X is for Dangerous

This is just breathtaking. Two vocal powerhouses from different generations have met on The Voice. But Christina, AKA Queen Xtina or Legendtina (and all that) just knocked me off my feet. Jump onto the second song “Dangerous Woman” to see what I’m talking about.

Original image from Daily Mail Australia

This is Christina’s organic style and feel, the 6/8. This is hers ever since the Stripped era. It took me back to the times when she was singing ‘Walkaway’ and ‘Impossible’ (with Alicia Keys) from that album.

This is her sound. This is when her soul is at its most bare and raw and real. I can’t get over this one.

I’m happy that Christina manages to infuse her vocal prowess and formidable style into this brand new song. Nothing’s changed. She’s still IT.

And by the way, props to the Queen and her team for finally winning in this latest season of the voice! Congratulations to the new winner, Alisan Porter!

Watch the duet here.

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R.

Brandy this June!

Imma put it down, fellas! Brandy is coming to Australia this June! Yes, Brandy! Moesha Brandy, Cinderella Brandy, The Boy is Mine Brandy! Brandy, Brandy, Brandy!

I got all frisky and hysterical when I learned about her Australia and New Zealand tour this 2016. My sister could attest to this. It was a delirium. I was just over the big, round moon.

She is my R&B icon. One of the biggest stars of the 90s and early 21st century. She is also dubbed the “Vocal Bible” by soul fanatics because of her undeniably exceptional vocal prowess and formidable artistry. And her runs—raving mad.

Her music never gets old. Her style and sound are just timeless. It’s the quintessential R&B flavour. She’s like the eccentric spice you need to achieve an exquisite savour. Her voice is the embodiment of a divine, elusive soul. And she delivers all these with vigorous sass and panache.

Of course, I already purchased my ticket. Got it on the very first day of the pre-sale on the first week of May. I cannot and will not miss this for the world! According to the organisers, the pre-sale tickets were sold out! And the Platinum & Gold tickets are nearly gone!

There is also a Meet-and-Greet after the show, which is limited only to 50 people. I’m happy to say I’m one of the 50 to meet her an take photos with her. It’s surely not cheap, but given that this could only be once in a lifetime, I just gotta do it! I’m making this my birthday gift to myself for this year, and as a reward for all my hard work and toiling the past year. Gosh, am I worthy.

For more and current info about the concert, visit the production’s Facebook page.

Now, what?

While on the train today, I pulled out my daily devotional. And everything that’s written there has astonishingly validated what God has been putting in my heart the past few days.

I’ve come to realise that lately, the Lord has been teaching me an important lesson: how to live one day at a time—how to prioritise nothing but the now, and just live in the moment.

Present tense

It’s great to be futuristic and always think ahead, but the future will be no good if the quality of the present isn’t well taken care of.

I believe that focusing on the now also helps us develop and strengthen our trust in the Lord—that He will be there from top to finish, that He’s in the beginning and in the end of every chapter, ’cause that’s what He promised.

Failures vis-à-vis Victories

I also learned that the mistakes of today do not define you solely for the rest of your life.

Your everyday triumphs help establish your identity and validate your goals, so do your mistakes. They’re both essential in the process.

Today’s mistakes are tomorrow’s learnings. Today’s victories are tomorrow’s benchmarks.

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R.

It’s Her Day!

Celebrating the most significant woman in my existence. No one compares to her. And surely, there will never be another. Happy Mother’s Day, Ma!

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R.