To not be able to stand Katharine Jenkins' voice?

[shadowfax07]

Especially in her upper register? I can't understand what words she's supposed to be singing. It gives me the rage, I was always taught in singing lessons and county choir to enunciate clearly. No point in singing if no-one can understand you!

Her lower register's fine, BTW, even if what she does with her lips is just tortuous to watch.

[moonface1]

I'm not a fan of Laura Wright. Some things she sings beautifully (my daughter is a fan of hers) but in others I can detect her (very slightly deep voice) accent underlying throughout, and it sounds odd. Sorry for the poor explanation. I don't know if that will make sense to anyone

[CalamityKate1]

Lego - I know exactly the sound you mean and you're right - it DOES sound as if she's got a mouthful of custard!! Perfect!

[TeenyfTroon]

Lego, I love your attempt to describe her voice! I've been trying for years and failed. 'What do you mean?' my daughter asks. Well you know exactly what I mean - thank you.

[CinderellaRockefeller]

Why is it snobby to say she's not good at opera though? Her voice isn't good enough to sing opera. Not because she's an oik, or any snobby reason, but because she hasn't got the range, training or technical abilitily.

It doesn't make you a ski jump snob if you point out Eddie the eagle isn't as good as Olympic skiers. Why is opera different?

[Celticlass2]

She has about as much to do with opera as the X factor has to do with music.
Not very bright either considering some of the 'interviews' she's given in the Welsh papers.

[hanginginthere1]

I know I am changing the subject here.What do people think of Alfie Boe, and his attempts to steer away from opera etc. I think he has a tremendous voice, but having decided to abandon the opera, I feel that he has struggled to find his niche. He has recently changed management, and his latest album seems to have reverted back to the classical style again.
I went to see him in concert when he was singing the American folky/rocky/elvis type numbers, and I must admit i didn't really enjoy it. I thought he was wasting his voice. Saw him in Les Mis. Again the voice was phenomenal, but his acting skills didn't really impress.
It must be difficult to find your niche, and I'm not sure he really has .

[Kundry]

It would have helped if he hadn't slagged off opera so much, especially as it made his career.

He has a good voice, we don't know if in opera terms it would have been a great one because he left training early so we don't see him doing the roles. But compared to the other crossover singers he is a lot better, because he has had proper training.

In opera you need the voice and the acting skills. If your voice is truly incredible you can get away without the acting a bit but the days when a fat lady stood motionless on stage are long gone - today's audience expects the 'full package'.

It's interesting to me that you thought his acting wasn't up to much as he has made a lot out of doing Les Mis and the Baz Lurhman La Boheme and how much more modern/relevant/exciting they are than boring old opera. But if he can't act and is just belting it out, then I'd rather see a proper opera, thanks.

There are many opera singers that have the voice, the looks and the acting. I find it odd we are supposed to be so excited about Alfie Boe when in the opera world, he would be struggling amongst a lot of competition.

[Tattiebogle]

Surely Alfie Boe is pop opera

[Julius02]

I saw Alfie Boe a few years ago in an ENO production. His singing was good but he couldn't act for toffee - unbelievably wooden!

The whole production was really lacklustre until Michael Ball walked onto the stage. To my surprise, and that of the cynical friend with me, it was like someone switched on a light - he had great stage presence and oozed warmth... We were won over!!

I can't bear Russell Watson and a friend who is an opera singer said he had worked with him and he was obnoxious....

[windchime]

She was good in that Christmas episode of Dr Who. I have always wondered why no-one calls her 'Kate', when Prince William's wife is called nothing else

[VenusRising]

She's the quality street of opera rather, and her dresses don't help me shift that perception.
Her voice isn't too bad, but it's not amazing. Kind of like the toffee that's left at the bottom of the tin.

[kelda]

I was shocked when I first heard KJ singing. I had read so much hype surrounding her, I expected her to be good. And she's not.

Sam Smith and Adele I quite like. They are pop singers, and not pretending to be anything else.

[Lilymaid]

She isn't as good as her "predecessor" popular/classical singer, Lesley Garrett. I'm another choir/symphony chorus mezzo and have heard lots of good singers (and seen their rears).

[FryOneFatManic]

I'm partly deaf, but even so, for years I've hated hearing KJ.

To me there has always been something unpleasant about her voice. And when I see her singing, her face seems distorted as if she's straining or something. Very off-putting.

[atwitsendbutpaddlinghard]

You horrid lot. Are any of you 1 tenth as successful as she is in any sphere?
I have seen KJ twice in concert and my family of all ages have thoroughly enjoyed her concerts.
What a lot of spiteful jealousy on here. Shame on you all for your personal bitchy comments.

[Tattiebogle]

Julius, RW, has a history on brain tumours and it could just be they contributed to him not coming across in the best possible way at times.

[Tattiebogle]

Atwitsend - just as you are entitled to enjoy KJ's efforts, others are allowed not to enjoy them and to recognise that she is watered down Opera singing.

[moonface1]

Nobody is saying KJ isn't successful at what she does not opera

And there's no jealousy on my part.

[moonface1]

Are any of you 1 tenth as successful as she is in any sphere?

In any sphere I do hope so

[Chippednailvarnish]

A friend went to a wedding where the bride's Godfather sang. He met him later and told him he was very good and he should consider doing it professionally.


He found out the next day he'd been giving career advice to Michael Ball

[Chippednailvarnish]

I have seen KJ twice in concert
Never mind I'm sure you'll recover

[atwitsendbutpaddlinghard]

Chippednail
I saw her with Il Divo. Lovely thank you!