Hackensack, NJ Community Message Boards

General Category => Hackensack Discussion => Topic started by: Editor on January 21, 2005, 05:36:12 PM

Title: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Editor on January 21, 2005, 05:36:12 PM
John Zisa competing on American Idol!

Read articles:

'Idol' hopeful already a star in Zisa family (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk0NSZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NjY0MjY3MSZ5cmlyeTdmNzE3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTM=)

Mayor's son advances in 'American Idol' quest (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjQxNzU2)

Good Luck John!
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Jorge E. Meneses on January 24, 2005, 12:33:09 PM
I just want to congratulate John Zisa in advancing to the American Idol next competition in Hollywood.  Keep up the good work and good luck.  My daughter Kelly, who is also a cantor in St. Francis Church, was enthralled when she saw him singing--Mr. Zisa had been her music teacher in the Middle School.  Again, I wish you much success.

Jorge Meneses
Member
Hackensack Board of Education
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Mr. Lemenille on January 28, 2005, 01:57:03 PM
May I also extend my congratulations to John Zisa.  As a former student of mine, I am very proud for his success.

We're pulling for you, John!!!

Hope we can be kept aware of his appearences on American Idol.
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: John Zisa on January 31, 2005, 02:22:06 PM
Just wanted to say "thanks" to AL for giving me a shout-out here on the message boards.  I'm really hoping to make Hackensack proud!!  If you have a minute, come check out johnzisa.com, which will keep you up to date on the show, and any upcoming appearances.  Hey, and if things don't work out on the show, at least I can finally "google" myself...(and I think my name comes up before my father's!! lol)   
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Editor on February 08, 2005, 09:06:17 PM
Looks like John made the next round. 

Way to go!

www.johnzisa.com (http://www.johnzisa.com)
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Joshua Bohanan on February 09, 2005, 10:08:30 PM
John,
congradulations on your continued advancement! I didnt even realize you were on American Idol, but it always seemed like the right forum for you to further your talents.
I havent talked to you in probably 15 years, but I was in a little show called 'Oliver' with you way back when. Again, Congradulations and goodluck.

Josh
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: BJRED on February 09, 2005, 10:27:52 PM
Watched American Idol tonight and pheeeew John just like you said, thank goodness they saw beyond the song you guys chose......keep up the good work john we're pulling for you, by the way my daughter went to school with your cousin kristen and was friends with her and even though were not in hackensack any longer we still keep on top of things........way to go and were proud of you know matter which way it turns out........but i pray #1...........take care, be happy and stay safe.... 8)
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Editor on February 14, 2005, 09:40:04 AM
From The Record's "Reality Bites":

Monday, February 14, 2005

AMERICAN IDOL: Only 72 remain, but one of them is Hackensack's John Zisa. He barely advanced to the next round after he, Kurtis Parks and J.P. Koehler forgot the lyrics but were given a second chance, probably because they admitted the risk they took by picking a song no other band would take.

Expect a lot more tears this week as the field is cut down to 24.
(Marc Schwarz)
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Editor on February 15, 2005, 09:33:26 PM
Yet again, John makes it to the next round.  This is getting interesting. 

A review:

Next in my list of favorites is John Zisa also of New Jersey who sang “Baby, Come to me,” an early 80’s tune. John was definitely my most favorite contestant of the night. This is the first time in a first round audition that I have ever sincerely wished the contestant would keep on singing. Typically you hear a good audition and it’s like “that was nice.” John Zisa was singing a cheesy 80’s soft rock hit and I was thinking: “sing the rest of that, record it, and I’ll buy it.”   (http://catallarchy.net/blog/archives/2005/01/19/american-idol-season-4/)

Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Editor on February 16, 2005, 10:50:06 PM
I missed American Idol.  What happened?

???

Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Editor on February 17, 2005, 06:09:43 PM
Not a bad run John.

I'm sure the craziest rollercoaster ride pales in comparison to the highs and lows of American Idol.  Are you happy to be on solid ground again?

Best wishes for your continued career.

Al
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Mr. Lemenille on February 17, 2005, 07:50:25 PM
Though you didn't move to the next phase, John, you still are a "winner" with us. 

Here's wishing you the best in your future endeavors.  We're sure you'll continue your successful journey, and look forward to reading and learning about your winnings....

Mr. L
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: KathGo on February 20, 2005, 12:45:41 AM
Hi John! Sorry you got eliminated, but what an honor to make it as far as you did! I know this experience will help you grow and even make you a stronger person. That last night was so nerve-wracking, just watching it on tv, I can't imagine how you must have felt. It reminded me of OM(remember?), only a thousand times more pressure! You did a great job! Best of everything good to you!
                         Best wishes,
                          Matthew Atwan's mom
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: CB123 on February 20, 2005, 05:31:51 AM
Hey  - what happened to Pattie's comment from yesterday?  I know it wasn't flattering, but it wasn't an attack either.  Are all opinions that are contridictory going to be deleted, even if they are objective?
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Editor on February 20, 2005, 10:01:14 AM
Pattie's post:  "It was exciting to see someone from Hackensack on the show...but i am sorry to say that I agreed with Randy...John has no vibrato, no tone and no strength with weak phrasing...no projection and no stage presence....hey, not everyone is a relative or a friend...sorry, i was not impressed."

Yes, I deleted this post last night and slept on whether or not it would ultimately stay. As much as I hate it here, it will stay. 

John, to his credit, held himself out to national criticism by competing on American Idol. It's not like he didn't ask for it.  Nevertheless, I initially deleted the post because I think at this point he's probably been through enough and is feeling pretty badly about not making this city as proud as he had hoped.  For the record, the vast majority of us are very proud.

The other reason I deleted Pattie's post was because this was a "feel good" post with everyone expressing hope and congratulations.  It was, more or less, a "greeting card" of positive sentiment. 

Question:  If someone handed you a get well card to sign for your co-worker, would you write, "I never really cared for you anyway. Please drop dead" ??

While Pattie's post is obviously tactless, I'll leave it in place.   

Al

[Click page 2 (http://www.hackensacknow.com/forums/index.php/topic,377.15.html) for more posts on this topic)
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Editor on February 20, 2005, 10:59:49 AM
Latest story: He's not singing the blues after 'Idol' (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2NjU2MTA4)
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Hammer on February 20, 2005, 11:08:52 AM
To "Al"
Your attempted censorship of someone's opinion is truly disturbing. John deserves all the credit in the world for his continued pursuit of his dream and I'm sure this experience will only make him better than he already is. I'm sure John understands that criticism comes with the territory in the entertainment business, it's sad that you don't. John doesn't need your protection. While I may agree with your sentiment, your initial action was ill-founded. But it's OK for you to then insult the writer "Pattie" with your "tactless" remark. Open forums for all to voice their sentiments? I think not... at least you came to your senses and posted Pattie's comments.

Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Editor on February 20, 2005, 11:15:41 AM
Thanks Hammer.  I needed that.   

Apologies to Pattie for deleting the post.

Al
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Pattie on February 20, 2005, 01:33:21 PM
well like i said, not everyone can be a friend or a relative....and as a singer, i did not think John was, unfortunately, a good enough singer just as i did not think Fantasia or the heavyset black guy were good singers what so ever!!! but it is a matter of who's voting or how many....not talent! I commend your devotion to Zisa but i am giving a hard knock, and at 25 he can either forget it or take some voice lessons and move on....he is a good looking guy and has great music tastes, but i am sorry, i'll say it again, he isn't that hot a singer. I do not think that is at all tactless. It's just honest! He should have picked a way better song for his final song, one that would have been more his genre. Plus let me add that in my opinion, which is educated, Simon is not a singer, Randy is a bass player and Paula was a disco queen and got alot of studio and back-up help...none of these ppl are worthy of judging....
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: John Zisa on February 20, 2005, 04:11:52 PM
I too want to commend Al (editor) for keeping Pattie's post.  It is an important lesson to learn, as an artist who decides to share their talent in a very national way to accept the compliments, along with the criticism.  As we read in Pattie's post, she thinks that two of the acutal previous winners of the competition, Fantasia and Reuben (the heavy-set black guy) are not good singers.  People from all over the world have expressed their opinions about me all over the internet.  Many people wrote kind things (who were complete strangers...not friends or relatives)  And we are all entitled to our own opinions, and I'm happy that even though most of the posts on this thread were comments to support or to congratulate me, Pattie wasn't at all uncomfortable with expressing her unfavorable opinion.  Thank you for your honesty Pattie.  I'll be doing my own concert in April, locally.  You're a singer, and you suggest some voice lessons.  You think you might be able to help get me ready for the show?  
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Julie on February 20, 2005, 05:14:23 PM
Congratulations John! You made us very proud and we all still hold great expectations for your future endeavors. Your televised performance barely exposed your true talents as witnessed last summer at Hackensack's Cultural Arts Center (and all your school performances over the years).
You've already made your mark, and we know that with your focused determination, bigger and better opportunities  will come your way.  Julie Hanulak
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Hammer on February 20, 2005, 05:52:47 PM
My my...look what I've started. Thanks to Al for doing the right thing and to John for being the stand up guy we've all known him to be. Oh, and to Pattie - your point is well taken but enough already...don't push your luck!  
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Steve on February 20, 2005, 07:10:42 PM
John,

Regardless of your performance (which I truly enjoyed) You did a fantastic job representing Hackensack!!! Some of the other communities across America cringed when they saw their representation. 

You made us proud!!!

Keep up the hard work, remember...Clay won second place and outsells Ruben.

Steve
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: midniteangel on February 21, 2005, 03:56:08 AM
John, it was not my intention to belittle or insult you. If you don't get any intimidations, you become a slacker. Friends and family tend to tell you that you are great because love is blinding...you did really good in your initial audition, you went down hill from there...you should have stayed with the genre you are most comfortable with...and help you i would if i were in good old Hacky but i am in Fl....I can do Karen Carpenter note for note, i also do KD Lang, Annie Lennox and Bette Midler, so you get an idea what i sound like. I never pursued my dream....I was without a doubt the best singer in Hack back in the 60s and anyone that knows me would have to say it...I wish you all the luck in the world...AI is the fast way to be on top....getting into the business any other way is HARD. I think you need to practice phrazing and you need some vibrato....I did make a CD but getting it published or produced is HARD...and especially at my age. Let me leave you with this, always think you need more work, always think you aren't doing all you can be doing....the entertainment business is soooooo unpredictable and soooooo unjust...Clay Akins was cleary the better singer and lost to an obese guy that couldn't breathe to hold notes, he was so off key and had no tone what so ever. Fantasia most def was the worst singer they had on the show, did the worst rendition of Summertime i have ever heard and was never in the business, never paid any dues except to sing in the church choir...she was from Paterson....anyway, those 2 are proof of no talents....and i love when ppl say things that they have no idea what they are even talking about, such as Ruben is a great singer...maybe to the untrained ear. Well John, make sure the pool is filled before jumping in....much luck to you...i could go on and on but you probably hate me...LOL...no matter what, you did Hack proud!!!!  :D ;)
Title: HAMMER
Post by: midniteangel on February 21, 2005, 03:58:50 AM
you wrote>>>My my...look what I've started. Thanks to Al for doing the right thing and to John for being the stand up guy we've all known him to be. Oh, and to Pattie - your point is well taken but enough already...don't push your luck! >>>>EXCUSE ME? Is that a threat of some kind? What does luck have to do with it? LOL
Title: TO THE Editor
Post by: midniteangel on February 21, 2005, 01:20:54 PM
I totally understand your deleting my post...it is instinctive to want to protect...but your analogy was a bit on the bizzare side, but no matter. We need both sides of a coin, do we not?
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Guest on February 21, 2005, 03:56:22 PM
Let's all try to remember something about "American Idol".  Yes, it is entertaining.  But is it truly a test of real talent?  I think not.  Yes, many a person who auditoned on that program has talent...but very few were trained.  Many just sang popular songs, and stylized their performance as the original artists did.  That doesn't take talent.  That's nothing more than apeing.

With respect to the judges...not a single one of them truly is a judge of talent.  Not one of them has been "trained" in their field.  Not one of them can be compared to trained and school singers or entertainers.  Many of our true talented entertainers have studied with professional singers and/or musicians.  Many of our true talented performers spent years crafting their skill and talent under the tutorial eyes of professional people, either in the field or at such places as Julliard.   To compare many of those who auditioned on American Idol as "talented" is a gross injustice.  The judges on American Idol are not true judges of talent.  All they are is a group of promoters who are looking for a "look."

If you studied those who auditioned, you would have come away with the picture that 99% mimicked styles of our pop singers...the "waaawaaing" of their vocalizations....their attempt at being "like" those who recorded the original versions.  Very, very few had their own style.  That is not talent.

The only saving grace that American Idol has it that maybe, just maybe, some real judges of talent will spot them an take them under their wing and promote them.  But to assume that the panel of judges on American Idol can judge talent is ludicrous.   (No pun intended.)
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Paul on February 22, 2005, 01:27:58 AM
To say that the panel of judges to not know talent is naive. They are in the industry and have been successful at that. They are trying to select a group of young performers who fit what their perception of what an American Idol is. It is America who finally decide by taking the time to vote and it is apparent from the show's phenomenal success that there is talent, otherwise people would not watch. Everyone has their opinions. I am a singer, and yet I am in total disagreement with midniteangel on John Zisa. I am not a friend or relative and was introduced to his voice through the show. I've since listened to a song posted on his website and it is very obvious to me that he has a genuine vocal talent. There is emotion in his voice and he technically has chops: vibrato, breath control, and nuance, which is unusual for someone his age. Which is why I laughed at the above post, it just goes to show you everyone has their opinions, or perhaps their own agenda. It is always easy to criticize someone else's work when no one can hear your own. Midniteangel toots her own horn by saying she can sing note for note with classic artists, yet she's just watching from the sidelines, posting mean-spirited messages about someone who has proven his talent by making it so far in the toughest talent competition in the world. The fact that he could respond to it with such grace, and humor is to be commended. 
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Hammer on February 22, 2005, 12:57:16 PM
Nice post Paul. But I'm not sure "talent" is the keyword here. American Idol is very clever in the fact that they "pre-sell" these people to the public thus insuring their return on the investment they will ultimately make. Talent, although better with than without, is not a required asset - saleability is. Why did they continue with all that William Hung promotion?
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: guest on February 22, 2005, 01:05:25 PM
To Paul....

What are the credentials of the panel of judges on American Idol?  What are their qualifications to "judge" talent?   What courses of study did they have to qualifiy them as "experts" in the abilities of those auditioning?  Do they have musical expertise, did they study their art or profession?  Give me a break. 

It's all for money...
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: midniteangel on February 22, 2005, 01:53:50 PM
to the "guest"....First, i am far from a mean spirited person...second, i most certainly missed my calling...i was a voice teacher for many yrs and in a band and played in some very prestigious clubs in both NYC and Jersey but just never bothered to venture...a whole nother story...but anywho....I agree that none of the AI judges are (IMO) truely qualified to jugde singers but except for Simon (whose company funds the show) Paula and Randy are both musicians....Randy was the bass player for Journey....so they are qualified musicians. and have many yrs in the "business" and have the credentials, i assure you. Just to awaken you also, i said John does "know" how to sing...i just was not impressed!
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Editor on February 22, 2005, 06:04:07 PM
Editor's note:  For those who don't know, the abbreviation used above (IMO) was modified from the commonly used chat room abbreviation "IMHO" which is short for "In My Humble Opinion".
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Paul on February 22, 2005, 06:58:06 PM
Midniteangel(Patti)... IMO, your post was mean-spiritied, certainly I have the right to criticize your post since it was made in a public domain. Surely, you are able to accept that criticism, right? Your direct quote... "John has no vibrato, no tone and no strength with weak phrasing...no projection and no stage presence....he should take voice lessons or pack it in" leads me to believe you don't think he can sing, not just that you were not impressed. The judges were hired to select the initial round of talented (in their opinion) contestants and then give their critique of their performances. The judges were chosen becasue of their industry status and I agree that does not make them the most suitable choice as judges for talent. I happen to think only Simon knows what he is talking about, but that is because I agree with him most of the time! What qualifies one to judge a pop talent competition?Your credentials would prove my point that education in music alone does not mean one can recognize talent. Thankfully, John Zisa does not need to impress you, he impressed the people who count, enough to make it as far as he did. Just to enlighten you a little, maybe if you were able to recognize talent, you would have been able to recognize your own shortcomings and not have missed your calling.
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: midniteangel on February 22, 2005, 10:28:46 PM
Critizing a post and giving someone some constructive critizism are 2 very different things....i take it you have never given an honest opinion in your life?  You have the wrong sense of mean spirited. Yes you have "the right" but it is not critizism saying that i am mean spirited, it is an insult...as a musician and teacher, i felt i would offer up some advice and i did not in any way shape or form tell John to pack it in so learn how to read a post properly!!!!!!! and your last sentence just shows your lack of intelligence and lack of knowledge of the music industry. I had no short comings....or if you want to call getting married and having kids short comings, well that is what i did and not that i am sorry but i do have regrets.... and how rediculous a statement that John need not impress me! you really need to try hard and not be in a chat where you do not know how to discuss much!
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Paul on February 23, 2005, 12:30:21 AM
I am giving my honest opinion but apparently that is making you upset. You say I have the wrong sense of mean spirited but again I guess we have a difference of opinion. You see Patti, I actually saw the post you left on John Zisa's website's message board where you gave you opinion, saying the same things you said here..."John has no vibrato, no tone and no strength with weak phrasing...no projection and no stage presence....he should take voice lessons". It made me wonder what kind of person would take the time to go to a young man's "official" website and post such comments, not taking into consideration that Mr. Zisa was probably going through a tough time at the moment. He had just gotten so close to making the top 24 and now he had to read what you call "constructive criticism" on his own website. Then when I saw you posting the same comments here, I realized just how sad you are. I find what you did insulting to both John Zisa and those fans that wanted to offer their support to him on his website. You say you had no shortcomings, yet just reading your posts, I could come up with quite a few. I am sorry that you have regrets about your life, but that does not give you the right to be mean spirited and try to bring others who are doing something with their life down. I'm also sorry that you don't realize how foolish you sound by saying that John Zisa does need to impress you. Patti you are a 57 year old woman who lives in Port Lucie posting to a message board catered to the town she grew up in. Accept your past and move on with your life. So what, you feel you could sing well and wonder what could have happened with your life. Let the young people out there go for it without feeling the repercussions of your regrets. Remember... as you sign off on each post..."it is important to be nice!"
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: midniteangel on February 23, 2005, 11:37:46 AM
again, you are not reading my posts correctly...you said, I'm also sorry that you don't realize how foolish you sound by saying that John Zisa does need to impress you....I'll try to make it a little clearer for you as you are obviously slow...I SAID, JOHN DOES "NOT" HAVE TO IMPRESS ME...got it now? You seem to be reading too much into my posts and haven't a clue what you are talking about...is a war you are looking for? well sorry, you already lost! I DO NOT WONDER WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED WITH MY LIFE.....and my only regret is not persuing a carreer, period....I KNOW i would have made it, am verrrrrrrrrrry confident i would have made it and i have made it, just in a different way.... I sold over 75000 of my CDs and am quite happy with that....I take it that Simon irks you too? If ppl think he's bad, I should be a Judge....I guess you lie to ppl that suck? All you have really proven is that you are probably a brown noser and a person that can't be trusted. Listen, use your unwarranted anger elsewhere, on someone who gives a poop. You are barking up the wrong tree....and "I TOOK THE TIME" to visit Johns website just as i take the time to come here....now can we get back to the issue here....HACKENSACK!
Title: Re: John Zisa competing on American Idol!
Post by: Editor on September 11, 2005, 01:26:52 PM
Latest story: After 'American Idol': Contestant is singer Immaculate Conception Church (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15184198&BRD=1291&PAG=461&dept_id=523587&rfi=6)