One performer will not take the stage
melonie gillett
While most performers are touching up their gig for tomorrow, one artist has opted out of the competition after several ups and downs with the organizers. According to Melonie Gillett, the straw that broke the camel’s back came Wednesday night at rehearsal.
Melonie Gillett, Singer
“It says here all contestants have the option of performing live with Carlos Perrote and Omulewa Osain band or with an instrumental track. It also says contestants are allowed to have two instrument players, which would be maybe say a pianist or a drum player or a bass player and a guitar player or something like that; or two vocals to enhance their performance—background singers, vocalists. So basically we were already limited in what we could do with our performance; we could only have two vocalist or two instrumentalists. So for me I opted to do my vocals on track and have my two instrumentalists in case because we only met last night—the performance is on Saturday. We have basically one hour to rehearse.”
“When we got there last night, they didn’t know the song, they didn’t know the background. They were listening to it trying to pick out right then and there. Half hour, forty-five minutes had passed and we were only past the first verse. So I asked them if there would be another time for rehearsal and they said no this is it. So in my opinion and the way I do things, I refuse to get on stage with people who do not have—they probably can do it very well but the time was so limited. And I refuse to risk my performance.”
“They called back and told me that the band was willing to take me back but they’re not willing to work with my instrumentalists who already know the work, they’ve been practicing, they already know it. And if I use the track, which is stated here—“or with an instrumental track”—then points would automatically be deducted, which is not stated here.”
Gillett apologizes to fans of the song that were looking forward to her performance.
BELIZE’S FIRST ………… DIVA!!!!!!!
diva life! you go girl!
The singers wants us to believe that she was in some way, shape or form not treated fairly. Live competitons by nature always seem to be off and on..and factors are always changing.. thats the nature of the game and as a “Belizean Artists” you should be prepared for it. It is a pity that this singer is not prepared to deal with this. But there’s always next time….and yes…i think she di diva herself a little bit…something i dont think Belizean Aritsts can afford to do. Kudos to all other artists and singers who were able to adapt and perform…
a you the artist run tings the bands man dem fi know dem ….
I am Proud of you for holding back…Belizean people love to do last minuite things….i am a guitarist that grew up in Belize and they way they do rehersal and music,…..com on….dream Big Belize. Get serious and mak it BIG and perfect.
The woman has standards…….. and BELIEVES THAT THE AUDIENCE DESERVES THE BEST THAT SHE CAN GIVE. A true STAR!!!!
Well I applaud you Mel for standing up for your rights and bringing the issue to light. It looks as if in today’s world if you don’t get on tv and radio and voice your concerns, then nothing gets done.
Melonie,
I totally agree with yah, to be honest with you a girl as “Beautiful” as you should be calling the shots….always a beauty at least how I remember you from good ole school days….
Blessed and shoot for the stars……..keep doing what you been doing.
Oscar…I think you made a very unfair comment and I still don’t see why the Belizean artist has to go in quotes….as an artist, she reserves the right not to perform if she is not confident with the band/musicians.
I respect your decision, Melonie….you’re a great artist and we proud of u.
An artist or any individual should never settle for less than what is deserved. The rules of the competition were presented in writing and, if Melonie was uncomfortable with the results of the band after 45 minutes of one hour allotted for rehearsal, then she should be applauded for withdrawing. When we as proud Belizeans refuse to accept what is handed down to us and continue to demand the best, then we will get the quality of professionalism we need in this industry. We will all the more be able to sing proudly not only Melonie’s song but all the songs that sing of the love for our country, our Belize. Ask any of our local artists and they will tell you the struggles they face in Belize. I as an individual applaud Melonie’s decision. Never settle, continue to demand what you deserve.
Trying to comment but keep getting kicked out.. Anyway, you go Mel. Never settle. Always demand what you deserve.
Ms Gillett
Do you ever see the band on American Idol not able to play the music of every performer? Trust me if they are not able to they would lose that gig the next day! I agree with you fully Ms Gilett. This “Belizean” mentality that we must always settle for less than the best is out dated. If they provided a band for the competition that band should be responsible to perform at the level needed else they should be replaced. In other words they are the ones not doing what they were hired to do! Then to disacclow her recorded track at the last moment is even worse.
There is much tallent in Belize that can be developed and make us shine even brighter on the world stage.
Well – I saw the show on Saturday Night and all the performers were good. I am sure they all were given the same amount of time to rehearse. Simple – if you are a PROFESSIONAL, then don’t compete in amateur competitions.
It is unfair that the performers didn’t have enough time to learn the songs but I can guarantee you the amount of people who can play an instrument and much less in a band is very limited. It’s unfortunate for her that she couldn’t adapt in such a short time frame. I would hardly call the situation settling for less because the other performers seemed to have gotten what they needed.
I heard this lady’s song on youtube and there is no doubt in my mind that she would’ve won had she given enough time to rehearse as needed.I applaud her for standing up for what she believe in.If she had entered this competition unprepared,she would’ve made a very beautiful song sound very horrible.You rock girl.