I just heard the news!
I'm not sure what I think about the whole thing
I've been listening to this guy for maybe 15 minutes now. He's good. I'll give him that. I enjoyed listening to him sing "Honestly". I like his version of Aerosmith's "Amazing" but that's probably because I really like that song and he's mimicking Steven Tyler. He's certainly a very good mimic. Sometimes I think I hear snippets of his really voice and that is enjoyable. If he's gunna front Journey he's gunna have to drop the Steve Perry imitation.
IMOH, I think Carrie hit the nail on the head when she mentioned that probably easier to dominate than Jeff.
Yes, I could imagine this guy singing Journey's songs and I could imagine him doing a really great job... but fronting Journey? That's gunna take a LOT of time to get used to. Just the thought that they fired Jeff for this guy turns my stomach a little.
Ironic, Steve Augeri had a hard time because he was the replacement for The Voice. Jeff had it easier because Augeri's vocal chord betrayed him (I miss you Steve!) and Jeff, the hero that saved the tour, wowed us all with his talent and energy and passion. I'm thinking if Arnel becomes the next lead singer he will face a bit of what Augeri had to deal with; fans who love the songs but want the previous singer back.
But! He's cute, he's talented, and he's got an excellent range. He's brilliant with those power ballads but he's gotta work on the rockers a bit.
Maybe we should send him to a JSS concert and tell him to take notes!

C'mon! I meant that to be funny!
Okay nevermind.
I think the point I'm trying very unsuccessfully to make is that Arnel is a very gifted singer but the idea of him fronting my favorite band when Jeff was doing such a great job will take some getting used to. Especially since I haven't quite gotten over the tactlessness of the powers that be when Jeff was let go.
BTW; if Journey got Michael Sweet I would buy every album just to support him! Stryper rocks!!!