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News,  Arts and Leisure

Monday, December 17, 2007

Westporters Star on NBC Reality Show

Ryan O’Neill, a 1997 Staples High School graduate and local musician, led a Connecticut choir tonight on NBC’s latest reality show, “Clash of the Choirs.”
Ryan O’Neill: lead singer in Michael Bolton’s choir. Contributed photo

O’Neill sang lead vocals on the Bon Jovi anthem “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and was praised by celebrity judges. Fellow Westporter and two-time Grammy winner Michael Bolton directed the Connecticut group.

O’Neill was a standout singer at Staples and has spent years perfecting his craft in the regional music scene. He auditioned for Bolton’s choir in New Haven, where Bolton grew up.

“Ryan is a white guy who doesn’t sound like a white guy,” Bolton told the television audience. “With Ryan you don’t get straight to the note, you get ‘here’s how I feel it.’”

The show, which continues Tuesday and Wednesday nights before the Thursday finale, pits five celebrity-picked choirs against one another for a shot at $250,000 for charity.
Ryan O’Neill and choir in rehearsal. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) NBC.com photo

Bolton and the other celebrities recruited talent from their hometowns, trained the groups for three weeks, and this week are directing their pupils in live performances on NBC.

One choir will be voted off by home viewers each of the first three nights, with the remaining two choirs competing in the Thursday night finale.

In addition to Bolton, the show features celebrity directors Kelly Rowland (Houston), Blake Shelton (Oklahoma City), Nick Lachey (Cincinnati), and Patti LaBelle (Philadelphia).

Viewers can vote for O’Neill and “Team Bolton” until 4 a.m. Tuesday by calling (877)624-6473 or logging on to show’s Web site.

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