CelticWomanForum.com

What are your ideas, dream, vision etc

After Homecoming

How about The American Cutie Kimberly and the Original Member Reunion? That'll star me as Kimberly AJ.

I personally hope Celtic Woman goes for some new Classical music. I love when they do the big, group opera pieces that show off their talents. My favorites are still songs like Jesu, Joy, Non Ce Piu, and Time To Say Goodbye. I hope they continue with that. And I hope they give Susan more theatre music, give Mairead some beautiful ballads (like they did with the thus-far-unused A Time For Us), give Eabha more Irish songs (I LOVE hearing her sing in Irish), and let Tara finally sing!

I’m familiar with the “you can’t go home again” adage, and I have no problems with Gavin Murphy; but I would like CW management to make amends with David Downes and ask him to come back.  The shows lack that “Downes touch” that made the CW concerts so special.  His creativity and vision are sorely missed, and I would reeeeeally like to see what he could do with this line-up.
 

I envision there is a big surprise project coming in the works for Summer. My vision dream horizon speculates a big surprise has to be important for CW. Most cases important refers to something within the groups history. Perhaps Mairead N is ready to return for more CW. A new special with the new songs featured such as Homeland with featured special guest former member Alex Sharpe!
A THIRD Holiday SPECIAL with those who had not been involved in like Mairead C, Eabha, Tara, with Guest Lynn Hilary and Alex Sharpe much like HFC with Meav. Former members as Guest is so great. Already Meav participation has brought new life core to the group.

Agreed.

I think they really need new songs. Some of the ones on tour have been done so many times over the years. I would love them to go to a more Celtic feel.

Also, I really miss the a Capella group numbers. They would only do one per show, but the songs really showed off how good the voices were as a whole. They haven't done one of those in years.

If I had to guess there is a new album in the offing this summer, which probably will include some or all of the new pieces they have been doing on tour this year.  Maybe they will shoot somewhere other than Ireland.  I doubt there will be any permanent returns of any past members, although as this year has shown anything can happen.  Mairead Nesbitt seems to be having too much fun doing her own thing to return yet, if ever.  I think David Downes is out of the picture for good, and the less said about that the better. 

Personnel changes are of course a possibility.  Susan is now on her sixth year and MC is in her fifth.  Believe it or not Eabha is now on her third.   More importantly, with Eabha getting married during the break, the group will be entirely composed of married women for the first time in its history (it's always included at least one or two unmarried members in the past), including three of prime childbearing age.  I really think some baby breaks are coming up, and those may result in some temporary help from Alex, Lynn, Meav (she's there anyway, her "gowning up" temporarily would be easy), Rebecca Winckworth, or (unlikely) Annabelle, or some new permanent hires if the new moms decide not to return.  Of course Tara isn't so easily replaced, but neither was Mairead N. 

Beyond recording the new pieces that they are already using this year, I don't know what else could be next.  Clearly there is some fan fatigue with some of the longtime standards, and I don't blame the fans, the girls have been singing Amazing Grace and Danny Boy and YRMU since the beginning and Mo Ghile Mear since 2006.  The thing is I don't know what will grab the fans' attention and hold it again.  It's definitely not the original show now, nor the New Journey that heralded the act's coming of age.  As pointed out many times this is a show, not a group, so I try to think of it at least to some degree the same way as I might think of a TV show.  14 years would be a long run for a live-action (excluding animated stuff like The Simpsons) TV show, generational shows like Law and Order and Gunsmoke, which viewers literally grew up on, are the exception, not the rule.  I myself was a long-time fan of both ER and NYPD Blue, which lasted for 15 and 12 years respectively and kept on changing as the years passed.  Eventually I started to suffer from change fatigue and possibly length fatigue on both.   

Every good story has an end, and I wouldn't be too too sorry if this one ended after a decade and a half.

I hope they find a way to keep it going.

Long-running shows like the Simpsons overstayed their welcome long ago in my book. But while the Simpsons was fun, I never loved it like I love Celtic Woman. Not even close.

The Phantom of the Opera debuted on Broadway in 1988, and on the West End two years earlier. Of course the cast has changed over time, but that's been almost exactly the same show for 30 years. I don't think people ever got tired of that (granted, it's not a touring show like Celtic Woman, so it's not quite the same thing).

I still love Celtic Woman, more than just about anything. I do wish they'do more new songs. The new ones on the Destiny and Homecoming tours were all so good!

I honestly don't feel like this group or their act are tired.

The fact that all the girls are at roughly the same point in their personal lives is a concern. I don't know if management is prepared to turn over all 4 girls in the span of a few years or not, especially now that Dave Kavanagh, David Downes, and Sharon Browne are all gone (David Downes is doing his own thing and I think Sharon Browne is still with Celtic Thunder).

The album sales have definitely slipped a bit recently, but Voices of Angels was mostly re-arrangements of old songs, the Homecoming album was almost the same as Voices of Angels but for a few songs, and The Best of Christmas was a compilation album. Even so, those albums are still doing really well, just not with the same level of dominance they used to. All-new material may still have a really strong showing.

All good things, even the best things, come to an end. One day Celtic Woman will too. But I really hope the end is still a long way off for Celtic Woman. They're all so talented, they have so much more still to offer, and I love them so much. <3

Yup, more than a few TV shows have overstayed their welcome: NYPD Blue, ER, JAG, CSI and probably both of the spin-offs, and I am beginning to think Criminal Minds is getting there, and maybe it's almost time for Olivia Benson to take her retirement from the NYPD.  Phantom is kinda apples and oranges, it's been the same show all the time and it doesn't actually tour.  I don't think the current soloists are tired, BUT I do think the act is beginning to find its limits as to how much it can change and still keep the audience.  I do think some of the fanbase may have moved on, but that's normal. 

I see we both agree that having all the soloists in pretty much the same place, and, putting it politely, especially this place in their personal lives is a concern.  As I said in another post, it isn't the organization's place to tell any soloist what she can or can't do in her personal life, BUT it is very much the organization's place to tell the soloists you get this much leave before you have to return or be replaced.  Of course I'd like to see the organization be supportive of its members, however, they can only hold a spot open for so long.  I doubt it's likely to come to a conflict, though, presumably everyone knows their plans and they discuss them so there are few surprises. The act survived the huge turnover from 09-12 where five soloists came or went, so quien sabe'?

I must admit that PPAC was FULL when I saw the ladies and they got a LOOOOOONG standing ovation.....so hopefully that will give them the impetus to continue. When I told Tara that this was my 8th show, she said "that`s a lot!" I told her"if you keep singing, I`ll keep coming"...I think 99% of the CW fans would feel the same.

The thing is, Celtic Woman still has SO many untapped Irish songs they could cover! Fields Of Athenry, The Holy Ground, Phil The Fluther's Ball, and SO much more! Destiny was a wonderful album that proved Celtic Woman was still relevant and that the new management could still make something out of the show without David Downes. Westering Home still remains one of my all-time favorite group songs CW has ever done!

That being said, they seem to going through the same post-Believe issues. After Believe came Emerald, a rehash of old songs. And the post Believe Tour CW felt tired. In the same way, the post Destiny Tour CW feels tired, but only from lack of new material. Homecoming's setlist has really added some great new material for CW. I think that if they throw out some of the old favorites and replace them with new songs that can easily become fan favorites, they'll be fine!

For example, the new Mo Ghile Mear has grown on me a lot. I like it and want them to keep it. Plus the English verses are more in line with the traditional words  of the song which make the traditionalists happy. Danny Boy is a staple so I don't see it leaving anytime soon. But the new arrangement is different from the old ones and it works well with the string accompaniement. Throw out Dulaman. The new isn't as good as the old and it's tired anyway. Get rid of TAR and replace it with another fun song like Phil The Fluther's Ball or Whiskey In The Jar. And Amazing Grace (their #1 song on YouTube) could be replaced with How Great Thou Art. I personally would LOVE to hear the girls cover that!

The new songs are fantastic! I'll be posting some vids for you guys soon that someone uploaded of the actual concert. Go check out the Spring Tour 2018 Vids page!

Oh, How Great Thou Art would be good. When I saw them last month, I liked the new solos. At the same time, the show did seem a bit tired. It really does come down to needing new songs. There are so many traditional Irish songs they haven't done. I think them doing a majority of new songs would make a significant improvement.

That's my thinking too. I think they need to bring out some new material. From what I saw on YouTube, their new material is AWESOME!!! I LOVE Murphy's Ballroom Of Romance!

How about "The Unicorn Song"?

With David Downes we knew what to expect. For instance with new songs on tour it showed that a promise those would be part of the new special we be excited. We knew the basis of the specials. Now we don't as much. SFTH was special because none of us knew they would do it again, not a special with a castle, but incorporate white dresses again like anj did. Believe was most surprising it took a completely different turn by the setlist, the songs approach it took a little adjustment but made it was unique it's own I'd say for the 1st time! Destiny proved it once again.
The Special's were the Best and the Isle of Hope Tour was unique. I would say only after Believe, except for HFC, & Destiny that the special's weren't no more the Best. To kept on the Best a Decade Tenth Anniversary Special was far better than an Emerald Gems. Although now I am glad they did an Emerald special for Lisa Lambe to showcase her as a true Celtic Woman with Chloe and Susan had Lisa L left and didn't stay while Anniversary time. With Emerald Gems it was also interesting how the trio continued thriving without Lisa K there. Aside from that and Chloe in one last participation, a 10th Anniversary Special Celebration DVD & CD was missing, A Voice's of Angel's Classical Taping in a Grand Hall or Italian Portofino venue was missed aside from Homecoming because Voice's of Angel's was too beautiful not to have it's own special. It's hard because one way it's all new arrangements but the fact is all member's have voice's of angel's, whether to keep the name for the special or else have it called Angelic by Celtic Woman.
Everyone expects a Tenth Anniversary Special to have Chloe, Lisa K, Meav, Orla for SURE! I hope the reason they didn't do a
DVD or Celebration simply because Lisa Kelly and Chloe Agnew weren't part of it. In a sense only after Believe had Celtic Woman did the most BEST AGAIN!! (but thanks to David Downes of course) Meav be with Lisa L & Susan a FIRST and back with CW for the first time in year's! Now having Meav again for Destiny & VOA Album is splendid. The opposite though is you have Lynn Hilary and Alex Sharpe each with only 1 DVD with CW, copyright blocks, you have the helping heart hand of Lynn to help with The Emerald Tour and the helping heart hand of Alex help with the Homecoming Tour in 2018. You have both of them to be there for fans to celebrate the Tenth Anniversary Tour. After so much help and caring for this group :-[ Lynn is not a Guest on Destiny instead Rebecca Winkworth. Lynn and Alex don't have either a Christmas Special nor a Dulaman or The Voice studio recording on a CW Album. It's a bit sad to not be thankful for Lynn and Alex commitments to help Celtic Woman out when they need it. Look's like however they're caring efforts for Celtic Woman are bringing them fame and recognition through CaraNua which now has a breaking view record on a release which I wonder if Celtic Woman are letting go missed opportunities to signify Lynn and Alex as important CW members. Lisa L & Susan aren't different from Lynn & Alex. Are Alex and Lynn only there to fill in and seen as replacements while Lisa L and Susan are noble CW members. (?)

We are thankful for Lynn and Alex and Song's From The Heart. They both at least should be offered as Special Guests
on a new special same as Meav let alone have a place on a Holiday/Christmas Special as well!*

We have no idea Voice's Of Angel's will not have a Special.
We have no idea a thing called Homecoming Live would become the VOA special..
We don't know or guarantee because of Homeland and Murphy's Ballroom would we get
a Homeland Special or a Voice's of Angel's Part 2 by the Spanish Lady resemblance in English then maybe
a Homecoming Live Part II at the 3-Arena.  :(

Survivor is one show that comes to mind that's lost its luster for me. It was my favourite show for a long time. They keep mixing things up a bit, but it's more or less the same thing with different people each season. Survivor was just really entertaining though. Celtic Woman really touched my heart.

For me, a lot of the Voices of Angels songs didn't feel like retreads because they were so different.

I do like it even more when they perform new songs for me to fall in love with though. Going Home and The Long Journey Home I hadn't heard before Homecoming and WOW they were beautiful! <3

So yes, I would really love for them to have a higher proportion of new material in their shows, but even if they don't, my heart is still theirs.

I've been providing feedback to the girls and Celtic Woman on social media about how much I love the new songs.

I'm hoping that if enough people express their appreciation for the new material, there will be greater emphasis on new material in subsequent tours / albums.

I wish people would 'complain' less about the old favorites getting stale. I'm sure that kind of feedback doesn't make the girls feel great about what they do. There's a positive way to express the same opinion.  ;)

Hi Guys & Gals,

I don't know if people still post here but saw them tonight @ still fabulous :-)   

sorry been inactive for a bit, and cant seem to change my username

Hi.

I'm sorry the forum is giving you trouble with your username.

A lot of us still post here, but the admins don't seem to be actively managing this forum as much as they used to.

A new forum got started that is being actively administered: www.celticwomanforum.net

If you want to try changing your display name, here's how I would do it:

1. Click on Profile underneath the banner.
2. Click Account Related Settings on the left.

It won't let you change your username (what you log in with).

It will let you change your display name if you want (that's the "Name" field). The display name is what people see on the forum when you post.

Hope this helps.

 "Hi everybody it's yup I'm back surprise surprise. I am happy to share the spotlight with you all for this tour coming and can't wait to share the show with the other girls I'm really delighted to be with my ambassador Susan, and also Eabha, & Mairead, again with Alex who was reported to be on board again for this leg for this one. Wait What? Did you say Lynn is also back of the bus well I guess we could squeeze in one more.  I don't know where we will begin David is having a massive hard time with the set list trying to transition Homeland into a 8 member piece. Did I just hear 8? So is Chloe on this one too? Oh Meav then who is eight? Orla has been interested and the production company won't refuse her. Oh wait I got a tweet Chloe is tweeting me she is lonely touring and said she wouldn't mind sharing the bunk with Mairead N after all Mairead Nesbitt said she would be back. I guess I'll share with Miss Tara. I can't? Why so..oh Lisa L is in the bunk with her we are 9 now due to Orla.
Now David doesnt know what to do. :D

quote author=CWazyTom link=topic=21750.msg1059560#msg1059560 date=1524936775]

Hi.

I'm sorry the forum is giving you trouble with your username.

A lot of us still post here, but the admins don't seem to be actively managing this forum as much as they used to.

A new forum got started that is being actively administered: www.celticwomanforum.net

If you want to try changing your display name, here's how I would do it:

I agree. The new arrangements are lovely, but they are a bit too sleek and normal. David's style is absolutely unique and amazingly full and complex, and I miss it.

I Love Both! David's had more emotion factor! I wonder if he had to update the favorite classic songs by an orchestra would it be as more spectacular than the least we have with these fantastic new renditions.

I may be wrong, but I think we're going to see a new Celtic Woman member.

Soon.  ;)

really.. Added ....a soprano? Is that just guessing or a feeling because you saw something.. ;D

Where did you get this idea? O.O

I hope your not referring to Abbi participating in one of the tour shows in Texas.

I'm wondering that too....   :-\

That emoji Meaviac you put is as if one of the current members will decide to leave thus we will get a new one. :-\ unless that's a confused emoji'.

These hints are so confusing, what is going on guys???!!!

Annebel???

Will the new version Nil sen La be on the next DVD in line next...

Maybe.

She's been kept pretty well sheltered though. Videos of her on YouTube are posted by other people and comments are locked down. She's got a minimal public social media presence. I get the impression her family doesn't want her to get swept away in the music industry to early in life.

I'm not saying it's impossible, but I would be surprised to see her performing regularly with Celtic Woman in the near future.

I doubt that, but who knows... But where does the "fifth member theory" come from? I haven't been really observant with CW for a few months and am not really up to date. Where does all the speculation come from, and what exactly is speculated about? Could someone help me?

I don't recall there is anything but not saying its not possible of having a five person format to come back. Shining Bright all I heard was that Mairead Announced while still early in the year there would be a Big surprise set for Summer. I don't think Anabel has to do with it other than she got to perform with them at her home city show if that is her home, anyway the show she was at in attendence!. As much as I love the lineup how it is and the way the songs are perfectly made for 3 iconically as of right now. To have 4 soloists I think brings Celtic Woman back to the level it was because we are all familiar with trios and trio talent but a four some with blending is more a glorious thing how it comes one!

Although Chloe was younger than Annebel when she joined CW.

Yes she was, but that was still a bit of a different situation. She had worked with David Downes before, her father toured with the group, etc. Also, it was intended to be only one concert, and then everything else just... well, happened. But yes, Anabel could become a new member. I still think it's unlikely.

I don't think there will be a fifth member any time soon.

 There is nothing to  substantiate  my following wish.... but I would like to see Emer Barry  do a promo shoot with the girls like they did for Tir Na Nog.    :-*

It is possible.

I think there will be 5 pieces of big news coming very soon:
- 'News' from at least one current member
- At least one new member (possibly a previous one, but my gut tells me it'll be at least one new one)
- There's still the rumored surprise, which I suspect might be a Best of Christmas DVD with the new member
- The Best of Christmas tour (pretty sure most of us know that's coming already)
- The 2019 tour. Even the name of the tour might be significant.

What makes you guess that?  ???

Very Soon???

Because....if your not saying 5th member anytime soon, then one new member or previous is coming.. So...
Mmmmmm


Mairead N previous returns as violinist or this is not!!
Alex Sharpe for Susan (rumor though)
New member for one current member leaving...or taking a break..?

They're filming a new special in September, according to a new post on their Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/celticwoman/videos/10156533729192838/ (https://www.facebook.com/celticwoman/videos/10156533729192838/)

The bit about the additional news makes me think the Susan rumors may be true. Especially with the news about Caranua getting a new member.

Yeah, But what does Caranua & Susan have to do?
Is Alex taking Susan's place again or is Lynn but Alex makes the Best CW Again for Susan's spot!

You are making sense RFCW.   Your logic is sound.  I hope you are right for my sake since I have never actually met Alex yet.   :)

Yes I did see the new taping for September at the castle!  And w Cara nua it is not susan (not sure what rumor was floating around?) but someone else I have not heard of or seen. She is also blonde and tall and maybe around Susan’s age. Her name’s lisa Nolan.

The rumour is that Lisa Nolan will fill in for Alex in CaraNua, so Alex can fill in for Susan CW because the other rumour is that Susan is pregnant. We'll find out soon enough.

Alex filling in for Susan is a strong possibility, but I think it's equally likely that Alex will stay with CaraNua and that either:
- CaraNua will tour with 4 members
- CaraNua will tour with 3 members and rotate so that the other commitments of any one member wouldn't disrupt a tour

But yes, we should have many answers very soon.  :)

Susan will sing with a baby bump September?
Alex will tour the US with Celtic Woman ...

I personally don't believe in the rotating members theory, and I don't think any private speculation is of use. I am simply excited about the show and will definitely buy the dvd! And I'm happy with either line up :D

I don’t like the rumor mill ever. But, it may seem to be more true than none w Susan. I just saw some Instagram pics w her and anto as of recently, and she may very well maybe pregnant?! Not big yet but small enough where they probably have to do the taping when they are. And probably dress and camera manic if she decides to do the taping and not say anything. And how she is showing, possibly, she may have the baby before the next tour or at least maybe split the tour w Alex?? But I wonder what would happen w anto too? He’s a big part of the show as sue?! And it would be easier for them to be together! And I’m sure we will see to w da has wedding soon and we can tell then a little more! But it is up to both if they want to announce or not?!

Ok side note. She may very well not be pregnant?! I can see the pics were rumors started but, idk. The one confusing pic was earlier in the month (right after her vacation and rumored pics) where she was having a “drink” w her cousin.

Of course. I said it was a rumour that she's pregnant. She hasn't made anything official and to be honest, it's nobody's business but her's. On the other hand, if she is pregnant, she could still record a concert, even though she probably couldn't do a full tour.

Not sure if she is and yes only
Her business if she wants to say! But the pic w the drink threw me off?! And IF she is expecting they can work w her on the taping but probably due last half of the tour if anything.

 it just holds to reason right now that there is 'probably" no other viable fill-in for Susan right now other than Alex. .  I say this in regard to upcoming touring.  The taping is another matter.  another possibility ( unsubstantiated) is that Meav could write herself into either the taping or  even the Christmas tour if need be. But as others have said- we will see.   :-\ 

Either that or a brand new member.

I think either a former member or a new one is equally likely for the DVD and subsequent Christmas tour (possibly 2019 tour). I suspect they would do a former member again for something unexpected. This, if what we suspect is true, is something CW management has known about for a long time and would necessitate either a long-term commitment from someone (probably a new member).

Another possibility would be a fill-in for the DVD and possibly for the Christmas tour as well, then a different lineup for the 2019 tour (with the Homecoming Tour lineup or possibly a new member at that point).

Lots of possibilities, assuming our suspicions our indeed true.

If I had to guess, I'd say we will have at least the answer with regards to the DVD and Christmas tour this week.

If a new member comes then if Susan isn't leaving for good then this member would end up status as Deirdre or Alex but unless Eabha or Mairead leaves like Orla did then, that (Susanesq) singer would lead two power house singers unless a gentler Lisa K gal came about. :) Alex is special because she is next member for operative next to Chloe, Susan/LisaK, and lower alto to fill the void of Eabha, Mairead and of course Susan for as long a necessity that's flexible. That new member besides would have to score as close to Susan because Alex doing a signature justice to The Voice for Lisa Kelly or Susan is as close as it gets as filler. Remember you are replacing the void of Susan. Either Lisa K or Alex would do but closer to Sue in my opinion is Alex!

I rather they tribute Alex than a new member that won't be a Celtic Woman if Susan stays and they stay three. Alex deserves it if Meav can! Lynn also. When will our helpers with only 1 DVD not be let a 2nd DVD!!!!!! Its just for one year or half a year come on!
Rebecca did Destiny like Guest but not CW weird instead of Lynn.

Lisa Nolan has "stepped in" for Alex in Caranua (Dec 2017).   Alex, of course has filled in for Susan in CW previously.    Maybe the rumors are not so far off. 

Her and antos pictures throw me off! A few looks like she may be having a baby and then some where it’s just head shots or not showing stomach and also a few drinks. I guess we will soon find out, if she wants to announce!? I also noticed that anto and sue are the only ones who haven’t went and recorded yet. I know sue doesn’t post a lot or quickly and anto had something big going on so, sue may have been waiting for him and go over this week to record? I know it won’t be just wanna and misread and Tara at the taping and tour?!

There are clues on Twitter that Alex is staying with CaraNua, so that would most likely mean a new Celtic Woman member is coming.

If Susan is staying.

I would like Alex touring because a new member means one
Celtic Woman member is out.
!!!!

Do you mean CW going back to a 4 vocalist set up ? I would like that too, but I'm not sure it would happen. Maybe for the recording ?

I think (I could be mistaken) he means that that if a member ended up taking leave from the group (as is suspected to be happening soon), that member may or may not return to the group some time next year. If that member felt strongly that she would be back full time with the group some time next year, then rfcw would rather have a former member (a certain former member in particular) fill in instead of bringing in a brand new member for a year. If, for example, Sue (or any other member) were to take leave soon, then rfcw would love to see Alex (or another beloved former member) fill in for her until she returned ... unless Sue (for example) doesn't expect to be back.

If they were to expand to 5 members (4 singers) that would be fantastic, but I don't think it's likely.

 ;D :P :o Well Put About rfcw! (Moi)!!!*

Susan apparently has some "news" to share with the fandom, at least according to that video with the High Kings.  Whether that news is a baby or not is unknown at this time.  If it is she's going to have to reveal eventually, or her belly will do it for her.  If she is, she'd be about 8-12 weeks along now, meaning a due date of late February or early March.  If that's the case, then she'd definitely be out for next spring's tour, because presumably she'd be on maternity leave, and maybe out for Christmas, depending on her doctor's thoughts on whether she was up to touring then.  Yes, I know LK toured while carrying big with Ellie, but two different people might well take two different approaches - notably LK was younger then than Susan is now (31ish vs. 35ish, when the risk of things like Downs Syndrome start to increase).  Assuming all this to be true it might necessitate the hiring of a new member fairly long-term, as Alex was hired to take over for Lisa during maternity leave or Deirdre was hired to step in for Meav who had just had a baby.  The alternative is a rotation as was done in 2015, when Alex, Meav, Lynn, and MC all rotated in and out.  Alex has proven herself willing to step up, but for no more than a month or so at a time, as touring life is difficult.  Whether Meav would be willing to step out of her musical director role and "gown up" or Lynn to also step in are unknown.   


An interesting side development, which may or may not tie in with this, is Cara Nua's addition of Lisa Nolan to the roster.  Apparently Cara Nua is doing this to allow all members to maintain their solo careers, and will continue performing as a trio, with varying composition depending on who is available.  Could they be doing this because they know CW will be throwing out some short-term gigs soon and Alex and Lynn want to take them?  Maybe.  Still, this is all speculation, and dangerous to engage in.         

I'm not sure we want to go much further down this road before anything is announced. But if Sue is as we suspect, I'm almost positive they knew before the start of the Homecoming tour. If that's the case, then she'd be due around October-December. Could she do a concert in September? Maybe. Could she be on a tour in November-December? Definitely not. It's certainly possible she could return for the spring tour, but would she want to be away from a new child for 4 months or take care of a newborn while on a tour? I suspect not.

If she were due in October she'd be 6 months pregnant and obvious.   

I didn’t hear any news from the high kings or sue thankfully. And not speculating especially w different messages w the last couple pictures. But her or anto weren’t at the recording nor anyone different that I heard of. And if she is w baby and die before the spring tour next year it will be easier having anto ny her side. If speculation is true she may not sue the taping or Christmas tour. Taping is a possibility but not a tour. And not sure piper wise what would happen IF Susan doesn’t do the spring tour next year since anto im sure will be right their w her!? We shall see! And watch in the next two week for pics from eabhas weddjng, might be able to tell more!

I would also like to point something out: Lots of people were commenting on CW performing with THK saying that Susan was touching her stomach a lot so she must be pregnant. But if you watch any of the CW vids with Susan, you'll find that, when she doesn't have choreography to do, half the time Susan will put her hands to her chest and stomach. Look at the end of Mo Ghile Mear from Emerald. She does it quite a bit there.

I'm only saying this because, seeing as I posted the links on another thread, I feel I'm responsible for this rumor mill. But the fact is, I DIDN'T say pregnant cuz we don't know. Susan will tell us her news when she feels she wants to. For all we know, it could end up being something like in 2013 where she ended up doing Cats but nobody really knew! Speculation is great and all. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

At their introduction with the High Kings Susan was asked if she wanted to share her "news".  With her beautiful smile, she shook her head "no".

Éabha's wedding is in about a week. I don't know that they can wait until after that to reveal all the big news. I think we'll have a lot of answers / confirmation within the coming days.

We'll know a lot soon...I just  feel it.   

She puts her hands on her diaphragm to help her sing. Chloe does it as well when she sings. Actually, I think all the girls do it time to time while singing.

  Yeppers ....   8)

Sue had her hair extensions done at Great Lengths on the same day as the Celtic Woman photo shoot.

That suggests she is going to be a part of the Johnstown Castle production and new album. If that's the case, we probably won't have more information as far as "what's next" until October, after the show.

Ok a few things I got from this. She might have not mentioned about recording but anto was doing something that week. If pregnant and showing during taping )IF) she could have them work camera magic and have synan do a dress that conceals! And she may have the baby, if she is, before the tour and come on tour next year but choose not to say! But we will find out next week during eabhas wedding and all the pics! Unless she does head shots and keep it secret! But that will be a very good indicator!
Oh and not to stir anything up but I did see the said video w the high King’s. The one someone was in front of the camera so I couldn’t tell but the second video I could. Yes she is doing all the was said on the thread. But, the way she had her hand, which yes I know she and other singers do that!) but her hand on the stomach seemed a bit further away and she turnded sideways for a second and looks like a possible bump?! But her dress concealed it very well! And looked really cute and comfy! But that’s. Def what I got from the video!?

Now that Susan has officially announced she's taking leave from Celtic Woman (congrats Sue and Anto), the question remains: what's next?

It sounded from Sue's video today that she thinks there's a possibility she won't be back, but she's keeping the door and her mind open to the possibility of return.

Whether or not she recorded anything for the new album I don't know.  She may have recorded with them a few weeks ago and didn't post about it.  Also, they did appear to be recording some songs before the tour, so maybe Sue got in some songs then.  But with her announcement coming before the Johnstown Castle show, there's almost no chance she'll be a principal performer in that show and certainly no chance she'll be on the Best of Christmas tour this year.

We believe there is an announcement coming soon from CaraNua about a possible tour in the US.  That doesn't necessarily rule out Alex for the Johnstown Castle show or the Best of Christmas tour.  But I think we'll see a brand new member announced either today or tomorrow, which would signal that Sue will not be on the 2019 North American tour at the very least.

I know not everyone was keen with Celtic Woman giving Sue retread after retread of Lisa Kelly's signature songs, but regardless of what one thought of her role with the group, one must acknowledge the great vocal balance she had with Mairead Carlin and Eabha.  I have no doubt that the next member of Celtic Woman will be incredibly talented, but Sue fit in so perfectly in recent arrangements / harmonies.  I'm curious to see if they try to make the new Celtic Woman sing those same arrangements.  Personally, I think they would be better off moving forward with new songs and new arrangements than trying to fit anyone new into Sue's shoes.

What do you think?

Any guesses (besides Alex or Anabel Sweeney) as to who the next Celtic Woman might be?

First huge congrats to sue and anto!! But we shamal see about the taping? W stna s dress manic and camera manic it may work?! But we will see if a new member arises? Specially w anto being a key role to! But she may have kept the recordings private though since she is like that and I don’t blame her ( loved how she waited till after eabhas wedding to announce!) definitely no way for the Christmas tour and anto doesn’t do that one anyways (I think, and never been to a Christmas concert). But I have a feeling 4 months later she may be back on tour. May not be the first few weeks or first month. but w anto it may be easier for her! We can only wait and see!

Introduction to Susan Next Step's & Pathway
It look's by Susan being so emotional which we all know has to do by the uncertanty because of course it will be decision for her and her new baby whether or not she would fortake the touring life with the baby and tread Lisa Kelly's & Meav's footsteps but for the emotional response not knowing what route to take I mean she could try it and if she finds it's not the best with the baby along or else she wants some time to raise the baby in a home be a mom then it would be lesser when or how she could be back in CW as a full time member.

If Susan went The Lisa Kelly route
If Susan is to do what Lisa Kelly has done she would have to accept the path and tour but the difference is with Lisa I don't think this was her first child or first pregnancy and for Meav I don't know either.  

Difficult Either Or Decision
My Guess is this is difficult because Yes she's blessed and proud for the baby, but leaving the group and job she Loves so Dearly enjoys leaving being a member with Mairead, Eabha with Tara in this lineup. Seems to me if she goes the Lisa K route she can still be a member and return 2019 and Alex could fill for the Christmas Tour up until 2019 when Susan's ready but if she doesn't will for this and takes a leave for her own period then a new member would follow which if she is welcome back the chances she be back like Lynn taking the space for somebody like this new member which may be in a long time depends how long this new member decided be a member  2-3 maximum.

If this Lineup Harmony is Important for Celtic Woman
If Susan is important for the current fantastic lineup as special as this one then having Alex be on board for a while like Lynn did 2014-2015 for the Lisa L absence then easy for Alex to go and easy for Susan be a full member again.

Guest Member's Only for In & Out
A member filling and then telling the new member to depart would only work for a Guest New Member example : Rebecca Winkworth, like Hayley Westenra was, Anabel Sweeney would work for a CW Special Edition Member but it would be not so good if they did the Deirdre Shannon thing again..a former member is perfect for the in and out also!

The New Special needs the Homecoming Harmony: Homeland &  Best of Christmas Tour needs it!
If for some reason this Special is dependent on Homecoming style of the threesome and Susan sings but can't dance would it be lovely to have Alex do what Susan doesn't do such for instance Murphy's Ballroom of Romance. Susan could still sing standing too & it would be beautifully showing Celtic Woman members being there for one another plus it would not be shocking because Alex was a Homecoming Tour member and she did Homeland, Murphy's Ballroom of Romance, Going Home, etc! How Beautiful would be that. Remember Susan and Alex share the same to help Lisa K when she was pregnant so now it's Alex to help Susan. Be together is amazing because they fill for each other. Duh!

After 2018 they can start fresh for another new year with a new voice to make a new Celtic Woman sound starting fresh for 2019.
Therefore Alex can go and do a US Tour with Caranua..

It looks like according to their tour schedule this was filmed back on June 15th. So there was plans to release this at a good time, so we should be hearing soon on if there will he a temporary replacement.

My guts is suspecting :'( Susan will not be on the album. I don't know how they will do it unless Susan is on the album and the new member does the DVD much like Chloe for HFC the CD & Susan doing the DVD. That's how CW usually go...Although this is a a big Celtic Woman special for the album and the album for specials with the exception of HFC are same!  So if the album carries the special as norm it is for a Celtic Woman PBS Special then if Susan is not in then we might more likely not get the track with Homeland with Susan unless they release them separate.

It be really lovely they add one solo from Susan the new one from Homecoming and Homeland can have The new member voice added to the Homecoming Homeland recording they already used on the tour trailer. Do the same like they did with Meav for the Voice's of Angels CD.

Only We'll See
What happens....what CW Does!!