Despite my confidence, it seems I was wrong again last night. No one was shocked to hear Tarisai Vushe announced as the first girl in the top 12. But no one expected that Lana Krost would join her, including Lana herself. I’m still not convinced that she’s ready for the competition, but there’s no denying she has talent. She’s undoubtedly going to improve week after week, and that’s going to be really fun to see.
Mark Da Costa opened the show with a bang with a rocking version of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.” The judges and audience seemed to love it, but it felt a bit weak to me. Perhaps you needed to be there to feel the energy. It was solid, but he didn’t seem to have the pipes to pull off some of the notes he aimed for.
While Mark’s energy didn’t reach me in TV Land, that of young Ben McKenzie certainly did. Ordinarily I chat through performances, criticising this and complimenting that. Yet while he sang “Mad World” I sat speechless, captivated. I think with all the focus on Matt Corby, this other sweet 16-year-old has been overlooked. I know I underestimated him, but I won’t make that mistake again. Wow.
I’m in two minds about Jack Byrnes’ performance. I thought his arrangement of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” was really innovative and fun. I thought his voice was very strong. I even loved the “mincey dancing” that Dicko panned. Yet I didn’t connect with it on an emotional level, and I just can’t put my finger on why.
Newcastle’s Dave Andrews came next with the John Farnham hit “That’s Freedom.” As a former Novocastrian, I had a personal interest in Dave. I wanted him to do well, but this was simply adequate. I couldn’t fault his singing at all. It was a beautiful arrangement. It’s just that there was nothing really special about it. He made it to the top 24 because of some quirky song choices and his great personality, but he didn’t showcase any of that last night.
Next up was another emotional investment, Lyall Adonis. He blew me away at his audition, yet it seems like he’s struggled with nerves throughout the rest of his time in the competition. He was still battling them last night. Listening to his performance of “Desperado” without the visuals, the vocal was pure and solid. But sadly we all know this competition is about more than the vocals.
Marty Simpson closed the show with The Fray’s hit “Over My Head.” I think Marty was great, but the band let him down here. It seemed like they were rushing and it made what could have been a great performance fall a little short. As a Central Coast resident, I’ve actually caught Marty playing around the place locally over the past few years. Let me tell you, he’s a real find and he’s got a lot more to give.
So tonight we’ll find out who’s through, and hear the last of the girls sing. Ben McKenzie deserves his place in the top 12 after last night, but I’m not so sure who should join him. I’m tossing up between Marty Simpson and Jack Byrnes. What about you?