Haley's stage movements

[Miguel]

I am breaking this post out of the larger Lolla thread since it is a topic of discussion on IF and MJ's.

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EW commentary:

Earlier in the afternoon, there was a notable moment of a different sort, when Haley Reinhart became the first American Idol alumna to ever play Lollapalooza. The girl-next-door charm that won the hearts of America was on full display when she turned her stage into a family affair: Her mother and sister joined on back-up vocals, and her father helped out on guitar. The way Reinhart moves on stage still suggest she’s a girl whose recording and performance career was groomed on national television, but her spunky high-energy soul suggest she won’t have too a hard time leaving Idol behind as her defining descriptor. http://music-mix.ew.com/2012/08/04/lolla...lack-keys/

The commentary really doesn't make sense as one would think someone whose career was "groomed" on national television would have been coached in how to move. Still, I have heard others criticize Haley's movements on stage.

I think this criticism arises from two different points of view. One is from people who are accustomed to seeing elaborate staged performances by singers who are poor singers or do little live singing (J-Lo, Britney Spears, etc.) The other is from people who feel that small, independent acts are more authentic. They often play smaller venues, which makes it easier to fill the room with their energy. Frequently, they have an instrument-driven synergy where the singer is not a great vocalist but seems to be carried by the instruments' sounds as he/she delivers the lines.

No one expects these types of energetic performances from Adele, Sara Bareilles, Norah Jones or Corinne Bailey Rae. I think the expectation for Haley is different because she exudes exuberance and some of her songs do have a spunky energy to them.

From my p.o.v., I am perfectly content to listen to Haley sit on a stool and sing. When she is not, I don't care too much about her movements because I want her to do what feels natural while singing rather than thinking about hitting a mark and making a move. She was choreographed for the Idol performance of "Free" and it seemed too frantic too me. I much prefer "The Voice" performance where the attention was placed on her voice.

That acoustic performances with John Notto was a big improvement over her earlier ones. I'm sure the more she gets to perform with her full band the more natural it will become to her.

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Comment by Babbs:

I dont get why people tend to criticize Haley's onstage movements. I think she sings her heart out, gets in the moment and does what comes naturally to her. These are not choreographed movements. We all know she can dance. She was one of the best on the idol tour. Check out some of those videos. You can't take your eyes off of her. (wish I could dance like that haha)

She also tends to hold the microphone rather than stand behind it, which limits her movements somewhat. And she is consistent. That arm swing has been present since Idol.

Having seen her live twice now, at Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago, and at Lollapalooza, I just enjoy her for who she is.

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A comment on MJs:

I think when you listen to the videos, you might think Haley sounds a bit awkward between songs when talking to the crowd. But believe me, when your there in person (me, me, me) it sounds friendly, natural, and puts a big smile on your face. She puts the crowd at ease and they were all hangin on her every word! This is part of who Haley is..

[midnightblues]

A little confused about people being critical with Haley's stage persona. Part of being an entertainer is to put on a good show for their audience, and Haley did a good job of this. She showed that she's not a puppet on a string nor is she a robot. I think it added even more to watch or manipulate and dazzle her fans, with great tone and the right moves. What is she supposed to do. This is a concert this is not an acoustic setting, lollapalooza is the real thing.

[Miguel]

"Haley sounds a bit awkward between songs when talking to the crowd."

I think this might be because she is modeling her parents' stage persona and they are accustomed to playing before small crowds who know them well or don't know them. If they came across as too slick in that environment, it wouldn't seem natural.

Haley on the other hand is a confident young woman who has appeared before millions on television and speaks intelligently when offstage, so people expect some smooth talk from her. I'm happy with Haley the way she is. As the poster on MJ's also noted, "it sounds friendly, natural, and puts a big smile on your face."

[My Alter Ego]

Actually, Miguel, I would push the whole "choreographed" performance back further to Michael Jackson. As a part of the Jackson 5, he was the lead singer and a "twirling machine." As he grew up, his voice didn't really follow, but he learned how to continue putting on a show that would dazzle, despite his softer voice.

That became a model to follow, particularly for the wannebes (such as J-Lo, who simply has no voice). Unfortunately, I suspect that the bulk of audiences have become so used to a "musically soft" (the kindest I can be, folks), but visually impactful presentation, that few recognize real musical presence and expect "the show."

Yes, Babbs, Haley looked fantastic during the AI tour, but she was enacting the choreography that the AI folks had developed. Unfortunately, she hasn't seemed to be able to figure out how she might incorporate some of it into her own show.

That said, as much as I love dance as well (as music), I am becoming more accustomed to Haley's stage movements, and even though I still frequently see them as awkward, they bother me less and less.

[Babbs234]

Actually, Miguel, I would push the whole "choreographed" performance back further to Michael Jackson. As a part of the Jackson 5, he was the lead singer and a "twirling machine." As he grew up, his voice didn't really follow, but he learned how to continue putting on a show that would dazzle, despite his softer voice.

That became a model to follow, particularly for the wannebes (such as J-Lo, who simply has no voice). Unfortunately, I suspect that the bulk of audiences have become so used to a "musically soft" (the kindest I can be, folks), but visually impactful presentation, that few recognize real musical presence and expect "the show."

Yes, Babbs, Haley looked fantastic during the AI tour, but she was enacting the choreography that the AI folks had developed. Unfortunately, she hasn't seemed to be able to figure out how she might incorporate some of it into her own show.

That said, as much as I love dance as well (as music), I am becoming more accustomed to Haley's stage movements, and even though I still frequently see them as awkward, they bother me less and less.

I see where your coming from. I wish Haley would use more of her dance moves while singing. I guess in the excitement of seeing her live, you don't notice that there's not really a real "show" presentation on stage. The "show" in my view is in her vocal abilities.
Does that make sense?

[midnightblues]

Actually, Miguel, I would push the whole "choreographed" performance back further to Michael Jackson. As a part of the Jackson 5, he was the lead singer and a "twirling machine." As he grew up, his voice didn't really follow, but he learned how to continue putting on a show that would dazzle, despite his softer voice.

That became a model to follow, particularly for the wannebes (such as J-Lo, who simply has no voice). Unfortunately, I suspect that the bulk of audiences have become so used to a "musically soft" (the kindest I can be, folks), but visually impactful presentation, that few recognize real musical presence and expect "the show."

Yes, Babbs, Haley looked fantastic during the AI tour, but she was enacting the choreography that the AI folks had developed. Unfortunately, she hasn't seemed to be able to figure out how she might incorporate some of it into her own show.

That said, as much as I love dance as well (as music), I am becoming more accustomed to Haley's stage movements, and even though I still frequently see them as awkward, they bother me less and less.

I see where your coming from. I wish Haley would use more of her dance moves while singing. I guess in the excitement of seeing her live, you don't notice that there's not really a real "show" presentation on stage. The "show" in my view is in her vocal abilities.
Does that make sense?

I don't understand. Like I said I'm a little confused as to why they're so of emphasis is put on Haleys stage persona I think she did good. Enlighten me on this . LOL

[cherelann]

Haley's singing talent is a given, performance skills can be learned. Haley can add some choreography pazazz but J-lo will never be a singer.

Accoustic & jazzy Haley is my favorite so like MAE, I just ignore the obvious & focus on her adorkable demeanor.

ETA: I do think that her adrenaline was on overdrive yesterday & she tried too hard in spots. But like MNB said, this was a rock festival so understated Haley would probably have been out of place...

[Babbs234]

Actually, I wish I hadnt made that comment about wanting Haley to dance more onstage. This was really her biggest mini concert to date and she gave it her all. I dont think shes gonna change that much. This is Haley! And she ROCKED IT!!

Cant wait for the tour!!

[Miguel]

I was just watching Tusk's Spiderweb video that I uploaded minutes ago. In it, Haley's father, Harry, is wearing a t-shirt. As are John and Keith, and likely Courtney and the new drummer.

Some people expect more of a production from Haley because of her American Idol and big-record-label history. But in reality her roots are bar-band roots. That's her style of performing.

It could be Interscope hasn't seen fit to dress things up because it would hurt her authenticity.
[cynic]And cost them money.[/cynic]

[midnightblues]

But on the other hand Miguel was talking about her being a little awkward talking to the crowd between sets. I first noticed that when she did that little green sparkly dress concert I can't member the name of it, but she did seem a little I don't know if you want to say that she was timid I'm not sure. And every other performance that she has done it seems like she has that same demeanor talking between sets to her audience. I don't think it's fear or lack of words to say maybe that's just the way she is it's not a big deal. At least she's happy when talking to her fans and her audience, and maybe that's just her way of trying to make everybody feel at ease I don't know.

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Acg Haley to tually, I wish I hadnt made that comment about wantindance more onstage. This was really her biggest mini concert to date and she gave it her all. I dont think shes gonna change that much. This is Haley! And she ROCKED IT!!

Cant wait for the tour!!

It all good Hales did rock it and as time goes on and the more concerts she puts on she will perfect her craft. people still have to remember that it was a year ago she was doing concert tours with American Idol. Now she's on her own perfecting what she feels.