CAROL WELSMAN, CANADIAN JAZZ DIVA CHOSEN "BEST INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR"
Carol Welsman, Canada's ultimate smooth Jazz Diva is making international headlines in Europe, Canada and the United States. Last week, the European Journal and World Television selected Welsman as the best international entertainer of the year. Last year, the International Herald Daily News in London and Paris chose Welsman as singer-pianist of the year. And this year, Ms. Welsman received the "2006 Smooth Jazz Award of the Year". She is hot! The European Journal wrote: "Canada scored big time this year with the selection of Carol Welsman as "Best International Entertainer of the Year". Welsman is a national public figure in the world of Jazz and entertainment in Canada. The European Journal wrote: "She has distinguished herself by a trilogy of classy stage presence, music virtuosity and a voice out of this world. Her repertoire is one of the world's finest. An international repertoire rich in variety, tempos, genres and substance. She sings in Spanish, French, English and Portuguese. Welsman has 3 albums to her credits and several awards, including best Smooth Jazz Singer of the year and a Juno, an equivalent to the US Grammy Awards. A superbly creative singer-pianist, Welsman's trade mark is opulence and sophistication in musical arrangements. The European Journal Board of Critics and Entertainment Writers were faced with a dilemma. They had to choose between US Barbara Cook, England's Lulu and France's Patricia Kaas. But overwhelmingly, all votes went to Carol Welsman.
And she deserves such an honor, for few entertainers nowadays can deliver an astonishing variety of genres and styles with imposing originality and mature improvisation as Ms. Welsman does. She currently lives in California. Grapevine told the European Journal that Ms. Welsman is working on a major project: A compilation of her 3 previous CDs to be recorded soon in Japan. And her fans can't wait." And this year, Ms. Welsman received the distinguished award" 2006 Canadian Smooth Jazz Award". In an interview given to the International Herald Daily News, Ms. Welsman said: "I always strive to sing my best and play my best. Conveying a message in a song requires deep thought and focus. If I don’t send the message, no one will feel it or believe it. If you always perform like it will be your last performance, you give your all. I stay in good physical shape and try to get as much sleep as possible." Answering this question: "The best idea you ever came up with? Carol Welsman replied: "Deciding to go to Europe to study vocal with Christiane Legrand, the sister of Michel, in Paris. I was enrolled in a jazz school in Paris and met all kinds of European musicians. This led to me returning to perform for what was to be only for the following summer, and I stayed six years! Learning two languages fluently, French and Italian, and enough Spanish to get by, made me realize how fortunate I was to be exposed to so many interesting people and music. Those glorious years still affect every day of my life in a very positive way." An outstanding talent is hard to ignore. And the talent of Ms. Welsman is enormous. Welsman's musical virtuosity, mastery of the keyboard and fabulous voice ascertain her status as a world class singer-pianist-entertainer. Carol Welsman is currently living in California and working on a 3 set compilation of her previous recordings. The project is to commence in a few weeks in Tokyo, Japan. In the Stars Illustrated, June issue, Shoshanna Rosenstein said "Among my favorites are Barbara Cook, Ute Lemper, Anita O'Day and Carol Welsman." Maximillien de Lafayette called her "The Ultimate Jazz Cabaret Diva".
Kylie announces 'comeback'
Pop princess Kylie Minogue has reportedly announced her return to work after undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The diminutive diva is rumoured to have told her record company that she wants to release an album next year and has plans for a tour.
She apparently also said she'd love to perform at the 2007 Glastonbury Festival. The star was due to perform at the legendary music festival this year when she announced that she was battling the disease. Fans will be delighted to hear that Kylie's on the comeback trail after what has been a very difficult year. She has been staying with French boyfriend Olivier Martinez in Paris while undergoing chemotherapy.
SIENNA MILLER VOTED THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL CELEBRITY
Sienna Miller has been voted the most inspirational celebrity in a survey of teenage girls. The actress earned the accolade after a year which saw her cope with betrayal by boyfriend Jude Law, who was caught cheating with his children's nanny. She hid her heartbreak to continue with her stage role in West End play As You Like It. And the 23-year-old Alfie star got her own back on Law by flirting with her ex Orlando Bloom and reportedly having a fling with 007 actor Daniel Craig. The survey was carried out by a UK teen magazine. One reader said: "Sienna handled the Jude thing so well and she kept appearing on stage while her private life was all over the papers." Singer Gwen Stefani was second, followed by Kerry Katona. Fourth was Kylie, who is currently battling breast cancer. Others in the top 10 included Charlotte Church, Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton. Last year's winner Jennifer Lopez did not figure in this year's list.
