Anette Leaves Nightwish

*****Originaly posted on October 2, 2012*****

So, yesterday Nightwish announced that they and Anette have parted ways. I can say that it was something that I didn't fully expect. But I have mixed feelings about it.

For one, I always thought that Anette's voice, while beautiful, wasn't the right fit for Nightwish. Don't get me wrong, I loved the albums "Dark Passion Play" and "Imaginaerum". Each of them had songs that easily get stuck in my head. Where I think her voice didn't fit is the power songs. There's an aspect of Anette's voice that is beautiful but is to "pop-ish" for Nightwish. When I think of Nightwish, I think of soaring arias and beautiful operatic vocals.

Second, after doing only a few minutes of research, I think I have found out why they have decided to go separate ways. On Anette's blog "anette-olzon.blogspot.com" she stated:

"I was never asked if it was ok they used Elise and Alica in the show last night. I don't think it's a good decision they made and I'm sorry for those of you who came to see the whole band but got something else. But I was very ill and this decision wasn't mine."

I realize that she was sick and in the hospital, but if there is someone willing to step in for one show to keep from canceling the show, use them and keep the show going. It's a huge financial loss for a lot of people involved if the show is cancelled. Her point about "To think a show is more important than the humans in the band is for me, so totally not in this world." I somewhat agree with. But, it's also pretty selfish to think that the entire show revolves around you. I think that the guys in Nightwish saw this and called her out on it.

However, I think it does show, to some extent, that Tarja wasn't the complete "diva" that she was made out to be. Being that this is the second vocalist that Nightwish has gone through. In the open letter to Tarja, Toumas said "You were always the only one who wanted more money from the shows...This "compensation and more money from everything" -attitude..." Basically saying that Tarja was the one being greedy. But, in Anette's defense, it sounds like the guys from Nightwish are the greedy ones after all.

All in all, I think it's sad that Anette and Nightwish had to part on such terms. I wish Anette the best of luck in whatever career she pursues, musical or not. As for Nightwish, I am anxious to hear who the next vocalist will be and what the next album will sound like.

Oh, and best of luck to Floor Jansen finishing out the Nightwish Imaginaerum tour!!! I wish I could go to one of those concerts!!