I have not been more excited about an episode of Australian Idol in its history. Two words for you: Cyndi Lauper. To have one of my idols mentoring these talented youngsters and sitting in on the judging panel was a real treat. I’m also a massive fan of the 1980s, so I was pumped. But could the idols match my anticipation?
Luke Dickens certainly did. When I heard he was taking on John Cougar’s “Jack and Diane” it seemed only natural. It’s a storyteller’s song, and that’s exactly what he is. This man just improves in leaps and bounds every week. He seemed more comfortable than I’ve ever seen him, engaging the audience and still remembering to enjoy himself. He’s definitely stepping up where it counts. It was a joy to watch, and it even made Cyndi cry!
Brooke Addamo revealed a whole new sexed-up side with one of my favourites, “Bette Davis Eyes.” Initially I was a little concerned that the band was getting the better of her, but she really took up the challenge and came home strong. I loved seeing this edgier side to her. Every week she brings something new and she continues to show us she’s more than just a pretty face. Cyndi’s also proving to be worth her weight in gold – she’s bringing such great performances out of our Idols!
Madam Parker took on Diana Ross’ “Upside Down.” I’m not sure whether it was her illness that brought this performance down, but it just felt very lacklustre. Even if you’re sick I sort of feel like you need to give it more than this when you’re choosing a high energy song.
It’s funny, my husband I were discussing the possibility of Mark Spano singing some Foreigner just this morning. We were hoping for something rocky like “Jukebox Hero” or “Cold as Ice,” but he opted for “I Want to Know What Love Is.” I love a good power ballad, but I’m not sure he brought the right degree of light and shade to this. It finished strong, but I don’t think it was anywhere near his best performance. I just can’t put my finger on exactly why. I’m still a massive fan.
Tom Williams mutilated “Uptown Girl.” He turned one of the most wonderful pop songs of the 80s into a sugary-sweet piece of garbage. It lost all its bounce, all of its fun, and just became something from High School Musical. This is the worst thing I’ve heard him do, and I haven’t liked his other performances. My husband actually said I do this song better on SingStar, and my own mother begged me not to sing anymore as a child. The cop-out of not knowing any song from the 80s was just the cherry on the sundae for me. Terrible on all accounts.
Chrislyn Hamilton took on another of my favourite songs, “True Colours.” If she was intimidated by Cyndi Lauper’s presence on the judging panel, she certainly didn’t show it. She delivered a performance that was mature beyond her years. I believed it. I think I really needed to see this other side to her, to feel there was more depth to her than just someone who could belt out some big notes. This was very impressive.
What an improvement Teale Jakubenko has made. You would never imagine this was the same guy who stumbled into the bottom three last week. His version of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” was masterful. He took command from the get go and floored us all. My only criticism is that he broke the spell when he stepped out from behind the microphone. Before that my macho husband had tears welling in his eyes! But if that’s the worse you can say … well I’m sure he won’t be in the bottom three this week.
It seems like this is the week that all our performers have decided to show a brand new side. This week Sophie Paterson stepped away from being our resident folkster to show a real strength. And they don’t come much stronger than Annie Lennox, do they? Her version of “Sweet Dreams” was incredibly powerful. She also looked sensational, although I really agree that she needed some more sensible shoes for that sexy strut!
It was yet another brilliant performance from Wes Carr with his rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark.” It makes me wonder though, where are everyone else’s instruments? I could have listened to this for a whole lot longer. There’s absolutely nothing to fault with a man so talented.
Roshani Priddis is one of those performers I could just watch forever. She has a way of drawing you in, and she did it again with “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” I felt every ounce of her anger. She did everything right, and again I was impressed. I have a feeling this girl might have been hurt before, and if she hasn’t she certainly made me believe she has!
Thanh Bui closed the show with The Police’s “Every Breath You Take.” I am so glad Cyndi set him straight on the meaning behind this song! The performance was a little patchy, but what was good was really, really good. He just needs to drop that act and really feel. When he did that it was urgent and sufficiently creepy. Just like all good stalker songs should be!
So who’s going home? Honestly if it’s not Tom there’s no justice in this world and all the parents need to confiscate their children’s mobile phones!
Image source: Jim Davidson @ Flickr