Week 4: Live show
It’s already Week 4 and the competition is hotting up. Unlike many of these shows, there are a few contestants who could nail this part and be a huge success. But there are others who could not carry it off in month of Sundays and that is becoming apparent week on week.
The Lord was on “other business” - according to Head-Prefect, Graham Norton. Of course, we all know why he isn’t in the Studio, as he is moonlighting on the show American Idol. Really Cameron Mackintosh should have been there instead. But by having an empty chair and a live link up, instead of the real thing means that you are left thinking that this show does not have the life or death decision at the end that the hype dictates it is!
Anyway, with or without the Phantom, the Nancys were on form and ready to battle on.
First up was the ‘people’s’ Nancy, Jodie from Blackpool. She delivered a really breathy version of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.” It was full of life but she looked out of breath to me. I know that there is a big swell of support behind this lass. But to me, she is like a loyal St Bernard but with no teeth. I want to see some bite to her performance. At the minute, she would be great in C Beebies; The Musical, as she is too twee to be Nancy!
Next up was Samantha singing “Hurt” by Christina Aguilera and she was ready to turn it around after last week’s “nothing behind the eyes” critique by John Barrowman. JB took it upon himself to train the young lass and it worked! She delivered a mature version of the song- which should keep her in the running for yet another week.
What is it with the stylists on this show? Ashley always looks lovely when you see the V.T of her training. Then someone keeps putting her in mis-shapen frocks that make her look like a sack of spuds! Anyway, she sang the awfully unsuitable “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and it was lacklustre. But as a song, it was a non starter. Does someone want her out?
Little Niamh sang the too big Wind Beneath My Wings and it reminded me of a school showcase concert. She is wide-eyed and has a bit of presence. But you cannot see having the stamina to carry a role like this one. Each week, it is becoming apparent that she is sweet but not sassy enough.
Keisha has been through the mill and is clearly feeling the strain. Instead of giving her a more meaningful song though, she is given “My Heart Will Go On” which is a movie of a number. She cracks under the strain; hardly surprising as I cannot imagine many of these covering this with conviction. But Keisha jumps ship vocally meaning that there could be choppy waters ahead, again!
Jessie is a fave with the judges and although she has improved, there is something uncomfortable about her turns every week. She walks like she still has a coat hanger in her dress and sings out of the side of her mouth, like a smoker desperate for one last ciggy. Her acting is getting dodgier also. I think the judges must be praising the life out of her to make the voting more interesting.
Sarah growled her way through the Gladys Knight classic “Midnight Train To Georgia” and it was another great performance. She appears too small though to convince you that she could look out for Oliver. They could sit on the same sized chair, after all. But there is something engaging about this performer and she is one of the few who takes note of the comments every week and acts upon them.
Francesca fell foul of the stylist this week. Her cheeks were rosy but only because someone had been a bit too liberal with the rouge! “What’s Love Got To Do With It” was the song and it was sung in the same rushed, almost angry style that we are used to wth this contestant. When are we going to see a softer side? At the minute, she remains a one-note performer.
Rachel closed the race with a perfect “Evergreen”, which showed the other girls what to aim for. Many say that this Irish belter over-acts, but on stage her style of performance would pack ‘em in! She always injects emotion into every song she sings and seems like a real team player. I can already see her playing the role, whereas the others still need loads of work.
But, has anyone noticed that since Tara waved goodbye, the girls do seem stronger? I just hope some of the weaker ones step it up a bit and everyone gets better songs.
As for the stylist, stop making some of them look clumpy and corpse-like, as it affects the audience view of them.
What do votes make? Nancys!
April 21st, 2008 at 3:21 am
i cannot beleive how harsh you hav been to Francesca, you also completely contradicted yourself by criticising Francesca for over acting which she didn’t do and then saying Rachel is allowed to do it coz it is perfect fpr a theatre. All the other contestants were in tears so seems she was well liked.