An Awakening
to Gift a World
Part 4
A Night Few Will Forget
...certainly none who were there!
Click Button
"Canto Della Terra"
In late 2021 or early 2022, the British segment of the global "Got Talent" franchise invited Loren to audition for their 15th show in the series. Loren politely declined, understandably, given past experiences. They had explained that Simon Cowell, the creator of the franchise, would also be a judge on the show. Simon had crushed Loren's hopes as a teenager during auditions for season eight of American Idol. Loren knew that "Never Enough" was a favorite of his, having seen multiple talent show auditions, and the producers impressed upon her that Simon had no clue that the actress was not the singer. Loren reconsidered and agreed, and in so doing, would face not only her longstanding fear of a large live audience, but also the same judge who had sent her home in 2008, telling her, 'maybe she could be a cruise line singer.' Her TV appearance on the first night of auditions for "Britain's Got Talent", which aired on Saturday, April 16, 2022, was a moment that will live in the minds and hearts of Millions, and certainly Loren's. The Palladium is a historical, multi-tiered theater in London's West End district, which is their "Broadway". Seating roughly 2,300 attendees, the tiers are so vertically stacked that, when viewed through a camera behind the performer, they appear to be almost on top of the stage...not a venue for a timid performer! So yes, it was intimate, just not in the small, cozy sense that she had grown comfortable with.
Before viewing the clips, there are a few key points to note. The actual audition took place sometime in January or February, allowing time to add the very apropos background music, some audience shots, some slow-motion, and several close-ups of Loren after the performance. Again, only weeks separated the Bocelli performance (above) and this closed-live audition, yet the contrast is hard to believe. Those who followed her were surely impressed, while nervous themselves, by her having the courage to take this step and confront her demons, as we'll call them. There's much to say about the performance itself afterward, but it is important to note that this audition was not about demonstrating vocal perfection, but about overcoming the fear of stepping into the light and claiming an iconic song that was rightfully hers, finally giving it a face and a name, as others had been trying to do. The additional clip is provided only because of the extra moments shown backstage. The nerves are clearly evident in the early portion of both clips, continuing into the song's opening verse, but she recovers nicely each time and begins to soar, as all the pent-up emotions seem to explode out of her. There had been a lifetime of taking a half-step forward, followed by a half-step back, always putting it off, and settling for guest roles on someone else's stage, or confining live shows to pubs and small gatherings. But not this time! It was a long time coming, but that only made this decisive moment all the more special. After my performance comments, I'll include a brief insert regarding my own personal experience of seeing this performance. The lengthy content regarding this event is simply owing to its special nature and the role it played in her journey.
Some readers will have skipped directly to this Part 4 segment, particularly reaction video fans, and I understand that. But it saddens me at the same time that they will lack the full appreciation of what these moments meant to both her and those who've followed her. I hope that, after reading and watching Part 4, you'll want to know the entire story.
A Prelude to Part 4
...and So It Begins
Click Button
(* The Talent king HD clip has extra backstage moments, while the resolution is better in the shorter BGT clip)
Thanks Britain's Got Talent
Click Button
Thanks TalentKingHD
It's typical of Loren to minimize the reason for the "whoo!" that was heard, saying she was a little bit nervous, when she was likely feeling as if a herd of wild horses was about to stampede inside her. She entered the stage with poise, but her nervousness was immediately evident in both her voice and body language as she stood. When the judges reacted to the fact that she was the voice of "Never Enough", you could see the rush of emotion in her face. I always enjoy the candid shots of people in the audience...the now-informed guy leaning forward in anticipation, the Asian girl, whose expression conveyed everything, and the woman in front of her, who is moved to tears. Those in the audience who already knew of her must have had chill bumps already, knowing what they were about to witness. Loren was trying so hard to control her nerves before the music started, constantly shifting her step. (Remember the exchange with Michael Buble?) It was a frightening moment for her, and it showed in the shakiness of her voice during the opening verse, even coming off the note at one point. But you'll notice she collected herself each time, ready for the next note. She doesn't take long to gather herself; the vocal flip was impressive, and from that point on, it wasn't nerves affecting her vocals any longer...it was her powerful vocals pushing the nerves aside, as if they were an uninvited guest no longer allowed onstage. It was an uninhibited display of pure raw emotion expressed to a live audience instead of a camera, and it just kept building with each new line of verse. The audience rose to a standing ovation before she even got to the main chorus. Despite it not being her usual flawless delivery, it didn't matter...it was more than enough. Any technical aspects that were left in the warmup room were more than offset by the sheer power and emotional impact of what everyone was witnessing. The riffs and runs took you up, down, and sideways, and the final crescendo was even graced with a cry. It literally hit the audience like shock waves that not only penetrated but surrounded and enveloped. It was impossible to describe! The close-up shot of Loren's face afterward showed the rush of emotion before the camera quickly cut away to show Simon's applause. When it returned to Loren, looking out and up at everyone still standing and applauding, "A Million Dreams" (from the film) fittingly, but also ironically, played in the background, having been Loren's first demo submitted and approved for The Greatest Showman soundtrack. Thus, excluding wardrobe, these moments must have felt a bit like the actual movie scene to her. Some had known how special this song was to her, and now everyone could clearly see, in her face, what this moment meant. She had faced her fear and boldly taken back what was rightfully hers. "Never Enough" was her song, and that would be cemented even more firmly in the near future. The judges searched for words to describe what they had seen and heard, and Loren's jaw dropped with Simon's confession. I still wonder at what point he became aware that he had sent her home fourteen years earlier, during the 2008 "American Idol" auditions, with the comment about singing aboard a cruise ship. The tabloids and media went about their usual half-informed mission to stoke controversy and misconception. But Loren would treat it like previous contentious moments, by staying above it all, and simply doing what she does...sing and write songs.
When Loren's audition first aired, I was at home in the islands, with no access to British TV, and I was too busy preparing to return to Santa Fe to notice anything that was trending online. A few weeks later, in New Mexico, I was in my room, about to enjoy dinner. The hot food couldn't offset the chill of Santa Fe's 7000 ft elevation, so I got up to close the window while my laptop was connecting to YouTube. As I walked back to the table, I saw the thumbnail on the screen. The image looked familiar, but it didn't register until I sat down and saw the title. I was thoroughly confused by what I was seeing. I had attributed the absence of any live performances to the pandemic and assumed her interim song releases and music videos were just preludes to upcoming tour appearances or another TV special. It took me a moment to gain some perspective, but that didn't end the confusion....why was she on a talent show again? That question was soon answered, but not my puzzlement over the contrast in her demeanor and appearance versus what I had seen in those last few music videos. She had presented a different look and persona in each of them, but always appeared to be comfortable and self-assured. Here, however, she seemed so uneasy and self-conscious. "Slender" seemed to describe her better than "slim," thinking back to her fit state in "Til I Found You" six months earlier. Maybe it was the five-inch heels or the nervous stutter that contributed to that impression. I suddenly felt I had not been foolish in reaching out, and that everything I had sensed about the anxiety had been real. Seeing her so nervous made me nervous, and the emotions and anticipation seen in the close-ups of the audience closely mimicked my own. I realized that I hadn't taken a breath in almost a minute. I can honestly say that part of me was afraid for her, while another part was expecting something grand. I've already described her performance in the section above, so this is simply about my reaction. It literally blew me away, the nervous start, the gathering herself, the steady increase of letting go, and the bold finish ... everything about it! Seriously, picture me sitting there, dinner getting cold, a grown man with goosebumps, chills running up my spine, wiping tears away with the back of my wrist, and hoping none of the other house guests came knocking, wanting to see. I still feel the emotion rush to my head when I watch this clip, having to look away at times if I'm with someone, while not caring if I'm with another. It's rare not to feel that reaction unless I tune out, so I've just come to accept it. In this case, of course, there was a backstory adding to the emotion. But other times, we're shown how a singer can physically affect you with no movie script or story buildup, no dramatized or visually enhanced film scene, no cast support, and no sound editing, but merely their voice and their expression ... it's a gift few possess. On the one hand, it was like I was seeing her for the first time; on the other hand, it was like I was seeing a niece or a granddaughter whom I'd watched grow up. I try to imagine how her mom, dad, and sisters felt that night, but I'm sure it falls short. I'll leave it there, except to say this clip now has more than 85 million views, and I've watched it more times than I can count. I've seen countless reaction videos, some of the best being from just avid music listeners, some from genuinely savvy vocal coaches, and some from the experts and pundits who seem more interested in impressing you with their knowledge. I'm often amazed by what flies right past them sometimes. However, in this case, most seemed to know this was something special...beyond music and singing. As for technique, vocal skill, and control...they will return in abundance for virtually every performance you will see and hear from this point on.
Two sad and similar events had occurred during the pandemic period. Loren lost her grandmother, and I lost my sister. She would create a heart-touching song and a music video in memory, and I would eventually send it to my brother-in-law, knowing it would affect him deeply. At some point in late 2021, I attempted to reach out a second time, still unaware of her tour appearances with Bocelli. In the spring of 2022, I returned to New Mexico, and during the two-hour wait for the train from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, I thought of reaching out again, but didn't... I had intruded enough. Little did I know, there was no longer a reason to do so! She needed no one's help ... she had done it on her own, perhaps inspired in some small way by the many others who had also reached out to her.
In the fall/winter of 2021-22, I was immersed in exploring the influence of breath upon the nervous system, including physiology, behavior patterns, and cognition. The two-year hiatus for the Santa Fe neuro-somatics program would continue until spring, so I was free to focus on whatever I chose. Both platforms often revealed anxiety and self-perception as common issues for people across a wide spectrum. I had experienced both of those issues firsthand on many occasions in the decade leading up to the pandemic, facing heavily weighted odds of failure, with no history to offset them mentally. It's an insecure feeling, especially standing alone and unsupported when called on to deliver. I was convinced I had seen something similar in Loren during her appearance on The Voice in 2012. Most of us know, or have seen someone who displayed a gap between their self-image and who they actually were, and that disparity can land anywhere on the "under-over" scale, if you know what I mean. Those who watch talent shows have surely seen performers who had no idea how talented they actually were. When I watched Loren on The Voice, I had come away with that feeling ... that there was a disparity. Of course, I was completely blind to what she had faced within the industry up to that point, so I was only seeing part of the picture. It wasn't as if she had no clue as to who she was; rather, I felt at the time that she was doubting herself, as if asking ... ' Am I just not good enough?' But watching those performances later, aware of the history, it strikes me as being much more about doubting her choices to that point, as if thinking ... ' Maybe I'm just not cut out for this!' Regardless, when we're told how, who, or what we are or aren't enough times, by enough people, then we start buying into it. When you add exhaustion to the equation, it strongly suggests that her exit from the industry in 2012 was basically a wise decision to rescue herself. The journey soon began anew, choosing paths that were practical, purposeful, and engaging, offering encouragement and fulfillment rather than disappointment and defeat. Her shift toward songwriting during the pandemic period would serve more than one purpose. It resulted in a run of delightful songs, but more importantly, it allowed her to express her inner self in lyrics that seemed to shed long-held negative thoughts and feelings, and she clearly seemed all the better for it. That riddance was at the core of "Miss Myself," and could also be noted in the metaphorical lyrics for "Perfect," ..." No one's got the answers, I should know better than to keep on keep on listening." Any disparity in self-image that might have existed before didn't appear to exist now. She seemed to know exactly who she was and what she had to offer.
To this observer, it seemed only nerves and anxiety stood in her way. But that issue seemed to surface only when two factors were present: a live solo performance and a large audience. I'm reminded of my musing about "secretly replacing the camera with live viewers." I mean, the issue seems absurd, doesn't it? Given her appearances thus far and the artists she has performed with, it's hard to imagine her doubting herself, yet we see it all the time. I think of Sia's anxiety before every live appearance, not to mention hiding her face all that time. So yeah, anxiety can definitely mess with your mind, regardless of whether it's chronic or acute. Loren's guest appearances with Andrea Bocelli's "Believe" U.S. tour were unknown to many at the time, myself included. You can watch the performance of "Canta Della Terra" at Madison Square Garden in December 2021, in the clip below. I include it here to partly emphasize the date, which is just three months before the London performance that you will watch afterward, but also to emphasize what is accomplished. I can't avoid asking myself ... " If she could overcome the apprehension of singing in operatic voice, before 20,000 knowledgeable listeners, alongside Andrea Bocelli...no less, what could be more daunting than that?" It's wonderful that she's allowed to move between operatic voice and her high belt at several points...particularly the amazing drawn-out verse and notes near and at the finish! I've seen other vocalists duet that song with him and not be able to last out the note, even in an operatic voice, and I've also seen him shorten the final note to accommodate some, so there was every reason for him to reach over and commend her. If I had seen this at the time, I'm certain I would never have reached out to her...it would've felt foolish. Yet, when I watched her take the stage in London, taped just two months after this Bocelli concert, the contrast was so great that I was glad I had. I had simply offered encouragement and hints of a different use of breath (unrelated to singing). I've no idea if they were seen, but a comment she once made suggested maybe they were.
00
The reason that many readers will jump straight to this time period is simply because this is where the "obvious" begins to appear, and it happens rather quickly, relative to all that has come before. So, I'll try not to slow the pace unnecessarily, but a great many details and several events contribute to a full understanding and appreciation of what takes place during the next few years. Moreover, I will often allude to the real beauty that lies within the transformation, and that is the fact that, despite who she becomes as a performer, she will remain the same person within, meaning that she continues to be a humble and gracious being who cares about others and isn't afraid to show that part of herself. Let's return to London and Britain's Got Talent, 2022, to watch this story continue to unfold.
Click Button
Thanks to Legendary Concerts
Link to "Britain's Got Talent"
What a difference four months can make! It is now June 2, 2022, and we are about to watch Loren in her live semi-final round on Britain's Got Talent. The setting, however, will be quite different. The live performances have moved to the Apollo Theater, just outside the West End, to allow for a larger audience. The close in intimacy of the Palladium is now replaced by a single large circular balcony and deeper lower level seating, creating a more expansive audience to perform to. With the crippling fear overcome, this configuration will suit Loren well, given her powerful projection. Although her audition of "Never Enough had aired on April 16, it had actually taken place earlier, thus she had several months to return home and prepare for this moment. She selected Lauren Daigle's "You Say" for this performance. I'll save the observations and comments for after, but I think what you see and hear in this video will pretty much speak for itself.,
As for My Reaction...
If you watched Loren's audition from six weeks ago, then you can clearly see that her presence and demeanor are already different here. Gone are the crippling nerves and anxiety, replaced with poise and confidence. Not to say that she isn't still nervous, of course, as well she should be. Over the years, I've often tried to help those who face event anxiety, whether it was an athletic event, a business presentation, or any other type of performance, with each eventually coming to understand that if you aren't nervous, then you aren't ready to perform. For Loren, the nerves and emotions are now becoming an asset, like some form of projected aura or valence state that connects with the audience in a symbiotic manner. It's something people have difficulty describing, yet you see it in their faces and body language ... the frozen expression with mouth agape, the side-to-side nodding of the head, or a hand to the heart gesture. This causal effect goes beyond just appreciation. It resembles the storyteller who draws energy and inspiration from the expressions on the faces of those listening, which in turn draws them more into the story, and we've seen it before with top artists. Loren performs in such a way that much of her expressiveness appears authentic and spontaneous, even some of the body gestures, while others are naturally rehearsed. I'll point out some of these in more detail later on. Whatever the case, her stage presence leaves you wondering how she could have ever doubted herself. An example of that interaction is when Loren drops her arms and head in resignation, and you see Amanda Holden's head tilt immediately ... it keeps you wondering where she's going next. I smiled just now as I thought of the scene in The Greatest Showman where Barnum's youngest daughter is watching from the balcony with binoculars, alongside her sister and Mom, each transfixed on every detail.
Vocally, she covers a lot of territory technique-wise. The depth and fullness of her low notes are so impressive. It's not Toni Braxton-low, but there's such a nice tone and richness to it. It's very noticeable on " ...now" at the beginning at the beginning of "Never Enough", while here it's softer. However, it's the power and resonance of her "mids" that really stand out here, and her ability to carry so much of her chest voice up and into her mixed voice makes it so full. Even in her high mixed voice, the vibrato and fullness are still present, where so many others start to thin out. It suggests that she's really a mezzo-soprano who's learned to belt really high. But then, after hearing the "Canta Della Terra" duet with Bocelli, it's not a huge stretch of the mind to think soprano also. The breath control is phenomenal, as Amanda pointed out, and the same could be said about voice control, often described by other artists as impeccable. Her shifts and transitions are smooth, and the strength and precision of her falsetto at the end felt like it could have reached the back rows even without the microphone. The ability to push the power and then draw it back so precisely, along with all the rest, left many feeling she had simply taken this song to another level. Something I always anticipate is seeing how often she surprises during a song, meaning you're never sure where she's going with the next note or phrase, especially with a very familiar song. This performance won the public vote that night and sent her to the finals two days later, where a couple of subplots arose.
A Goal Realized
How do you get people who are walking the streets, standing in kitchens, or driving cars, to suddenly start singing your song? Well, you could go the traditional route by writing it, practicing it, performing it at a local pub, perhaps including it during an opening gig for another artist, and if you're confident enough to invest the money, book a recording session and hope it pays off. Or you could return home from an audition, write a song, practice it for a few months, return to your audition site, and perform it live for 6.5 million TV viewers and a few thousand live attendees in a packed theater venue. I still have trouble wrapping my head around that, but it's the only account I've seen, thus far, of the song performed by Loren in the finals of Britain's Got Talent. Choosing to sing her original song, "The Last Thing I'll Ever Need," was a bold move, but maybe not as risky in her mind as it was in the minds of others.
Click Button
Link to Britain's Got Talent
By starting so high with head voice and falsetto, it was a pretty safe bet that she would stretch the upper limits at some point. There's no doubt that vocal experts could debate the issue of "mixed voice" vs "head voice" vs falsetto" for hours or days. I'm just a listener, but it really comes down to whether you're speaking of anatomy (the vibration of the vocal fold layers) or of perception (the audible sound itself). Why the latter is so hard to pin down at times with Loren is because of how well she "blends" those transitional points, while at other times, she makes it obvious with a flip that still feels seamless. Here, she dropped down into her upper middle range and let us feel that massive resonance carried into the mixed voice. I'm sure there was anticipation of an extended belt at some point, after what we had heard in the semi-finals, although I doubt many expected the one that she delivered, and certainly not the climactic burst that followed. The sustained belt at G#5 sat everyone up a bit straighter, but the explosive G6 note that followed felt as if it lifted them off their seat. Note the two young girls in the front-row seats. (I'm still wondering if the one on the left was the young girl who auditioned and was later taped singing this song at a mall.) It wasn't just the power and fullness that was brought to those notes; it was the explosion of emotion that accompanied it, joined by similar expressiveness elsewhere in the song. During a working rehearsal, Loren even voiced a concern about that high note to BGT vocal coach Annabelle Williams, despite acknowledging that it was the version she wanted to try. Obviously, she rose to the occasion.
Loren didn't win this competition, and more than a few theories emerged as to why. I won't bother commenting on the more absurd ones, but I'll share my thoughts on a few. First, many were correct in saying that aside from a few awkward moments early in her audition, once she unleashed herself, every song had felt more like a mini concert than a talent show performance. This, of course, only fueled the acceptance of all the innuendos and misconstrued information that was being spread. By the time the finals arrived, the seeds of false innuendos pushed by the tabloids and press had taken root in the minds of many, and any chance of winning was doomed at that point. Think what you will, but excepting child performers, many talent show contestants have performed previously in a professional or semi-professional context, regardless of how much of a "newbie" they're portrayed as being. Maybe it was only at shopping malls or local theater stages, for merchant discounts or free passes, maybe for something more. This was just another example of how a bit of knowledge becomes a dangerous thing. During her brief time as a signed recording artist, nothing was ever released. Loren was unknown to so many at this point that it's not really credible to say she didn't belong on that stage. As for record deal conspiracies, you merely have to listen to her interviews or glance at her history to know that she wasn't chasing another record deal. Quite the opposite, in fact, she wanted to produce her own records and videos, and is currently doing just that. Lastly, some felt that it was a mistake to sing an original song for the finals. Earlier, I mentioned that choosing to do so wasn't such a huge risk in her mind. The reason was simply that performing her own song on this stage was a dream come true, a goal that may have been more important to her than winning the competition. Regardless, the music world is all the richer by her having made that choice.
A Touching Tribute
In the year that followed her Britain's Got Talent appearance, Loren collaborated with Ashley Monroe to create "I Hear Your Voice", a song reflecting the memories and sense of longing that both felt after losing close family members. Loren had lost her beloved grandmother during the pandemic, and Ashley had lost her father to cancer when she was a teenager. Ashley helped Loren shape the song, and producer Michel Heyaca assisted with the co-writing. I won't assume, but I suspect that this song had been forming in Loren's mind for some time. It was released in April of 2023 as part of her EP with the same name. The EP and the "I Hear Your Voice" music video represented milestones in Loren's career as she assumed her identity as a songwriter and stand-alone performer. I'm including two video links: a live performance of the song on TV's Good Day New York, and the official music video. *Please note that if you've recently lost someone dear, the video may elicit some strong emotions.
Official "I Hear Your Voice" video
Live on Good Day New York TV
Click Button
Click Button
I'll quickly comment on the live TV appearance by saying it showcased not only her talent but also her poise and grace when being interviewed. The stunned host was right to point out that it was 9 a.m. and that no auto-tuning was ever used on their set. There was a bit of exchange after the song that you may enjoy listening to.
The music video is a step up in quality and very unique, with the artist as art within the art itself, before shifting to a more conventional format. The interplay of lyrics, emotions, and visual content produces a powerful effect. Loren uses family members throughout the video. The woman entering and listening to the recording is her sister, Brennan, I believe, which makes for an interesting scene when she studies Loren in the still life pose. The vocals are an impressive display of how Loren's vocals seem to constantly get better as her confidence grows. The high note at the climax has so much volume and resonance at that level. This song was written not only in memory of those Loren and Ashley had lost, but for everyone dealing with loss and grief. I've already mentioned that I lost my sister around the same time that Loren lost her Nana, and this song hit me pretty hard when I heard it; so much so that I chose to wait a bit before sharing it with my brother-in-law because I knew how deeply it might affect him.
Classic Joins Class
Click Button
Between May and December of 2023, Loren appeared on David Foster's Hitman Tour in Asia and Andrea Bocelli's European Tour. The performance below is from Foster's Hitman Tour in Singapore on August 8, featuring Loren's duet with the legendary Peabo Bryson. For those who are a generation or two removed, the Grammy, Oscar, and Golden Globe-winning song, " Whole New World," which replaced Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" as the #1 song in March of 1993, can be heard here. It showcases Peabo's acclaimed, stylish voice, which has produced 21 albums (five of which are gold), including duets with Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, and others. His breathing pattern and voice were affected by a heart attack late in his career, but his nuanced tone is still there, which does not go unappreciated by Loren, nor his contribution to music. As impressive as they are here, Loren's vocals and striking stage presence take a back seat to her genuine show of affection and respect for Peabo. Her almost embarrassed reaction to his praise is reminiscent of how she responded to Michael Bublé's compliments during their duet recording session, which seems so long ago. Loren's emotional reaction upon hearing Peabo's voice on the opening verse needs no explanation.
Through The Ceiling
In May 2023, NBC revealed plans for a spinoff of America's Got Talent, with the judges selecting acts from the past decade to compete in a team format. AGT Fantasy League was formally announced in September 2023, and Simon Cowell had selected Loren to be on his team. The show's January 1, 2024, premiere would air on NBC and Peacock and was announced on November 15, 2023, which roughly coincided with the taping of auditions before a closed live audience. The conversation between Simon and Loren in the backstory portion of the alternate clip (below left) may have been taped after the actual song choice was made, but, regardless, that decision was obviously made months before the November auditions. In the taping of that backstory, you see her happily agree with Simon's bold suggestion to level up "Never Enough," but I wonder what really went through her mind at the initial suggestion... "Is he kidding?" It's only my personal observation, but her appearance and demeanor during that patio discussion in the backstory took me by surprise. During her response to Simon's confession of having been starstruck during BGT 2022, she literally looks and sounds like a different person than the one in 2022. Following the release of her "Late Bloomer" EP and her audition for London's BGT, we saw her intimate reveal at Joe's Pub in New York, and her tearful performance of "Rainbow." It had confirmed what many of us had sensed, but couldn't explain. Both the EP and BGT were pivot points in her life, leading to the person we are seeing here, although blossomed might describe her better at this point than bloomed, given what is likely still to come in the years ahead.
There were nuances seen in some performances of "Never Enough" while touring in 2023, as well as her own personal appearances, which suggested she was constantly workshopping the song. I don't know when she actually began revising it to fit AGT's brief audition time limit, but it would shock the audience, the judges, and the music world in general. More importantly, she introduced herself to her home country and left many wondering how anyone this talented could have ever gone unnoticed. The ceiling had been shattered, and talent shows would no longer matter. This invited appearance simply gave her a stage to show everyone who she now was and what was to come. NBC's original full video is no longer accessible for free, so the HD replacement clip (below right) is the performance only. Thus, I've added a Reactor's link to the full video, which will contain their observations and comments. They had seen a thumbnail of the BGT audition, but did not view and react to it, so they are seeing Loren perform for the first time. His comments afterward are apropos, given the prelude above. I am happy to direct viewers to both these links and hope they will remain posted indefinitely.
Click Button
YouTube / MUSIC EVOLUTION
Obviously thrilled by this occasion, she remains so humble when asked to tell everyone who she is. The backstory is well-crafted, and her watching herself perform the actual demo session for the film must have brought everything full circle during the backstory taping. The nerves are evident in the shots of her awaiting the stage call, and I can't imagine anything more nerve-wracking than beginning in "a capella" format, but what a treat ... not only to hear, but to see from a backstage perspective that made this feel like the movie scene in real life. The voice control during the "a capella" and into the soft piano intro was flawless, with just the right amount of breathiness and richness on the low notes. The skip in verse and early ramp up took many by surprise, ratcheting up the intensity level sooner than usual. The audience close-ups provide a wonderful sense of what was being felt by everyone at the time. It was such a magnificent setting, as if the film scene was actually happening on an even grander stage. I can't say enough about the massive stage setting with the orchestra and effects ... it was majestic. The glistening perspiration only amplified the total impression left by this extraordinary live performance. The runs and nuances from before were still there, but intensified. The drumbeats paused for " Towers of gold..." then burst forth as usual, but this time with the drummer silhouetted against the stage backdrop. Then we came to the part no one ever imagined. She sustained " ...enough" with a chest-driven G5 in the original key with massive vibrato, then modulated to carry the song a whole step up to C major and leaped straight to an A5 on "...for me" in full chest voice, complete with a quick downward run at the end. The second " ...for me" returned to A5 but pushed higher to Bb5, and was followed by three sustained "enough"s at Bb5, the second one containing a short run with a cry, the last one being the most emphatic...each in chest-dominant mixed voice with resonance, power, and fullness few are capable of approaching, let alone controlling and shaping. She finished with a seamless upward slide to C6. Spectacular is the only way to describe it. This had to feel special to her, but a different kind of special when compared to the live PBS debut or the BGT audition. It was a moment fully hers, even with Simon's mentoring, and it was a solid reinforcement to having reclaimed her song, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind as to who it rightfully belonged to.
" ...a masterclass!"
An Endearing Moment
Following all the post-BGT interviews and U.K. appearances, including a performance at London's intimate Omeara Theater, Loren returned to Brooklyn and resumed songwriting. Soon after, in December 2022, she released "Aren't You Tired," which can be heard here. I initially thought the lyrics were metaphorical, referring to herself in each instance, although I now stand corrected, as she indicated it was about a past relationship. However, given her ability to nuance a song by lacing it with multi-layered inferences, I wouldn't be surprised to learn there are traces of that present. It's a beautiful song, with such a clever blend of beats, repeats, steps, repeats, then leaps. If you sing, then have a go at those opening lines just to see if you can make them sound melodious and song-like.
Loren performed on January 31, 2023, at Joe's Pub in New York, a time-honored home for musicians and singers to connect intimately with a knowledgeable audience. The night would prove more intimate than Loren would have liked, and it would not be the only time it occurred. I've written earlier about how I'm endeared to someone who rises above unfairness and struggle, but as we've seen, sometimes we have to rise above ourselves. Here, she wanted to thank the audience for allowing her to perform her original music by sharing a meaningful closing song. This struggle closely aligns with the central theme of this story, so watch the entire clip. A sincere nod goes to Haine (Ellen Haines) on keyboard for her compassion.
Click Here
Loren Allred / YouTube
I'll borrow Simon's comment regarding this performance to use as a heading simply because that's exactly what it was. Loren crafted her version of "Over the Rainbow" to pay homage to Judy Garland's original and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's adaptation, while adding her own elements to create her own version. She produced a great video on the making of the official music video, allowing us to glimpse her perfectionist work ethic, which is humorously seen as a challenge for some of her associates at times. To address those who label this as a stylized cover of "Iz's" version, I'll just suggest that a bit of research will help shed light on that misconception. I lived, for a number of years, in the small community of Makaha, home to Israel and his group, The Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau; thus, I'm very familiar with his music, and it's a pleasure to hear it used in films. Loren was proud to honor his beautiful version by including a bit of the styling and melody, but the two versions differ widely beyond that, as I'm sure anyone will find if both are listened to closely. The challenge was to create her version without sacrificing the song's identity, and I would say she not only managed that, but did so masterfully. I just wish AGT had allowed time for a longer version.
Click Here
YouTube / AGT Fantasy League
A darkened set with flickering stars in the background, the dark dress with the sparkles, and the audience with the wavering lights, provided Loren's soft and delicate opening all it needed to create a dream-like atmosphere for this song. Choosing staccato over legato, with subtle tempo changes, seemed to make it all the more personal, and with her gestures and expressiveness, you almost feel she's addressing you directly, but with song rather than speech. Several things that caught my attention seemed to go unnoticed by many reviewers and reactors, despite their praise. First, there was a wonderful ability to move back and forth between open and closed vocal folds, pushing and pulling back the volume with amazing control, so that it was never too little or too much. Secondly, listen again to the phrase ... " high above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me." Note the short breath that was taken after "where" (at 1:04). Now note the next breath you see her take, which is at the end of " ... over the rainbow" (at 1:23). That's a nineteen-second full belt without a breath. With Loren's bridge between Soprano and Mezzo Soprano, she made it sound as if it's all chest-driven by her ability to carry so much chest up to mix with her head voice, creating so much power and resonance. If you compare covers of this song, including the arrangement for BGT's 2024 Finals, you'll see there were several breaths taken during that vocal phrase compared to none by Loren. Next is another oversight by so many reviewers. During the phrase, "...the dreams that you dream of," there's a slow upward run on "the", followed by a seamless up-down-up run through at least five notes on "dreams"...but with a vocal flip executed right in the middle! I'm neither a singer nor a vocal coach, but I'm a good enough listener not to miss or overlook something like that. I was glad to see the cameraman catch one attendee who knew what she was hearing. Lastly, the contrast between the soft notes, the powerful belt, and then back to the soft ending was performed with such precise control, but I only recall seeing that mentioned once or twice in all the reviews. Not to lose sight of our main theme, both of these performances on AGT are an incredible contrast to what viewers had seen only two years earlier on BGT, not just in vocal abilities, but in the artist herself.
Sugoi Desu! One For The Ages
In December 2023, Loren was a guest performer at the Game Awards in Los Angeles. Her appearance was linked to an official trailer for the upcoming release of Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, in which she sang the theme song, "No Promises" to Keep. After the premiere of AGT: Fantasy League the following month, she was invited to appear on Japan's highly rated The First Take in March to perform "No Promises to Keep" with Nobuo Uematsu, the composer. The First Take strives to simulate a live stage performance, using no enhancements and allowing only one take. That skillful performance of "No Promises to Keep" is here, should you want to see it. Newly aware of Loren's stunning song upgrade on AGT, The First Take arranged for an additional appearance to perform a full version of her "Never Enough" arrangement. Obviously, The First Take studio cannot accommodate an entire orchestra, so that portion was provided separately. Loren's long-awaited "Never Enough" official music video had just been released a week or so earlier, and she chose that orchestral arrangement for this performance. Here she alters the apex point in a nicely creative fashion. I'll let this performance speak for itself. I will only say that, for me, this may well be the definitive live performance of "Never Enough" delivered to this point, and perhaps beyond. This truly should have been performed in a packed arena or stadium with multiple Jumbotrons and multiple zoom lens cameras surrounding her. Can you imagine anything remotely similar to this being delivered to the Palladium audience for her 2022 BGT audition in London, and what the response would have been like?
In 2024, I provided a motivational session, featuring various clips from this story, to a friend's son, a professional athlete on his way to a big event. I concluded the session by sending this clip to his phone as he boarded his plane. Victorious for the first time, his story was to have segued into this one, but unfortunately, that plan was dropped, as was the story that would have segued into his. I do, however, often share this clip and the BGT audition with "one-off" viewers, to compare the two and maybe find a reason to read the entire story, perhaps uncovering a message that will inspire their own pursuits and explorations into their own potential.
Click Button
YouTube / The First Take
An Artistic Culmination
This highly anticipated, long-awaited, official music video of "Never Enough" was actually released a week before The First Take releases, but I wanted to keep the live performance timeline intact. Filmed at The Mallows Estate on Long Island, I immediately wondered if Loren had visited this site, as either a guest or a performer, during her rise in the music world while living in Brooklyn. What a beautiful choice for a site, and a great piece of production work. As for the Loren we see here, the visual display itself says more than any description with words can convey. As for the song, all components included, it's as if we're treated to what "Never Enough" has meant to her personally, and perhaps a sense of who she has found within herself and set free. Let's watch the video before saying more.
Click Button
YouTube / Loren Allred
It would be hard not to be impressed with the artistry and quality of this video. Moreover, knowing what a perfectionist she is, I can only imagine the number of takes and the amount of editing that were involved. It's a stunning piece of work, and an emphatic stamp on her claim to this song for the rest of time.
We hear the change in orchestration right from the start, opting for a classic tone that complements her vocals throughout, with no intrusion. Once again, I'm puzzled by the lack of notice paid to an exquisite run that we hear early in the song. It's so apropos that it occurs on the word " ...echo" (at 0:42 seconds), making the word literally come to life. I've slowed it down to half-speed, and I'm still not sure about the number of notes she covered in the run, but I would estimate five at least, all of them seamless. Unlike the run near the end of "Over The Rainbow," with the vocal flip midway, the notable feature here is how she pulls back the volume as the run descends the scale ... it's so subtle yet it stands out. How do coaches and reactors not hear it? Next is the run she always gives us on her tour de force third belt of " ...for me," but this may be the best we've heard. The styling flows beautifully throughout and blends so well with the orchestration and the artistic imagery. She stays in B major throughout the song, and the apex moment, " ...for me," is a Bb5 with so much resonance coming from her full chest-mix. She sustains the emotional impact till the end, and the orchestration remains at just the right level to allow it, before handing it off to her for the vocal-only ending. Even when comparing studio productions only, I come back to the amazing contrast, visibly and audibly, from those that were produced just before the audition in London, and likewise for the live performances ... all within the span of two years.
A Blend of Cultures
Click Button
YouTube / Salim Sulaiman Music,
Salim and Suliaman Merchant, as part of Project Bhoomi 2024, collaborated with Loren to produce this unique song that acts as a bridge between eastern and western cultures, in this case, western pop and Rajasthani folk music. This video is so cool, and the Merchant brothers are dressed to the nines. As much as Loren's full high chest notes add, it's the rich tone and resonance of her lower notes that are so compatible with this arrangement. As for her presence, she commands the viewers' focused attention from the moment she turns around. Between the outfit, the necklace, the earrings, and her presence, it's impossible to take your eyes off of each movement, nor miss a single word. It's another clear example of the transformation that has taken place over the past two years, and I'm confident that the success created by her growth thus far will only continue to increase, along with her global audience. You only need to look at their reactions and read their comments to get a sense of how many hearts she has touched.
*No AI-generated content
If you were able to grasp my initial connection to Loren’s story, being the Boston Marathon, and the second one being the upheaval from charting a life-altering course, then you’ll have no trouble grasping the connections in Part 4.
Duet "Whole New World"
***A reaction video link has been added to continue access to full video coverage of the audition and backstory from the 1:02 minute mark, plus commentary.
"Never Enough", AGT / Song only
Click Button
Full Clip Review
YouTube / React to The World
Conclusion
A young aspiring artist travels thousands of miles from home to pursue her dream and finds it realized much sooner than imagined. But the world she suddenly found herself in would soon offer proof of how quickly elation can turn to disappointment, and euphoria to utter despair. What sets those who succeed apart is the determination to rise from defeat and chart a new course. Much of what would account for the title "An Awakening..." would occur during the pandemic years and shortly after, when realizations were brought to light and given life through songwriting. Those moments of discovery and newfound awareness would prove impactful for Loren on multiple levels and for years to come.
There was a time when I was highly unappreciative of lyrical composition, focused more on melody, and biased toward instrumental only. So it's ironic that I now find myself near the other end of the spectrum. In the acclaimed documentary "Amy", we witness a call-in session where Amy Winehouse reacts dismissively to a caller throwing shade toward songwriters who give us their emotional baggage, citing Dido as an example. Can anyone deny that many of the greatest songs ever written were based on emotional suffering or discord? We've followed Loren’s journey along a difficult and winding road. If you’re empathetic, then you’ve felt her sorrow and joy; if you’re insightful, then you've sensed the struggles faced internally and externally, and understood the ultimate outcomes. As an observer yourself, regardless of whether you share my views and opinions, you've surely witnessed the changes, the growth and the unmistakable transformation that is so evident in the performer we see today.
On the subject of bravery, there were acknowledgements by judges, attendees, and two prominent UK podcast reactors, regarding the courage it took to walk onto that London Palladium stage in 2022 and face a lifelong fear. I'm sure that opinion was shared by many, but I wonder how many truly grasped the courage needed to stand on AGT: Fantasy League's stage in 2024, with a TV and streaming audience of 6.8 million, and risk so much to break through that "glass ceiling", as she described it. Here, I'm not referring to just facing a massive live audience again, but to the challenge of performing a full octave leap above her normal top-end range before that live audience. Owning a repeatable and controllable documented range of C3 to G#5, Loren's performance of "Never Enough" on AGT Fantasy League gave us an incredible belt at G#6 with reinforced headvoice. The adrenaline rush of a live performance can help, and she didn't sustain it, but the slide up from an already sustained Eb4 to a sustained Eb5, at the end of the song, was held with vibrato, power, and intensity, remaining in chest-driven mix the whole time. Think of the risk at both those moments, all the things that could have gone wrong. The G#6 won't often be repeated often, thank goodness, for the sake of safety and longevity, but the ending, and other upgrades would be, and they redefined the song. It spoke volumes about her mindset and the courage to forge ahead now that the barrier of fear was overcome. On that night, she truly did break through that ceiling she had spoken of, especially in the minds of American listeners, and it had to be a proud moment for her. She continues striving for improvement, and has shown her listeners that it's not just about hitting or sustaining high notes or low notes. It's about bringing all the dynamics and expression available to assist in telling the story, rather than just making it about yourself. Her songwriting will continue to further that goal, and I'll be very surprised if live theater and film role offers do not follow at some point, that notion being bolstered by some of the delightful short video posts I've seen. Barring injury, or some unforeseen circumstance, her career should continue blossoming for years to come. There's also much to be said regarding the development of her business and production acumen, which almost deserves it's own story, and brings to mind other highly successful artists who have become their own complete enterprises. It's been quite the journey, and it looks to have far to go still.
Part 4 will not be a final installment. We have seen a truly amazing transformation, yet in many ways, Loren’s story is just getting underway. Aside from any personal connection I may feel, I'm far too invested as both observer and observationist to simply walk away from a story still ongoing, so to stay current, I will no doubt be joining each of the social media platforms that I've purposely avoided all these years. Although I will conclude the main body of this series, I will continue to update her journey as it unfolds on the "...continued" page, which you will find in the Stories drop-down menu.
Most appreciatively,
***My entire remaining family lives in and around Peabo's hometown, and even the young ones know of him. Peabo, your heart and mind are so well-suited for collaborating with Loren and David, so I hope this story finds its way to you, and eventually to Loren.
I'll close by reminding everyone that this story has been, and will continue to be, just one person's observations, thoughts, and comments, and that, understandably, those belonging to others may differ. I hope you've enjoyed this series as much as I've enjoyed presenting it. I also hope, as I stated at the outset, that I was able to present it in the befitting manner that it rightfully deserved. If you have dreams or aspirations of your own, then I hope you were able to find some measure of inspiration along the way. Perhaps one takeaway for everyone is to never toss aside small opportunities, thinking they don't matter. The least glamorous task, if well tended, may generate an unfathomable outcome. It was certainly the case in this story. Thank you for being here, and I hope you will return to check the "...continued" section on occasion, as well as join me for future stories.
