Is there a singer whom you think has an incredibly "clear" singing tone?
I do -- my man Johnny Nash has, arguably, for me, THE most clear singing tone. He comes to my mind anytime I think of a clear singing tone. Such a beautiful, beautiful voice! Great songwriter, too.
He is the first singer who impacted strongly my life. I "discovered" him all by myself, based on my own musical tastes (i.e., not music from my parents' collection or my siblings).
Ask my family -- I listened to him all the time, ha!! Along with The Pointer Sisters. I first heard him when I was 11 years old. I've been a huge fan ever since.
I saw that clip of her singing Nessun Dorma (one of my absolute favorite classical pieces) posted on Facebook and I was blown away. I couldn't believe that someone so young could sing that beautifully.
Opera is a tough gig, I hope she makes it and they don't burn her out. The question remains - can she act? True coloraturas with that kind of purity are rare, but opera is a twofold art - you have to be able to play the roles. That was my own bugbear - I was pitched into the role of Papageno in Die Zauberflöte at the age of nineteen (I was the understudy and the lead baritone came down with lurgy). It's absolutely the best baritone part ever written and I identified with the character. However, I hammed it up badly - he's supposed to be an irreverent smarta$$ who never takes anything seriously - but I was trying too hard to play him rather than be him. Amira unquestionably has the voice. Can she be a believable actress as well?
Papageno, wow! I think I remember you may have mentioned your playing him before? But maybe not. Just for the reasons you mentioned, I'd think he'd be a difficult part to portray. Die Zauberflote is my favorite opera. And I really like Strauss' "Salome."
I've never been involved in opera but I believe you about how difficult and challenging it would be.
Amira certainly does have the voice, like you said.
Nanoose 