After a couple of days predicting, I actually got it right last night! I was thrilled that the two Central Coast boys, Ben McKenzie and Marty Simpson, were voted through the top 12. Well done boys! Australia definitely got it right this time.
With the announcement out of the way, it was time to hear the final group of girls. Sarah Lloyd started us off with a gutsy rendition of Jennifer Hudson’s Dreamgirls hit, “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going.” I thought she performed really well, but I just don’t find her very interesting. There was nothing to fault here, but I wouldn’t go out and buy her albums.
Morgan Hosking is more my kind of performer. Funnily enough though, while she has the interest factor, the vocals let her down. She insisted a bad case of nerves marred her performance of Alanis Morissette’s “You Learn,” and maybe that’s all it is. The sad thing is, we hadn’t seen a lot of Morgan before last night so Australia’s going to take her on face value. I think she could have brought something very cool to the competition, but she won’t go through with this effort.
After some half-good acts, Holly Weinert was a breath of fresh air. During the audition rounds this chick from Mildura got lost amongst all the other guitar girls. Yet last night she held her own and established herself as a unique force in the competition. I loved everything about her stripped-back version of “Easy.”
While Holly provided a point of difference, our next singer Madison Pritchett showed she’s incredibly bland. Her voice is really nothing spectacular, and her stage presence didn’t impress me either. Her take on Avril Lavigne’s “When You’re Gone” was far too sugary sweet. I can see this girl modelling for Dolly magazine, not on the world music stage.
From the bland to the extraordinary, enter one of my favourite contestants, Brianna Carpenter. Some of my first loves let me down this week, so I was thrilled at this performance. Regina Spektor’s “Fidelity” was the perfect song for her: unique, kooky, and playful. I just hope that Australia understands how great this was and votes her through, as the competition really needs someone like her.
Seasoned Idol performer Rosie Ribbons closed with a very different take on REM’s indie anthem “Everybody Hurts.” There’s no denying that Rosie’s a great singer. But it feels like she’s putting together a collection of impressive notes, rather than really singing and connecting with a song. Maybe that’s enough to do well over in Britain, but this kind of superficial performance won’t impress Australia. I found it downright painful.
I really hope Holly and Brianna join the top 12 after last night. Their performances were the only ones that really had star quality for me. Having said that, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Sarah took one of their places. Disappointed, but not surprised.
So tonight we’ve got the girls’ verdict, and the wildcard announcements. Given the talent that’s been rejected, Sunday’s going to be one hell of a night!