11.   When she auditioned, Cook had never sung a note higher than G just above the treble staff, at least in public.

12.   Without a prompt, a man in one of the front rows sang a note.

13.   And he sang every note in the score rather than barking or merely hinting at some as most tenors eventually are forced to do.

14.   Bandmates Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan were stripped of the award after it was revealed they did not sing a note on their best-selling album.

15.   But even before the first note was sung Wednesday night, doubts were being voiced about the fundraiser.

16.   But even before the first note was sung Wednesday night, some wondered if the concert, broadcast live on state TV, was more exploitative than idealistic.