I watched this last week and was left in such a state of stunned disbelief that I decided I would watch the second broadcast before I cast judgment, and also to make totally sure that it really was as appallingly bad as I thought it was.
It was.
Words cannot begin to express just how utterly dire, tacky, crass and cringe making this programme is. If there is anybody reading this who remembers the film The Producers and the reaction of the audience at the end of the movie on watching a musical all about Hitler, then that was how I reacted upon seeing these z-list, out of date, or failed pop singers trying to 'do' opera. They are mentored by Katherine Jenkin and Rolando Villazon, a seriously weird combination if ever there was one and while I can understand the Welsh Warbler doing this programme as she never misses an opportunity for publicity, I am a loss as to why Rolando Villazon is here. When interviewed he said it 'sounded fun'. I wonder if he still feels that way.
While watching K and R I am mesmerised by their appearance. Both these mentors have serious hair, and I mean, serious. Katherine J is a millionairess now I gather and not short of a bob or two, so I wonder why she cannot get hold of a hairdresser who will get rid of the two inch black roots she sports at every opportunity. Whilst agreeing that this contrasts nicely with the peroxide curls below, it is hardly classy. Then we have the inch think make up, the false eyelashes, the immobile face, the static smile through which she lilts gently and the total banality of all she has to say, and one wonders just why this woman is so rich and famous.
Now we turn to Rolando (always thought he looks a bit like Blackadder in the form of Rowan Atkinson, though I have to say that while Mr A is no oil painting, he has his own charms) who is sporting a Bob Marley who has had an electric shock hair do, that defies description. When coaching and mentoring he tosses this head of curls around manically and his eyes stare and I am seriously wondering if he is going to get through the series without imploding.
These two form part of the judging panel and the show is introduced by Mylene Klass and Alan Titchmarsch which says it all really.
I sat down after my first watching and I have to tell you now I had to keep leaving the room I found it so insupportably dire, and told myself over and over again not to be a musical snob. I have had this accusation levelled at me in the past when I have not rejoiced in the likes of Ms Jenkin, Russell Watson and others promoted as opera singers when they have never sung in opera in their life, and I really think that this accusation is unjust. I have loved a lot of pop music in my life, and pretty sure a lot of it was rubbish, so do not take the moral high ground on that, but now I do like music that is good, no matter what genre it is in. And my main problem with this show is WHY. Why are they doing it? The obvious answer is, well to get on TV and to get my fading career back on track, but quite a few of those appearing are doing OK so why bother.
About fifteen years ago now, a singer called Michael Bolton who I knew only because I had seen trailers of him on the TV sporting long wispy blonde hair hanging down his back, recorded an album of opera arias. It was dreadful and sold about two copies. I saw him a year or so later on the TV singing and playing the piano and he was terrific, stylish, charming and comfortable with what he was doing. A few years ago I actually had to stop the car one day while out driving to sit and listen to a travesty of a singer performing some lute songs by John Dowland. Turned out to be Sting. Now whether you like Sting or not (I don't) he is a mega star, hugely successful and a master of his trade. This record was AWFUL.
The point I am trying to make, albeit longwindedly, is why do they feel the need to sing classical music? Opera stars perform the so called 'crossover' repertory with success and we know why they do it - money as well as relaxing the voice and enjoying a different style of singing (said in many interviews which I have heard), and of course the records sell well and everyone is happy all round.
The difference here of course is that opera singers can sing the lighter repertoire easily as they are professionally trained and know what they are doing, but I cannot seriously imagine that any opera star is going to want to sing pop music to prove they can do it, and they would likely do it very badly indeed. So I ask again, why are these pop stars trying to sing opera? Do they feel that no matter how good they are in their own style, they will not be regarded as 'good' singers unless they can sing opera? Do they need this validation?
I suppose in the end, it is a gimmick and an excuse for a TV programme and while I am also no TV snob when it comes to this kind of programme (I am a Strictly Come Dancing addict and also am now watching Dancing on Ice each week), but feel that this series is a big mistake as I cannot see what any of those taking part are going to gain from it apart from publicity, and though the adage that all publicity is good publicity comes to mind here, some of those performing are just so unremittingly awful that I really cannot see that it is going to do them any good at all.
So after watching a woman from the Shakespeare Sisters attempt Un Bel Di on Friday, miked up to heaven with a full echo chamber and the aria cut to 30 seconds, with every sinew on her neck tortuously stretched and quivering with tension, and the week before Alec James ex-Blur singer essaying Largo al Factotum, I have decided that I will not be watching any more.
But, but, but this is Sunday and I have the awful feeling that this programme in its total and utter stomach churning naffness is going to lure me back. It is pure masochism but I feel I should check in every now and then just to see how much worse it can get....
PS have just come across this review on the Arts Desk. Oh the relief to know that I am Not Alone
And also a review over on Intermezzo, which is one of my favourite blogs as the owner is an ardent opera lover and adores Placido, as well as finding Katherine Jenkin as annoying as I do. For all those reasons I love reading her opinions....
And I note that she has also used the expression 'car crash TV'. Before I did, I hasten to add but I did not copy ..promise.
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