Simona: Week Two
Simona sings Material Girl.
Watch Simona
Send us your comment now. We'll publish the best on this page.
heather
I wish simona luck she's a gr8 singer and acterss but unless she can get rid of the accent then she can't be maria! but good luck
Jorge
For far too long the West End has been ruled by and reserved for performers who have English as their mother tongue. Perhaps this is one of the reasons for the general insularity of the Theatre scene in the UK.
However, if Australian Hugh Jackman can work on his Oklahoma accent in a National Theatre production, why can't some proper support be given to Simona? Furthermore, how many British performers go to Germany to perform West End musicals in German without understanding a word of German?
Just because the majority of Brits see fluency in a second language as a virtually impossible task, it doesn't have to be so for Simona.
Of course it's difficult to perfect one's accent when having a conversation, improvising with a second language... but if the text is set, it is not that hard!
Go, Simona!
Tilly
Could we leave Simona's accent alone for two seconds??? I agree that the attitude shown to us by some effective editing on Saturday night wasn't the greatest. However, she is hard-working, talented, passionate and committed, and so in my view certainly deserves her place.
David
If you want another Julie Andrews, have Connie (too 'stage school' for me). But if you want something a bit different, great voice, acting ability, attitude and stunning to look at, it's got to be SIMONA! Please let's have something different - I can watch Julie A on DVD. Good luck, Simona. Cine rade la urma rade mai bine!
Lulu
Who cares about your accent, Aoife has an accent and why aren't they bothering about her's! You gofor it and you will atleast be in the final 4! GO SIMONA!
Lydia
yes Simona has a great voice, but she still has The accent. i think that most people would like to see a julie andrews at the west end. i do get the feeling that simona isn't very sociable with the other marias. i also think that maria must be an outgoing person, fun and joyful.and from want i've seen every saturday night, simona can look a bit stroppy.
Connie to win!!!!!!
Sasha
The acting profession is hard. To do well you need to get on with everyone around you, directors, lighting technicians, stage hands etc. and especially your fellow cast members. I understand that this is a competition and Simona obviously wants to give of her best, but she needs to remember that the public have to vote for her and alienating the rest of the girls with her comments (even if they are defensive) will not help her to gain votes. I think Simona is fantastic and she is having to do twice the amount of work that everybody else is,as she has to work on her accent. Unfortunately, I think that no matter how hard she works and how well she does, we can't help but compare all the girls to Julie Andrews who is quintisentially British. Sorry Simona.
Keith M
Simona should consider singing for Romania at Eurovision.
Lindsay
I agree with Nikki. If everyone had an accent, it would be fine. I have been struggling to make out some of what Simona is saying. She is very talented but not Maria. Sorry
Izzy + Imogen
HI SIMONA!
ME AND IZZY R BACKING U ALL THE WAY. YOUR ACCENT ADDS TO YOUR PASSION. YOU ARE MARIA WITHOUT A DOUBT!
VOTE 4 SIMONA!!!!
naz
actually "kirstin" aoife's accent isn't as thick as simona's and sounds more english than simona does. it'd be harder getting rid of simona's accent than aiofe's, as when aiofe sings you can't hear it. anyway, simona ur a hard worker an if u did become maria i no u wud work extremely hard. GUD LUCK!!!
rosie
I feel really sorry for Simona as she has tried so hard to get her accent right, but I just don't think she would be right for the role of Maria. Good luck though, you deserve to do well!
Emma T
I wish everyone would stop focusing on Simona's accent, can't we concentrate more on her ability as a singer and actor, since that is what this is about?? And if so, in my opinion her singing isn't that good anyway!! Of the 7 girls left I would say she is the weakest singer. From what we've seen of her acting she certainly seems to have a talent there. However, based on singing and acting alone I don't think she is Maria anyway!! (Plus she hasn't done herself any favours with her attitude either!!)
pippi
i think simona is great it is not her fault she has an acsent i also think aeofe is brilliant i think she is a real maria i am glad people r out because they sung out of tune!
Lauren
the judges keep moaning about her accent but if they dont like it why did they put her in the top 10 i think you have to look past her accent and see what else she has to offer. GO SIMONA!
Toni and Nell (12 and 10)
Simona is a really good actress and despite her accent shes doeing well. And if she dosent get maria she'll get something else! Her attitude to everything is great! come on simona!
Tara
I think simona is extremewly talented, i believe that she should win the role of Maria, and if she doesn't i hope that she goes very far. she has a lovely attitude full of hard work and concerntration as well as dedication i believe this is a good Maria to be!
kt
You are really good at acting and singing the judges may say all the stuff about your accent but other people also have acent maybe the judges and singing coach ought to be reminded, beside maria had an accent
ALBERT (GRIMSBY)
I REALLY DO THINK YOU ARE VERY TALENTED BUT SO SORRY DARLING YOU ARE NOT MARIA. I SURE A WEST END THEATRE BECKONS FOR YOU BUT YOU SHOULD REALY GET RID OF THE DIVA IN YOU AS THAT IS WHAT IS COMING ACROSS ON THE PROGRAM. TALENTED? YES UNDOUBTEDLY BUT UT JUST NOT RIGHT FOR MARIA....SORRY
Steve Bryant
Simona, you do not have what it takes to play maria but i believe that you could be the star of evita
and sooner people relise that the better, it must be very difficult to pronounce the correct diction but i do firmly believe that mr webber should place you in the starring role of Evita,
Rachel
I can't believe that Simona is being criticised for having a romanian accent! Is it even legal to do this?!
sarah
Simona is amazing. She deserves to win. She is by far the most natural performer and she has a beautiful voice. Her accent does not detract from her performance in the slightest. Good luck Simona!
michael
i think simona is an absolutly superb performer. she has a fantastic voice and is a beautiful actess. i wish her all the best!
Jessica
i think that simona has a wonderful voice, but i really dont think that she is maria material, because she would probably be the only one in the play w/ an austriann accent...i think that connie should win
Jemima
we love u simona!
ur wicked man i bet u r going 2 win!!!
me and my cousins have watching u loads ur going 2 win!!!
Ellie
I think Simona should be next out of the contest she is much worse than the others and she should have gone out instead of meliz her accent is WAY too strong and no matter how long she spends with a voice coach she will never be my Maria even when she sings you can tell her accent so it is terrible when she talks
Hannah,Gina and Peter
We think that Simona is brilliant and her accent doesn't matter at all. We can understand everything she says besides she has done a really good job trying to lose her accent.
We don't think she should have stopped the party because she wanted to sleep but we think they should all be as determined as her. She definitely deserves to win and our whole family and most people we know are voting for her.
nikki
Those people who keep mentioning that the original Maria was Austrian and therefore would have had an accent should bear in mind that the original Maria would not have been singing in English with an accent but would have sung in German. The Sound of music musical was written in English, not translated from German and therefore having only one character with an accent (which does not even sound like an Austria accent)would be awful. I for one would not be impressed with it but thats only one opinion. However, I wish Simona the best of luck in the competition as she is definately very talented.
jess
i think simona is extremly good and hqs q great voice and is good at acting and all but she is not maria though she would make an extremly good evita, this time her accents in her favour!!!!!
Stin and Maria
I agree with Erin. Simona's attitude will do her no favours. You shouldn't insult a fellow contestant to get your point across and fight your battle. It is very unprofessional and very un-maria-like!!!
Meliz to win!
KIRSTIN
HELLOOO!!! hasn't anyone noticed yet that Aoife has a much stronger accent than simona???!!!
Her Irish accent is alot thicker and obvious than simona's and yet it doesn't seem to be a problem for the judges! In Fairness, they should also ask aoife to also see a voice coach!!
ceryn (10)
simona is my maria she is my best maria her accent doesn't matter now she's halfway through winning so she derserves to win i'm deffinetly gonna vote for her after the performance she performed last week she was fantastic hugs and kisses xxxxxxxxxxx
emzy !
I'm hooked on Maria because of Simone she IS my Maria
Robyn and Debby
Simona is a very good actress from the clips that we have seen on the Saturday shows, but in all fairness her accent is holding her back. She seems rather hostile towards her fellow contestants, could this be insecurity regarding the strong accent????
Lynn
Simona's accent isn't her biggest problem, her aggression is. It even comes through in her singing, I winced everytime she should 'girl' on Saturday. She would be in the top three is she concentrated on her performance and not defending herself all the time. She is a good person, if she knows it, why does it matter what the other girls think.
Iris
I really like the singing voice, I do not, however, like the attitude!!
Bev
I have been impressed by Simona since the auditions, and really believe she has an amazing career ahead of her, however, she is not Maria, and after her comment to Meliz on Sat nt about not understanding her singing either made me madshe is the eldest in their (i think) and should be supportive not critical, also 11pm isnt that late!!! Siobhan or Connie should win, and yes i do think the accents a problem!
Sparky
Simona to play the baroness with a new song written for her to perfom in the show. Fabulous
Juli (10)
i think that even with the accent you are really good and one of the best at acting good luck
Connie
accent schmackscent you are great
Amy
your accent is a problem. and i think you was out of order when John something said that he couldn't understand ALL of Meliz's words and you said i was about to say that... i think you shouldn't of said that! that was not your place to say i couldn't understand her either. just because you was getting criticised about it dont mean you can say it about others! it isn't fair! phhhftt! good luck anyway=]]
Loubylou
Simona is a beautiful girl and a strong actress. I agree about the accent though- and the Madonna song on Sat showed it up even more.
Charlotte
I think Simona's accent would be perfect for maria. Simona can both sing and act outstandingly! She is Maria and always will be!
Rebecca
Simona is just amazing. Well I bet we all dont know Romanian, so how is she supposed to know English. She will atleast I think be in the final 4 !!! Go Simona!!!
a meliz fan
as a meliz fan, i just want to say i think it was very unfair of you to comment on her performance on saturday night, you should be there to support each other and not put others down just to make your self look good, i think you have lost a lot of respect from many viewers.
Maddie - 12yrs
hi simona! i think you are brilliant and incredibly sweet! i wish people would stop moaning about your accent! trust me, it isnt a problem, and i understand every word you say. all those people are doing is making you feel bad, which i think is terrible. good luck gal! Mxxx
Emma
I think Simona is not Maria - she has a poor attitude and you can't understand all that she says - I'd not pay good money to hear her! She is also showing her bitchy and diva side which will lose her votes!
ames
you need to realx and enjoy your time on the show, dont take life so seriously...maria never did!
Hana
I think the judges are all wrong (apart from John) and they should like John give Simona the chance they are giving the others she has so much passion and i think she deserves to win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO SIMONA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love John Barrowman
I totally agree with Erin. Simona is just not Maria.
Simona
SIMONA IS NOT THE ONLY PERSON WiITH AN ACCENT!!!!! PLus she is definatley the most focused, passionate and unique singer in there and she deserves to go all the way. And she has a great name!!!!!!!!
Mary
Saturdays performance showed Simona can sing & dance and act; brilliant performance. I love her composure when the other hopefuls say she's not Maria. Oh yes she is!
Davy (Belgium)
Simona has a lovely voice, but her accent is indeed a problem. If you would all be honest you would agree on this. The song from Saturday 'material girl' was horrible if you only concentrated on her singing, but was fantastic on acting! As an actrice she would indeed deserve the role of Maria, but when singing, I'm sorry...
Adelaide
I think its unfair when they put so much pressure on simona when they dont put hardly any on IRISH aoife.
Lesley
The judges should concentrate on Simone's performance and not her accent. She's clearly the best actress in the competition... and who doesn't have an accent?
Sarah and John!
we think simona is the est she should win! her accent doesnt matter! any way they're looking for a new and different maria! it doesnt ave 2 be exactly like julie andrews! xx
Elaine
Simona has a lovely voice and passion. I was a bit surprised with her aggressive attitude though, and is obviously not at all popular with her colleagues.Maria isnt like that.So Simone is not Maria for me.
Lili
My dad thinks that Simona is brillant and so do I! It's what Captain Von Trapp said: we are part of the EU and S
Andrew
I think Simona is the best and most suitable for Maria. Her accent suits her and will help her in the part. Best wishes, You can do it
Iain C
They have been so harsh on her and she is the BEST. An accent is a bonus, Maria was NOT from Surrey..its a search for Maria, not Julie Andrews! Go Simona!
James Black
Simona has remarkable passion and intensity. The accent is a problem: comments on the historical Maria von Trapp are irrelevant in that we are looking at a London production in the West End for which the audience will have certain and understandable expectations. Comparisons with Evita are irrelevant: that show is sung-through whereas The Sound of Music has large swathes of dialogue. Also, the role of Maria is for a trained soprano and it is clear that Simona has a passionate 'belt' voice. So, she is quite unsuitable for this role but a real find for others. Perhaps she will be offered the cover of Evita when the current cover's contract expires, should it not be renewed. That would seem a far more appropriate challenge. After all, not only does one wish to reward talent but to reward it appropriately. To commit the wrong girl to an inappropriate contract would be as damaging for the artist as for the show (which is why we should respect rather than mock Emilie's scuples over her suitability as opposed to her proven talent).
George
Even without the accent, I still don't think she is Maria.
cathal
Simona is teh only one on the show with any unique Star Quality - she is lovely and has that extra bit that connects with audiences - there is somethign special about her - the others are "a dime a dozen" chorus girls.
Hannah
Simona was great, she definately has the passion to ba maria! The sound of music is set in Austria so Maria wouldn't have an english accent anyway!
Amy
Her accent is a problem because you can't understand what she's saying a lot of the time! She's right, Julie Andrews wasn't brilliant because she was English-- but she certainly wouldn't have been nearly good if you had to listen twice to understand her words all the time! It's a shame because Simona IS a good actress and singer but at the end of the day that doesn't matter if you can't understand her.
Bernadette
It doesn't matter were your from you can alway's be a star! You've got my vote Simona.
Em
I agree with everything you have said regarding your accent, everyone has one and it shouldn't hold you back.
I love watching you peform on the show, your a real inspiration!
xxx
Erin
To be honest, at first i felt really sorry for Simona because everyone was picking up on her accent and not really giving her a fair chance at her singing and acting. However, watching the show on Saturday completely changed my mind. How can she be Maria with an attitude like that...?? Turning off the stereo?? Making the other girls suffer just because she wants to sleep?? Criticising them to get John and the panel on her side?? After everything she's said about fair chances and getting on with people, she's creating enemies for herself and it certainly does not bode well for her image and her campaign. Also I'm worried that the public will vote her in as Maria just to prove a point about accents, and not on the grounds that her singing and acting is up to scratch. Sorry to be so blunt, but I felt something needed to be said. Does anyone agree with me?
toby
simona ignore the judges. your voice sounds fab as it is!!!
Ineke, The Netherlands
Could people please stop crowing that 'Maria was Austrian, so had an accent'? If we accept that, the entire cast would have to have accents, and NOBODY is going to pay for an evening of that. More to the point is the argument that if the experts had such a problem with it (and I do think it is a problem, more so than the Irish accent), Simona should not have been in the final 10. Terrific show, though, all you British that moan it's on too early should just tape it and watch it a hour and a half later so that you can go on seamlessly to the Results Show. Please, can more bits of acting (scenes from the Sound of Music!!) be included in the coming shows?
Sam
Simona to WIN!!!! Her accent makes every thing better!!Simona to WIN!!!!
victoria dennis
GO ON SIMONA YOU CAN DO IT.
victoria dennis
hi simona youv'e got the right accent and i would love you to win the part of maria bye
Andy
Okay Simona sings with a strong accent - but have the judges heard about Cerys Matthews and the Proclaimers? In both cases they made names for themselves even though they sang IN THEIR OWN ACCENTS!!
Are people who go to see West End shows petty enough to let that worry them?
Greg
To win this competition Simona all you have to be is your gorgeous self. Don't change!
Maria
Simona you are amazing, what a great spirit and personality! You are a winner. Your accent is charming, I will go and see you in the West End. Will keep voting for you. Be strong and have faith in yourself!
Elaine
I have no problem at all with Simona's accent or indeed with her ability...but I think she needs to work on her attitude to the other girls a bit!
Sarah
True the original Maria was Austrian so of course she would have had an accent - and spoken another language! The point is that the musical was written to be performed in english and it's not 'accentist' to worry that audiences might not understand the dialogue. An 'authentic' sound of music would have everyone speaking Austrian and very little music. This is a Rogers & Hammerstein musical for goodness sake. Having said that Simona completely deserves to have the help of a dialect coach for as long as she remains in the competition, but I suspect that even if she can tone the accent down a bit, there are a couple of girls who are stronger.
McDee
Simona you are a STAR...
Lucy P
Great Eva Peron but not Maria Siobhan all the way!
Mothy
Simona is the only one I would buy a ticket to see! good luck to her!
Coolcat
Go Simona! Don't listen to the nasty comments about your accent from the judges,
we all no U R amazing. For me, U can B Maria any day!
Alice
Simona did very well to sing while being carried about - but her accent was unintelligble. Star in the making but definitely Not Maria.
bb
simona is a prima donna. her performance this week was dreadful
rebecca
go simona who cares about your accent you could hardlly here it last week. Come on u can do it don't get upset your great
Anna
While admiring Simona's obvious talents, I am afraid that her heavy accent does ruin the performance for me. Remember that the role of Maria involves a lot of speaking as well as singing. The comments about expecting Maria to speak with a foreign accent would only be true if the whole cast were to do the same (they are all supposed to be Austrian). Sorry Simona, you're not Maria.
Peter
Simona's great- who cares about accents?!
Jo
I really like Simonas accent, its really nice. I'm sure after 5 mins the majority of the public would get used the accent and understand every word of it, I have no difficulty at all understanding her and I'd never heard a Romanian accent before. They should stop judging her on her accent and judge her on what this really is about - singing, dancing and acting and tonight she showed she could do all 3!
Marni
My god, this girl is stunning and has IT. I am lost for words.
Jeff
You are fantastic, great voice and you would make a superb Maria. The Panel needs to stop the non-ending references to you having an accent it is detracting from your real talent. Good Luck and I will keep routing for you.
Stu
I can see where they are coming from regarding the accent BUT Simona is the best actress by far by a huge margin and the best singer. Its crazy one week she gets an Evita song and I think she would make a fab Evita by the way. Trouble is that makes hiding accent a nightmare. Then this week they spin her around in the air, again making it difficult to hide her accent as she has to concentrate so much on her breathing. Give the girl a break! And good for Simona for not partying, shouting and screaming. Talk about how to trash a voice.
charmy
i relly whant you to be maria
hannah
i think simona's accent doesn't affect her singing i admire her she has really worked hard
Jess
Simona is really amazing! I think her accent is less noticable than Aiofa's. Good luck Simona I think you should be maria
luvhorses4eva
Gone on Simona I no that you can do it! Celebraties have become famous and they haven't had any trouble with reaching the world with their talents.
Don't let the judges get you down.
I know you can do it. I have faith in you.
estelle
Simona is an amazing person a fantastic singer and actress!!! and performs on stage really well she shouldnt take any notice of the people who dont like her accent i think it make the whole thing more exciting!!!! and hope that you will win you deserve it
Lottie Martin
I would vote for simona any day and I think she's had to put up with a lot
Si Moan a Fan
You go Simona, you have more charisma than the rest put together. Your accent is part of your personality and if anything add's an extra something to all the songs you sing! I'll be queueing for tickets in whichever show you end up in, I know you will be in one!
Weasel
I find it harsh that the judges and Andrew have a problem with Simona's accent, but not Aoife's. Maria may not have had a Romanian accent, but she certainly didn't have an Irish one either!
marjorie
he whole panel miss the point with simona. her accent doesnt matter after all the real maria von trapp, was austrian and she would have had a germanic accent. so why all the fuss i think she is great! she should win to be an authentic maria
natalia,gloucester
I think its really mean of all the judges to critisize her like that. She is a very passionate person who cares about her singing very much.
Hans
Simona is a perfect Maria. She is a brilliant actress and singer. Does a slight accent make a difference to this? I think it's incredible that she gives such brilliant perfomances in her second language. I would like to see the other contestants sing in romanian.
Ian Simpson
The real Maria certainly didnt have an English accent so what is the problem... we should get over having to anglicise everything
Maria
Well done! To move to dance to be lifted up and sing all at once only professionals can do it! Maria-Simona your eyes reflect your soul....honest and amazing!
hairylegs
I'd go to the west end to see her.She's got talent and personality.She's my Maria!!
bec
I think that the judges should appreciate Simona's talent with her singing and acting because I personally think that she has a wonderful voice.
Mary
I do not think that Simona's accent should be a problem. After all the story is set in a foreign country. Her passion for what she does shows when she sings and I would much rather watch her perform than some of the others in the competition. Keep her in !! The accent should not distract from the fantastic performances she is capable of giving.
geoff
maria was austrian so why the fuss about an accent.
Jessica Lakin
I agree with Simona, i feel sorry for her with all the judges have said, and a small part of me thinks she should be maria to show how accents don't matter.
Bartek
I just want to say that Simona is The best out every girl and she right about the accent it's how much effort she puts in her songs. Honestly she fantasitc.
Anonymous
Simona, keep up with the good work and don't give up. It is far too easy for some people to single others out based on their looks, ethnicity, accent, shape...
I think you are a good role model for those of us who have been unjustly marginalised.
rebecca wild
keep going girl. to me you have the biggest journey to travel, but with your determination and spirit you can do it.
amanda
I think it dosn't matter what accent you are do do a english show.
From Jan re Simona
I think Simona definitely has the most talent. She sings and speaks from the heart and I think her accent is part of her charm.
Nikki Williams
Yay! go simona! The real maria would have had and accent, she probably wouldn't have spoken English so why shouldn't you? Your english is really good for a second language!
S Davis
Maria was Austrian so why shouldn`t she have a slight accent. Certainly Captain von Trapp did NOT have an American accent!!
Malcolm Veall
I think the show is excellent, and I think Simona is the best, she may have a romanian accent but she sings beautifly and I beleive she can change her speaking into the best english she can, I believe in her!!
moses adelowokan
i see a charming young lady who will captivate the world, if she gets to be maria. To her its not IF she can, but she KNOWS she can and thats the most important thing you need to conquer the world.
i believe strongly in you.
all the best as you go for it.
moses
Iain M Cooke
Good luck Simona, you can do it!
Judi Hale
Accent?
Simona is right. "It's about the meaning and what you put in it." Shakespeare with an American accent? It's OK!! And what's more important - it works. Maria was not British, neither is Simona. Get over yourselves and choose a Maria that has the talent to carry the role. Simona could do it because she has the fire, the desire and undoubtedly, the talent. She will make us all believe and that is what theatre is all about - suspending our disbelief. Good Luck, Simona.
Richard
I for one am supporting Simona. Her accent is definitely NOT a problem for me or, I suggest, the majority of right thinking people. Oh, and she is Gooorgeous!
Abi
I don't think that her accent needs to be a problem, it is blatantly obvious from what we have seen that she is the best actress there and deserves to have the same chance as any of the other girls!
Sarah
I admire simona for her determination, I think the other marias and the judges are being unfair to her. Why should accent be a problem?
Julie
I don't think Simona's accent should be a problem anyway? The original Maria was Austrian so would have had an accent. Obviously a Romanian accent is different to an Austrian accent but does that really matter? People perceive Simona's accent as a problem because they're comparing her to the the Maria in the film who was played by Julie Andrews - Julie Andrews had an English accent, not an Austrian one. That's where the problem comes from. If this version of the Sound of Music is to be as authentic as possible, it makes sense to have a Maria with an accent. Simona has that and that, along with her amazing voice, is why she would make a great Maria. Good luck Simona!
LuLu
I think that Simona should go for it! She has a fantastic voice and i do not think that her accent jeopardises this. However i do think that she should show us a more wild side!
Ellen
I think Simona is amazing and her accent doesnt matter at all! I still think she is brilliant and want her to win!!
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