Popstar to Opera Star Blog Week 1
Saturday, 16 January 2010 17:20
If you think that watching Popstar to Operastar is fun let me tell you doing it is even better. The atmosphere in the critic’s box last night was part play pen, part high brow judging panel, part Muppet Show.
I have decided that the Mighty Meat and I are indeed Waldorf and Statler with the incandescent Jenkins desperately trying to keep control of Rolando ‘Wolf Boy’ Villazon, all of us felt such incredibly near tearful pride for last nights’ performances which were extraordinary although do keep watching because there wasn’t a single song last night that was untouched by the icy grasp of nerves.
Jimmy and Bernie used their phenomenal experience to keep the majority of their butterflies at bay but I promise you the performances will get better and better and better. The man of last night’s match was undoubtedly everyone’s favourite floppy-fringed, school-of-rock prefect Alex James who played up and played up and played the game but found himself back in the pavilion before tea.
I loved what he did to the Barber of Seville. It was Rossini in the style of Just William. Alex had obviously come straight from scrumping Mrs Browns apple tree and pinching pies left out to cool from window sills.
It was cheeky, irreverent and very, very funny and he will be missed form the ensemble but perhaps his unique Brit pop/opera panto fusion and his engaging technique of shouting in tune said less about the art form of opera than some of the other performances but last night’s drinks party after the show in the ITV bar was dominated by the entrance of Mr James in great state.
He was everyone’s hero and I’m thinking of having a plaque made for the critics box with his name and date as a little memorial of his cheeky and engaging performance.
By Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen
Your Reviews
Being a keen opera fan I was totally surprised at the standard of the first performances. I thought they were all really good attempts. I voted for Alex - not that I thought he was the best on the night for singing but I thought he was the best performer! I love his programme too so he got my vote. All my froends who wouldn't watch opera have been contacting me and saying how much they enjoyed it. Also thought the panel was a fantastic mix. Going to Egypt this week but have recorded it for my return - cant wait to see the next round. Also a big fan of the Sunday Spa. I just love classic FM. Pamela Baker
I only managed to see the last 45 minutes, but I will certainly watch the remainder of the series, thought what I saw was really good. All the contestants must have been terrified at going out and performing opera. Linda Mcginn
I loved every minute of this great new programme. I thought it was going to be another 'Strictly' - type of event, but, it had a much more lightheated and less serious feel about it. However, the voting really surprised me; apart from the fect that Alex James would obviously be the one to go, I thought that Vanessa White's voice was the one that showed the most potential out of all the contestants. My bet is that she will be the overall winner - or I'll eat my opera hat! Geraldine Leigh
I feel we have too many reality programmes and this did not come up to the standard of last choir standing, the choir or maestro. Kay Richards
The best I have seen on TV for a while. If this programme gets more young people interested in classical music, then well done. Alex James was so very entertaining!!! Patricia Davison
Loved alex's performance ... but he's not a singer -- great bass player..... would have loved him to stay in a bit longer - cos he is such good fun. Penny Stanley
A great idea, great entertainment, critics doing their best to be constructive, but spoilt completely for me by a very loud,shrieking audience, which didn't allow us to hear the performers properly. Could not a bit of "crowd control" be employed in the audience's warm-up? John Crimp
I enjoyed the show very much, particularly Marcella Detroit. After hearing her sing Casta Diva I listened to my recording of Callas singing it and I have to say Marcella's rendition although very different, gave me just as much pleasure. Thanks to ITV Player I have been listening to it over and over.A beautiful aria, beautifully sung by a beautiful lady. Well done Marcella and lets hear a lot more of you. David Rutter
What did you think of the first show and Alex's performance? Send in your comments below. If you enjoyed it, the next episode of Popstar to Opera Star is on ITV1 on Friday at 9pm. Visit the official website for more backstage news and videos.
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