When hit-maker David Foster presents the second of his three monthly Mandalay Bay concerts Friday night, he’s going to introduce two unknown singers he believes will be America’s next superstars, just as he did when he ran a talent contest in Pennsylvania in 2008 and discovered tiny Jackie Evancho. She has become such a recording giant that she will co-star with him at his third concert here in December.
With David, you always get surprise guests on top of the announced lineup. This Friday, he presents “Glee” favorite Charice, Chaka Khan, Paul Anka and Philip Bailey of Earth Wind & Fire, plus the two he believes will deliver knockout performances.
In an exclusive interview, David told me: “This is actually now my fifth time at Mandalay Bay. I’m loving it. Philip has the voice of Earth, Wind & Fire and my favorite band of all time. We just toured Asia together, and he just knocked it out of the park every night, so I’m so excited. And when you look at their songs and their hits, Philip has had so many, it’s just phenomenal. Chaka Khan has the voice that I always wanted to write songs for. Charice has the voice of the next everybody.
“We’ve done this ‘Born to Sing USA’ competition, and we’ll have a couple of great winners come out and sing. I’m going to add some video to this show, which I haven’t done before — highlights of my career and all the different stars that will be kind of unique. I just talked to my friend Paul Anka, I think he’s going to make a guest appearance, and maybe a couple people like that, so it’s always exciting. I think the people honestly always get their money’s worth. I like the notion of giving people something that they just couldn’t buy in a show that has all this diversity of entertainment.
“That’s my goal. My ultimate goal is that it will be ‘David Foster and Friends,’ and you won’t even have to ask who’s there. You’ll just go ‘well, it’s David Foster and Friends,’ that means it will be really good and packed with solid singers and musicians.”
When David appeared here six weeks ago, he stepped out from the background for the first time of just being the piano player and music arranger to star as himself. “It went great. I cut my teeth sort of on the Andre Agassi events I did all those years that I hosted in Vegas, and that prompted ‘David Foster and Friends.’ It feels very natural to me, and I’m out front for all time now.”
“However, for the third show next month, which is Christmas, with Jackie she’s going to carry a lot of the show. People just love her. She’s carrying the whole show herself, she’s so professional, she’s so adult, so mature, so seasoned. For me, it’s just going to be basically playing her album, and we might do some Christmas songs. I’ll do a little Christmas stuff maybe, in Friday’s show, that would be fun. I don’t want to say I’m riding her coattails, but she’s very comfortable doing it on her own, too. She is absolutely amazing, so we’ll have fun out there. I’ve never seen anything like it ever, Robin, nothing. She’s phenomenal.
“The first time I met her was when I held a singing contest, on my last American tour, she was 8. I had two singers in every city come up, and she was one of the two in Pennsylvania. She got up on stage and blew everybody’s mind. Unfortunately, she was up against a 19-year-old big, big singer, like a(n) (Andrea) Bocelli kind of singer, and Jackie at that time was doing a pop song, not her opera stuff, or her popera stuff, and he came out with a big song and won. But you know, that only made her better.
“I knew then that she was going to go onto something huge. I was blown away with her then. I remember meeting her family, I remember meeting her on the stage, she was 8 years old. She’s already amazing, and yet she’s still developing vocally. From the time we started making her record, there was a 4-month span, and at the end, it’s almost like I wanted her to re-sing everything because the one thing you can’t have when you’re 10 years old is you don’t have the lung capacity, the power, to do the money notes, hang on them and get louder with them. And by the end of the 4 months, her lungs had developed, and she’d really become amazing. Wait till you hear her next month. Beyond belief — a megastar! “
David is currently enjoying not only Jackie’s album success but also his pal Michael Buble’s Christmas album he produced. New Caesars Palace headliner Shania Twain sang a “White Christmas” duet on it. When David starts as the senior A&R executive at Universal Records in December, he plans to dig deeper with Shania’s talents.
“To the extent that she would want to do something with me, I’d love to do it with her, but I’m not exactly the perfect person for her, but we have a great mutual respect,” said David, pouring water on speculation he could be tapped to produce part of her 2012 Caesars show. “But we are doing a show together in April, so we see what happens,” he laughed as I pointed out all three of them are Canadians!
“Michael’s Christmas album was just released, and it’s just flying. It sold 143,000 copies in the first week. I think it’s going to do 5 million worldwide. Just huge. He’s owning it these days, I don’t know anybody else that can take that slot from him. I don’t think anybody in our lifetime is going to take that away. He’s all on his own.”
I had to ask David, who is known for his uncanny knack in finding extraordinary unknown talent, if he worried about not finding more because so many are being discovered by “X Factor,” “American Idol,” “America’s Got Talent” and “The Voice.”
“That’s actually a great, great question, but I think the shows probably encourage more people to get out there and enter anything they can. But ‘X Factor’ and ‘The Voice’ can’t be right all the time, so they’re going to miss some great ones. That means they’re going to let some great ones go in the Top 10 that shouldn’t have, so I think there is a plethora out there. I think there’s great talent in every nook and cranny of this Earth.
“I just did ‘Born to Sing Asia’ on our Asian tour, and we had some phenomenal singers, one of whom was a 15-year-old Indonesian girl who sang like Sarah Brightman, and I’m actually thinking of bringing her back here to the States — she was amazing. The two kids who entered in ‘Born to Sing USA’ will perform Friday, and they are just as amazing. The future superstars are out there just waiting for their shot.
“I can’t tell instantaneously that they’ve got ‘it,’ but what I can tell instantaneously is whether they can really sing or not. It’s the only thing I know. I don’t know if they’re a star, I don’t know if they are going to have hit records, I don’t know if they can, all I know is whether they can definitively sing or not. Being just a singer doesn’t make them a star or sell records. Being a singer does not guarantee anything other than you’re good.
“I could have never known that Michael Buble was a great songwriter. The first night when I saw him, and dragged him back to L.A., I could have never known. When I first saw Celine (Dion), all those years ago, I could have never known that she would become the polished superstar — all I knew was that I was seeing greatness. It’s a fascinating process. I think Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid have great eyes for talent — they have it figured out.”
After David’s show here Friday night, he gets ready to take part in the Dec. 8 opening at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles of “Story of a Voice,” a one-of-a-kind, limited-time exhibit of his friend and recording artist Andrea Bocelli. The exhibit runs through Feb. 12. On Dec. 9, the tenor operatic sensation launches his Andrea Bocelli Foundation with a gala dinner and performance at the Beverly Hilton Hotel starring David along with Tony Award winner Heather Headley, soprano Anna Maria Martinez and, as usual, some of David’s “Friends.” On Dec. 10, Andrea flies here for his third consecutive holiday appearance at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
David summed up: “I really enjoy playing Las Vegas. It’s always a great time, and for our next two shows, we’ve really got the best in store for our fans.”
Sixteen-time Grammy Award-winning hit producer and songwriter David Foster revealed in an interview with me about his upcoming Las Vegas visit that he’d just married his longtime love former Ford supermodel Yolanda Hadid, an interior designer in Beverly Hills. The Mandalay Bay regular headliner was feted by one of the largest superstar turnouts ever for a showbiz wedding.
A 40-piece orchestra played as David walked down the aisle for the fourth time accompanied by two uniformed Royal Mounted Canadian Police and his five daughters Jordan, Erin, Sara, Amy and Allison Foster. Yolanda wore a stunning blush-colored beaded gown by Monique Lhuillier as she strolled on the arm of her 12-year-old son Anward down a cathedral-length runway lined on both sides by thousands of candles with her daughters Gigi and Bella as bridesmaids.
In keeping with their lucky number 11 theme, 11-year-old Jackie Evancho performed “Pie Jesu” to start the ceremony. Jackie and David headline a holiday show at Mandalay Bay next month. Dr. Phil was there to give advice and read their personally written vows to each other. The ceremony concluded with Andrea Bocelli singing David’s classic “The Prayer.”
“You aren’t the first woman I’ve ever loved — that distinction goes to my mother — but you will for sure be the last woman I ever love,” an emotional David said. Their romance began in 2006, and the love letters they mailed each other were read.
A 50-member gospel choir was sprinkled among the wedding guests and sang the Beatles’ hit “All You Need Is Love” as they were pronounced husband and wife. A five-course dinner created by Chef Wolfgang Puck was served on custom-made mirrored tables with hundreds of candles. The newlyweds danced their first dance to “The Last Time I Fall in Love” performed by Eric Benet.
Michael Buble, Natalie Cole, Donna Summer, Peter Cetera, Baby Face, Kenny G, the Canadian Tenors and Neil Sedaka also performed during the reception. Later, David jumped behind the piano and pulled up Avril Lavigne and Kate Hudson to do backup vocals to Babyface’s hit “Change the World.” Avril’s boyfriend is Brody Jenner, whose mother Linda Jenner was previous wed to David.
At exactly 11:11 p.m., the couple cut into their 5-foot pearl wedding cake wrapped in music notes. David, who produced many of the Andre Agassi Grand Slam concerts here, told me: “We decided over a year ago to get married on 11/11/11. It’s the lucky number for both of us.” Showbiz stars in attendance also included Barbra Streisand and James Brolin, Oprah Winfrey, Muhammad Ali, Bo Derek, Suzanne Somers, Chris Botti, Carol Bayer Sager and Diane Warren, plus Las Vegas hotel mogul Steve Wynn and former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.
Instead of an immediate honeymoon, David and Yolanda will be here in Las Vegas for his Nov. 25 concert at Mandalay Bay with Chaka Khan, Philip Bailey of Earth Wind & Fire, Paul Anka and Charice, and we’ll have an interview with him about that show next week.
David Foster Introduces Pianist Jeffrey Biegel to Pop Legend Neil Sedaka
The result of their meeting is Biegel’s performance of Mr. Sedaka’s new piano concerto, “Manhattan Intermezzo” with Orchestra Kentucky conducted by Music Director Jeffrey A. Reed on September 12, 2011.
Lynbrook resident and world-renowned pianist Jeffrey Biegel will be playing an original composition on September 12 that, he said, “touches my heart” when he performs ““Manhattan Intermezzo,” an original piece by the classically-trained Neil Sedaka.
Yes, it’s the same Neil Sedaka who brought us such chart-busting hits such as “Stupid Cupid,” “Oh, Carol,” and “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.” The two have much in common, including attending Julliard School of Music twenty-two years apart. Sedaka wanted to be a classical pianist, but was sidelined by turning his songwriting skills into a 50-year-plus career in pop music, writing songs for Connie Francis, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Elvis Presley — and eventually becoming a solo artist himself.
“I would like to acknowledge Jeffrey Biegel for his dedication to “Manhattan Intermezzo,” said Sedaka, 72. “We share a unique bond, having both studied under Adele Marcus at The Julliard School of Music in New York. Mr. Biegel’s impeccable performing of the piano part is in the tradition of the great Romantic concerti. Mr. Biegel’s adaptation of “Manhattan Intermezzo” not only enhances my composition, but also proves he understands my work and our roots.” Biegel went to Jullliard in 1977.
“It’s very organic,” Biegel said of the composition. “When a pop composer puts his heart to the pen, he’s always writing harmonic language that pulls at the heartstrings. [Sedaka] has taken this to another level. It’s a very classy piece.”
The two men had run into each other over the years, once at a PBS party at producer/composer David Foster’s house, so Biegel knew that Sedaka was working on a concerto. When it was finished, Sedaka called him. “Hey, I’d like you to take a look at it.” Sedaka said. “You could hear slight reflections of pop melody in the piece,” said Biegel, and after requesting that he could do so, Biegel “took some liberties” to enhance the composition, filling out the piano part, and waited to hear back from Sedaka, who liked the changes — much to Biegel’s relief.
Are you born to sing? Do you want to get discovered by the Hitman and 16-time Grammy Winner David Foster? Do you want to perform with him in Las Vegas?
If you do, audition for the BORN TO SING Competition by submitting a video to: Born To Sing USA
Selected Born To Sing contestants will battle it out on the David Foster and Friends 2011 Asia Tour this coming fall.
The winner will be invited to Las Vegas to perform at the famous, star-studded David Foster and Friends show. More opportunities will be unveiled at a later date!
Competition is open to Entrants who are legal residents of the United States or Asia and who, at the time of registration, are 8 years of age or older. Contestants my upload a video of no more than 4 minutes featuring an original performance. All entries received for the competition will be judged by a panel of independent judges composed of music industry professionals. Prizes for the competition may include one or more performances with David Foster and Friends concerts and the potential opportunity for having a song produced by David Foster. A decision regarding the US finalists for the Competition will be made on or about October 1, 2011. The winner will be announced on or about January 1, 2012.
Charice will be part of the David Foster and Friends Asian Tour 2011, with confirmed stops in Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore. Michael Bolton, Philip Bailey and Russell Watson will join the said concert.
JAPAN
Tokyo
Date: October 19-20, 2011
Venue: Tokyo International Forum Hall A
MALAYSIA
Kuala Lumpur
Date: October 22, 2011
Venue: Putra Indoor Stadium
PHILIPPINES
Quezon City
Date: October 25, 2011
Venue: Araneta Coliseum
INDONESIA
Jakarta
Date: October 28, 2011
Venue: JCC Plenary Hall
THAILAND
Bangkok
Date: October 31, 2011
Venue: Impact Arena
SINGAPORE
Singapore
Date: November 3, 2011
Venue: Marina Bay Sands
Michael Buble will headline his first network television variety special in December on NBC to promote an upcoming holiday CD, produced by David Foster.
The one-hour special, which does not yet have an air date, will feature holiday songs and sketch comedy segments. His label, 143/Reprise, has not released any details on the holiday album.
Buble has recorded a duet on “White Christmas” with Shania Twain and a version of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” for the album. His first holiday album, the EP “Let it Snow,” was released in 2003. He has said in interviews he will be more involved in the arrangements on the new album.
The Canadian crooner has had a long relationship with NBC, having first appeared on “Today” on Valentine’s Day in 2003. A January 2010 appearance on “Saturday Night Live” featured a duet with Sharon Jones on and “Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes)” and a solo performance of “Haven’t Met You Yet.” His last album, “Crazy Love,” which was his fifth studio effort, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart in October 2009.
David Foster is set to take the top spot at esteemed jazz label Verve, THR has learned. The producer-composer-songwriter has worked with Josh Groban, Michael Buble and Andrea Bocelli and has won 15 Grammys.
our editor recommends
Foster’s arrival at Verve Music Group, which includes imprints GRP and Impulse (home to John Coltrane’s catalog), is part of Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge’s plan to reinvest in UMG’s creative resources. Under Foster, Verve is expected to shift its focus to adult contemporary pop, or “what David does best, from Groban on down,” says a source. The label’s roster includes Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall and Ledisi. It also has released albums by Queen Latifah, American Idol alum Katharine McPhee and Treme regular Trombone Shorty.
The top Verve post has been open since Ron Goldstein exited in 2007. During that time, Bruce Resnikoff, CEO of Universal Music Enterprises, has been overseeing the labels. An insider says Universal senior vp Jay Landers, who has worked extensively with Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler, will head Verve’s A&R department. Foster’s sister Jaymes is also expected to join the creative team.
Foster, 61, has experience running a label: He signed a deal in 1995 with Warner Bros. that allowed him to operate his 143 Records. Among Foster’s first signings was Irish band the Corrs, who sold more than 20 million albums outside the U.S.
Hit Man Returns: David Foster & Friends
Release Date: 3/1/2011
‘Hitman Returns’ was filmed before a sold out crowd last year at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The lineup of talent, lead by Foster as maestro of ceremonies, includes performances by Seal, Donna Summer, Martina McBride, Earth, Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole, Ruben Studdard, All-4-One,’Glee’ star Charice, Chaka Khan, Jackie Evancho, Lara Fabian and other artists whose careers have been touched by Foster, a 15-time Grammy winning producer and songwriter.
The first David Foster & Friends Hitman Show on PBS was one of the highest rated pledge shows of the last decade and was viewed by millions of fans.
‘This turned out to be one incredible show. I was thrilled to be able to get some of my very favorites on this go round who weren’t free last time out, including Earth, Wind & Fire and Chaka Khan. There were so many magic moments that night. I’m especially proud of the terrific combinations of talent including a medley with Chaka, Seal and Michael Bolton, a breathtaking duet with Natalie Cole and Ruben Studdard and a standout performance by Charice, Ne-Yo and Robert Randolph. And of course, accompanying the great Donna Summer on keyboards for ‘Last Dance’ brought me right back into the studio when we first recorded the song,’ commented Foster about the show.
David Foster’s four decade career includes writing and producing with a who’s-who in music including Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Michael Buble’, Josh Groban, Jennifer Holiday, Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins, Madonna, Michael Jackson, George Harrison, Diana Ross, Sonny & Cher, Rod Stewart and scores of others. The Hitman also discovered, signed and produced Michael Buble’ and Josh Groban, whose CDs have sold well over 20 million copies apiece. He is currently producing ‘America’s Got Talent’ runner up - 10 year old Jackie Evancho, as well as writing a Broadway musical about Betty Boop. The success of the Foster & Friends franchise also includes sold out tours around the world.
CD Track Listing:
1. Earth, Wind, & Fire – In the Stone – September Medley
2. Kenny Loggins Forever
3. Michael Bolton / Seal When a Man Loves a Woman / It’s a Man’s World Medley
4. Martina McBride We’ve Got Tonight
5. All-4-One I Can Love You Like That – I Swear Medley
6. Jackie Evancho Pie Jesu
7. Lara Fabian Caruso
8. Donna Summer / Seal Unbreak My Heart – Crazy – On The Radio Medley
9. Ruben Studdard Home
10. Chaka Khan Through the Fire
11. Gary Wright Dream Weaver
DVD Track Listing:
* Brian Boitano Kristi Yamaguchi
* David Foster “Winter Games”
* Kenny Loggins and Kenny G “Heart To Heart”
* Kenny Loggins “Forever”
* Gary Wright “Dreamweaver”
* Chaka Khan “Through The Fire”
* All-4-One “I Can’t Love You Like That”
* All-4-One “I Swear”
* Natalie Cole / Ruben Studdard “When I Fall In Love”
* Natalie Cole “This Will Be”
* Jackie Evancho “Pie Jesu”
* Jackie Evancho “O Mio Babbino Caro”
* The Canadian Tenors “Because We Believe”
* Seal “Secret”
* Michael Bolton / Seal Medley “When A Man Loves A Woman” / “It’s A Mans World”
* Chaka Khan “I’m Every Woman”
* Earth Wind & Fire “In The Stone”
* Earth Wind & Fire “September”
* Earth Wind & Fire “After the Love Has Gone”
* Lara Fabian “Caruso”
* Betty Boop Performance: Orson Bean, Megan Hilty, Kathryn Joosten and Mark Masri “Say You Remember it”
* Ne-Yo “Miss Independent”
* Ne Yo “Charice, Robert Randolph “Earth Song”
* Martina McBride “Smile”
* Martina McBride “We’ve Got Tonight”
* Ruben Studdard “Home”
* Charice “To Love You More”
* Charice “All By Myself”
* Lara Fabian / Michael Bolton “The Prayer”
* Donna Summer / Seal Medley “Unbreak My Heart”
* Donna Summer / Seal Medley “Crazy”
* Donna Summer / Seal “On The Radio”
* Donna Summer “Last Dance”
Entries (RSS)