She has a Masters of Arts in music. I think that qualifies as training.

Also, I do want to say that I'm not talking about 'numbers.' The fact is that I, someone who quite often *is* moved to tears by music, was just not moved by this performance--it honestly did not touch me--which probably made the technical issues more problematic to my ear.

Um...shaky intonation is not an opinion.

Actually, I'm not hating on her at all. It seems that you didn't note that I said I applaud her courage and heart. I think she is very brave for getting up there, which is worthy of admiration. I didn't give her zero stars. But she didn't move me at all and I was utterly unimpressed with what I heard. And the fact that two of the judges are British doesn't mean anything. I was talking about the audience. Sure, music is simple--and I simply would not choose to listen to her again. I did hope that people would go out and listen to some of the women I mentioned, but I see that I was foolish in this.I find it odd that you jumped to the conclusion that I have failed in my "efforts to become half that talent", because I haven't. I am quite happy with my level of talent and proud of my experience and training--and I have a right to be. But I haven't made any efforts to seek fame. I'm not sure that I want it. I don't understand why people get so defensive and feel the need to lash out--are any of you Barbara Padilla or Andrea Bocelli by chance? Are you all so familiar with my work that you can speak from anything but a desire to tear me down?Peace.

Perhaps Anjanine, one could remember that this is an amateur competition? I too am a classically trained musician and listen to classical music. I recognize that the world of music is incredibly diverse. Sure, there is a time to marvel at the beautiful execution, timbre, and finesse of Jessye Norman or Diana Damrau. But this is not the Met, it's America's Got Talent. There is also a time when it's nice to hear an amateur who bears her soul when she sings. For that, I would happily choose to listen to Barbara Padilla.

I am a classical musician, (viola 27 years, and I've heard a lot of opera, live performances, I've sat in the pit sawing my bow to them, I've seen new york philharmonic class singers by some extremely highly ranked opera singers. So Barbra... Yes there are some minor flaws in her technique, but I must tell you that her performance moved me, strong emotions.You just don't get that from the opera elitists that have perfect technique, its like they forget what music is about... its about feeling not who is breathing too much through their nose or doesn't hold their hands high enough when they sing. Music is based on mathematics, but that doesn't mean a computer is better than a human. Perfect music sometimes is boring as hell... its why blues, jazz, etc... has such feeling to it, the imperfections and bent notes are there on purpose. Bravo Barbara, and its a shame that the jealous elitists cant applaud you for originality. I'd rather listen to someone who can stir my emotions with their voice and performance than any master level opera person who has sung the same song 1987491347 times and has no soul left. The true greats of opera and any singing bring emotion to the table every time. everyone can have their own opinion, but anyone that uses "sucks" or "crappy" in regards to her performance, either has no idea what music is, has lost touch of what music is about, or is just trying to stir up animosity here.