Talent Quest is once again upon us and I find myself submerged in more karaoke than normal (and let's be honest, "normal" for me is probably once a week). From the beginning of August 'til the end of September the amount of concentrated karaoke will average out to about 8 hours a day. Talent Quest draws so many talented singers, but having worked for a year in a karaoke bar and being on staff with a national karaoke competition for 6 years, there are just some songs I absolutely hate to hear. Mostly it has nothing with how well a person sings, but rather the amount of times I've had to hear it and/or horrible lyrics.
So, here's my list of Top 10 Most Hated Karaoke Songs
10. Summer Nights- UGH! I've heard this tooooooo many times
9. Before He Cheats- easily the most heard song the year it was released. I've reached my lifetime limit on this one.
8. Paradise by the Dashboard Lights- I'm not hating on Meatloaf....just his 7 minute song.
7. Simple Man
6. Crazy- Sorry....you're NOT Patsy Cline.
5. Picture- This duet takes NO talent so EVERYONE sings it. I've easily heard it 500 times.
4. Whiskey Lullaby- Worst. Lyrics. Ever. Listen to what you're singing people!
3. Bridge Over Troubled Water
2. I Touch Myself- every drunk-I-wanna-sing-but-I-wanna-pretend-like-I-don't girl has done this song. Sooooo tired!
1. Broken Wing- I don't care who you are or how well you sing, if you sing this song, I will leave and come back when it's over.
I love karaoke and singing, but limits can certainly be reached. What songs make you cringe?
Showing posts with label talent quest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label talent quest. Show all posts
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Better Late than Never.....Right?!?
I've been so lax about editing the TONS of video I have from Talent Quest Nationals. I have 2 more edited and am working my way through the rest. I will most likely just keep adding the newly edited footage here instead of a new, devoted blog for each group.
Sorry for the delay, folks! Keep checking back for the new footage!
Jenny Diehl, Semi-Final Round, Pop Female, 2nd Place Nationals:
Sorry for the delay, folks! Keep checking back for the new footage!
Jenny Diehl, Semi-Final Round, Pop Female, 2nd Place Nationals:
Jimmy Tighe 2, Round 2:
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Talent Quest Nationals 2009: All the Usual Suspects
All the usual suspects are here. We hear them every year and know there will be new suspects added to the list from this year. [I can hear you all now, "Why would she talk about contestants who might see her blog?!?".....BUT, it's not what you think!]
Every year there are a few songs that make multiple appearances. We make our picks before the contest starts and to the winner goes the spoils of victory: a year of bragging rights for picking the correct song.
Usually it's a new song that has been a big hit, but sometimes we're thrown a curve ball and an old song comes out of left field and takes the prize. Last year we were ALL blindsided by a song that's at least ten years old. We've been keeping track this year and it's a tight race. Instead of telling you which songs are in the lead this year, I'll just list some of the annual "favorites".
Unchained Melody
Broken Wing
Breathe
Crazy
Before He Cheats
I Am Changing
Like We Never Loved At All
My Heart Will Go On
On My Own
Lady Marmalade (the atrocious Moulin Rouge version)
I'm keeping busy tabulating the scores as they roll in so I haven't been able to edit and post the videos which are calling my name, but I will try to get some of them up before the finals. Please keep checking in if I'm posting videos from someone you're supporting.
It has been a great week so far and I'm hoping my next post will be full of some amazing news about the production crew that's here from Harpo Studios! [yes......you read that correctly!]
Every year there are a few songs that make multiple appearances. We make our picks before the contest starts and to the winner goes the spoils of victory: a year of bragging rights for picking the correct song.
Usually it's a new song that has been a big hit, but sometimes we're thrown a curve ball and an old song comes out of left field and takes the prize. Last year we were ALL blindsided by a song that's at least ten years old. We've been keeping track this year and it's a tight race. Instead of telling you which songs are in the lead this year, I'll just list some of the annual "favorites".
Unchained Melody
Broken Wing
Breathe
Crazy
Before He Cheats
I Am Changing
Like We Never Loved At All
My Heart Will Go On
On My Own
Lady Marmalade (the atrocious Moulin Rouge version)
I'm keeping busy tabulating the scores as they roll in so I haven't been able to edit and post the videos which are calling my name, but I will try to get some of them up before the finals. Please keep checking in if I'm posting videos from someone you're supporting.
It has been a great week so far and I'm hoping my next post will be full of some amazing news about the production crew that's here from Harpo Studios! [yes......you read that correctly!]
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Talent Quest Nationals 2009: Life-long Friendships
I've been fortunate enough to have been a part of Talent Quest for the last 5 years. There are many contestants we see year after year and registration begins to look like an annual family reunion of sorts.
I have such great memories from my first year at Nationals. Being able to come out with my best friend, Jessica for her last eligible year of competition. It was a strange year, to say the least, but she and I had a great time living it up and having some great girl-friend time (which is hard to come by when your bestie has 2 kids).
Because I'm at the information table for more than half of the week's competition, I'm able to see and talk to almost all the contestants. It's virtually impossible not to form bonds of friendship with many of them. One of the things I find so gratifying about the competition is seeing the bonds of friendship between the contestants.
Plastered all over the casino and the elevators are these posters:
[I'll add the photo later....I had some technical issues]
The "Three Amigos" are contestants from Oklahoma, Wisconsin and New York who met 3 years ago when comepeting against one another. The bonds of music and a respect for one another's talent created a lasting bond of friendship. These men talk and scheme all year for the week they will all be together to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting casino guests and fellow contestants. :)
As staff, we have no influence on the judging but we do our best to remain neutral, but it's just not possible for us to look forward to and count the days until we see our friends, Gregg and Michelle. They have travelled to Oklahoma more than once to visit all of us and sing some karaoke. They are just some of the nicest people one could ever meet and we all consider ourselves lucky to call them friends.
In addition to the old friends, there are always "new" friends- those who are first or second time competitors. It's just so nice to be among people who share a love for music and a dream to perform which creates these bonds! It's AMAZING!
So, please enjoy a few videos from some friendly performances.
The Three Amigos:
[video to come.....more technical issues]
Raydog, one of my annual faves:
Jimmy, a new friend (he made Top 5 last year):
I have such great memories from my first year at Nationals. Being able to come out with my best friend, Jessica for her last eligible year of competition. It was a strange year, to say the least, but she and I had a great time living it up and having some great girl-friend time (which is hard to come by when your bestie has 2 kids).
Because I'm at the information table for more than half of the week's competition, I'm able to see and talk to almost all the contestants. It's virtually impossible not to form bonds of friendship with many of them. One of the things I find so gratifying about the competition is seeing the bonds of friendship between the contestants.
Plastered all over the casino and the elevators are these posters:
[I'll add the photo later....I had some technical issues]
The "Three Amigos" are contestants from Oklahoma, Wisconsin and New York who met 3 years ago when comepeting against one another. The bonds of music and a respect for one another's talent created a lasting bond of friendship. These men talk and scheme all year for the week they will all be together to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting casino guests and fellow contestants. :)
As staff, we have no influence on the judging but we do our best to remain neutral, but it's just not possible for us to look forward to and count the days until we see our friends, Gregg and Michelle. They have travelled to Oklahoma more than once to visit all of us and sing some karaoke. They are just some of the nicest people one could ever meet and we all consider ourselves lucky to call them friends.
In addition to the old friends, there are always "new" friends- those who are first or second time competitors. It's just so nice to be among people who share a love for music and a dream to perform which creates these bonds! It's AMAZING!
So, please enjoy a few videos from some friendly performances.
The Three Amigos:
[video to come.....more technical issues]
Raydog, one of my annual faves:
Jimmy, a new friend (he made Top 5 last year):
Gregg and Michelle:
[video to come......not recorded yet :)]
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Talent Quest Nationals 2009: Check in and Registration
After a non-stop flight to Vegas, sitting next to Ms. Rebecca, who had never flown before (she was GREAT!), I checked into my comfortable room (which I probably won't see as much as I would like).
In years past, I would arrive on Sunday in just enough time to throw my bags into my room and rush down to registration, but this year.......ahhhhhh! I arrived on Saturday and had the whole day to do whatever I wanted....it was fantastic!
Tomorrow morning I will "orientate" the judges at 9am and the competition begins at 11:00 am! I will be trying to record and post videos of some of the contestants, but that will depend on how busy I am with questions from contestants :D
On a personal note: tonight there was "open karaoke" in the pavilion theater, which is the big auditorium where the contest is held. For those who know me, you know I'm NOT a performer. I'm most happy to sing back up harmony, but there's NO NEED for me to be in the spotlight. I get plenty of attention through my wit and written word.......no need to put myself on a stage. BUT.....tonight, I was strong-armed into singing on that stage. TALK ABOUT HINEY PUCKER! I have SUCH admiration for all the performers who are so willing to take the spotlight so I don't have to do that!
But......if you need a back up singer who does killer harmony, I'm your girl. Call me and we'll work it OUT!
I'm headed to bed (maybe)!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Leaving on a Jet Plane!
Tomorrow I fly from Oklahoma City to Vegas (non-stop, baby!) for another year of Talent Quest Nationals! There's lots on my mind as I prepare for my 9 days immersed in music, but at the forefront of them all is what a difference a year makes.
When I was preparing to leave last year, I was happy with my job and had just started talking to this really great guy. The job and the guy are no longer, but I'm not unhappy about any of it, although I find I'm growing a bit nostalgic over the boy since so much was happening with him this time last year. I'm anxious to go and replace last years memories with new ones.........and I'm hopeful the last little bit of ache I feel when I think of him will subside.
I'm also looking forward to hearing lots of great singers (I'll try to blog and post some videos throughout the week if I have the time), seeing old friends and meeting new ones! Overall, Talent Quest has been the most rewarding volunteer gig I've ever had!
If you're interested in learning more about Talent Quest, click HERE
I'll be posting more next week as the contest gets into full swing.....it's gonna be a blast!
When I was preparing to leave last year, I was happy with my job and had just started talking to this really great guy. The job and the guy are no longer, but I'm not unhappy about any of it, although I find I'm growing a bit nostalgic over the boy since so much was happening with him this time last year. I'm anxious to go and replace last years memories with new ones.........and I'm hopeful the last little bit of ache I feel when I think of him will subside.
I'm also looking forward to hearing lots of great singers (I'll try to blog and post some videos throughout the week if I have the time), seeing old friends and meeting new ones! Overall, Talent Quest has been the most rewarding volunteer gig I've ever had!
If you're interested in learning more about Talent Quest, click HERE
I'll be posting more next week as the contest gets into full swing.....it's gonna be a blast!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
That's Where the Music Takes Me
In less than a month I'll be leaving for Talent Quest nationals. This time of year finds me submerged in music, but you won't hear me complain about that.
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I've written before about how there's music tied to every major event in my life, but my relationship with music goes so much deeper. When I was little, my mother often told me the story of the first time she held me after I was born. She would say, "You love music because the first time I held you, I sang to you right away." My first outside contact with my mother was hearing her sing, not speak to me. Who knows? Maybe she's right about that first encounter shaping my love for music......that coupled with the fact that the entire time I was in her belly I was probably listening to her sing to my sister, Melissa, who was only one at the time.
Music permeates my childhood. Many evenings the entire family would gather around the turntable which was built into a cabinet with the TV (do you remember those?) and we would listen to entire albums.....one after another.
My sisters and I would have singing competitions in the bedroom (with ourselves as the judges, so I'm sure you can imagine how that would go) which started when I was in kindergarten. I can still remember us taking turns, signing the same song and then trying to decide who had "won". Even times when I wasn't dubbed the winner I would think to myself, "That's okay.....I know I was the best"!
For birthdays and Christmas, music was a common gift. I've posted this picture before, but notice how I'm not much bigger than the album I'm proudly displaying!
Even our television viewing had a slant towards music.......I don't think I ever missed an episode of the Donny & Marie Show, Sonny & Cher, Tony Orlando.......and, on the weekends at my grandparents, Hee-Haw and Lawrence Welk. All of this worked to give me a broad appreciation of music.
But, my favorite childhood memory of music is everyone singing together when a song we loved would play. Most often, this would happen in the car..........I can close my eyes and imagine it now. Warm, summer day, windows down, wind blowing all around us and there it is......that song, the one we love.....and we're singing! Absolutely one of my favorite things.....still to this day!
And THAT'S where the music takes me!
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I've written before about how there's music tied to every major event in my life, but my relationship with music goes so much deeper. When I was little, my mother often told me the story of the first time she held me after I was born. She would say, "You love music because the first time I held you, I sang to you right away." My first outside contact with my mother was hearing her sing, not speak to me. Who knows? Maybe she's right about that first encounter shaping my love for music......that coupled with the fact that the entire time I was in her belly I was probably listening to her sing to my sister, Melissa, who was only one at the time.
Music permeates my childhood. Many evenings the entire family would gather around the turntable which was built into a cabinet with the TV (do you remember those?) and we would listen to entire albums.....one after another.
My sisters and I would have singing competitions in the bedroom (with ourselves as the judges, so I'm sure you can imagine how that would go) which started when I was in kindergarten. I can still remember us taking turns, signing the same song and then trying to decide who had "won". Even times when I wasn't dubbed the winner I would think to myself, "That's okay.....I know I was the best"!
For birthdays and Christmas, music was a common gift. I've posted this picture before, but notice how I'm not much bigger than the album I'm proudly displaying!
Even our television viewing had a slant towards music.......I don't think I ever missed an episode of the Donny & Marie Show, Sonny & Cher, Tony Orlando.......and, on the weekends at my grandparents, Hee-Haw and Lawrence Welk. All of this worked to give me a broad appreciation of music.
But, my favorite childhood memory of music is everyone singing together when a song we loved would play. Most often, this would happen in the car..........I can close my eyes and imagine it now. Warm, summer day, windows down, wind blowing all around us and there it is......that song, the one we love.....and we're singing! Absolutely one of my favorite things.....still to this day!
And THAT'S where the music takes me!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Let the Music Play!
Well......I made it to Laughlin, NV and have made it through the registration and orientation for Talent Quest Nationals 2009! We've got another great group of singers from all over the globe. We have several singers from New Zealand, six from Canada, one from Russia and another from Guam!
The contest grows every year and, if I do say myself, continues to improve. So far we're just over halfway through the first round of competition in the female categories. By the time my head hits the pillow tonight, I will have heard 120 singers!
Although I have no desire to be a performer, music plays such a big role in my life. I can tie a song to all the great moments in my life and many a song can take me back to the glory days of high school and college in an instant! I'm a sucker for good lyrics and if you add a killer bridge to a song, I'm in heaven! Even the worst of the singers in any competition have my adimiration for getting on the stage and doing what they feel in their heart.
You can pour your soul out singing
a song you believe in
that tomorrow they’ll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway,
sing it anyway
I sing,
I dream,
I love,
anyway
The contest grows every year and, if I do say myself, continues to improve. So far we're just over halfway through the first round of competition in the female categories. By the time my head hits the pillow tonight, I will have heard 120 singers!
Although I have no desire to be a performer, music plays such a big role in my life. I can tie a song to all the great moments in my life and many a song can take me back to the glory days of high school and college in an instant! I'm a sucker for good lyrics and if you add a killer bridge to a song, I'm in heaven! Even the worst of the singers in any competition have my adimiration for getting on the stage and doing what they feel in their heart.
You can pour your soul out singing
a song you believe in
that tomorrow they’ll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway,
sing it anyway
I sing,
I dream,
I love,
anyway
Monday, September 15, 2008
What the Heck is Talent Quest?!?
The birthday festivities really messed up my blogging schedule, but I think I should be back on track!
So....Talent Quest. Just what is it?!? Talent Quest is a national karaoke and singing competition.
As I've mentioned before, my friends and I love karaoke. Actually, we love to sing and karaoke is just a natural fit if one loves to sing and doesn't have a spare band lying around. But for my friends and me, karaoke has been the catalyst for so many things in our lives over the past 7 to 8 years. There have been births, marriages, national successes and even deaths among our dear karaoke family and life would not be the same without it in my life.
Six years ago (or maybe it was seven......how many was it Jess?) My friend Jessica entered a local karaoke contest for a chance to win a trip to the national contest and a shot at the national title. That single act started a progression of events that brought many new experiences and friends into our lives.
Jessica ended up going to nationals the next 3 years and showed everyone else what a susperstar we always knew she was! She won the National Female Country award in 2004! During her 3 years of national competition she started working for Kim who owned a local karaoke store and who also organized and ran the local and regional qualifing contests for Talent Quest. When Kim was looking for judges, Jessica suggested me.
I started judging at the local contests in 2003 and one thing has led to another and I'm now the Regional Director for Talent Quest. It's a volunteer gig, but it's so excitind to be around people who love to sing and enjoy a good competition. Nationals take place every fall (usually in September) in Laughlin, NV at the Tropicana Express. It'll be eight days packed with lots of work, millions of questions (I'll be wokring the information table for most of the competition) and TONS of music! But don't be fooled......I love every minute of it!
Jessica had to retire from competing because her in-laws are now part owners of the competition, but I keep holding on to the hope that she'll decided to come on-board and help in the future (although I totally understand why she hasn't done it yet).
If you love to sing and want to know more about Talent Quest or would like to find a TQ contest in your area, visit the Talent Quest website and check it out. I'll be at nationals all next week, but I should be able to blog everyday while I'm there....I can't wait!!!!!
So....Talent Quest. Just what is it?!? Talent Quest is a national karaoke and singing competition.
As I've mentioned before, my friends and I love karaoke. Actually, we love to sing and karaoke is just a natural fit if one loves to sing and doesn't have a spare band lying around. But for my friends and me, karaoke has been the catalyst for so many things in our lives over the past 7 to 8 years. There have been births, marriages, national successes and even deaths among our dear karaoke family and life would not be the same without it in my life.
Six years ago (or maybe it was seven......how many was it Jess?) My friend Jessica entered a local karaoke contest for a chance to win a trip to the national contest and a shot at the national title. That single act started a progression of events that brought many new experiences and friends into our lives.
Jessica ended up going to nationals the next 3 years and showed everyone else what a susperstar we always knew she was! She won the National Female Country award in 2004! During her 3 years of national competition she started working for Kim who owned a local karaoke store and who also organized and ran the local and regional qualifing contests for Talent Quest. When Kim was looking for judges, Jessica suggested me.
I started judging at the local contests in 2003 and one thing has led to another and I'm now the Regional Director for Talent Quest. It's a volunteer gig, but it's so excitind to be around people who love to sing and enjoy a good competition. Nationals take place every fall (usually in September) in Laughlin, NV at the Tropicana Express. It'll be eight days packed with lots of work, millions of questions (I'll be wokring the information table for most of the competition) and TONS of music! But don't be fooled......I love every minute of it!
Jessica had to retire from competing because her in-laws are now part owners of the competition, but I keep holding on to the hope that she'll decided to come on-board and help in the future (although I totally understand why she hasn't done it yet).
If you love to sing and want to know more about Talent Quest or would like to find a TQ contest in your area, visit the Talent Quest website and check it out. I'll be at nationals all next week, but I should be able to blog everyday while I'm there....I can't wait!!!!!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Looking Forward!
Wow! Today has been so busy and the birthday festivities haven't even begun!
I'm really going to try and post everyday this week, but the posts might be very late-night/early-morning posts.
I should have pictures of karaoke fun and antics with my friends, an update on the fine/warrant situation, tales of food and fun from the fair AND........
......pictures form the sold-out American Idol concert in Tulsa!!! That's right, I'm going to see David Cook and the others! I'm not a huge AI fan, but I could just eat that David with a spoon. I've already made plans to pack my spoon just in case I get close enough to make it a reality.
Coming up in the next week or so, I'll be talking about Talent Quest (and explaining it for those who haven't heard of it yet) and talking about the Starlight Manifesto!
I'm so excited about all the b-day fun that's about to begin!
I'm really going to try and post everyday this week, but the posts might be very late-night/early-morning posts.
I should have pictures of karaoke fun and antics with my friends, an update on the fine/warrant situation, tales of food and fun from the fair AND........
......pictures form the sold-out American Idol concert in Tulsa!!! That's right, I'm going to see David Cook and the others! I'm not a huge AI fan, but I could just eat that David with a spoon. I've already made plans to pack my spoon just in case I get close enough to make it a reality.
Coming up in the next week or so, I'll be talking about Talent Quest (and explaining it for those who haven't heard of it yet) and talking about the Starlight Manifesto!
I'm so excited about all the b-day fun that's about to begin!
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