Following last week’s ’surprise’ with Francesca in the bottom two; the stakes were high which led to some really O.T.T performances to secure the votes. The usual: “I want this so badly. It’s everything I have worked for” footage was screened, just in case we didn’t realise. The Lord mentioned that Nancy had to have a sense of fun and the show opened with a hilarious version of “Oom Pah Pah.” Graham Norton had a ball as he really does not take this show too seriously!

It was funny to watch because each girl was trying to out-do the other in terms of the ‘Cockney Sparra’ accent and movement. It would be great one week, if one of them ‘accidentally’ knocked another one over! I am joking, of course but you can see how the show’s format whips these girls into a frenzy as they become more and more competitive each week. The bitchy comments will start soon. We really need a ‘Simona’ type character to mix it up a bit!

First up as a pair were Niamh & Cleo. Waif-like Niamh sang “Music In Me” and really gave it some welly. She did really well, showing another element to herself, singing an upbeat song. Technically it was fine but she tends to walk across the stage, hunched and there is not much else going on for me. She has a secure future though; I’m just not sure she is Nancy.

Cleo sang Nina Simone’s big and beautiful “Feeling Good.” I found it vocally underwhelming, although she acts really well. I would like to see her stay but again, at this stage, I do not see her as right for the role, yet. Of course, this can all change as I do not think there is an obvious winner in this show (whereas Maria & Joseph’s Connie & Lee were faves early on) which makes it more interesting to watch each week.

Two favourites from last week were up next; Keisha & Samantha. Keisha took the comparison to Shirley Bassey literally and sang Pink’s “Get The Party Started” which Shirl has covered. What a disaster! The song has no crescendo so, ended up being quite a boring party. This could be a blip but Keisha needs to show different sides of her personality. Instead, this week, she believed the hype and acted diva-ish with a performance lacking the substance to carry it off.

Samantha wisely chose “See The Day” as it is a well known Girls’ Aloud cover version - this played well to her demographic. She is a great little performer and could go far, as she has the determination and stamina. But she needed to inject a bit more emotion into the song.

Due to the odd number of girls, Francesca came out her own (canny move by the producers as she cannot be compared to anyone else) to sing Queen’s “Somebody To Love.” Vocally she was good and had a great to deal to prove. But her performance was verging on aggressive for me. There is something uncomfortable for me about her performances. For a pro, she always looks too desperate and needs to relax a little. Sometimes less is more, but Fran belts- if in doubt and therefore, the emotional connection is missing. It was as if she was singing “Love me, even though I am a pro.” I didn’t warm to the performance.

The Olivers (remember them!) sang “Electricity” from Billy Elliot and the blonde Welsh lad sounded more Welsh than ever before. Maybe little Ollie could have walked all the way from Cardiff in the show.

Rachel & Sarah stepped up next, with Rachel singing “Beautiful” and Sarah delivering “Piece Of My Heart.” These were my two favourite performances. Rachel is easily the best actress and quite understated in her delivery. She did not merely sing the song; she was in the moment. This is a pro who does not look like a ‘desperado’; she just gets out there and “delivers, delivers, delivers, baby!” (How annoying are John’s triple praises becoming?!).

Sarah really acted up a storm for “Piece Of My Heart.” She kicked a chair and kicked some ass along the way with a beautifully rendered performance. I was not mad on her last week, but she has turned it around this week. The judges did not really agree, apart from Andrew. But I think the public will see through this and keep her in. She deserves to stay, as she is a real dark horse.

Tara & Jodie were next. Tara was one of my least favourites from last week, as she just seemed to be outclassed. This week she chose “Without You” - the big ballsy ballad. The first half was fine, showing another side to her, with a classy vulnerable turn. But the second half was murdered and very out of tune. For that, she will be in the bottom two, I think as after last week, she is lucky to still be in the show.

Jodie needs to get the Cruise Ship out of her system, as she was singing on the Titanic on Saturday night! Everyone keeps commenting on how ‘real’ this girl is and how she has the look, and I agree. But vocally, she reverts to the show stopper; all hands and big vocals, minus the emotion. So, you end up with a turn which would be far more suited to a working man’s club or Butlins. This is due to her work experience so far, but she needs it trained out of her. This is where Zoe is missed as she would ‘bully’ it out of her every week.

Ashley and Jessie were next with two songs to highlight a different side to them. Ashley chose the huge hit “Mercy.” This was a wise choice as vocally, she was on the money. But her movement was so awkward and under-done. She was told to tone it down, but the effect was like watching her walk to the bus stop and back. It distracted you from her voice. She is not helped by whoever is styling her. She has a great voice but there is something un-starry and awkward about the whole performance.

Jessie had learned form last week’s mistakes and sorted out her posture. She delivered a very good performance but I could see nothing behind the eyes. The judges raved but I felt nothing, as she delivered the lyrics. “Killing Me Sofly” is supposed to break your heart. But, despite good vocals, it lacked the passion and the heartache that embodies a character like Nancy.

Annoying moments: John’s triple phrases; “Irritating, Irritating, Irritating!”

Funniest Moment: Barry slagging Fergie (The Royal, not the Black Eyed Pea!) off, and Andrew’s reaction! She’s his mate!

Best Performance(s): Rachel & Sarah

Bottom Two Prediction: Tara and Ashley

Must Try Harder: Jodie, Keisha, Jessie and Cleo

Winner so far: Rachel

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