But if you have a choice between Kelli O’Hara and Audra McDonald (b/c let’s face it, tippy top programs do) and you DON’T have an African American soprano (and a finite number of slots)… But as you say- we will never really know. Personally, I believe there is no one SO talented that they would be accepted at EVERY program, b/c everyone has different needs- but everyone is entitled to their own opinion