MEL-AN-NEE! MEL-AN-NEE!
Melanie Nyema
So, imagine my surprise when the American Idol Philadelphia auditions produced Melanie Nyema, Taylor Hicks’ back-up singer for his Spring Tour.
Most of Taylor’s fans know that Melanie has talent, but of course, the minute she mentioned Taylor, Simon tuned out. Not to worry, Randy and Paula put her through to Hollywood. Here’s wishing Melanie the best of luck in the coming rounds. Interestingly, when Googled, Melanie comes up as a contestant on Fear Factor in 2003, a member of the USC Sirens in college, and credited for the video game, World in Conflict. Who knew?
Anyway, here she is with Taylor in a very special number, to close out the Spring Tour:
Anybody that can ABBA like that, has my vote!
GEAUX MELANIE!
ETA: In case you missed it….
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Boy you’re fast in getting these posts up. I too noticed Simon tuning out when Taylor was mentioned. Hopefully she can hold her own. It would be nice to have someone to root for as this goes on.
My overall take on the night is that, while they aren’t cutting back on allowing every moron who wants to make a fool of himself be on national television, they are being nicer to those who are genuinely clueless.
brc - January 16, 2008 at 12:15 am
Here are some articles on Melanie.
This one is when she was with the Sirens USC.
http://www.rarb.org/reviews/362.html
Every single soloist is strong — there isn’t a weak one in the bunch. Let me repeat. Every. Single. Soloist. Is. Strong. Special mention goes to Melanie Nyema. (Check out her hip-hop band Stereotype.) The women are confident, articulate, and take full ownership of their performances.
The Sirens are worthy of Gabe’s talents. They’ve canned the cutesy numbers that held them back last time, choosing mainly rock and singing like they mean it. Every soloist is commendable; Shannon Bachmann and Melanie Nyema are showstoppers, just as they were on Surreal. The undisciplined sopranos I complained about last time have morphed into rock-solid role players. The CD’s design is also gorgeous and professional, highlighted by the extraordinary orthodontia in this group (a dental fantasy of perfect occlusion smiles on the back cover).
http://www.uscsirensalumni.com/98alums
morewines - January 16, 2008 at 1:36 am
Here is her American Idol audition.
morewines - January 16, 2008 at 1:57 am
Thanks for those links morewines. She really is talented!
brc - January 16, 2008 at 8:25 am
“he didn’t really talk about you.” i liked that part.
88 straight - January 16, 2008 at 10:45 am
Here’s a video of Melanie with music from the
Sirens. She may not have shown everything she
has during the Audition due to timem constrants. But the music on this video gives you a better idea.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=85VYz79loF8
morewines - January 16, 2008 at 4:48 pm
BTW, last nights’ kinder, gentler Audition show produced an 11% decrease in ratings over last year.
Jump, Fonzie, Jump.
music maven - January 16, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I really like that acapella version of Stevie Wonder’s “As” you put up, Morewines. Lovely stuff. I hope she has a chance, but I remember the rap on Melinda: “too perfect” “too humble”……too nice & human & talented, in my book…..
Colette - January 18, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I AM SUPRICED TO FIND OUT THAT MELAINE NYEMA DIDN’T MAKE IT TO THE FINALS. I CAN’T BELIEVE THE JUDGES. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU WHATEVER YOU DECIDE TO GO BACK ON TOUR WITH TAYLOR HICKS OR YOU DECIDE TO START YOU’RE OWN TOUR. I WILL COME TO SEE YOU TO. LISA
Lisa - May 15, 2008 at 10:53 am