Chelsea Melamed, Ventura, CA
Hi Nicole, I am a senior at Ventura High School and have been singing opera for the last four years. I heard about you from Linda Brug, who was my AP U.S. History teacher last year. You have such an amazing voice, I was just wondering how you got to where you are today and if you had any advice for me. I am still trying to decide if music is what I want to do in my and I wanted to know if you could offerme any guidence. I would greatly appreciate your feedback. Thank you for your time!

Sandy in Kansas
Nicole, WOW! I dont know if you will remember me but we were great friends in grade school in Ventura, CA. You and I played the flute together in competitions and performances... You were the first to talk me into wearing makeup... :)I moved after the 8th grade but I have often wondered at what you were up to. A famous opera singer? How? When? I dont even remember you singing! Just playing the flute together in band.... WOW! Congratulations on all you've accomplished.

Eric Burton, Ventura Ca
Nicole your are one amazing talent. it was nice seeing you again, best of luck.

Pete Jones - Anglesey
The performance of the Menotti was one of the most beautiful pieces of inspired singing I have ever heard. Please, please, please include it on your first recording. Wonderful.

Linda Brug,Ventura, CA
Nicole, I can't wait to hear you sing in person. As your 7th and 8th grade teacher you have made MY life a bit better! ENJOY your success

Tiffany Wharton from Nashville
Nicole, I was with you briefly during the recording of Porgy and Bess in Nashville. I just wanted to say congrats to you! You sound and look wonderful. Hope to work with you again in the future!

Jackie Roh, Fresno, CA
Since your mom has posted a note, I'll add one as well--this is from your late grandmother's youngest sibling. Your grandmother was very proud of you and showed me one of your earliest videos. From this website I can tell much has happened since then--the range of your talent is mind-boggling. I look forward to our meeting one day--soon, I hope. From Great-aunt Jackie

Ryan Mack, Brooklyn, New York
Heard her sing last night at the Brooklyn Philharmonic. All I have to say is I had tears in my eyes listening to her sound. I have never heard ANY sound like that before. I am in Chicago often, and would love to treat you to dinner for the gift you have given me. God bless!

Julia Callahan (Gray)- NYC Eastman grad
Nicole, i was sad to have missed seeing you perform here on Friday. Congrats on all your success and i hope you're back at the hall soon!

Andy Parker Albuquerque soon to be Ann Arbor
Nicole was a good friend of mine at the Eastman School of Music. I have since fallen out of contact with her, but happily I stumbled across this pofile today. I always knew that Nicole would be extremely successful due to her amazing work ethic, huge talent, and terrific personality. I miss our chats, Nicole!!

Lisa V Camarillo (Sorisio student)
Nicole-you are my inspiration for performing (soloist-Los Robles Master Chorale)the Lakme Duet or any type of legit singing at all. I remember you struggling to tutor me in reading at my house! You always had such rich tone, flawless technique and elegance far beyond your years-WOW do you deserve your hard-earned success. I work in Special Education now and tell kids about music as much as I can because of artists like YOU-that inspire-Aloha-Lisa Van Volkenburg-Cogan

Nancy McAlister from LosAngeles,Calif.
Hi Nicole,I'm your counis on the Lanier side.I'm so proud of all you have done.Your MOM is my first cousin and I heard you sing on a CD MOM had. Great voice and God Bless you and keep you.Hope to meet you soon...Nancy

Tiffany Blake, Missouri (Eastman)
Nicole, it's so wonderful to see such a beautiful human being find such success in a buisness that can be so mean-spirited. All the best to you!

Annie Zara, ventura
i love nicole's voice... she is so beautiful and talented she has everything going for her! i hope u the best, nicole!

Hannah Garrett, Bradford, PA
I'm 14 and nicole came to my school today, she is so inspiring and just within 10 minutes she helped my voice soooo much she's incredible

Alexis Cregger from Eastman and Philly, PA
Girl, you better sing!!! I've really been enjoying seeing your career progress. I wish you all the best, and of course CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

chuck and ruth provow from highland park
we heard you at the martin theater in ravinia/you were sensational!!!

Jake, London, UK
I havent heard such tallent for ages! Nicole's artistry is hard to put on words! I'm under her spell! You are a STAR Nicole!

Xeno Coufal — Lyric Super
It was fun working with you in Vixen!

Jazmin Gorsline from NYC
Nicole! I am SO happy for you!!! You look and sound beautiful and radiant as always! I am so excited for you and your future . . .

J. Cheng from Toronto, Canada
What were you doing in a competition? You should be performing at the Met, La Scala or making recordings. Any opera house worth its salt should be proud to have you under contract. Amazing voice!!

Lucy McKellen, England
i'am only 15, and opera is not usally teenagers chioce of music. but when i heard nicole i couldn't help but idolise her. of all the voices i've heard, she is the best

John from County Cork, Ireland
Not only does she sing like an angel, she is beautiful as well. What a voice! What a stage presence!

Michelle Fiore Yaghmai
I watched your video, and all I can say is WOW!!! What a stunning voice you have and what an incredible performer you are...and absolutely gorgeous to boot. Brava, Bella! I expect to hear great things in the future from you! Congratulations!

Alexandra Phillips, Knoxville, TN
Nicole!!!! WOW!! YOU are AMAZING!!! I AM SO ECSTATIC about all of your success!! Congratulations, AMAZING STAR!! Love, Alex- from Eastman

Susan Colla, Ventura CA
I am overwhelmed with emotion and in awe to see what a beautiful and polished classical singer Nicole has become. And well deserved! I look forward to hearing her in person again soon! All of us who knew you "when" send love, and warm congratulations. Brava! Susan

Marta
Nic! You are as great a freind as you are a singer and artist (if that's possible-yes! It is possible!! You are the proof!! You are the greatest!) JAMBON! Paul and I love you and miss you sooooooo much!!! Paris will wait for our return !!(and "pan"!?!)!! Congrats again and I love you so much! Had soooo much fun on our European adventure! Marts

Ygor and Yuri Coelho, Fortaleza, Brazil
Hey Nicole, you have a really special voice! We loved the steadiness and warmth of your voice, and it's incredibly beautiful from bottom to top! We were impressed by your versatily, and it's really good to see someone who can sing an excellent trill and also sing in full voice. We're sure you're gonna have a great career! Best wishes

John and Kari Kaefer from NYC
Congratulations Nicole! To think we were once neighbors in the Eastman dorms! Terrific!

Jackie Shaw, Carson, California
Hi Nichol, this is your cousin Jackie in Carson. You sang for us at my mom's birthday celebration and was I ever surprised at your talent. You have come such a long way,and I just wanted to say congratulations I knew that you would someday be able to share your rare talents with the world. Tell your mom, hi, and I will be contacting her very soon. Love you, and God Bless. Jackie

Jean Kellogg from Chicago
I was on route to Nairobi when the finals took place. As soon as I landed, I found out via internet that you had won! They almost called the Kenyan police I screamed so loud with delight. Congrats!!! You are so deserving.

Keith, Newbury
If Nicole Cabell sang Isabel in "The Pirates of Penzance", could we please hear whoever sang Mabel?

Janice Lanier, Alhambra, CA
Dearest Cousin Nicole, From the first time I heard you sing at a family gathering I knew this was your destiny. You have an amazing gift. We are all so proud of you!!! I'll be first in line to see you at the Disney Concert Hall. :-) Love, Cousin Janice P.S. Hi Terri!!! Love you too!

Lachlan/ODB Belgium/Europe
Congratulations Ms Cabell. I hope dat you'll got the same career as your prestigious predecessors like Terfel, Karita... I'll follow nearest your career and excepct to see you really soon in Europe. Cheers, L.

Meg Sippey, Indiana, USA
Nicole! The first time I heard you sing back at Eastman, (singing "summertime" with the EWE) I was floored. You have such power. I am so happy for you!! I am sure you will continue to take people's breath away with your artistry and I hope that with this great accomplishment more people will be able to hear you around the world! This made my day!

Danan from NYC
Congratulations Nicole! You are the bomb! I heard you randomly on Prairie Home Companion and was blown away at how beautifully you sang. Can't wait to see what is next for you!

Lois from Chicago, IL
Congrats Nicole! As I watched the Finals online, I felt in my heart that you would win. You were absolutely amazing in every way. Can't wait to give you a big Hug when you return!!! I am SO proud of you!!!!!!

Desiree Ramirez Ventura, Ca. USA
From the moment we met in seventh grade, I knew the talent you carried would follow you thoughout your life. You are living proof that dreams do come true. You are such a beautiful person inside and out, and I'm so happy that people are finally reconizing your beautiful and amazing talents. Love and miss you....Desiree Ramirez

Michael from California
Congratulations Nicole! You are nothing short of amazing. Best of luck as you move forward with your professional opera career. The entire family, including those no longer with us are smiling and filled with joy and happiness when we think about what you have accomplished. Keep having fun. Love Michael & Margarita & lil Mikey. See you soon.

a Ha-Y-N
Yeah BABY!!! You show 'em!! SO PROUD OF YOU! Don't wanna hear ANY lip about nerves and stuff like that from NOW ON!! You got it. They ALL loved you. Here's what you've got to show for it. Love and kisses

Kim Lanier-King from Canyon Lake, CA USA
Congratulations Nicole! We have watched you grow up and become a beautiful and talented woman with a bright future ahead of you. We knew you were a star when you sang at our wedding 9 years ago. Your family is so, so proud of you. We love you!!!

Classes 5A & 5R Oakfield Primary School.
We knew you could do it. Congratulations!What an honour for us to have sung for the winner. Remember us and if you ever pass through Cardiff we would love to see you. Have a wonderful singing career.

terri cabell, ventura, California
Way to Go Nikki!!!!! We are soooo proud of you - and love you beyond words - Mom and family

Lilly from London
She is a star.

Robin Bricker from New York
Ms. Cabell....you are a STAR! I couldn't stop smiling when I saw that you were the winner. You deserve it, and you deserve all the success that will be yours as a result. I think of you often and send you love and support. There's so much I want to say to you and ask you! I hope our paths cross soon. Much love, Robin

Bobbie Schoenherr from Ventura, CA
Nicole, I am so proud of you. You have come a long way since San Luis Obispo. I only wish John were here to congratulate you. He knew you would succeed.Bobbie Schoenherr

Caroline, Zurich, Switzerland
Clearly a mega-superstar!!! What grace, what class, what beauty - and WHAT an amazing voice. You are one of those rare and flawless diamonds!

Petra, The Netherlands
A second Kallas is born! I'm an immediate fan!! What I wish to know if there are any recordings, CD's, etc of Nicole Cabell? Nicole is the best singer of these times! She outsings them all, including Studer, Bartoli etc, etc. The emotion she can touch. I cried (literally!)of the beauty of this great soprano! And I want to hear and enjoy more of her...this is what makes life worth living! Thanks, Nicole Cabell!

Allan Naplan, Madison Opera (USA)
Congratulations Nicole! Can't wait for your Pamina, next April, here at the Madison Opera. We're thrilled for your much-deserved success, and for the opportunity to present the new "Singer of the World" to our audience. Wishing you all the very best.

Boris from Munich
An absolutely justified decision of the jury. That was a breathtaking performance and deserved to win - a great commitment to the piece, which resulted into a singing of an intoxicating beauty. This girl will make a world career. Good luck!!!

Martin from London
The choice of Tippett and the Cellini showed fortune favours the brave. Try and fit the Uk into your future diary -- we do want to hear you in a complete opera ... soon.

Adriana Bennett from Newbury
A beautuful voice combined with a fine inteligence, maturity and high level of culture knowledge. Congratulations for the well deserved price!

Gwendolyn Brown from Chicago
Hi Nichole, I am so proud of you. Congrats on your win. I rushed home from church to see who won, and I was so elated that it was you. I know you worked so hard for this moment, and I am so glad that your hard work is really paying off. See you next season.

Susan Jordan Wiltshire, UK
Nicole was poised, elegant and had a beautiful voice. I wish Nicole all the best in her future endeavours.

Ellen and Stefan. Marbella, Spain
Congratulations!! You are a STAR!!!! Thank you for moving us to tears with the sublime beauty of your singing and humanity! Ellen and Stefan (Fine artists).

lauren c. from chicago
Best of Luck to you Nicole--you so deserve this honor!!! I'm soooooooo happy for you! Toi Toi! Love, Lauren:)

Glynne Hughes St Asaph
Nicole,yours was a stunning performance, how come you are so good? Your artistry was a reminder of Maria Callas.Thank you for the Menotti.Today I have found a complete recording of this little known opera and I am happy to make do with another's voice!Best wishes.

BD from COT (but in Moscow this evening)
Fantastic job Nicole - I m so thrilled for you, for LOCAA, and for all in Chicago's opera firmament. I'll be watching from Moscow this evening. Brian

Roger Honeywell Stratford Ontario Canada
Nicole, how wonderul for you! You sound amazing and you look as hot as ever. We're all pulling for you, much love Rog Ann Effie and Rowan. xxoo

Rodell from LOCAA
Go go Nicole!

Erica Strauss-Chicago
Hooray Nicole!!! You sounded amazing in the song final and I'll be rooting for you tomorrow for the orchestra final. You're amazing! toi, toi, toi.

Howard Phillips Swansea
a dazzling superstar

Jean Broekhuizen, New York, NY
Go go go Nicole! I will be flying to Italy while you sing on Sunday and I will be sending you positive vibes the whole way over the pond. I am simply thrilled for you, you deserve it! Congrats on the finals!!!!!

joss martin from uxbridge
the best.

CM Derby
Whilst I wholeheartedly agree with the vast number of comments above with regards to the technical competency and lyrical quality of Nicole's voice. It concerns me that so many comments overlook the clever programming that showed only these aspects of her singing. With a voice like this I'm sure that Nicole is capable of so much more than just technique. What a shame she chose not to show it! I expect greater things of her in the final if all the adulation above is deserved.

Hazel Morley from Manchester UK
Nicole - you are in a class of your own. The standard of singing at this year's 'Cardiff Singer' is amazingly high - I'm sure that all of them will have shining careers - yet, despite this, you stood out as being a complete all-round star with the full, tingle-factor package. I can't wait to purchase your first CD. And when you reach the top, which you WILL, please come to Manchester. Toi toi toi for the Final. I'll be rooting for you!

Alan Gregory from Wigan, England.
I literally wept at the sound of this glorious voice. In the Bellini the voice reminded me very much of the great American soprano Beverley Sills, but in the fantastic Menotti aria; which I had never heard before; the closing notes were were very much reminiscent of, dare i say it, Renee Fleming! If this girl doesn't win, to quote Grouco Marx, it will be the "greatest robbery since Brinx's......"

John from Newtownabbey
What a presence on the stage - riveting. A beautiful seamless voice used with such intellegence. Love to hear her sing "Glitter and be gay" from Bernstein's CANDIDE!

Hetty Ford from London
Nicole you are head and shoulders above the competition; my money is on you. Win or lose: Good luck with your no doubt stellar career.

Len Irons at Sidmouth
What an elegant and polished all round performance.Nicole has that rare quality that dominates in a sea of talent.

John Dalton, Newcastle, UK
I have never heard that Bellini aria sung better. WOW !!!! A winner. Where can I buy the recording.

Ry-an White-Miami Fl-USA
Simply beautiful

Nikita Nosov, Chicago
Great job Nicole! Wow, this is unexpected, you do deserve this for all of the sacrifices you’ve made to get here.

Claude in London
Absolutely stunning! Wholly impressive performance. Well done. You should be proud of yourself.

Katy Pracht - Chicago
Brava diva! Congratulations on your fabulous achievement. My thoughts and best wishes are with you. Knock 'em dead!

Joyce, Edinburgh, Scotland
Truly sensational last night, Nicole. A goose-pimple-raising performance. Good luck for the final - you deserve it.

Harry from London
A stunning performance, completely breathtaking. You will have a great career ahead of you!

Amy Bishop - Chicago
Go Nicole!!! We are all rooting for you and Quinn and so proud of both of you. Toi toi toi for the song final tomorrow and congrats on winning your concert! :)

Nicholas from Guildford
Once in a while you come across a singer that takes your breath away -the tingle factor - hard to define, but somehow you know it from the first note! Nicole Cabell is that rare example - and whether she wins the competition as a whole, I hope she has a stunning career ahead of her.

James - Cardiff
Absolutely stunning voice. Technically perfect and flawless. All the best for the future and i hope you win!

Valerie K from Bristol
Each note is a treasure.

Michael and Joy Rayner Ilkeston Derbyshire
Nicole, congratulations on winning last night,we are hoping that you perform in the final, we shall be rooting for you we did not have to wait for the judges decision we had you down as the winner as soon as we heard you. With every good wish for the final M&J Rayner

G.E. from Brighton - UK
What a joy to listen to your beautiful voice - such expression in your singing! We watched your stunning performance last night 15 June 2005 - Good luck and toi toi toi, Nicole, for your career and always.

David from London
This woman is a potential Opera megastar. she is fantastic! If she hasn't been offered record deals and future major venue performances before the end of the week, there is no justice.

Rodney Downes from West Sussex UK
I've just heard the third Cardiff semi-final. Nicole must take good care of her voice - it's really special!

maura coll ,coatbridge,scotland
nicole, what a voice!,what control! you are a star.

Dina Kuznetsova, Akron, USA
Nicole, sweetie, congratulations!!! Sending you all my love! It is also so wonderful when good things happen to good people:) Knock them dead!!!!! Love, Dina

Fred from Bangor
wow,you were AMAZING tonight.A clear winner.Congratulations.

G Motley, Derby
This is a fantastic, technically flawless voice, nice and rich too. Speaking personally, I did prefer some of the other stage personalities in this evening's programme, but the beauty of her voice made me forget that.

T. Chessa from Rotterdam
Well what can I say, perfect voice, perfect technique, perfect figure, perfect face, perfect everything. Only thing is I find so much perfection a bit boring actually. Also the choise of repertoire. Did not get moved by it at all, but maybe it's different when you are in the audience instead of behind the tv or the internet.

James Black Management, London
Was rooting for you from your first notes. Brava on a superb performance and congratulations on a well deserved success.

Carrie-Ann Matheson
Toi toi toi, Nicole!

Al Walavich from Chicago
Charm, grace, beauty, style and what a voice. I have treasured your performances at Lyric over the past three years and I am not surprised by your success. Sing from your heart and for the stars.

Classes 5A and 5R at Oakfield Primary School
Congratulations on winning last night. Good luck for the rest of the competition.We loved meeting you. From your friends at Oakfield.

Richard from Herefordshire
Nicole - you are head and shoulders above the other competitors I've heard. I think and hope you will win both competitions.

Carys Williams, Penygroes, Gwynedd
Saw the highlights last night - a well deserved win I am sure you will be well in the running Good Luck in the Final and in the future

Barbara Wright-Pryor, Music Critic, Chicago Crusad
Nicole, you're a wonderfully talented singer/artist. I wish you the very best at Cardiff.

Jean Broekhuizen
My thoughts are with Nicole as she competes this week at Cardiff--go for it girl! A beautiful voice, performer, woman, and most importantly, soul. See you soon, I hope! Hugs, Jean

Christoph Ptack from Lyric Opera of Chicago
Hey Nicole - What a wonderful experience for you. It was great seeing you before you left. Be the star that you are and all will fall into place. See you when you return ......

Victoria Lowczyk, Chicago
Nicole is both an outstanding perfomer, and an outstanding person. I am so very proud her.

MAD Romeo staircase with wheels - Chicago
All the best to you, sweetheart. Im so excited for the world to hear your beautiful singing! Remember the Llamas as we sing the Balcony Duet :)

Scott Ramsay - Chicago
It has been a pleasure watching Nicole grow as a singer, an artist and a performer. An AMAZING voice, and not to bad on the eyes either! =) Knock 'em dead babe! We are cheering you on!

Erin Wall, in Aix-en-Provence
Hey girl! You GOOOO! I will be thinking of you and checking the updates online - had hoped to fly over and hear you but with my rehearsal schedule it will be too difficult. I know you will be wonderful - and my wish for you is to have a wonderful time up there and enjoy the ride! Cardiff is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience! I'm proud of you and sending you lots of love!

TPTanzman, Israel
I wish you all the very best. Being from Chicago and atending the Lyric makes me root for you all the more

Lady from LOCAA
am so proud of you! knock em dead! yay!!!!!

Magda from Lyric Opera of Chicago
We're rooting for you, Nicole! and you know Bill Murray would be beaming, ear to ear...xoxomagda

Meredith Arwady from LOCAA
Yippee for Nicole! Hope all is going well across the pond, and all of LOCAA is pulling for our female representative. Best of luck! Meredith :)

Lisa Butcher, MN, USA
Nicole, I recently recognized you when I saw your Devon Cass photos in Classical Singer. I spent some time with you years ago at Oberlin in Cassalmaggiore, and had always wondered how you were doing. I was the other multiracial girl at that program, and I agree with your mother’s comments – your are a wonderful representative for the US. I recently performed as Treemonisha with the North Star Opera (a local company in MN) and have also worked with the Minnesota Opera. While, I hope to continue pursuing a musical career, I will soon begin a second master’s degree in speech pathology. I hope to also help professional singers and speakers with vocal abuse disorders. It is wonderful to see that you are doing so well with your professional career! Congratulations to you, and toi toi with the competition. Sincerely – Lisa with a “yahoo” I hope to hear more wonderful things from you!

Terri Cabell, Ventura, C
Nicole certainly represents the cultural diversity to be found in America. Her family background is a "melting pot" with roots in Asian, European, African, and Native American cultures. She's worked so hard to come to this chapter in her life, as have all the contestants - and we, her family, wish her all the luck in the world! With love, Mom