Monday, June 30, 2008

Vote for Belty Song

Here are two videos of me singing the two "belty"/loud songs I'm considering for the American Idol audition. I will also be posting the two soft/controlled songs soon. Please watch both videos and vote for your favorite by leaving a comment. Bare in mind that most auditioners only have between 10 and 30 seconds to wow the producers. I look forward to your input.





Ethan and I recorded these in a fever while Harper and Jack were momentarily distracted by a Baby Einstein video in the living room. In fact, you can hear Jack squealing while he scoots down the hall in the Dixie Chicks' song. Unfortunately the video camera is not the most amazing sound recording system, but we wanted to get something up so we could hear your thoughts.

Further consideration: It has been tossed around the blogosphere that one should not sing a Dixie Chicks song for Fox producers. (Remember the Dixie Chicks caught a lot of flack from their conservative fans for their opposition to the war, and Fox has a reputation for being a conservative network.) Any thoughts? Also, last season, Syesha Mercado received quite a bit of praise for her rendition of "A Change is Gonna Come" and it can be a dangerous game to set yourself up for comparison. Any thoughts?

18 comments:

Unknown said...

Okay.....first of all, I love you. Secondly, my first instinct is to go for 'A Change...'. I think it highlights your alto skills really well. But, I'm off to listen about 10 more times and then recast my vote.

Unknown said...

Yeah, you have 2 votes for 'A Change...'. Darren and I have different reasons for our votes, but we both definitely go for that one. I'll just call you so we can talk in more detail...I'll wait until after you post your other songs first.

Danielle said...

Hmmm . . . I think I agree with Mary and Darren . . . your voice sounds so beautiful on that one in particular!

Deb said...

Aaron and I both listened and love the Sam Cooke song ;) I don't think it matters that Sayesha sang it since you're putting your own touch to it. You sound wonderful!

grandma said...

sam cook and ru rule

Catalina said...

I had to just watch twice and I think "A change" is the best of the two on video. I just have to say though that the video doesn't do justice AT ALL!!! I was teary-eyed and got goose bumps when you sang the dixie chicks song in my living room. Sooo, I think I really need to hear this one in person too. Just to be fair. I am still voting for a backyard concert.

Anonymous said...

Whew, that was incredible... I vote the Sam Cooke song, I can imagine Paula swaying slowly back and forth smiling at you during that one.

Unknown said...

Glad you're getting such great feedback, Ru! I forgot to add that watching you took me back to the days when you would perform for the Tienken clan (usually in my bedroom :). Ah, the good 'ole days. La ya!

Catalina said...

oh my gosh, heath and I just figured out that mary = katie tienken. what the heck! i know this is totally off the american idol topic. but mary, send me a note so we can chat too! and ru, heath says, "definetely sam cooke"

Tiffany Aicklen said...

Hey Roo,
Sam Cooke for sure. It sounds beautiful, shows off your control and you have more of a spark when you sing that one:) Love it.

Rachel said...

brava Ruthie to both! I vote for the second song, but both are awesome.

Anonymous said...

I am so thankful that so many of my loved ones have listened and voted. Thanks, everyone! It is encouraging that there's a consensus building here, although I do hope people can make it to the party Saturday morning because I think the video sound quality doesn't sound like real life. Of course, I'm hearing myself from inside my own head, so any recording is going to sound slightly different than that!

Ethan and Cat have expressed, though, that it does sound different in real life. So come over Saturday! The video tends to flatten the tone out a bit, removing the space of the room and the bounce of the tones... if that makes any sense. It's tough to explain. Anyway... THANK YOU! See you Saturday?

Katia said...

Sam Cooke definitely. I know you'll blow them away.

Peggy said...

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Peggy said...

Ruthie, John and I both like the Sam Cook song.

Peggy said...

I think I earned my nickname "crazy ole Gran" tonight. Each time I posted, I had an expectation that it would post at the top of the comments list and therefore put 4 test posts on before I realized that it was indeed working. Technology and I are sometimes in conflict. Sorry Ru, Momma loves you.