I just stumbled on this thread. Interesting topic and discussion. Im not 100% certain either way weather the WHOLE SHOW is or is not Lip-synced. However I will say this. Because this subject keeps comming up Im interested in knowing the truth either way. I will explain what I have observerd.

I have seen the show 13 times in total and will see it 1 more time this year. Ive seen the postings from day 1 about the possibility of Lip-synching. I have seen the show 6 times from the first row. I can say that I can hear their unamplified voices on stage. However there are times that it is really hard to tell. If there is Lip-synching going on then its bing done only on certain tracks. If that is the case it would be easy to fool you. One track would be live then another may be recorded. That is a possibility. One other reason I say that it is live is the fact being so close I have watched the choir very closly during a couple shows. They are the key. When watching and listening to them you can tell its live as you can hear them unamplified and at times on the stage they are very powerful and there is no mistaking the vocals from their mouths.

There are things that I have observed that also lend credibility to the Lip-synching theory. One thing I have noticed is there are times when during the vocals (both with the choir and the soloists) I have noticed that the lights on their microphone packs warn on their backs are not light then at times in the same number they are lit up yet I have still been able to hear their unamplified voices. Could it be that it is live on stage yet a prerecorded track being played over the sound system during the same number. I think thats possible but can be 100% sure.

1 thing I do know for a fact is that there is a small delay between whats going on on stage and what is heard over the sound system. This fact was stated to me by Kelvin Thompson the alternate musical director in Seattle.

During all the shows I saw with Hayley that I saw I have no doubt that she was live in all the numbers that she did. She made so many mistakes in Boston, Moheagen Sun, CT. and Both shows in New York that there wasnt any doubt that it was live and not Lip-synched. I understand that she has gotten alot better since those shows.

I love CW very much, met them many times, and maintain in contact with the members via internet. Ive traveled over 50,000 miles in total to see the shows and I for one enjoy it weather or not it is Lip-synched at times. I concede that there may be Lip-synching going on from time to time but it is so hard to tell because I can hear their unamplified voices comming from the stage. That coupled with the fact that there is an intentional delay of the sound system confirmed to me by Kelvin I think its very likely that its a combo of both live and prefabed.

As far as Mairead not playing I know for a fact that she is playing as she knows me and when Ive been in those front row seats she will spend alot of time and make the effort to play within 3 feet of me during the show. All the performers love us and know us. There are a few of us that have supported CW from day one. Their management on the other hand is a different story. Im shocked they they even answered any emails concerning Lip-synching or any other subject. I know it isnt Dave "Murry Wilson" Kavanagh answering emails. I can go on and on about the deception from the management of CW, PBS, Madstone, and the PBS stations but those problems are not the performers fault. If their is Lip-synching its not by the performers choice. The only excepting to that is if one of them were sick and was having a hard time singing then I could see them wanting to Lip-sync. The members of CW love what they do and love thier fans. I dont believe for 1 second that they would want to decieve their fans or want to make their fans feel let down in any way. I will say this....One of the members went out of their way to express their understanding to my being upset with those in their management. These performers are the real deal IMO and I beleive that most if not all the show is live. However I will concede its possible there are parts that may not be live. If that is the case I cant tell. But ill be looking for anything out of place when I travel to Washington DC in June for the last show of the year.

ALCAN1

Tony P.
VALDEZ ALASKA

Toronto 2006 Asst Group Event Host
New York City Group Fan Forum Host-
March 2007