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20 responses to "Donald Braswell Review – America’s Got Talent Top 5"

1. # Russian Bar Trio Injury Update | Pure America's Got Talent pingbacked on September 27th, 2008:

   [...] my previous post about Donald Braswell replacing the Russian Bar Trio on America’s Got Talent I got to wondering how the Russian Bar Trio is doing and what type of [...]

2. # Carol commented on September 28th, 2008:

   I did vote for Donald Braswell but I think he is going to not make it for the top spot. He would be great in musical theater as Sharon mentioned and I hope he gets a career doing that. Eli Matson will probably win or Queen Emily.

3. # Jean Johnson commented on September 29th, 2008:

   Donald Braswell is FANTASTIC!!! As to the way he tilts his head in his performances, you see that tilt with other GREAT singers. I am from Vegas and have seen many of them. Mr Braswell has had the best control, tone and feeling in his deliverance, he will be around a long time. Vegas needs his type of music NOW as almost all of the good male singers are gone. Braswell’s music stays with you once the song is done, I listen to him every day and find a great deal of joy and contentment with life when I hear him sing!

4. # Barbara Evans commented on September 30th, 2008:

   I wish that everyone throwing around the name of the school that Donald Braswell attended — Juilliard — would learn to spell it correctly. It has an “i” before the two “lls”. It’s even misspelled (as Julliard, leaving out the first “i”) on the NBC website showing his bio.

   Why does this misspelling bother me so much? Because Juilliard is one of the great schools of music and deserves to have its name spelled correctly.

   As far as Donald Braswell goes, if he doesn’t win, I’ll never watch AGT again because I’ll know it’s fixed. This man’s talent AND stage presence are light years beyond any other performer’s I’ve heard in a long, long time. The other four finalists have loads of talent, but nothing like Donald’s. He does have a huge fan club across the nation and we all gave him as many votes as we could. I won’t believe any of the other four performers received as many.

5. # John commented on October 1st, 2008:

   Barbara,
   Thanks for the correction. I’ve updated the post with the correct spelling. It is a great school of music, but it will be a great school of music no matter how it’s spelled.

   I think it’s funny that you won’t watch AGT ever again if he doesn’t win. Sure, I was disappointed when my favorite was voted off, but I watch the show because the acts are entertaining to watch and not because I care if it’s rigged or not. You know it’s at least contrived. For example, the producers make all the song selections for those on the show.

   Also, just because Donald Braswell has a huge fan club (which he does) doesn’t mean Eli Mattson doesn’t have one just as large. Should be fun tomorrow to see.

6. # Peg commented on October 1st, 2008:

   Perhaps if you just closed your eyes and listened to the words of the song and how Donald delivers it you might understand better why so many of us are his fan. I have been waiting so long for relief from the junk that has been on the airwaves. I no longer watch much on the network TV shows…my cable is basic so I’m limited to CNN and the Food Network…no longer get PBS. I find rap music very upsetting and the singers who scream are so annoying.

   Donald Braswell is a breath of fresh air for me. Thank God he regained his wonderful voice and that his wife encouraged him to signup on AGT!

   When Donald sings it stirs my soul, God speaks to me. Music does soothe the savage soul…for me I suppose it equates to soothing the troubled soul. Our family has experienced some troubling times for the last 20 years and it is easy to sink into depression after awhile. Donald picked me up with his songs. I cried through the first 50 or so times I listened to his “You Raise Me Up”, it spoke to me! Now I can listen and enjoy his wonderful voice. Thank God, Donald’s wife shared him with the rest of the world. Come over to the AGT Donald Braswell comments on his video and see like comments from others who he has lifted up out of their darkness and doom.

   I will pray that you will also find some peace and joy in Donald’s songs. As far as I’m concerned, whether Donald wins AGT or not…he is already a BIG winner.

7. # John commented on October 1st, 2008:

   Peg,
   I enjoy listening to Donald Braswell. I’d love to go to a performance by Donald Braswell. I’ve just heard a number of people sing “You Raise Me Up” better than Donald. Plus, I’m not saying he’s not talented. In fact, I’ve said a number of times that he is talented. However, in a show that is at this point mostly a popularity contest, I think Eli Mattson will win.

   I agree that TV is putting out a bunch of crap. I’ve been watching more and more shows on PBS these days. Andrea Bocelli on PBS is an example of amazing and clean entertainment. I think they need more of that. I hope Donald Braswell is successful and can help provide more quality entertainment.

8. # Barbara commented on February 22nd, 2009:

   I think it’s time for you to eat your words. Donald Braswell just had his own concert at the Las Vegas Hilton the other night. He performed to a sold out crowd that had nothing but the highest praise for him. He had several standing ovations, and people who had never seen him before or even heard his name before, could not get over his beautiful, mesmerizing voice and his charming, charismatic personality. People commented that this was the best show that they had ever seen in Vegas or anywhere else for that matter.
   I had the good fortune of seeing Donald in concert, and I can assure you, that not only does he have an amazing voice, but he also has an amazing personality and incredable stage presence. He the finest, most compassionate, gentleman that I have ever met.
   I guess that you really did miss something. When Donald tilts his head back and stares up at the sky, he is looking up to God and thanking him for giving him back his phenomenal voice and the chance to share it with all of us.

9. # John commented on February 23rd, 2009:

   Thanks for coming back Barbara. I’m not sure what words I need to eat. I said that Donald is an amazing talent and that I hoped he was successful and would provide more quality entertainment. From what you said, it sounds like he’s done just that. I couldn’t be happier.

   That doesn’t change my opinion that I’d rather see Eli Mattson in concert than Donald. Although, honestly I’d love to see both. If I’d known Donald was performing in Las Vegas, I would have gone and seen it.

   It makes me really happy to hear that he’s doing well. I hope that he is incredibly successful.

   I personally think you’re probably reading into Donald’s head tilt a little too much. However, if that’s what makes you happy, then great. We could all use a few more people looking to God and being thankful.

10. # Barbara commented on February 23rd, 2009:

    I was referring to this comment that you made:I guess it’s just his stage presence which doesn’t say winner or Las Vegas to me. I have seen donald in a live concert and his stage presence was incredable. He MCed the entire show and interacted with the audiance throughout the entire concert. If you get the chance, read the article TV’s Voice of Inspitation in the Las Vegas Sun. Scroll down and read the comments that were left by people who never heard the name Donald Braswell before the night of his Vegas concert. If you would like, I can send you the link.
    I think the fact that Donald wasn’t allowed to sing the songs of his choice on AGT, and the fact that he was getting such horrendous comments from a certain judge, it probably made him uncomfortable, that he wasn’t his usual exhuberant self.
    The comment that I made about him lookin up to God, was because if you noticed, after each song he looked up and said thank you before he walked off the stage.

11. # John commented on February 23rd, 2009:

    Barbara,
    It was just my opinion. I’m glad that I’m wrong and that it sounds like America does want entertainment that is wholesome and clean and not just the smut they often peddle in Las Vegas.

    I’d love to see the article if you wouldn’t mind posting a link to it.

    I think you’re probably right about the music choice. I didn’t realize until recently that the producers of the show really pushed which music was performed. I can kind of understand why, but it must suck as a performer to have to follow what the producers want you to perform.

    I don’t really remember him looking up and saying thank you. However, considering the surgery he went through, I bet that man is very thankful to God for being able to sing at all.

12. # Barbara commented on February 23rd, 2009:

    Hi John, I am sorry that I was so hard on you, but I guess I am veery protective over this very humble, sensitive,gentle man. Here is the link to the website that I told you about. Scroll down to read the comments that were posted there.
    http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/10/tv-shows-voice-inspiration/
    I will also send you a link to a video an youtube where you can see him looking up to God and saying thank you. It is the video from his first audition. I think he did it right after jerry Springer hugged him.
    By the way, Donald will be appearing in Asheville, NC on March 21st, at 8:00 PM in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
    Once again, I am sorry if I came on a little too strong. You certainly are entitled to your opinion.

13. # John commented on February 23rd, 2009:

    Well Barbara, no worries. I understand that having strong opinions and posting them on a website will mean that some people will disagree. I try hard not to be demeaning in my opinions, but just honest about the way I feel about someone or something. Sometimes I fail.

    Donald is lucky to have a fan like yourself on his side. Reading the article it sure sounds like Donald has a ton of great things going for him. I’ll have to do an update post about him.

    Please keep me up to date on things that happen with Donald. It seems like you follow him a lot more than I do. Especially if he comes to back to Las Vegas since that’s where I live.

14. # Cherie commented on February 24th, 2009:

    OHM, Donald Braswell is the most incredible entertainer I have ever seen or heard! He ROCKED the Las Vegas Hilton!! He had moves no one expected and raised the blood pressure in the room. His range of songs raised the roof. There isn’t a song written he can’t sing. Absolutely OUTSTANDING! The sold out crowd was spellbound throughout and raved and raved after. Donald spent a couple hours seeing everyone after for autographs and pictures. He is such a kind and genuine man. Las Vegas has to bring him back! I’ll fly there again over and over just to see his show. Better yet, I hope he will come to Denver!

    Cherie, Denver CO

15. # Thomas Collins commented on February 25th, 2009:

    My daughter is a big fan of Donald Braswell, as far as that goes so am I. I live in a small little bitty town outside of Kerrville, TX. My daughter lives in San Antonio and goes to the same church Donald does. He often sings for the congregation. While visiting my daughter I attended church with her and was lucky enough to hear Donald sing. His voice was almost impossible to believe it was so powerful and pure. Actually, the only way I can describe it is a shock to the soul. After you get over the power and pure beauty of his voice his stage presence is overwhelming. Yep, he looks up and guess what he is one with the almighty and he finishes with a thank you. I got the idea he is thanking a higher power for the ability he was given to sing again. It doesn’t matter what your faith is, or isn’t, Donald believes he was blessed to sing again because he asked God to allow it.

    Doesn’t matter what nasty remarks others make about him looking up, or his stage presence, he keeps doing it because that is how he shows what he believes. Ain’t nobody going to change that. Frankly I’d rather see him, in his own way, show gratitude to someone we don’t all see than see him grab his crotch and jump all around the stage. His stage presence is one of his biggest draws, his passion has touched thousands of us. While he was singing many in the church congregation had tears running down their face. Even an old codger like me couldn’t help but tear up.

    There is something about him that one can’t explain unless you really listen to his powerful voice and watch him sing. I’m fascinated when I watch him sing and so are thousands more of us. I met him briefly, shook his hand and was amazed at his kind humble demeanor. He seemed so grateful for people’s kind words. Donald gives concerts for charity and the homeless, he gives every dime to them and even wrote a song to them. He is not a wealthy man but still takes his time to try to help less fortunate. If you ever get a chance look at the cover insert to his CD. He thanks his wife, family and all others that helped him and his last words are “I owe God big time”

    He is a true gentleman and I sure as heck can see why he has devoted fans all over the country. He is a breath of fresh air (as my daughter says) after being bombarded with people that scream their heads off jump all over the stage and show their butts. It’s about time true talent is brought back instead of hocus-pocus covered up by loud noise. Yep, like Eli Mattison too he is good but I prefer Donald. Eli comes across as another gentleman. Sure don’t have anything negative to say about Eli. I’m grateful a young artist can sing without screaming his head off. His style is different than Donald’s and a whole lot easier listening to than most singers nowadays.

    Old Tom (hope my daughter reads my statement) and thanks for keeping this web site

16. # Doreen commented on February 25th, 2009:

    I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Donald Braswell in concert. With almost three octaves of vocal range, he can sing anything from soul (“Unchained Melody”) to classic rock (“Blue Suede Shoes”) to soft pop standards (“The Shadow of Your Smile”) to classical opera (he has had lead roles in many canonical operas such as Tosca and Cavalleria rusticana). Not to mention the romantic ballads we all saw during America’s Got Talent.

    Because of his accident, he has come to appreciate his gift so much more, and for this reason, he sings with more passion than any other artist I’ve seen. Of course, there are other comparable artists out there with equal musical talent, but rarely do I hear these other artists put their all into a song. Donald doesn’t just perform a song, he becomes the song.

    I’m glad you’ve changed your mind a bit about Donald. I don’t doubt he’ll be back in Vegas, and it will be phenomenal!

    Doreen, Houston TX

17. # Scarlett commented on February 28th, 2009:

    I echo Tom, Cherie and Barbara. Donald catured my heart with his first appearance on AGT, and he hasn’t disappointed me since. When I recently saw him in concert I realized that America didn’t see even half of how talented this man is. He has such an amazing voice – he can sing anything, he has poise, he has humor, he can dance, AND he is brutally handsome!! I hope we are lucky enough to see more and more of him in the future. I frankly am sick of the garbage that passes for music today. America needs decent, high-class entertainers with genuine talent like Donald Braswell!!!

18. # John commented on March 2nd, 2009:

    Thanks for all the nice comments about Donald. Glad to see you all enjoyed his show in Las Vegas. Next time can you tell me about the show before it happens so that I can go and see it myself;-)

    I think you’ll like the post I just published to my blog about Donald. I tried not to be too harsh and point out his latest happenings to my readers.

19. # Cherie commented on March 2nd, 2009:

    I would love to read your blog, John, but could you please give me a link to it? I don’t know where it is. I’m not so good at finding stuff. Thanks!

    Cherie

20. # John commented on March 2nd, 2009:

    Cherie,
    You can find my blog http://www.pureamericasgottalent.com/

    You have probably already seen it and just didn’t realize that it was a blog.