Bianca Ryan Returns

It's been a while since I posted something about Bianca Ryan. She's still in my top five young singers so there's been no change here. This has been a learning and planning time for Bianca. Whatever negotiations and deals were being made, they were being made in the background and nobody was talking much. With a talent like Bianca, you just know things are bubbling but reliable news is often slow and scarce.

Bianca and Sony records have parted ways and Bianca has taken the time since to build on her incredible talent. She is learning the guitar and already plays very well as you can see in the following video clip where Bianca plays Taylor Swift's "White Horse" for a school talent show:

"White Horse" performed by Bianca Ryan


It's very important you keep the above in mind as you read on. You'll understand why near the end of this post.

I like "White Horse" and I like Taylor Swift, another very talented (and hugely successful) youngster, but there is something addicting about Bianca's version.

If by some strange turn of events you don't know who Bianca Ryan is, here is the performance that started all the fuss. Make sure your socks are firmly fastened before hitting "play".

Bianca Ryan's Audition on "America's Got Talent"



... and here is Bianca's write up in Wikipedia. Most of the information there appears to be correct. I didn't spot any glaring mistakes but these bios can be very out-of-date.

Bianca will be 15 this September and enters high school this coming Fall (2009).

Word has come that Bianca has teamed up with Quincy Jones and he will be helping guide the next stage of her career. Bianca is headed to China this summer for some concerts with Mr. Jones and at least one other talented musician. I also caught some tantalizing glimpses of Bianca singing with a band on the following promotional clip:



Around 2:08 in the above clip you will see and hear something amazing. Simon Cowell knows, too: "But she's also got a rock voice." But we only get a very few, puny seconds! Come on, Bianca, quit teasing us! This is great stuff -- if you have more footage, let us starving fans see it. We've been waiting patiently, you know!

Quincy Jones gave the keynote address at Austin's 2009 SWSX music festival and he was accompanied by Bianca Ryan, who sang “God Bless the Child” at the end of Quincy Jones’ two-hour keynote speech. She received a standing ovation. She's probably used to those by now. The young pianist who accompanies her is an amazing talent in his own right. His name is Alfredo Rodriguez and he is a refugee from Cuba. Young Mr. Rodgriquez is fast becoming a legend as a jazz pianist so keep your eye on him, as well. Bianca does travel in elite company, it seems.

Bianca Ryan singing at 2009 SWSX Festival


I suggested you keep in mind a video I featured near the beginning of this post. Compare it to the one above. I'll just say it and not be coy: Bianca can do several genres extremely well, from pop to earthy tunes like the above. That is what impressed Simon Cowell so much -- Bianca can do most kinds of music extremely well and she doesn't have to stretch very far.

"But she's also got a rock voice."

Here are links to Bianca Ryan places. Give them a visit.

Bianca Ryan (website)
Bianca Ryan (forum)
Bianca Ryan Here (new personal site)
Bianca Ryan Online (Sony Days, all her AGT videos and more)

Bianca is an incredibly talented young lady and sooner or later she's going to be a big name on the music scene. It's just a matter of time.

Let's wish her well in high school and an enjoyable time in China and wherever else she will be touring this summer.

Enuff said for now.

OK, one last item -- here's the 13 seconds of the promotional video that caught my ear and eye. I call it it "13 Seconds Supersonic". Enjoy until they make me take it down:

Jackie Evancho - Rising Star

I posted about Jackie Evancho here.

Jackie now has her own forum -- Jackie Evancho's Official Forum. Give it a visit and join if you enjoy good music. Jackie is just starting out but already she is having a major impact and for good reason.

Here is simply more proof of that:

Jackie Evancho - Ave Maria

This young lady is in rare company -- eight years old and already singing at near-master level. I am simply amazed and I think you will be, too.

If you'd like to hear more from Jackie, the following YouTube site has more videos of Jackie singing.

Jackie's YouTube Place.

Check out Jackie's "Over the Rainbow".

Jackie Evancho - Over the Rainbow


She sings that with such incredible grace. It is breathtaking in its majesty. How does she do it? No matter, I just love to listen to her sing.

Jackie Evancho

I don't know where all these talented youngsters are coming from but here is one that will melt your heart and turn your spine into jelly. It is very difficult to believe she is only eight years old.

Here is a sample of her singing a classic:

Jackie Evancho - O Mio Babbino Caro


No accompanying music, no sheet music to go by. She does the song so lovingly it is clear she enjoys singing this type of music. I'm only guessing but I believe Jackie Evancho is headed toward a big career beneath the lights of the world stage if she so wishes. With talent like that it is largely up to her and her family where it goes from here.

I can't help but think Hayley Westenra has influenced this young lady's singing style. I'm not sure but I think so. I don't know much about music although I love good music like this. Still, one doesn't have to be a graduate of Juilliard to know stellar talent when it presents itself.

I have heard other videos by Jackie and she did have some rough edges. I say "did" because I saw her latest video and the improvement has been dramatic. Considering the music she tackles is challenging for even seasoned, skilled singers I think we can forgive a fuzzy note here and there. It is clear even from some of these less-than-perfect renditions that Jackie has an enormous talent. It was the following video that convinced me of that.

Jackie Evancho - Con Te Partiro (Time to Say Goodbye)

Just listen to that beautiful singing. Can you imagine where this beautiful young lady will be in a short while with a little training and encouragement?

Someone mentioned they thought Jackie was "emoting" too much in these videos but I think that's the influence of Disney and American TV. Even very young performers like Jackie feel the pressure to over-dramatize emotionally, not just in the singing but in the whole performance. To me, Jackie does that as well as anyone I've seen. I am half-and-half on things like that but one has to perform to the audience's expectations and Jackie does that very well. She is effervescent and appropriately dramatic where such is needed. I don't ever get the sense any of it is fake. I just know she is a very charming young lady in person even though I've never met her.

Jackie Evancho is another golden-throated wonder and is headed places. Keep an eye on her.

Check out her other videos here: Jackie Evancho's YouTube Spot

I'm trying to find a decent still photograph of her but haven't so far. Stay tuned because I will be posting more about this remarkably talented singer.