A homeless opera singer who was discovered by the LAPD while singing in a L.A. subway station has lost her recording contract. A LAPD officer recorded Emily Zamourka singing opera in an L.A. metro subway station.
The officer’s cell phone video went viral, and offers poured in from music producers and record label execs. Zamourka, a talented former opera singer and violinist, told reporters she was a Russian immigrant who fell on hard times and ended up homeless. She said she played the violin on the streets of Los Angeles to earn money.
Zamourka was offered a recording contract from two-time grammy-winning producer Joel Diamond. Corky Hale, a music industry veteran, offered to replace her $10,000 violin that was reportedly stolen a few months ago.
Unfortunately this rags-to-riches story did not have a happy ending.
Diamond has withdrawn his recording contract offer to the singer, The Blast reports. Zamourka never signed the contract.
Diamond said Zamourka refused to comply with contractual agreements to make appearances and to work with top flight producers and songwriters.
“Emily (Zamourka) has not responded to what I felt was the ‘world on a silver platter’ proven formula that has worked hugely successfully for me before. To say we are not on the same page artistically, would be an understatement,” says Diamond.
“In addition, she did not even want to listen to a song that I personally requested for her from one of the most successful songwriters in the world, Diane Warren,” he said.
Zamourka also declined offers to replace her stolen violin. Diamond says she “turned down multiple free violins from well-known musicians to replace her stolen one.”
Homeless people are notorious for rejecting offers of help returning to the rat race.
