Latest from Katharine McPhee of American Idol

American Idol (AI) is now acknowledged as the most successful show in the history of TV. Think 33.5 million viewers worldwide. If you doubt figures, then another proof of its wide reach and influence is the fact that not only the winners, but also the finalists get a crack at the big time.

Check out Academy Award winner for Dreamgirls Jennifer Hudson from two seasons ago or Clay Aiken from the second edition. A few days ago, there came the release of the debut album of Katharine McPhee, last year’s runner-up to Taylor Hicks and it looks like she too will become a star. Her album has the makings of a big hit

I was prepared not to like McPhee’s self-titled CD. I thought she had a bratty, pouty attitude common to girls who are overly aware of their looks. She hated losing at anything and this was evident in some moments of the contest. I still think that that was one reason why despite being an outstanding singer she lost to Hicks who seemed to be so sincere and likable.

I still have to listen to Hicks’ album debut but I have already heard McPhee’s and I was very much impressed. Katharine has even improved from her American Idol days and moves with ease from perky dance tracks to dramatic ballads. She is in fine voice throughout and the pop-R ’n B vibe is ideally suited to her style. There is no question that hers is a major debut.

But what I find even more amazing is how she got her hands on those songs. McPhee has compositions that would have been earmarked first for the likes of Beyoncé, Christina or even Mariah. But luck or maybe the influence of the legendary producer Clive Davis, plus of course the popularity of American Idol tossed them McPhee’s way. So she has them now and nothing should keep her from making it big.

There are no bad tracks or negligible ones in Katharine McPhee. Opener Love Story sets the tone for the great commercial hooks in the album and Not UR Girl has the best of them all. Then there are Open Toes which has a cute concept and should emerge as the theme for shoe fanatics; the showstopping Home, where McPhee takes on Aguilera and in this case, wins; plus Over It, Each Other, Dangerous, Ordinary World, Do What You Do, Better Off Alone, Neglected and Everywhere I Go.

The CompanY conducts workshops

What with kids and adults all dreaming of becoming singing champions these days, here is something that might help them get closer to their goals. The CompanY and United MultiArt Productions, Inc. (UMPI) offer various Performing Arts Workshops beginning April 16, three times a week until May 27 at the UMPI offices at the ground floor of the WAH Phil. Building, 1321 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., QC.

Workshops offered are: Children’s Vocal Performance for kids ages 8 to 12 years old; Teeners Vocal Performance for ages 13 to 17 years old; Adult Vocal Performance for 18 years old and above; and Group Vocal Harmony Workshop which is open to vocal groups like choirs or bands with a minimum of three members. All workshops will be conducted by a member of The CompanY.

The CompanY was part of the showbiz professionals tasked to train the first students of the Pinoy Dream Academy. They also recently released Sing Like a Champion, A Vocal Warm Up and Work Out in a video and CD pack featuring Sarah Geronimo, Mark Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go. It prepares singers for performance through a series of tested exercises. Professionals find this very helpful and it is most enlightening for amateurs. CompanY members have also been part of learning institutions like The Ryan Cayabyab Music Studio and Trumpets. The group is set to release a new album entitled Destination: Bossa.

The workshops will end with a recital by the students, that will be recorded in a commemorative album for the performers. So, workshoppers will not only learn performing skills from The CompanY, they will also get invaluable help making that first recording.

For details, call 412-3403 or 415-8085.

Ooops...

It is boo-boo time so I hang my head in shame and say I am sorry. I refer to my mistake last Wednesday when I mentioned the title of the novelty hit song as Boom Talak Talak. The correct one is Boom Tarat Tarat. I probably got confused about Joey de Leon’s Itaktak Mo and Tarat and got Talak instead.

One more thing, Butch Francisco who writes for this section on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, says that you do not taktak wet hands before putting them under the drier. You pagpag instead. So sorry for that too.