Nancy Live - Week 1
So, the live shows have begun and Nancy is in the studio, somewhere. But who is best for the role? And who should be buying a train ticket home? Well, they sang their hearts out; some of them looked desperate, grinning inanely at the camera like demented hyenas, whilst others delivered spot- on performances. There were a few dark horses too which is always good telly for week one.
As for the Olivers; is it me or is this aspect of the show just not interesting? The public have no part in the decision making process and whatever you think about that choice; the bottom line is – their ‘journey’ is a boring one, as a result.
Anyway, onto the Nancys (Insert Graham Norton snigger here!) and how they fared:
First up was Irish Philly Jessie singing Tina Turner’s classic belter River Deep, Mountain High and although the vocals were okay, her performance was quite affected and she seemed really nervous. She will get better if she stays; although now the show is live, she looks ill at ease.
Jodie chose Adele’s Chasing Pavements to showcase her voice. The problem is you cannot take ‘Blackpool out of the girl ‘and the result was a Cabaret version of a contemporary song; complete with lots of over emoting and over-done hand movements. Her eyes were chasing unruly punters in a pub, rather than pavements.
Suddenly I See is a great rousing song in KT Tunstall’s capable hands, but Tara murdered it, I’m afraid. Singing through a frown, half the lyrics were incomprehensible. This performance was very dull and this lass may be big in soaps but based on this performance, Nancy, she ain’t!
Ashley is the red-headed Scot and although she wants fame; right here is where she has to start paying… in sweat! But her Black Velvet is over acted to such an extreme that the song becomes an aggressive rant. She fails to convince anyone to vote for her.
Amy sings for Respect but falls flat also. Her claim to fame is that she has played Velma in the awful Scooby Doo touring show and her performance here is not worthy of a Scooby Snack as she just comes across like her four legged co-star; to eager to please. She also seems to have a Brummie accent un-‘loike’ any other I have heard before. Methinks, much of it is put on for the “I’m working class, me” angle!
At last, a winner emerges through the smoky haze; Keisha is a remarkable talent compared with what we have seen so far. Her Mad About The Boy is ballsy and filled with the sort of determination that her character needs. I can see her singing As Long As He Needs Me; she is one to watch!
Next comes the Nancy with the most pressure on her shoulders; Francesca. Her stint in Rent is beginning to haunt her as people are expecting her to better than the rest. Her take on Mariah Carey’s Hero is well executed but quite bland and I found myself switching off mentally, which is not good for a leading lady. She will get better; no doubting that- but she does not live up to the hype, yet.
Rachel is another pro, if you pardon the expression. I must be getting old because upon closer inspection of her CV, I have seen her perform live in Tonight’s The Night, and since recall her being the best thing in it. She wiped the floor with Francesca yesterday turning a simple pop song (Sugababes’ About you Now) into a rebel-rouser! Watch your back, Fran!
Ben Ellis from Any Dream Will Do put up with a fair bit of stick for his arrogant streak. But I always saw excellent stage presence which he has since displayed in the hit show Hairspray. Samantha is the new Ben, as she is confident and not afraid. Ok, she is a ‘handy’ at times with the movement, but she sang I Love Rock & Roll like she meant it, even though she probably prefers Girls Aloud! Too young to be Nancy, but will do a ‘Ben.’
Sarah is another professional but just in case we shout: “foul play” we see clips of her unconvincingly shouting “Evening Standard!” Her Get Here is great vocally but she sings through gritted teeth, reminding me of Ruthie Henshall, at her worst. She needs to let go a bit and not look so ‘pick me’ as she could be a contender.
Cleo picked a brave song choice: Pink’s empowering Who Knew which really highlighted her strength as a performer. Vocally it was not as good as could have been. I’m going to sound like Randy from American Idol but it was a bit ‘pitchy!’ But she has a really nice style and I like her.
Lastly, young Niamh sang First Cut Is The Deepest and delivered a performance well beyond her years. But like Sam, this Nancy looks too young to convince an audience that she has ‘life experience.’ But she is very talented and Saturday night showcased that, so she is in a ‘win, win’ situation.
Most boring bit: The Olivers!
Things We Miss: Zoe Tyler, as we need a singing coach to highlight vocal techniques. Barry Humphries has wit but he does not add anything to the concept.
The sing off on the same night; it adds more tension. The Sunday show is about ratings, not the viewers or the contestants, as it’s not live.
A Bad Guy! Everyone on the panel is so damn nice; this is reality television, after all!
Who Will Be Singing For The Supper? Ashley, Amy or Tara need to go.
Shock Of The Night: Any Dream’s villian, Seamus is to play Che in Bill Kenwright’s touring Evita! Who is Evita, then? Simona, perhaps?!!!
March 31st, 2008 at 12:15 am
Away you go, Ashley Russell is NOT in it for the fame. If you listened to her last week she said she is not here to be on TV but to play the part of Nancy. Maybe get your facts straight before you start abusing the talent!! Ashley is more suited to that role than any of those other girls but you wouldn’t know that as they hardly show her. The audience are being dictated to by the judges, not naming names but they like girls whose names begin with J!!! The judging panel is a sham, the only comments Barry Humphries had to make were on how good looking the girls were, Denise Van Outen has lost her spark and is too involved in herself, probably pining for the day when she could make facial expressions!!
March 31st, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Have to admit that I hated Tara, Ashley and Amy on those performances. I didn’t feel that any of them would handle the role of Nancy well. And with Nancy it’s also about the ability to act - and I’m afraid neither Tara nor Ashley managed that one either. Amy probably can act but this certainly didn’t show it. The panel seemed to like Jodie’s vocals. Afraid I thought her very average. For me the strongest ones there are Rachel, Keisha Samantha and Cleo. Jessie and Niamh (although they’re older than Samantha) come across as too young and innocent but maybe a few weeks of Nancy will toughen their image a little. We wait to see.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Yeah, I also hated Tara’s performance - just way too polished - not raw at all! I think Jodie is good but comes across as too old and matronly for Nancy’s character. I thought Samantha was a fantastic singer but she is a little too “pop” or something and I think she lacks depth. I love Niamh but she does seem very yound. Jessie is my favourite however, I think that girl just embodies so many of Nancy’s characteristics and sha has such a great edge. I’d imagine that she’ll be less nervous next week too which should see her uping her game even more!