QUINCY — Siobhan Magnus, who was the sixth place finalist on the ninth season of American Idol, is a local girl from Barnstable. Today she made the trip to Quincy to join Joe Biden, John Kerry, Vicki Kennedy and other prominent Democrats in a rally for Norfolk District Attorney William Keating, who is hoping to take over the seat being vacated by Rep. William Delahunt.
She was terrible.
For those who enjoy seeing people merely because they have been television, her appearance may have been a treat. But as soon as she began her rendition of “Star Spangled Banner” it was evident that her voice — at least today — was neither powerful nor pretty. Worse, she chose an over-ambitious arrangement whose glides and turns would still have been a challenge to a singer of far greater talent.
The crowd showed appropriate appreciation for her willingness to perform and to support their favorite candidate. But even as people put their hands together for applause, many were turning to the person next to them to whisper a critical remark. She wasn’t “Rosanne bad” but it was pretty terrible for someone who is supposed to be one of the best young vocalists in the United States. Watch the video.
When she returned to the stage to sing “America the Beautiful” her rendition was simpler and less-offensive but still nothing to brag about.
Ayla Brown, daughter of Republican Senator Scott Brown, has been on American Idol as well. It might be interesting to see which of these two young local ladies — one a Democratic supporter and the other the daughter of a Republican — sounds worse without the backing of Simon Cowl’s production company. If that contest ever happens, let me know how it turns out. I’m staying out of earshot.
As far as I’m concerned, Joe Biden — or rather his extra-planetary auto-tuned counterpart — was by far the best singer to take that stage today.
About John Stephen Dwyer
Wasn’t my favorite arrangement, didn’t even do herself justice with it, but she has a positively super attitude in her vocal style..normally. AGT had it biggest drop in viewership ever the week after they canned Siobhan. Personally I think Simon had a problem with her, and used his authority and cut her votes just to get rid of her. No way she lost fan votes as the week following boycott proved.
Before I sign off I have to ask one thing.. Did this writer get paid for this article?
I thought she did beautifully! I love Siobhan! So this person who wrote this article should shove it where the sun don’t shine!
She didn’t bomb at all! She has a strong voice and sang well. The arrangement was different than standard, but to say that she bombed is harsh and misleading.
Exactly how was this a bomb? I had shivers as she hit her high notes. Why is Siobhan not on the radio? She needs to be producing albums.
Wow … who the hell is John Stephen Dwyer to write this diatribe about Siobhan? He sounds just like Simon after a brilliant performance knocking somebody down for no apparent reason. Yes, I am a Siobhan fan but I also have ears and I know a great vocal when I hear it. I swear some of these people criticizing her are tone deaf. I thought it was wonderful, powerful and unique. You go Siobhan and don’t let the naysayers get you down!
I was very moved and in spite of the complex arrangement, did not hit a single bad note. I love her style and love the fact that she’s not cookie cutter–especially when it comes to something we all know so well. She took a risk and knocked it out of the park!. This was not a bomb in any way, shape, or form.
After reading the article I was expecting this to be a horrible and embarrassing performance…….what the hell is wrong with the person who wrote this article and everybody else who justifies this as a bad performance?!?! You people have no idea what you are talking about. Sheesh!! Go listen to your autotune bullcrap Kanye West CD’s and continue to call that music. Idiots.
What’s your beef, here? Nothing is wrong with Siobhan’s gentle version of a very bad song, and in fact,
she did it better than Aguilera, or anybody else faced with this monstrosity. She did it unadorned, and
quite sincerely. And she sings on-tune. This is a very strange little hit-piece on a very nice Person.
I am also a Musician and Singer. Siobhan Magnus is an excellent Singer. You are quite clueless.