My, my, the fur is flying once again. Why is it that no one can handle any criticism of their choices? If you believe so strongly in them, you shouldn't be so bothered. I won't even attempt to name any names, but I must say that as a professional musician with training and degrees in classical, popular, jazz, as a pop vocalist and pianist, and as a former Chicago Symphony Chorus singer, I think my discernment of musical art is at a higher level than the average person. This is not conceited -- a certified auto mechanic is much more qualified to judge the quality of the mechanics of an engine then the guy next door is. I have made music my life. I am appalled at some of the choices people have made in this thread, but I see it all the time and hear it when I turn on the radio and am subjected to noise trash like rap & other ilk. It is a sad commentary on our culture that such garbage exists. The peasants of Italy in Verdi's time hummed opera arias & neopolitan songs and went to the opera house. They knew what beautiful melodies and phrases were. The simple Britney Spears, et al dreck that is the same regurgitated prefab trash that kids (& adults!) consume is not music. I can analyze its harmonic & melodic content in less than a minute, since it is so simple and devoid of any redeeming musical value. Since others go on their soapboxes, so will I. Some of the criticisms of choices for best male singers are warranted. They simply are not, in any objective MUSICAL sense.
