About English, with an emphasis forgot to say. A fisherman told me that in Norway, taught in English compulsory from the third class. And a lot of hours this pay. So, with a focus or not, but all the people in English are spoken fluently. In Russian, he communicates with his parents at home.
About the vocals can not judge, did not hear a melody. But the format of the event - not an opera festival. Perhaps this simplicity and caused the trust: to relax, and not to push
