'S THE WAY - Double You (tema de locação - boates em São Paulo)
12. INDEPENDENT LOVE SONG - Scarlet (tema de Sidney e Carla)
13. TOUCH GIRL - Martine (tema de Marco e Teca)
14. FOTONOVELA - Alexis San Nicolas (tema de locação - boate de Quitéria)
02. I LIVE MY LIFE FOR LOVE - Firehouse (tema de Ana)
03. BE MY LOVER (Radio Edit) - La Bouche (tema de locação - São Paulo)
04. I GOT A NAME - Jim Croce (tema de Zé Bolacha)
05. MORE THAN A WOMAN - Flava To Da Bone (tema de Isabela)
06. BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE - Frente (tema de Carmela)
07. NO MORE "I LOVE YOU'S" - Annie Lennox (tema de Helena)
08. LET'S STAY TOGETHER - Bobby Ross Avila (tema de Patrícia)
09. HOLDING ON TO YOU - Terence Trent D'Arby (tema de Bruno)
10. AROUND THE WORLD - East 17 (tema de Tonico e Carina)
11. THAT'S THE WAY - Double You (tema de locação - boates em São Paulo)
12. INDEPENDENT LOVE SONG - Scarlet (tema de Sidney e Carla)
13. TOUCH GIRL - Martine (tema de Marco e Teca)
14. FOTONOVELA - Alexis San Nicolas (tema de locação - boate de Quitéria)
http://master1401.wordpress.com/2008/07/30...-internacional/
QUOTE
1 – Save Me Now – Andru Donalds
2 – Over My Shoulders – Mike & The Mechanics
3 – I Could Fall In Love – Selena
4 – Set Me Free – Richy
5 – I Have To Say I Love You In A Song – Jim Croce
6 – I Wanna Take Forever Tonight – Peter Cetera
7 – La Solitudine – Renato Russo
8 – Beautiful – Marillion
9 – I Want You – Polo
10 – Julia Says – Wet Wet Wet
11 – Nobody Else – Take That
12 – Close To You – Whigfield
13 – Can I Touch You… There ? – Michael Bolton
14 – A Kind Of Christmas Card – Morteen Harket
2 – Over My Shoulders – Mike & The Mechanics
3 – I Could Fall In Love – Selena
4 – Set Me Free – Richy
5 – I Have To Say I Love You In A Song – Jim Croce
6 – I Wanna Take Forever Tonight – Peter Cetera
7 – La Solitudine – Renato Russo
8 – Beautiful – Marillion
9 – I Want You – Polo
10 – Julia Says – Wet Wet Wet
11 – Nobody Else – Take That
12 – Close To You – Whigfield
13 – Can I Touch You… There ? – Michael Bolton
14 – A Kind Of Christmas Card – Morteen Harket
I got a name is also included in a movie with Sigourney Weaver that I love, The ice storm.
Tanya
23 May 2009
QUOTE (betossantana @ May 22 2009, 10:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wow, I DO know two Croce songs, I got a name and I'll have to say I love you in a song, I love the latter, it's so simple and touching! They were featured in Brazilian soap-operas of the nineties (can't imagine why, maybe they had released some Croce collection and wanted it promoted):
Oh, the "Proxima Victima" has been aired in our country in the middle 90-s! But I don't remember this tune playing there... Maybe because I was too young at that time...
QUOTE (Marifetje @ May 22 2009, 06:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Jim Croce is an excellent artist.....I love some of his stuff, but he died tragically
and quite soon Operator---Jim Croce
Never heard of Erykah Badu but I've heard Seals and crofts. I also like 'em too
Summer Breeze---Seals and Crofts
Thank you for the links! It's nice music, although not my favorite style... I prefer Carps much more!
Edited by Tanya, 23 May 2009 - 05:08 AM.
betossantana
23 May 2009
QUOTE (Tanya @ May 23 2009, 05:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh, the "Proxima Victima" has been aired in our country in the middle 90-s! But I don't remember this tune playing there... Maybe because I was too young at that time...
Oh, I notice now that you speak from Russia, how nice. Yes, I've seen on TV that Brazilian soaps are popular in Russia also.
CarpsButtonFan
23 May 2009
I'll Have To Say I love you in a song is soooooooo touching and the story around it makes it more lovely
and the story around it makes it more lovely
cam83
24 May 2009
Actually it was Karen herself that said that she had a 4 octave range! She said this to Tom Bahler, as it is in the Ray Coleman biography of the Carpenters. I would think Karen would know how low and high she could sing...
My thoughts,
Cameron
My thoughts,
Cameron
