Well, Foxy was looking for something different to discuss a while ago and I don't think we have ever talked about an opera singer on OLO.

Firstly , I am an old bluegrass and country rock fan but I think Amira is the very best. Her voice blows me away and leaves me teary, and her range is incredible. There are a few young females around now that sing classics but in my opinion they do not match Amira. I know nothing about opera, but play her songs several times a day.

Amira won the 2013 Hollands Got Talent series at age 9 singing three classics. She is self taught by using youtube and no formal training. Her parents are amateur musicians. She now receives tuition, mostly aimed at her breathing.

Shortly after her win on HGT Andre Rieu invited her to perform at his concert. How good is she to be asked to perform her very first concert performance by Anddre Rieu in front of an audience of 15000. Amira got a standing ovation. Andre is no amateur at the local club.

Am I exaggerating or is Amira something really exceptional as I see her? I would like opinions from posters

I'll try putting up a couple of links to her songs but the thing wasn't working last time. If not you can just google Amira Willighagen to find her.

First audition on Hollands Got Talent 2013, sorry link not working!!
Amira Willighagen--live in concert-- Nella Fantasia

//Am I exaggerating or is Amira something really exceptional as I see her?//

Nobody cares, opera is shite.

Banjo,

I've heard her and she is terrific, one can only hope that her vocal cords hold up.

Is Mise,
I am given to understand that Amira has not and is not doing anything likely to damage her vocals, you will notice that she reaches the high notes without strain. The government in Holland has tight controls on child performers, so they are not exploited or overworked and that they must attend school and do homework if away. Her performances, etc. will be curtailed if her school work slips. Remember that they stopped the girl sailor, Laura Deckker, from sailing round the world for quite some time.
Toni Lavis
You are showing your ignorance. 30 million views have now seen Amiras performances on Hollands Got Talent of three years ago. More have viewed her concerts since. Close to 100 million one would think. Then add others like Jackie Evancho and Laura Bretan then tell me no one is interested. Many have quite a different view to you. Even when some do not like opera, they can recognize ability when they see it.

//You are showing your ignorance.//

And not just that, showing myself to be one of the common muck, who is not able to appreciate the higher arts due to my obvious lack of breeding and taste...

Oh well. I'd still rather listen to a singer singing a song I like, like this guy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mynzbmrtp9I

Or these guys:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sw61oITuts

Now that's music.

I seem to be in a bit of a ballad mood. Anyway, nobody can scream as good as Dani Filth of Cradle of Filth fame (strong language warning):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x26LZrX_vuI

Not that I dislike female singers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xQeGU152gU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTKqJ1qot3I

Now that's talent. When whatsherface can write songs that good, then play piano and sing at the same time, she might be almost as good as Amanda Palmer.

Toni,
I recall way back before Johnny Cash that was sung by Burl Ives (I think)

But this is better

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkdci55adqk

The rest of the post was rubbish made by some stupid uni art students from Melb uni. About useless as tits on a boar pig. No wonder the countries in a mess.