Vocal Coach REACTS - Sydnie Christmas "My Way" (BGT 2024)

[@tonythompson9251]

I LOVE the My-Hi=Way bit! Its her arrangement and it makes it her version! She owned it and killed it!

[@claredate]

It wasn't a riff I don't think in the vocal sense, but a play on the Highways from the previous line. Wit and depth!

[@juleshiggins-ellicott2222]

me too. loved it

[@mikemacdt1]

It’s certainly dead now!

[@CarlD70]

Loved what she did there and fully intentional as well...brilliant vocalist.

[@spl1x]

She's belting away because she wants to be a theatrical singer on the West End (London's Broadway). Let's have it!

[@joyceperciballi295]

Shes belting because she can! 😊

[@uppercaper]

Her Gold Buzzer audution is stunning from the first second to the last. When she says she is going to sing 'Tomorrow', of course we all groaned. Simon rolled his eyes and clenched his teeth. When she was done. Simon's reaction was, I used to hate that song. Now I absolutely love it. I know, I was dubious at best about listening to 'Tomorrow' again, no matter who sings it. I have now listened to Sydnie Christmas sing it 27 times. It never gets old and she sings it like no one ever has.

[@TaylorJohnathan]

Well, actually, she sings it like Maritia Wallace. It's her version of Tomorrow.

[@uppercaper]

@@TaylorJohnathan I'll give you, based on Marisha arangament. Sydnie took it where Marisha couldn't and stripped away Marisha's gospel feeling

[@LyndaAlsford]

I absolutely agree. I've listened to it quite a few times but not as many as 27... yet. Sydnie is incredible

[@alanrossreviews]

you dont think that was actually how own choice do you? lol it was given to her by the producers as she was already guaranteed to go through

[@uppercaper]

@@alanrossreviews Bite Me.

[@kerrymoore8320]

Ken, as a 40-year vocal coach and music educator, I think your analysis is spot on and credible. Sydnie is absolutely amazing! Her style is rich, mature, and totally captivating!

[@Nonnie335]

You HAVE to watch her audition when she sings Tomorrow!!! It is honestly the best version I have ever heard!

[@holisticgeek]

I like the My Hi-Way as it shows that she broke the mold of "each and every By-way". I think there's something more there that's very intentional, that she had to BUILD her own highway in life! Love it!

[@wajj1842]

That was the Best version of that classic song I have ever heard, and at 81, I've heard many. It had me throwing up my hands in wonder and moved me emotionally, and I'm sure many others had the same experience. But you weren't moved at all. That's something I can't grasp.

[@adamknight7041]

It was good but I've heard better, I like Sydnie's unique tone and phrasing but for me when she belts in the high range her vibrato begins to sound a little pinched and sounds quite sharp as a result; Nina Simone, Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey all did superior versions if you ask me.

[@wajj1842]

@@adamknight7041 Well, certainly, we all have our opinion. My guess is a lot more people agree with my opinion on this one.

[@jadelee8766]

Indeed.....Changing the genders. "If not herself, then she has not." That moved me. And with, "I bit off more than I could chew....I ate it up and spit it out."

[@wajj1842]

@@jadelee8766 Sounded like she said "spat" it out. Is that what you heard.

[@altanava]

I felt the same, it was even a little nasty on his side to pay more attention to background noise, and other totally irrelevant things and not on her so beautiful interpretation.

[@imacanadian1971]

She is awesome. She had an awesome audition as well.

[@fletap7782]

Musician for thirty years - re: the belt. A famous classical guitarist was asked why do you play Bach's Chaconne faster than others. His response was becuase I can. And don't forget this is a competition.

[@lincolneagle]

Out of the dozens of vocal coaches I’ve listened to, you are the only one who has reacted negatively. She’s absolutely amazing.

[@Thatdadthang]

If you don't love the belts, see her first audition of "Tomorrow". It was spectacular.

[@randyneal5836]

No worries, Ken is tone deaf and should reconsider being a reactor.

[@LyndaAlsford]

I was going to say exactly the same thing. This was an excellent choice for Sydnie for this show as her version of tomorrow in the previous show was dramatically different in my opinion, but equally brilliant.

[@gladysdawson2160]

It is so wonderful to see you here, Ken! I saw you in person many times when I lived in Courtenay, BC and purchased several of your CDs. YOU have an outstanding voice, and you are a true gentleman. I moved back home to St. John’s, NL 5 years ago, but I miss Courtenay and the theatre in Chemainus a lot. Cheers, Gladys Dawson

[@bretskeel2972]

I think if she worked on building up to those belting moments then it would be more impactful.

[@edwinnavedojr]

I seen this Comment before I heard his reaction ... It seems like you misunderstood him completely ... He did not say what you perceived .. He said that her Belt was Excellent and she nailed it .. He said from a coaching perspective to his students that he isn't a big fan of the Belt because of how intricate it can be to nail it tastefully .. and he is right about that ... not everyone nails it effectively ... He did say that she did ... so it seems like you are being defensive due to how you took it .. instead of really listening to what he said .... He checks out to me to be highly knowledgeable ....

[@miamcknight9138]

She is Bloody Good - fullstop

[@californiagold3857]

There are so few belters in the biz. She is phenomenal.

[@MyJourneyWithITP]

I want u to sing this ! Same notes , u can change the key . As a vocal coach she made my heart skip a beat !

[@Leesword1]

Watching this came across as a little bitter. Sydney is incredible!

[@altanava]

Same here, didn’t like his reaction at all.

[@AnonYmous-ry2jn]

yeah, he was grasping for anything negative he could say, from weird quips about the glow bracelets (seriously, wtf - it was to add to the visual atmosphere) and Simon's glasses... but most preposterous of all, saying he wasn't too excited by her belted notes because... a lot of students aren't prepared for it and therefore he doesn't recommend it; as if this consideration has anything whatsoever to do with Sydnie Christmas. You said it: this guy is BITTER.

[@lawrenceb5236]

I was on pins and needles all week waiting to see this as soon as the video from the show was posted. She looked gorgeous, she sang fantastic, and is still so humble. Bless her and shame on those that denied her the chance at stardom all these years. From the USA. I love singers who can properly belt, like her and Loren Allred.

[@johnshea5967]

Hi Lawrence! Did you mean to say "Tenter Hooks", because to be honest,if you have had pins and needles all week,a G.P appointment might be a good idea 💡 God bless you 😁

[@lawrenceb5236]

@@johnshea5967 You must be from Great Britain, because that's a British saying. In the USA, we say pins are needles. Both have the same meaning, lol. We don't say "Let's have it" either. We say "make it happen".

[@johnshea5967]

@@lawrenceb5236 Now I understand Lawrence! Thanks 👍, Good Job, Awesome,way to go buddy 👍

[@its_just_me_acb]

Really got stuck on the highway part.. let’s keep moving

[@altanava]

Yeah, it's such an incredible interpretation and he's talking about background noise and bracelets.

[@jenniferworley7115]

Sydnie stated at her first audition that her main focus is a career in the West End. She definitely knows how to project her voice. Great reaction/analysis as always. Thanks so much. ✌🤗

[@janettetippetts7942]

Thank YOU! What a powerful voice she has.

[@paulderosby9594]

If this guy thinks that Sydney could benefit from HIS instruction, he's clearly delusional. She is amazing!

[@CarlD70]

Pretty sure she should be instructing ....😁😁

[@vickiepower6201]

Sydnie is just an amazing beautiful young woman with an incredible gift, well done dear girl. From Australia ❤ By the way young man a lot of people want to listen to this Gifted young lady 😊Trust the audience

[@ashleyowen1473]

Loved this and i really liked her audition 🎉

[@latchawbryan]

another comment about my-highway: my perspective is that this is tied to the previous phrase, "I've travelled each and every highway" --- now meaning "my highway" = my road, my path...but only conjecture on my part...

[@robertburks2126]

You didn't get "goose bumps" because you kept stopping the performance, instead of playing it through, then dissecting it.

[@davidhollingdale3548]

Yes Ken it IS just you .

[@andyking9673]

she is an artist and singer---you can feel her sharing emotion which is true artistry and may be impossible to teach

[@spacetimepotato]

The "my highway" riff seems intentional to me, as it follows the "traveled each and every highway" phrase. Play on "my way" while bringing something thematic back.

[@renewd]

I vote for Sydnie Christmas to sing the national anthem at the 2025 Super Bowl.

[@pesmaniac]

Well, she’s British so that would be a bit ironic

[@renewd]

@@pesmaniac That's a good point, I was imagining her matching Whitney Houston, which is a seemingly impossible task, but I forgot that she is British.

[@RabbiDrTheo]

@@renewd she's not a Niger and she's not Whitney Houston so class is so stupid why does somebody have to take drugs and lose their lives blue and trailers

[@RabbiDrTheo]

For

[@paon888]

I second this!!!!👌👍👍👍👏👏👏👏

[@LouisaSavory]

I'm no vocal coach, but Sydnie Christmas has an amazing voice. You should watch her audition singing tomorrow & the final singing somewhere over the rainbow. I got goosebumps when she sang that it was truly beautiful

[@whahappened8398]

I think 'ol' blue eye's himself would say " Sydnie, this is ur song now "

[@markbaker2826]

Yes Honey it's just you !!

[@rachray83]

The My "Highway" was stylistic, take it literally, she did it her way...

[@kimberley9410]

She was amazing. A superstar.

[@roro19527]

You also have to take into account just how nervous she must have been, she was absolutely stunning.

[@WesR7009]

As someone who live mixes vocals, he makes a great point. Fortunately they would have compressors/gates on her voice, so they would not need to do much during the actual performance, but to dial it all in the way they did is soooo important. There is so much more to it than volume and eq.

[@Tiffanydw4]

Please review her other two performances, amazing, all give me chills every single time I watch/hear her.

[@altanava]

Why would you ask him, he obviously doesn’t like her.

[@gammarose3758]

I agree with the highway comment. I'm not professional but stood out to me.

[@jamesdettor6943]

Brilliant, talented, keep your feet on the ground, she is a firestorm. So glad we all over the world get to listen to her talented craft

[@JK-oz9io]

Sydnie deserves to be a star.

[@catherinemagee-l3x]

She tells a story my God she is a superstar!

[@joshuabarritt4990]

I would suggest that you didn't feel it because you have to pause during her performance. If I stopped and paused it to talk to my audience while someone was performing, it would definitely diminish the dramatic effect of their performance.

[@CharlesPryor-ic9ek]

You stopped the song at key high points as they were to be executed a couple of times! You critique before the key notes we completed. Kind of weird and loses something! I am done watching you!

[@elizabethsoriano-wm2wf]

Would love to hear her sing Barbara Streisand.

[@reddragonready]

Who is Barbara Streisand?

[@RabbiDrTheo]

It said to me Barbara's Queen Barbara I grew up with her and my voice is as good as she made it I was too frightened I would sing at the philharmonic but her voice and Barbara's voice would take that roof down

[@reddragonready]

@@RabbiDrTheo You call her "queen"yet don't know how big a point she makes that her name is Barbra? I owned 42 Streisand albums and each and everyone of them said Barbra..GET IT RIGHT for Pete sake!

[@RabbiDrTheo]

@@reddragonready I happen to know Barbra Streisand you get it right you're an a******

[@brettmanus7904]

She's awesome. Your negativity is unwarranted.

[@thomasgriffith2953]

No words ... wow! just WOW!!! She is spectacular!!! Love her!!! 👍🤗💓

[@smilertheavidreader]

Why do I feel like this person critiquing Sydnie sounds a bit sarcastic…..I can’t put my finger on it. Edited to add….begrudgingly, that’s the word! Like he’s begrudgingly “liking” it, but he’s coming across insincere.

[@catherineturnbull5684]

I think you’re spot on!!!!

[@altanava]

Bitter review on this one, and maybe a little nasty

[@adamthestarlord9595]

You need to do a reaction to her singing her first performance

[@michaelreece2966]

Her mic and entire stand are jeweled. 😎 From 27 years in the business I can tell you it’s not stock. You should review her audition.

[@bdoubleu6]

Dude you literally couldn’t tie her shoes my man

[@Mr.SharkTooth-zc8rm]

I just want to remind everyone that Ken can SING! Go check out some of his performances! And yeah, Sydnie! 👏

[@efratmaor8140]

Her "Tomorrow" performance is much more emotional, IMHO. This one is more impressive, but that one is more moving.

[@deirdreoliver1984]

It is rehearsed mate!

[@tonibaggett3982]

She has been performing for years so that is why she has some control.

[@Blueridge1961]

Well, a very technical review of an overall performance (including "Tomorrow"), that is so much more than just her singing technique... Okay, as a singing coach, it's not your job to be empathic and understand, why millions of people literally fell in love with this person.

[@stbdtack123]

It's very much ok, she nailed it....

[@gregtottenham8750]

She was making it personal and it was here highway to stardom

[@its_just_me_acb]

Tomorrow is still her best song but this is lovely too. If you’re not into belting, it has more balance between soft and powerful. And it’s more personalized.

[@randyneal5836]

Don't worry Ken is really tone deaf, I have realized.

[@TonyG-gk7qr]

Sydnie ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rockysullivan1188]

I have watched you critique other videos before. But, THIS ONE YOU GOT SO WRONG. This young lady from her first performance sang so powerfully, and elegantly that she moved an ENTIRE audience and four judges to a place that I doubt very many have before. AND, she does it with EVERY performance. Most of your criticisms were ludicrous. I caught the "highway" part, but, she made it HER VERSION. I think you know what your talking about, in terms of music, but, you took this criticism in such a stupid direction. Most people, I think, will dismiss this one altogether.....just like I did. Try again.

[@Neil-z7n]

I am in absolute agreement with your every word here. And I think you will probably agree that Sydnie is so very much more than a fantastic auditory experience; her face, eyes, mouth - her entire body - are so incredibly expressive of emotion that you cannot help but be completely absorbed into and carried along by her performance as though you were an integral part of it. And what a breathtaking experience that is - wow!

[@samroozen6719]

There is a Shirley Bassey moment. She is great.

[@harryboy3305]

Not the same league

[@Charlotterandall6]

No

[@texnorton3494]

Like a toolbox, some people have one, and others don't. But even people who have one dont necessarily know what the tools are for, or how to use them, let alone having to pick some new ones up as they go through live, or in this case to a vocal coach.

[@izikv522]

So glad this is my first video of yours so I know to skip your reactions when it pops up

[@katrinaball8888]

Do you think you could let her sing full full song before you butt in withe the critique! Please

[@mariachaverri7607]

Amazing

[@hazelsmith2]

Wth a voice like that. She can do what the hell she likes!! Beyond beautiful. She should be sitting in your chair!!

[@Luana6350]

Great voice 👏

[@flutetubamorg]

I kind of feel like this performance has to be considered in context with her Tomorrow performance.

[@reddragonready]

Her thing and goal is musical Theater, her diction is fine so I am going to assume she meant to say "highway"

[@munci6474]

for sure!

[@Blueridge1961]

Exactly... She did it HER way on HER highway... Things, that this wannabe teacher cannot understand!

[@munci6474]

@@Blueridge1961 sei nicht so hart mit ihm ;-)...ich war mir auch erst nicht sicher, dachte dann aber, nach mehrmaligem Hören, no way, dass das keine Absicht war!...und es macht ja auch Sinn...I love how she makes songs her very own...

[@Blueridge1961]

@@munci6474 Ich mag solche selbstverliebten Alleswisser nicht...

[@reddragonready]

@@Blueridge1961 I am surprised at his lackluster response but "wannabee teacher" is unwarranted..

[@Academiadohidrogenio]

Wonderfull

[@FredrikGranlundkayaker]

Yes, she won BGT 2024.

[@jeanjvf4995]

If you can do better than her then audition. Let's see what you got.

[@jamiem4941]

Thank you Ken. Very insightful. She has such promise and really think she could benefit with guidance from a good vocal coach like you. I appreciate your comments.

[@northernlite3368]

In 2015 she was signing on a cruise ship, ''Quantum of the seas'' - She has improved by 100% at least.

[@bettysgirl81]

Ugh, this is one of the most rambling reviews I’ve seen. And yes, there was plenty of shade. Just all over the place from bracelets to background noise 😂

[@nancylovestink1]

"It's just you!" She's absolutely amazing! You should listen to her sing Annie's "Tomorrow"!

[@dougellio7000]

She changed the lyric my friend

[@jacquelinedelcano599]

You dont have a clue

[@klausperner8458]

he thinks he is the best singer or coach

[@sarahrobinson5447]

She is a superstar, the audience love her, nothing else to say ..

[@lisamorshead7758]

This review would be better if the "expert", Ken, Would not get bogged down in irrelevant details such as the plane and the glow bracelets It seems hard overall for the reviewer to admit just how good she is.

[@reddragonready]

Maybe because she is singing in his field and he just realised what he is "up against"?😂

[@lindadesosa2168]

You are attacking her without getting the whole impact.

[@anjelmist]

sorry the myyyyy ... High way she added it's called making the song your own lets keep up with her

[@anneharley5319]

Yes pal, I think it’s just you. This lady is amazing. I need to hear your reaction to singers that belt lol. Thankyou for your reaction x

[@amywagoner1070]

I would suggest listening to her first audition when she sings Tomorrow with a very different arrangement. Personally, I found it much better. One of only 2 versions of the sing by adults I have really loved.

[@anne8607]

She actually said in a interview after her win last night that she got more from her BGT voice coach in 2 months then she had in all of college. She said she told her coach after her win she could now afford her once a week 😂 she has such a cute funny personality!

[@denaspohn5207]

Her audition song was Tomorrow from Annie. I always find that song annoying, but her cover version was wonderful. Her final performance was Over the Rainbow. Beautiful. Winner of BGT 2024

[@cortneyoverstreet8130]

I love Sydnie - could not understand some of the words though, had to look up the lyrics. Didn’t love the my highway thing but overall just so beautiful.

[@ResolUloseR]

The thing that blows me away about Sydnie's vocals is this: every song she has sung...has immediately become my favorite version of that song. I sit up late at night listening to every type of music on KZbin...Eagles "Desperado"...Dianna Ross "Theme to Mahogany"...Berlin's "Take My Breath Away"...Laura Brannigan "Gloria"...Dusty Springfield "You don't Own Me"...and on, and on...and on...And I really want to hear her take in all these classics. Crazy right? Donna Summers " I Feel Love" .....crazy right?❤❤❤❤

[@fluffymuffi1]

If he missed the boat on this one I wouldn't trust him to teach my dog to sing.

[@staffanhesselback9653]

She is amazing, she got it all, stage precense, wonderful voice, pure talant❤

[@my.business]

*No idea what's wrong with you...she is not a professional. She's been trying to be a singer. She works in a gym with barely much money so voice lessons is OUT! Yet...she is the winner of BGT 2024...and now starts the career.*

[@Charlotterandall6]

Yea she is A professional singer West End musicals. And doing covers. Is a red flag to be in dept

[@my.business]

@@Charlotterandall6 No idea what you saying

[@debramilam.3123]

My generation we held up our bick lighters( cigarette lighter) when we were in the audience! Now they have bracelets!

[@kimhay4434]

Hi can I ask if we start off not being able to sing good and feel like my voice is ok but nothing like a singer. Does singing lessons actually help like is it you either got it or not? Born with it! Will lessons actually help the voice to sing good and in tune ?

[@SamsonSpeaking]

I agree with you, Ken. Her belting is impressive and I enjoyed her performance, but it didn't move me the way some auditions/performances do. I'd highly recommend that you check out her audition, in which she sings a truly lovely rendition of Tomorrow (from Annie). I'm not suggesting/requesting a reaction video of it, but I think it's a performance that you might enjoy on just a personal level. Thanks for all your videos! I thoroughly enjoy them and learn from them!

[@randyneal5836]

Ken probably won't, he's tone deaf.

[@gdouglas999]

I actually liked this one much more than the audition song.

[@kyleruggles8754]

You are not a vocal coach I would employ - I wish you the best in all your endeavors.

[@kyleruggles8754]

Either a moron or someone who doesn't know any better. Good for you, dude.

[@timneale5657]

I don't think that was a mistake with Myyy Highway.... considering the line before was travelling each and every highway... then it's Myyyy Highway. It is about doing it my way and that journey on her highway

[@scarmucci1918]

You're going to nitpick how ''my way'' came out as ''highway'' ? ... I think it came out that way because she was taking a breath at that point which made it sound like highway.

[@jakecollins6097]

Speaking as a classically trained musician who has spent a lifetime in orchestras your negative attitude towards this stunning performance is laughable. But hey, whatever get you clicks.

[@miamcknight9138]

Dare you to react to John Farnham (pronounced Farn-am) singing the Beatles 'Help'. Then welcome to the Farnsey rabbit hole

[@lynnburdick1115]

She has a Judy Garland singing quality.

[@marthy33]

my High way vs highway.