A VOTE for GWYNETH
JEAREI DORADO at the AGT Finals... I am not really an expert in music. In fact, I could not
really sing that well; and you could already argue ad hominem that
I am giving a bad argument here. But, there’s a reason why I would cast a vote
for this young aspiring girl: POTENTIAL.
The sense of a talent
search is to look for potentials; and how do we sense potentials in singing? A
potential singer is not just one who has the innate talent to sing – although
of course, voice quality is an important factor for a future star; but it’s also
largely about one’s malleability, i.e. one’s openness to change and improve… In
my opinion, Gwyneth’s best strength in this competition is
precisely her openness to work on changes that are necessary for her
to improve. This is what she has shown us in this competition. Melanie
C’s observation on Gwyneth’s performance in the Finals speaks of this: “I’ve
always adored you but tonight I’m in awe of you. When you came out for the
auditions you always had this attitude and confidence, but you really
have blossomed and tonight you were just incredible.” For a span of more
than a month, the transformation has happened. More can still be done if she is
given enough time, training and support. Even her critic in the semi-finals
acknowledges Gwyneth’s capacity to comply: “You, tonight, obviously took
the advice we gave you a few weeks ago. And the true you – that’s who you are,
right there, with that piano -- killed it,” David Foster said in affirmation of
Gwyneth’s performance. One may simply view the two versions of Gwyneth’s
rendition of the song “Titanium” in youtube.com (one in 2013 and the other during the AGT
Finals), and the transformation will definitely be obvious.
Her critics are right,
Gwyneth is not yet a star; and she, at this point in time, may even sound as
any other talented young singer in her country (Philippines). But, they are
wrong in arguing that she’s just an ordinary aspirant in her craft. One thing
that separates Gwyneth from the crowd is her discipline, her belief in herself,
her capacity to change, her openness to improve. These are the best factors
that highlight her potentials. Give her the right opportunity, and surround her
with the appropriate resources, and you will definitely find a star in the
making.
If I am to talk about
the performances of the nine acts in AGT Finals, I may agree that Gwyneth’s act
in the Finals may not be the outstanding best (but she is not definitely the
least). But, if I am to talk about potential, then this is where Gwyneth could
shine the most. Given her age, her present capacities, and her susceptibility
to improvement, Gwyneth definitely has the potential of a star, and these would
justify her slot in the AGT Finals; and I am confident in my claim that if an
opportunity is given her after this competition, it will not be wasted.
