Can a Nice-Guy Vocal Coach Be Mean 'Like Simon?'

Brett Manning, one of the world's most sought after vocal coaches, has had to put on a different hat lately. He appears this season, in the new CMT musical reality show, "Can You Duet," filling the role of Judge.

Nashville, TN (PRWEB) April 18, 2008 -- Brett Manning, one of the world's most sought after vocal coaches, has had to put on a different hat lately. He appears this season, in the new CMT musical reality show, "Can You Duet," filling the role of Judge (along with Naomi Judd and Country songwriter, Aimee Mayo). Doubtless, his biggest inner question must be "What Would Simon Do?"

He sits in Simon's seat (right end of the Judge's table) and is the only male on the panel. Those of us who have had the privilege of studying voice with Brett would characterize him as one of the most inspiring, positive, and encouraging people we've ever known. But there-in lay the problem. Simon Cowell, the cruel-as-hell Brit, has set the bar very high for in-your-face Judgery.

One of the most interesting differences between "American Idol" and "Can You Duet" (both shows are by the same producers): the Celebrity Judges aren't just Judges…they're Mentor/Judges. The judges will be working with the contestants between performances, getting them sharpened up for what could be a life-changing season. This is where Brett Manning is a true shining star.

After seeing the first episode of Can You Duet right after the CMA awards Monday, I'm convinced that Brett will indeed be able to be as firm and pitiless as Simon when needed. However, as a vocal coach who has worked with artists such as Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, and Hayley Williams of Paramore, Brett won't be able to just turn off his "I know what you can do to fix that" just because he's a "Judge."

The show is sure to be the richer for it. Manning has innovated a vocal technique that transcends normal "voice lessons." (He handed this singer a full octave and a half in the span of 3 short lessons. "Voice lessons" just don't do that, in case you've never taken any.)

Those of us who are familiar with Manning's encouraging style were amazed by how he took to the new role, able to be firm, hard, even brutal when the occasion demanded it. But that's just the first episode, so time will tell. Part of the show's emotional drama comes from the judges' prerogative to say "yes" to one duo partner and "no" to the other, thus splitting up any teams (including long-time friends and family) that don't both cut the mustard.

Starting April 18, the show will air every Friday night at 8/7c on CMT. Brett Manning's vocal method is better known as the "Singing Success Vocal Program" and is the best-selling vocal program on the web. www.singingsuccess.com.

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