XL Star Winner 2006

Hosh Gureli (Vice President of A & R, The RCA Music Group/Sony BMG): "Definition of a star? Emily. What is a star? A star is somebody who gets everybody's attention and has individuality. It's all about you."

Christine Pedi: "You had me engaged from the minute you opened your eyes. I couldn't take my eyes off you. And you made me love everything I hate about blondes. From beginning to end, your performance was totally charming."

John McDaniel (Rosie O’Donell’s Music Director): "You are awesome. You are sweet. Beautiful performer. Good for you!"

Eden Espinosa: "Emily, I love you. I think you are light, fun and entertaining but you have the goods and voice to really back it up."

Jesse Vargas (music director): "You know what I love about your performance? It's that you're having so much fun. You're fearless. You work the whole space. You pick a great song that shows your range. It shows your personality. And you just lived! You lived up there! You didn't get hung up in being corny or dramatic you just lived. I would enjoy seeing you live for an entire evening."

Randy Jones (Cowboy from The Village People): "Emily McNamara! You've got the luck of the Irish, girl. I tell you, if you had any more legs, they'd have to qualify you as a spider, baby!"

Jeff Blumenkrantz: "Emily, you are my favorite kind of performer because not only is the musical thing right in place but you have such a unique take every time you sing. Such a great sense of humor. I really appreciate that. I don't know how you do it but your vocals are ridiculous and you bring this Julie Halston genius to everything you do. You're mesmerizing." 

(XL Star Make Up By Bry'n Campbell.  Photography Dan Olmstead.)

A Grand Night For Singing at The Gretna Theatre
Marty Crisp for Lancaster News 
 "It's McNamara, a sassy, long-legged blonde making her Gretna debut, who steals the show with a powerhouse voice, supple body language, and sheer stage presence. McNamara appears to be enjoying herself so much, it's impossible not to join her." 
 
Rebecca Carroll for Lancaster Paper 
"McNamara made her debut at Gretna Theatre and proved to be a wonderful surprise. Her facial expressions helped the audience relate to her. McNamara brought a smile to the faces in the audience when she sang "It's Me" from Me and Juliet. It was the highlight of the night." 

A Funny Thing Happened... Forum at The Arden Theatre
Ruth Rovner for The Delaware Country Daily Times
"Emily McNamara is a stunning sight when she makes her entrance at each performance."

(Photo on left with Tom McCarthy)

Dreamgirls
Emily in Dreamgirls at The Prince Music Theatre

(from left to right Erika Vaughn, Piper Arpan, Emily, and Janelle Neal)

Dracula at The Gretna Theatre
Dave Olmstead for The Patriot News
"Most notable is Emily McNamara as Sybil Seward who provides significant comic relief.
McNamara's witty performance of the slightly addled Sybil was the highlight of opening night."

(photo with Dan Olmstead)