"Over the Rainbow " - Von Smith - La Academia

[567rEy765]

2:46 - 3:30 Portamento party over here!! YEAH!!

[MissVissje]

Amazing version of this song, amazing singer.

[Greatnesskiss]

who is he anyway?

[ricardobgomez]

how ignorant

[highschoolm4]

Von Smith is Hot Yummy and love ur Voice

[DJYarto]

Wow.... Excelente voz....!!!!

[romdynamic]

You deserve a standing ovation here Von. Very good!

[kenerus]

he is so good

[JERRYJOHNNS]

es el contratenor más avasallador que pudo pisar la nacademia.

sin embrgo le falta controlar sus matices y los intervalos de la canción.

[mindgods]

this is kid is totally awesome and he no you dont have to be a person of color to be talented-ha ha

[poohbear7568]

hottest white boy ever and the funny thing is im a black girl! lol!

[muteswa]

itslike a black person iside a whoite dude love u dude love u

[toccatadeart]

Truly believe you sing beautifully, great inspiration. Thank you- very much for sharing your talent with all of us..

[lacholachito]

como puedo conseguir todas los videos q canta vond over the rainbow esas tomas que hiciste es q lo vi en mexico en la academia y me gusta mucho como canta ese chavo

[ShrikeCult]

Agreed the 3rd performance is the best for me too. Its raw and passionate which is what i sometimes want to hear in this song.

[divalover2007]

all volume

and no emotion..

[MrCrackheadWise]

Agreed! Technically, he's good and his range is great. But his tone, when going for the high notes in that ugly falsetto, is horrendous!!! Yuck! And like you've stated, he doesn't convey the emotions AT ALL, he's more impressive than expressive. He tries too hard. He should try sing from his heart and give the song his own personal touch instead of mimicking Patti's interpretation.

[Rockinjellybaby]

oh. damn. i meant the third performance. xD

[Rockinjellybaby]

damn. he's awesome. there are no other things to say.

but the second liveperformance is the best. the outfit!! looks soo goooooood.

[ecsutnf]

Wow me and jeromerich's convo makes noooo sense lol i swear it was at one point in order. I just thought the end of this vid was funny cause you can tell Von has no fucking idea what that guy said to him lol. gotta love it.

[DayneXY]

Von is the shit !!!

<3 <3 <3

Dayne

[JKnude]

sounds like a little pussy ass bitch to me

[monrayday]

he too damn feminine, n his voice sucks

[monrayday]

he cant do it like patti he sounds like a girl to taylordougan bitch shut up u stupid ho

[ecsutnf]

dont get all pissy cause taylor totally burned ur ass. And like i say to all people like you, who come in here and completely shit on someone who has busted their ass to sing in an upper octave like he does (which very few guys can do) and sound good at it, i'de would like to see you try.

[jeromerich26]

well because i'm a man, i will sing like a man!!

[ecsutnf]

Well no u sing like a man because you dont have the ability or talent to sing any differently.

[jeromerich26]

not so my friend, not so. gone is the day where people want to hear men sing like women. it's fun, it's creative, but it's limited. i'm just giving u reality of the music industry today. people want more and if u want to make it, u have to BRING it the right way. why not do something else...something no one else has done. that's what makes us unique...that's God's intention... not to be carbon copies of others.

[ecsutnf]

Do u not see what sings before you..that is something different! Thats a niche that hasnt been seen. A man that can sing in upper register and sound amazing doing it! And just to let you know he has made it this singer is signed and making an album..sooo shows how much you know. He is young, new, and different. how many young singers sing soul anymore? And like i said before we all grow off of each other. He used Patti as inspiration..what is wrong with that? nothing. at all.

[jeromerich26]

he isn't the 1st to do that... but it all depends on how old u r and what u have heard. not knocking his chops at all. never said he didn't sound good just saying that it's been done already. a record deal doesn't mean too much these days especially if ur sitting on someone's shelf. a hit song is what it's going to take. i know good singers that have made albums and signed with some not so great record companies.

[ecsutnf]

in my opinion its really all about luck. I agree with you completely about how there are many singers out there who have the talent but just have horrible record companies. I dunno, in my opinion, i just feel like he's different and is gonna make it. Okay i'm done arguing my point lol.

[jeromerich26]

one last point. of course patti has inspirations. any great and not so great singer does. her's are nina simone, dinah washington, billie holliday and even aretha franklin whom many feel she can outsing aretha any day but it all depends on who's listening. i respect them both but to me hands down patti is not just a singer but an entertainer which makes her different besides her vocal power. ok, i'm done and i'm tired! lol

[ecsutnf]

agreed lol

[akdyer03]

Aretha was never a vocal influence for Patti.

[jeromerich26]

actually she does respect her which is why she covers many of her songs. i've heard her say it, not saying that she is vocally impressed by her but more on so song styles and hits. this is what i mean. i know patti can put it down so don't worry i'm not discrediting her. she's my all time favorite!!

[akdyer03]

they both really respect one another. And it's good to know you have real taste as well. Patti is one of my all time favs too.

[lex1eleven]

like patti said in the clip of her and mary j blige covering aretha's "aint no way"..."you dont mess with arethas songs" and dont worry! because trust me im an all out patti labelle fan!!! aint no one like patti! her different styles of singing and her glorious high notes and how long she holds them are unmatched til today!!! i think patti can sing anyone elses song better then them! especially when its live!

[jeromerich26]

it's not hard to make a record and get it on itunes but unless one of the four major distributors are backing u, it's just a record deal and not always a good deal. william hung from american idol got a record deal worth a whopping $25k. that should tell u that anybody can get a record deal but not everybody will make it BIG!! Just reality that's all!! Got to be different, unique and accepted by the masses. anybody can have an audience...ANYBODY!

[ecsutnf]

I'm sure patti used someone else as her inspiration. You may not want to believe it but i'm sure she has and that has nothing to do with the talent that you have. It's a matter of being able to pull it off..being able to actually do it. I agree where your coming from where you say singers who are trying to make it shouldn't just copy others but if you listen to Von's other songs..he doesn't at all. He puts his own spin on everthing.

[taylordougan]

And Mrs. Patti stole it from JUDY Bitch.

[jeromerich26]

The song is what it is but the actual ascending scale is where Patti took it to another level. I'm not discrediting Judy Garland the least bit because guess what, she was original with it just like Patti LaBelle. Patti does things her own way unlike these other frauds...hello, goodbye!!

[jeromerich26]

Alright for those of you calling him Sam Harris. First of all, they are all rip offs if you want to know the truth because the originator of all the notes and scales in this song is the one and only Patti LaBelle. Sam Harris made his way to fame somewhat copying Patti LaBelle's rendition which she has been performing since she became a solo act in the late 70's opening up for Richard Pryor. Give credit where it's due people!!

[ecsutnf]

Okay i really don't think you should call someone a fraud because they sing a song like someone else! No where does he say that that was his own original version. You can clearly see he added his own flair to it. Everyone takes styles from others. Von definitely did use her version as his own template, but to call him a fraud is unfair.

[ecsutnf]

I think he did the song great justice considering hes a skinny lil white boy and trying to sing a version that one of the great divas of soul was famous for.

[berliita]

Are there sharks swimming in the pool under the stage in the first clip? What's the idea? If one of the singers hits the wrong note, a trapdoor opens and they get fed to the sharks?

[manyale81]

u mean the seals????? they're seals not sharks.

[laureastarlight]

kocham Cię. je t'aime. te quiero. te amo <;) echhhh..... Von!

[trewingo01]

I love this boy!

[vincevoxbox]

he is fukin amazing and i am in complete and utter amazement at his talent..

[billy141988]

great quality.... but try this

watch?v=v66aeodzwPs....

[thatguypup]

Classic Sam Harris (First Vocal winner of Star Search in the 80s) version of this song- Way to go VON !! It's about time a big voice comes from a young male. I hope Clive Davis gets a hold of you!

[fengirl42]

Excellent voice. Does he have a record label?

[broadwaybaby1992]

That was so amazing. You are destined for broadway!!

[cortneyjo]

does anyone else he looks like Peter Brady? I am in love with this Guy!!! I am so Jealous, His Belt register is amazing!!!! LOVE YA VON!!!!

[spawrhawk]

more like Michael Bublé :)

[blueguywindsor]

This guy has a great voice and is making it big

great great never heard a voice that that

will buy his music for sure

Bill Gamble Windsor Ontario Canada songs like a guy to me what a voice

[Mercutio4]

For all those people who keep making comments on how he should do drag or compare it to drag. As a drag performer, female impersonator, you don't SING for drag! Most lip sync, so shut up and speak about what you actually know. We have very few people who love what they do in life and at least he knows what he wants to do with his life. Do you???

[tiamxiang]

Extremely gay, extremely cute. Love it. He looks sooo lovely, just like Jake Shears from Scissor Sister. Gay, cute, lovely... ahhh... love it!

[S3Z]

you gorgeous x

[sparkers70]

Absolutely loving your version of this song. The montage is nice but I'd really like to see one of those performances all the way through, if you still have any of those videos. Consider it a fan request. =)

[aquamanvan]

work that cumberbun, but at least throw on some heels before you start the number.

[Mexicanowhupazz]

you sing so beautiful !!!! dont listen to those haters!

[eflychik167]

just keep in mind that you sound like a siren when you glissando for so long, other thatn that you are absolutly amazing.

[Clint3011]

being able to slide through his entire range without showing a break, is amazing in itself!

[aidious]

He goes very gay when singing the high notes.

[baley721]

What the hell does that even mean??

Apparently being able to belt such high notes so beautifully is gay....

[aidious]

It means when he sings the high notes he sounds like a drag act singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow, something he has either done or is likely to do in the future.

[bardbulky15]

so sorry you dont have a clue!

[smitty2k55]

amazing

[noirar20]

"MUCHO(A)S gRACIAS"

[greg2230]

does this guy have myspace?

[Juanefny]

Thats what I was wondering too

[leofromholland]

where can i download the songs please

[gamblerssurf]

Awesome Voice and Extremely Cute!!!!1

[cattleyafan]

May i recommend IU Indiana School of Music. You have a WONDERFUL GIFT.Please don't play at places passing out drinks while your on stage.You are much better than that. Best Wishes

[d2197v]

He has great vocal mixing abilties. YOu dont even hear him go through his registers. He is bold. I got to give him madd props.

[peacocktravels]

He doesnt have an active chest voice just a strong pharyngeal. But its good

[kristiekrabe]

Reminds me of Sam Harris. Amazing instrument. And your rendition of "And I am Telling you"... wow.

[MusicLover111]

Man, this kid is amazing!

[Ryepower12]

I've never really heard of this Von guy before. While he has a great voice, he really needs to learn that just because can do those incredible finalies, etc. doesn't mean he should. Ultimately, people like music they can sing along to. It sort of reminds me of Christina Aguliera... I never bothered listening to any of her songs until she cut the crap and sang.

But Von's voice is great, with great range, so I'm sure his future is bright.

[Littlewater]

OMG...Counter-tenor everyone!..I give him that. Im a first tenor I can hit the lower of his upper full voice but that other stuff...Ha!? lol...I can whistle past him though...he needs to work on his middle though..its either high or low!!! Which limits his over all sound!

[sparkers70]

I saw this yesterday and was just speechless. Sorry I still am. Suffice to say I would really LOVE to see you in concert. You'd make an absolutely perfect partner to duet with Josh Groban, by the way.

[Bradiracker]

Has anyone ever told him he looks like Donny Osmond?? Crazy.

[nbrisby]

Hello, Sam Harris, Jr.

[mikeyman11]

It's funny how much more comfortable his voice sounds up in his higher octaves then the lower. When he opened the song, it was like ... decent. But once he goes up the octave, its absolutely beautiful and impressive too! he's like a pop/musical theatre countertenor.

[jeffattube]

patti got a lil higher range then he do but it sounds good

[whiteyguy20]

IDOL - PLEASE

[Lanenachiquita]

holy shit!! u got it boy!!

[nigsdog]

he can sing man

he can hit the high note for a boy

[Barbie23]

Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang!! White boy

[BKErrDayAllDay]

DAMN!!!! much props man you got some crazy pipes

[icanundrstndit]

YOU HAVE SERIOUS CHOPS!

[ramiakin]

You make Ms. Garland and Ms. LaBelle proud, young man!!!!

[Eyewatcher1024]

You have that Regine Velasquez projection...especially on the estro-tenor notes. haha, I made that word up. :P Keep it up VON!!! :D

[filbert247]

Boy you have an amazing set of pipes it reminds me of myself because I sing ver high pitched as well but I think you blow me out the water for sure. Anywho keep up the great work I will be looking out for your Album for sure!!

[bombeirao]

omg i hate you everytime I watch that too lol

blessed! come to brazil dude

[kcbluesun]

Wow, you blow me away. You are an amazing peformer. I saw you this morning on Kansas City Live. Can't wait to hear more from you. Good Luck & Best Wishes on your future endeavors.

[helpmeron]

What a sound! Idol needs you. Good luck, LS and WVE wishes you much success!

[brucehopson2000]

Patti's version....sounds good

[daryl152]

deng hes good!! haha his high notes sound like a woman...but its all good...its crazy! haha

[cstalia]

this is one of my favorite videos. u are freaking amazing. i love how ur soo into it! it makes it soo much better!..mr. talented.

[itzamma]

would you marry me? ^^

[oceanu]

SHITTT THATS PUREEE PUREEEE PUREEE TALENTTTTT, GOD GAVE HIM A HUGEEEEEEEEE TALENTTTTT, ITS UNIQUEE!!!

HE KICK THE ASS OF ALL THE "AMERICAN IDOLS" WHERE HE WAS IN THAT SHOW!!!! FOR GODSAKE!

[JustcallmeJon]

As Ms. Patti would say "you've been blessed"...with a true gift...with the energy & spirit of your voice...lost for words...I'd love to see you do a duet with her! ....pass it on! Jon x

[InTaberna]

hrmph. i hate you every time i hear this song.

[Mike875]

OMG YOU SHOULD SING DEFY GRAVITY...UD KICK IDINAS AND ANY OHTER BITCH WHO SINGS THAT SONG IN THE ASS

[ThatBoyShannon]

Von sounds very good. He does have a great voice. No Patti LaBelle or Jennifer Holiday. But i give it to you. Hitting notes like that would really make some singers today wanna quit.

[wendyclear]

Oh. My. GOD. This kid is seriously blessed! Best voice EVER. So much versatility.. he never went out of tune.. everything was perect.. Oh man, I don't even know what else to say. He's just amazing.

[swso2000]

Perfect teeth.

[izl10]

he sounded like a woman on that high note!!!!!!!!!!

[touchmybspot]

I don't like his tone.

[cdm0014]

damn, i wanna marry your voice lol

[phillipBR]

pure talent.

[ragdollprincess]

wow.. u r f*#@!*& fabulous! u should join american idol. u put some of the girls to shame baby!! i will vote for u even if i am half way round the world!

[peaceHO]

whhhhoa

[yope]

now what did i say about sam harris...?

(see my comment with your 'and i am telling you...' clip)

he also does this song the patti labelle way

[sweetchick86]

damn, u should definitely try for american idol 2007!!

[mrmusicdj]

OMG!!! Im in shock...that should not be possible. AWESOME DUDE.

[phantomdestler]

WOW!!! OMG I AM SO INLOVE WITH YOU! YOU CAN SING!! HOLY CRAP!!! YOUR GOOD!

[NewImprv]

Did that really just happen? I have been very blessed to witness that. You gone with you bad self. I'm going to go pinch myself and see if I'm dreaming, because that cant be you.

Matty

[ceppygoes]

You sing just as black as ME!!!!!!!! ...and Jennifer Holiday.

[mihoshi1]

you got soul!

[thebrent]

yaaaaaaaaaaaay

[simonrdixon]

that was pretty freakin amazing. maybe a little over the top, but man this guy has got some pipes! the video editing was horrible, but i can deal with that. :-p

[erichleon]

marooo she said ANA OXA!! nun c' fa cchui!

[darkandworthy]

SANG BOY!!! AINT NOTHIN WRONG WIT IT. DAMN!

YOU DO THE DAMN THANG! :)

[marisoL410]

awesome!!! did you take lessons?

[youngbuck92584]

Dude, you are fucking great! I have watched all of your videos,lol You are awesome, i hope you make it big, i really do!

[guyching]

whoaa!!!! more...more..!!!

[princesuperstar]

You GO GUUUUUUURL ;)

[rclboy]

damn...boy can blow...that was unexpected...he should sing for some hair metal band if this doesn't work out for him

[Lifelike]

HOLY CRAP. I think I love you! I repeat myself! If you released a CD, I'D BUY IT.

[scotandi]

boy can sing!! someone else who loves patti as much as I! :p

[PattiHolte]

But he sounds more like Anna Oxo, than Patti.

[PattiHolte]

Sang boi! I was really impressed, somebody has been imitating Patti LaBelle! White boi can blow...hmmm

[Mariah10Carey88]

WOWWWW