Choose one for Jackie Evancho: Stardom now or a real singing career later?

I was delighted to discover during Tuesday night's "America's Got Talent" that my handwringing about Jackie Evancho's falsely adult sound and the evils of network television was premature. Her performance of the "Pie Jesu" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1986 "Requiem" was astonishing in all the right ways. Listen on the clip above. The sound was natural and uncovered, vibrato was achieved with very little wagging of the chin (a dead giveaway for poor technique) and her phrasing and intonation are the envy of many a professional.

Much of the anxiety music teachers express when they talk about Evancho's voice is worry about it being permanently damaged before it reaches full potential. If the 10-year-old girl wishes to pursue a career as an opera singer, this is a justifiable concern, but what if she doesn't want to wait until she's 30 or 40 (the age most opera singers become established) for the money to roll in?

Evancho has a rare natural talent and will have it for the rest of her life. But the Simon Cowells of the world don't trade in futures. The inevitable Christmas record will sell millions of copies, but then what?

If Evancho follows the same road as Charlotte Church, she will be worth $40 million by the time she finishes high school -- piles more than she would ever make as an opera singer.  By that point she likely will have destroyed her voice -- but she would no longer need it to earn a living.

The Julie Andrews model is: perform in a weekly revue and on radio while taking singing lessons; move to minor music roles in teenage years and then debut on Broadway at 19.

Evancho's parents have a tough decision to make even if she doesn't advance, especially since child stars are very rarely successful as adult performers.

Since "America's Got Talent" viewers are voting to decide Jackie's fate, she is, in a way, our responsibility. If you were her parents, what would you do? Jump for the sure thing (record deal now) or wait to see what happens when she is an adult and can make her own decision about her voice?

Discuss in our comments section below.

-- Marcia Adair

RECENT AND RELATED:

Vote: Is Jackie Evancho changing her sound?

Jackie Evancho's voice strikes a chord

Before Jackie Evancho: Remembering Julie Andrews, Beverly Sills and other young vocal prodigies

Hear Jackie Evancho, the 10-year-old with an operatic voice

Comments

[Steven Douglas]

"...or wait and see what happens when she is an adult and can make her own decision about her voice..."

Oh sheesh, as a father of three grown children of my own, I have to chime in hard on this one.

First you say that the parents have tough choices/decisions to make (ABOUT JACKIE'S DREAMS), and then you say that we, The Collective Peephole, are also responsible for making tough choices (again, ABOUT JACKIE'S DREAMS).

Got news for you. Jackie CAN, AND DOES ALREADY, "make her own decision(s) about her voice.". Nothing you, or anyone else can do about that. I know that makes some people's control freak genes twitch, squirm and cringe inside all the boiling blood, but it is the absolute truth, one that anyone can stew in.

Each one of my children reached emotional adulthood (read = self awareness, will, independence of thought) on their own, and each on their own terms. I could influence them to be sure, and could guide them considerably, but I could NEVER pretend to presume that I was somehow In Charge of Their Big Decisions About Themselves. That would not only have been presumptuous arrogance -- it would have also been sheer stupidity, and a sign of a lack of Other Awareness on my part.

So while you are collectively wondering aloud What We/The Parents Should Collectively Decide about the direction of an obviously free, strong-willed and independent thinking young woman, I am content to abstain from all such thoughts, and IF I was one of Jackie's parents, I would be more than happy to err on the side of The One Who Owns Herself Already, who has already clearly expressed her will and desire for herself.

Pretty simple, really. Easy non-call. No machinations necessary.

[Cadenza]

No matter what this child decides to do, the fact remains that her body and voice are still growing and maturing. With proper coaching and classes, she may develop a world class set of pipes. But there's no guarantee that her voice won't arrest in its present development. I'm confident she'll earn plenty of money prior to her hormonal surge to purchase adequate vocal management. The question remains, will be she be permitted to enjoy her childhood or will she be someone's talent project?

[gail]

Take the brass ring now or hope for the best later? A "no brainer" for me. This is her moment - let it shine! No one can predict what the future may hold, but the present is all hers - you go girl!

[Chiming In]

Why is the media so convinced that Jackie is (or even wants to be) an opera singer? That has NEVER been the case. Jackie herself has said this. Her parents have said this. She is not an opera singer, and has no interest in being an opera singer. It's called "classical-crossover", as in Sarah Brightman, Hayley Westenra, etc.

Other than that, the rest of your blog requires no response. Jackie's parents will do whatever they think is best for Jackie, and try to match that as much as possible to what Jackie wants to do. The rest of us have nothing to do with it.

[icarusascending]

She sang very well last night. But I wouldn't say the vibrato didn't reveal vocal issues. The vibrato was not particularly free. In all of her performances, the vibrato is often unstable and inconsistent (though nerves might account for some of that). But nerves, or not, Jackie regularly places the vibrato "on top" of the breath, which is indicative of questionable vocal technique. The vibrato and the sound are not often "one." This is particularly evident in her upper register.

Have you listened to any of the humble a cappella YouTube videos she posted from home--before she surfaced on AGT?

She sang "O mio babbino caro..." a cappella (posted on YouTube in July 2010, I believe), and what I feel is revealed in that video is a very small, light voice. It's a lovely instrument, but it's a small, delicate instrument. The a cappella YouTube video of "O mio babbino caro..." seems to reveal someone who is able to coo rather masterfully, more than someone who is able to sing masterfully.

Yes, this young lady appears to have true musical talent, but she is most certainly receiving enormous audio assistance on AGT.

Having written all of that, to record one or two CDs per year, and to give a handful of concerts, would not likely ruin her voice--if she were to continue to study all-the-while with a conscientious teacher.

She has a light, airy voice right now. The lower-middle register is far richer than the upper, but it's still a light, airy voice throughout. Delicate, for sure. And the delicate quality is part of its appeal. No judgment. But hers is not a voice that can truly project, in its present state of evolution.

I wish her the very best with whatever choice she ultimately makes for herself. She appears to be a lovely girl with a wonderful musical gift.

[Jane]

"Chin wagging" vibrato has not a thing to do with "poor technique" but is simply caused by a very relaxed jaw. Also, her voice will not be damaged with the sort of singing she does. It would only be damaged if she were forcing the throat-straining sounds that rock music require. Properly executed classical vocal practice and performances do not strain the voice, only strengthen. This child's execution is obviously properly done - she is at ease and notes flow out of her.

[James Peterson]

I believe there is a third choice. Jackie can have a modest career now, thanks to itunes. A lovely CD #1, a Christmas CD, a visit to Carnegie Hall, and back to the sixth grade (by then).

Not $40 million, but probably $3-4 million. Then, we shall see. Beverly Sills (ne Belle Silverman) made the transition.

[Al]

Jackie can sing opera but she said she is NOT an opera singer but rather classical crossover. I am very doubt she will even ever end of in any opera house now or ever. Opera people got confuse because probably AGT producers want her to sing opera and call her opera singer. She is by no mean opera only. Her voice is natural and she want to have fun. As long as her parent don't push, we should let her make her own decision, but hopefully not another Lohan in the future. Pie Jesu! Jesus rule!

[icarusascending]

In response to "Chiming In":

We accept that Jackie has stated that she doesn't want to become a legitimate opera singer, but without some sort of legitimate technique, she can damage her vocal folds in the process of trying to sound like an opera singer--or even in the process of trying to sound like Sarah Brightman.

If she were trying to sound like Sid Vicious, and damaged her chords in the process, that would only enhance her sound. But since she is pursuing a certain purity of sound and execution, if she's only "playing" at it without truly understanding it, she may ultimately experience negative vocal repercussions.

Singers with a considerable understanding of how to phonate (read: vocal technique) are not unlike marathon runners: they demonstrate vocal power, agility and stamina.

The concern with Jackie is that she doesn't actually have a significant understanding of vocal technique; the concern is that she is only mimicking the sound of someone with a considerable understanding of vocal technique.

I acknowledge that the girl is only 10 years old. No one is saddling her with a role at The Met. But if her handlers ultimately saddle her with 100 concerts a year, even with the enormous audio assistance she appears to receive during her performances, she could easily do damage to her vocal folds over the long-term if she is only parroting the sound of someone with a considerable understanding of vocal technique.

[Jon]

This is a tough call. However, there is never a guarantee of future success. If opportunity knocks now, I say go for it.

Actually I suspect this is a given anyway unless Jackie for some reason elects not to do it. One would hardly submit to a show like this if they werent after exposure. She alreadsy has that now, even if she doesnt win.

Incidently, Hayley Westenra and to this point Faryl Smith have managed to do quite well without any obvious damage to their voices. Westenra in particular has been doing this for over 10 years now

[icarusascending]

In response to "Jane":

Chin (or tongue) wagging is neither a byproduct of efficient vocal technique, nor the result of an absence of tension; muscle contraction and release are required to raise and lower the jaw, whether said raising and lowering is performed slowly or rapidly.

The jaw should remain as slack and as still as possible when phonating efficiently. Some muscle involvement is required to drop the jaw when traveling into the upper register, but a "wagging' movement of the jaw or tongue is never required. Never. If you do it and get away with it, fine. But it can be detrimental, depending upon how you achieve it.

[deny lammardo]

now or later???very funny..NOW, December 2nd 2010 Jackie sings Carnegie Hall. The time is now...and it will be the time of her life. When she is 20-25 maybe she will make a choice to be a teacher and have the most awesome memories in the world. CARNEGIE HALL, and that I am sure is just the begining.

[Wraith]

For a few, brief moments the aggravating cacophony ceased and a clear, rich and soaring voice reminded a stilled audience of what pure beauty sounds like. Now the self-important chattering mouths are blathering away again. But all the chittering critics and blustering blowhards will not diminish the euphoria of those rare, exquisite moments.

In a world of grubby motives and flawed ambition, an echo of the divine swells the heart and lifts the spirit. My talents are small and mired in mediocrity. But I am privileged to know brilliance when I hear it and see it.

[stonehurst1]

Little Jackie actually made my eyes water last night. The arrangement and her voice was so beautiful. Much needed in this time of people without jobs, wars, burning Qurans, etc. She is needed and if she's God's gift for us to enjoy, I would like to see her now (but not in Vegas) and for many years to come. Heck, Little Micheal Jackson did not stop singing until his death at 50! She is just as gifted as Micheal was.

[Ted Macinski]

Whatever happens to Ms. Evancho tomorrow, weeks or years from now is not written yet. For now she is living her moments in time with the pride of a person who has confidence in her craft. Let that be enough, and let time pass as it always does...one moment after another. Whatever she becomes, let this be a fond memory for us all...something to share and shine in this little girl's light!!!

[icarusascending]

Gotta correct myself:

In my initial post, I had stated that I believed her a cappella YouTube of "O mio babbino caro..." was from July of 2010. I was mistaken. It was from January of 2009. It was recorded 18 months ago.

Also:

I support what "Wraith" has expressed, but Charlotte Church is an example of "an angel" who was ultimately crushed by The Machine. Let's hope Jackie doesn't have to go that route. She has considerable natural talent, and it's a beautiful thing, but it could go very wrong without a wise vocal coach and sensitive "handlers."

Human vocal folds are not made of steel. Yes, she has a natural ease for her age, but her instrument could easily be overworked if her talent becomes promoted by ignorant and ambitious people.

[Karen]

Seeing Jackie sing this week reminded me of when I was 17 and foolishly chose to sing "Suicidio!" from La Gioconda for a vocal competition. I got slammed by the judges, who wrote: "You are pushing (or are being pushed) into a repertoire FAR beyond your years. Too bad!!" Oh boy, was my voice teacher furious with me! She had already left for Lake George for the summer, so she had no idea I'd chosen such a big aria. She was wise in handling my budding dramatic soprano voice by keeping me singing light, lyric arias (lots of Mozart & Handel) throughout my teenage years, but she had me sing Verdi (and Ponchielli) *occasionally*, just to get a foretaste of what I might sound like when my voice matured. However, I didn't realize then why she was letting me sing those war horse arias; I had no idea I wasn't supposed to sing them in public at 17! LOL

Okay, so back to Jackie: I hope that because she has such a small, light voice, she is less likely to do serious damage by singing repertoire that is far beyond her years. I have to say I was pleased to see her sing "Pie Jesu" last night; I thought it was a much more age-appropriate choice for her than Puccini.

[barbara mcalister]

i find this article is so well written and expresses concerns of many highly trained opera singers, andmusical theater singers. now or later.. is the question. what will the world stand to lose IF this young girl is the winner?
at first i heard a possibly rare young puccini voice that need 10 10 15 years to grow and become a truly, truly rare and lovely voice with proper training. then i heard the voice and saw the wobbly chin and was very worried. then the semis with pie jesu... a sweet voice boomed up with mic and backup singers. yes. pretty.. yes. lovely, no denying this wonderful voice and poise of this emotionless child. watch her face.. she has no sparkle in her eyes that even adults who have come to the finals would have. someone i know said' does not matter if her jaw wobbles.. the voice is gorgeous and she should win'. your comments that it is a sign of faulty technique is indeed correct. yes.. it was gone in pie jesu.. for the moment. she is in the good Lord's hands now, and will the world hear her 20 years from now as a mature opera singer.. with world class voice? we can hope and wait to see.

[Joy]

I'm curious, Steven Douglas - what did you want to be when you were a 10-year-old child? A fireman, perhaps? A policeman? The President of the United States? And at age 10, did you really have ANY clue of the reality of what your "dream" would actually entail in real life? I seriously doubt it.
The bottom line is that Jackie's parents have the right to protect their LITTLE GIRL from the potential of being exploited & used. Jackie, as a TEN-YEAR-OLD CHILD (not an "independent-thinking young woman" - not even a teen yet, for crying out loud!), is very likely naive to the fact that there are people out there who are just waiting to exploit her to make as much money as possible for themselves, all under the guise of "helping" her fulfill her "dreams." Jackie, like all MINOR CHILDREN, has the RIGHT to expect her parents to protect & guide her. I've got news for you: that's not being a control freak; that is being a responsible and loving parent.

[Vicki Youngelman]

This little girl has brought joy to millions, right now,when many of us needed that joy. God has spoken . He led the way. Her parents merely helped in the journey. My feeling is let the world hear her now. No one can predict the future and for some of us the future never comes.
We all know that gamblers lose. To Jackie's parents let her sing now. Please do not wait. Take the sure thing.
Thank you for bringing me and my family so much joy.
Vicki