Blogcritics Comments on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Comment by nancy on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:10:44 EST

it is getting to a point where i am thinking "who's IL DIVO"?? Come on you guys, this is not fair. come back to the states!!!

Comment by nancy on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:10:13 EST

it is getting to a point where i am thinking "who's IL DIVO"?? Come on you guys, this is not fair. come back to the states!!!

Comment by nancy on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:09:16 EST

it is getting to a point where i am thinking "who's IL DIVO"?? Come on you guys, this is not fair.

Comment by nancy on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:07:11 EST

it is getting to a point where i am thinking "who's IL DIVO"?? Come on you guys, this is not fair.

Comment by nancy on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:06:59 EST

it is getting to a point where i am thinking "who's IL DIVO"?? Come on you guys, this is not fair.

Comment by nancy on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:05:13 EST

it is getting to a point where i am thinking "who's IL DIVO"?? Come on you guys, this is not fair.

Comment by Mari on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:48:38 EST

Sadly there are no videos - I'm having serious ID withdrawl myself - don't know what their management is thinking with such a hugely long break in between tours. I know they were probably exhausted after the '07 tour but over a year is too long to be out of the public eye. People on the official forum are getting bored with the same old songs and pix. Urs, Carlos, Seb and David - we miss you guys! Roll on 2009!

Comment by Trishala Robertson on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 23:17:12 EST

Hi, I need a new Il Divo moment in my life. There do not seem to be any new CDs, Videos in 2008 so far. With all their touring that they have done, I was thinking that maybe... there would at least be a video or two available of one of their concerts. Please say this is true.Where? PLEASE>

Comment by survivor on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:35:57 EST

Well all i can say is thank god for Simon Cowell!!3 years of everyone talking about these pure voices and gentlemen of music, i was busy not taking any notice of music or news as it made me sad! I involved myself in raising my beautiful daughter on my own with no help! whilst my ex husband had a life of luxury!(no im not bitter i know ive done a good job!!)Then!!! one of my good friends played their CD in her car as she had been to two concerts! My whole body shuddered! since then i have bought all CD's DVD's Their autobiography and its only been two months,so im sure there are people thinking? where the hell have you been!Im back now and feel like a teenager in awe!!!Thank you IL Divo for having faith in yourselves and in people who believe romance and beauty is not dead!

Comment by Lisa on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Sat, 2 Feb 2008 17:49:03 EST

This is for Peter who said that none of them write songs. That sir, is Incorrect. Sebastien for one, is an accomplished songwriter and has expressed the desire to write an opera with Il Divo.

Comment by Tracy on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Sat, 2 Feb 2008 17:48:33 EST

hi Kathy - like you I am a huge fan of Il Divo. They released a book at the end of last year which tells us about all their backgrounds - it is a great read. They are planing on releasing a new cd in October and are also planning a world tour for 2009. Havn't seen much organised for this year - but they are supporting Celine Dion for 1 night in a concert in Dublin this May - I have tickets and am really looking forward to it. For the most up to date info look on the forum on their official website which is at www.ildivo.com hope this helps

Comment by kathy on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Sat, 2 Feb 2008 14:23:07 EST

I absolutely love il divo. I have all their cds and have seen them live. I could have stayed for hours more and never tired of them. Please tell me if there are any new cds or concerts coming up. I tried finding out how to get in touch with Simon Cowal, but can't find and email address anywhere.

Comment by Peter on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Sun, 2 Dec 2007 20:41:59 EST

What's IL DIVO talent other than sing well? They don't write music as others do. I mean I Like Il Divo but it's only the singing, nothing else. And Only Carlos and David sing well. The other two are not impressive at all. I like someone who creates and then express. I will check this new singer Gershone Bradley. It seems he writes his own music. I will let you know what I think.

Comment by luixander on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:43:57 EST

hey steve! hey thanks for the reply. about bocelli, i wasnt a big fan of him neither when he performed on whether on detroit. and i really havent heard or him lately live neither. so i dont really know how much he has improved. i read he tried the acoustics on the MET but it was just practice. i agree with most of the criticism the critics make about bocelli's singing, but one thing i like about him. and i kno its going to sound weird, but i like his high notes very much, specially his high C and high flat b at the end of nessun dorma, i tell you, it sound so clear:). maybe his voice has darken a little since it has matured , but i dont know about his volume. i hear him on maestro Pav's tribute, and it seemed to me he did improve. he should have some professional help from the masters at least i think that way. when he came with the release of the verdi album he wasnt very good. but then he got some professional training in a week or two, then the critics say that i could have been the right moment for him to record that album because he improved after the training. so i think that, maybe if he gets some help on his breath support, how to eliminate the rasping tone, we could have a prospect for opera :) about carlos, well i totally agree. his got one of the most addicting baritone voices i've heard. when i heard his voice i just couldnt help but think of him singing pearls fishers with david. somehow david's voice reminds me of maestro alfredo kraus, maybe its just his liggero tenor voice. but hey! who knows, i might get to their fans sight and ask them talk to them and consider singing this aria:)

Comment by Steve Huff on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 01:33:30 EST

Wow. First, I can't think of another thing I've published online that continually receives commentary like this article. Since writing this I've become a professional journalist, even been featured in a TV special earlier this month on Court TV -- I mostly write about high profile crime, not music, anymore. I don't contribute to blogcritics only because I don't have the time. I should be finishing an article due in to a magazine I freelance for right now :) But I really like it that folks still leave comments on this post, and I truly appreciate it when they address me as you have done, luixander. I couldn't ignore your knowledge of the genre. On Bocelli, luixander: Ok... he's improved. I'm sorry, but when he first hit it big, I loathed him. Recently, though, a pleasing darkness has begun to color his sound, and he seems to sing in tune better than he did before. I expect tenors to sharp when they sing -- I know I've had a problem with that -- but Bocelli used to be distressing in part because he would flat -- his vibrato, so similar to Pavarotti's, had one big difference from the King's -- it tended to loop under the note, not over. Pavarotti, for most of his career, sang "on top of the note," and his protege Mr. Bocelli for a long time sang under the note. It's a purist's distinction, but I just can't avoid it. Singing on top of the note is always more pleasing to the ear than the under. Bocelli seems to have licked that problem. Am I a fan, yet? No. I still don't like the fact that I've personally known tenors who were far superior vocally to a Bocelli, but I don't hear about those guys unless I'm reading the back of Opera News. On Carlos and David essaying Au fond due Temple Saint, from Pearlfishers: YES. That would be awesome, I think. Carlos has that classic, hearty, Merrill-esque sound that seems to fit that piece perfectly. I'd love to hear something like that. I'd like to hear Carlos try his hand at some of the Verdi classics like "Eri tu," Iago's creed, and anything from Rigoletto, to boot. Thanks for the comment, luixander -- it put me in the mood for music. Steve

Comment by luixander on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 01:04:10 EST

im one of those opera listeners most people dont like. but just as steve i like some pop music. it is true opera purists and critics consider this musi an offense, but dont worry they actually consider an offense any type of music in which i microphone is included :). but , i like il divo. specially carlos and davids voice is outstanding, now carlos being called "primo baritono" (steve knows what im talking about), and david , well a very well trained light tenor with a well educated voice :).... rest of the voices (urs and seb) are sweet. urs just like steve said, maybe the less of a pop singer along with david, their vibrato is very powerful and they costantly singing high, i actually havent heard of urs singing low notes :). my fav version is "nella fantasia" which i think is the best version i've heard. carlos just loves those high notes as much as david, they totally owned that song. but i would love them to sing at least an opera aria as "nessun dorma" and ofcourse a duet of carlos and david singing "pearls fishers".......what do you think steve? pearls fishers is not a very easy aria and i think it would be a good test to carlos and david:) other then that, just like steves other review, other popera groups i have not liked, or any other solists i have not liked. only i like over il divo is andrea bocelli. it is true, weak voice, but good technique according to my understanding. from him i specialy like "e lucevan le stelle" and "lamento di federico".... very good for il divo. you see im not such an opera purist at all or maybe just a hater:)

Comment by Rose on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 02:29:21 EDT

You mean Journey by GERSHON BRADLEY. Oh yes, I bought his CD. I am hypnotized by those songs. I have to say, I was never a fan of traditional opera, especially the meso soprano sound, but I totally enjoy this classical pop style of music. Another thing I had no appreciation for is songs in other languages. But listening to Gershon Bradley's CD, transforms my mind to Spain when I hear the Spanish songs, and to the Italy when songs are in Italian and to broadway, with "Last Days Of November". One is not bored listening to this CD; it is not the same sound over and over, but each in unique in a style all it's own. With these newer found artists and sounds, I find them a pleasure to listen to. I, too, was STUCK listening to the oldies; the same thing over and over for years. Now Gershon Bradley sings, with his heart and soul, 13 original songs that he has written HIMSELF. That alone is an accomplishment and rates at the TOP of my book. I do listen to Vittorio Grigolo, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli,and Il Divo, Sarah Brightman (and I am sure more. Gershon wil move to the TOP of my music playing collection and stay there for a long time. Gershon...If you read this, I hope to hear more from you soon so keep up the fantastic work! I sent you my email address through your website, so keep in touch. Ciao, Rose

Comment by Jewel on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:04:34 EDT

For the person who wanted to find Gershon Bradley's music, you can hear some samples on his website. They're like a minute long or so. They sound promising but they don't do justice to the actual full songs. I bought my copy of "Journey" last week and I am obsessed with tracks 2 and 9. It's kinda different from Il Divo, though, because these songs are all new and original. Also, he uses some more modern sounds in his songs (there is one that includes electric violin; that was awesome!). In general, it is a pretty cool cd.

Comment by Joshua on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:05:14 EDT

Go to the dude website or google it.

Comment by Julia on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:46:47 EDT

Oh My God, I just heard IL DIVO, I never really like Opera, but I love this music style. I also have heard Andrea Bocelli and I love the song "Con Te Partiro". I heard good reviews about Gershon Bradley, but I can't seem to find his music, anyone knows? I will search and see if he is as good as IL Divo.

Comment by Cinthia on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 01:20:14 EDT

I think other wonderful POPERA singers like Gershon Bradley, Josh Groban, etc..are emerging and we should support their talent. I love IL DIVO but also Gershon Bradley, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban.

Comment by julie on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 00:11:23 EDT

I'm a 54 yr old woman and I never did like opera, but when I first heard this group sing, it sounded like angels from heaven. All four of them have voices that everyone would die for. I've seen them on many different talk shows but never got around to buying ther cd. My husband got sick of me braging about how good they are, and always on the computer seeing them on the You Tube practically every day. Then on August 2007 he surprised me with all three of their cd's so I could shut up, but it got worse because everytime he comes home from work I have it on. I can not get enough of ther voices. I didn't care much for todays music and artists, so I always listened to the oldies and Soft Rock on cable, until Simon Cowell created Il Divo and my attitude toward the music and artists of today has totally changed. It is true that you cannot get enough of them because they are addicting, and I love it. I hope that they continue to be successful and most of all continue to be sincere and don't let fame get to their heads because that will ruin a good group that is appreciated by people of all different ages. I am looking forward to more of Il Divo cd's. Il Divo is the best thing that ever happened in decades. I know that New Jersey is a small state but I wish that they could have a concert at our PNC Art Center, so us New Jersey fans could also be part of a good experience in watching them perform.

Comment by Eliza on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:05:04 EDT

Wonderful ! Handsome guys, beautiful voices . They really seem to have a lot of fun together on stage. I would agree with the review: why is Seb often singled out? I was disappointed to see wikipedia classify his voice as "vox populi" because he does not have formal opera training. His contribution to the team is substantial, and I think that the choice of the music pieces should accommodate his distinctive voice and allow him to show off, like it is the case for the others. I love them all, but he IS the most handsome and classy one, and is genuinely friendly with the public. Carlos, although very friendly, is clearly a player, and as a woman, I sometimes feel irritated about his demeanor (latin lover style). Urs and David seem to be more distant with the public. But as a whole, they're fabulous, and I wish them all the best !

Comment by cathy on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 17:20:37 EDT

Just want to say that Simon Cowell knew what he was doing when he put Il Divo together. They are the greatest singers EVER!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by dorothy UK on Review: Il Divo, or; Simon Cowell Saves Popera!

Sat, 26 May 2007 07:52:52 EDT

another wonderful concert in Manchester uk.last night.The boys were truly amazing and sang to perfection once again.and GEE WIZZ,I got to shake hands with Urs. .A wonderful night Long live IL DIVO !!!!