O Holy Night

For a change let's have a singing competition. The following are the criteria:

Quality of Voice - 40 %

Interpretation - 30 %

Blending - 10 %

Stage Presence - 10 %

Overall Impact - 10 %

Josh Groban, O Holy Night

Celtic Woman

Orla, Meav, Chloe. Lisa,
 Mairead
O Holy Night at the The Helix 

Celine Dion, O Holy Night

Celtic Woman
O Holy Night , Slane Castle

Ex- Celtic Woman Orla and Meav

Garnering an average score of 100 %, the winner is...CELTIC WOMAN! For transparency, here's how they scored:

Josh Groban

Quality of Voice - 40 %

Projection and Interpretation - 30 %

Blending - 0 %

Stage Presence - 10 %

Overall Impact - 9 %

Celine Dion

Quality of Voice - 40 %

Interpretation - 30 %

Blending - 0 %

Stage Presence - 10 %

Overall Impact - 9 %

Celtic Woman

Quality of Voice - 40 %

Interpretation - 30 %

Blending - 10 %

Stage Presence - 10 %

Overall Impact - 10 %

Of course I cheated on the criteria! Both Groban and Dion are soloists and therefore the blending criteria does not apply! However, give extra point to the girls for their gorgeous, medieval-inspired dresses, and visually stimulating faces and performance stages. And when you have a fairy fiddler, that is more bonus points for you! Winners all, but my heart goes with the Irish gals of course. This is unquestionable superior display of real talent and good chemistry. I tell you, it is harder to sing as  an ensemble.

Giving credit where it is absolutely due though, I think David Downes's voice and orchestral arrangements gave this very old song a fresh look. Again, this is a testimony of how music can bridge history to the present time.