Last night was all about Australian music on Channel Ten, and Australian Idol was no exception. The final five honoured our country’s great music by performing some classic hits and new Aussie tunes.
Judge Mark Holden stepped out from behind the desk this week to mentor the Idols in the studio. All the aspiring singers said they benefited from Mark’s experience.
Matt Corby kicked off the night with a cover of Thirsty Merc’s “20 Good Reasons.” This should have been a good song for Matt, at least if you believe the rumours about his recent split with his girlfriend. However, I didn’t really feel this performance. It was competent, but I think he needs to take it to the next level if he’s going to live up to the hype and be there at the Opera House.
While Matt’s performance was lacklustre, Natalie Gauci’s was sensational. When I heard she was performing “Boys in Town” I was pretty excited, and she didn’t let me down. This is such a strong, gutsy song, and she really delivered it. I was actually a little choked up when she finished! She’s showing more of herself every week, and I’m really enjoying watching her.
I was a bit more nervous when I heard Marty Simpson was taking on the Powderfinger smash, “These Days.” I was so sure he’d tackle a bluesier John Butler Trio song, and wasn’t sure whether he had the depth to pull off this rock ballad. I’m proud to say, he did. Marty’s another competitor who’s showing enormous growth when it counts.
Tarisai Vushe took on The Veronicas’ “When It All Falls Apart,” but she’ll probably be remembered for her tantrum rather than her singing performance. Like many on the Idol forums, Mark and Dicko again commented that they felt little real emotion in her performance. So is she fake? There’s no question that she sang the song well, hitting all the notes just right. But I still feel a wall between her and the audience when she sings. She does seem to hold a lot of herself back, which may be fakery or it may just be nerves. I will say that outbursts like this will endear her to no one.
Carl Riseley closed the show with his cover of Little River Band’s “Reminiscing.” It was a perfect song choice, and despite his sore throat hampering his vocals Carl pulled it off. It’s funny, isn’t it? Technically this probably wasn’t as good as what Tarisai did. But he’s just so likeable that it’s easier to forgive any flaws.
So tonight we’ll say farewell to one more. My money’s on Tarisai to go. There’s a lot of negative publicity out there, and at the end of the day this really is a popularity contest.