She’s got some stiff competition in the form of Duffy, Adele, Santogold, and Bon Iver, but I’d love to see her take home the gong. After all, “Sweet About Me” and “Save The Lies” are both in the British Top 50 right now.
Expect more nomination nods for Gabriella when the ARIA contenders are announced on Wednesday. If I were her I’d start clearing some space in the pool room.
I think it goes to show how much I love Australian Idol that as I sat down to watch tonight’s episode, I was already considering how much I was going to miss it over the next few days! We’ve got one half of our top 12 now, with Mark Spano and Teale Jakubenko the latest to head to the finals. They’re really good choices, particularly Mark.
Irae Schwenke was up with Jesse McCartney’s poppy “Beautiful Soul.” Irae’s voice reminds me so much of Guy Sebastian’s. The problem is, it doesn’t have anywhere near the depth. He also doesn’t have Guy’s stage presence. For me everything about this was lightweight.
Kayla Vanzetta did a really credible job of Leonardo’s Bride’s “Even When I’m Sleeping.” She has such a real presence. Her delivery is very genuine; she knows how to emote beyond her 16 years. There were a couple of little pitchy problems, but in the context of the entire song I didn’t care. She’s one these performers with so much potential, I’d really love to see her develop during the competition.
I have a bit of a crush on James Spargo. I was a bit concerned about his song choice of “Chasing Cars.” It’s an awesome song, but it does operate on one level a bit. I felt he did as much to as he could with the material. There was a sincerity there, and I did like how he mixed up the notes a little. I also agree that he needs to watch over-enunciating. It’s nice to hear every word, but modern music needs a little sloppiness.
Brooke Addamo was up next with her amazing version of Jewel’s “Foolish Games.” I was captivated, and consequently I can’t disagree more with Kyle and Dicko. If she was to get up there and sing a vapid little pop song there is no way it would have had this kind of impact. I also think considering ballads are her comfort zone, it would have been foolish to step out and do something else for the sake of mixing it up. We haven’t seen her sing six ballads like the judges. And right now she’s trying to get our votes, not theirs.
Then we had Jonny Taylor with a decidedly different take on “Hound Dog.” Some may disagree with me, but I think this worked. It was brave and memorable, and when things are so competitive that’s what you’ve got to be. I love the deep resonant tones in his voice and think he could continue to surprise us.
Madam Parker closed the night with Alicia Keys’ “No One.” There’s no denying the girl can sing, but she bores me. I felt she was on cruise control here, and I’ve seen it all before. It was well sung, but there was not enough spark to get me to pick up my phone.
And there we have it, all the regular semi-finals with one of the most competitive wild cards we’ve seen to follow on Sunday. I think out of this lot Brooke Addamo and Jonny Taylor have secured their place in the top 12, but it’ll be interesting to see how the votes go.
I lapped up Axle Whitehead’s singles “I Don’t Do Surprises” and “Anywhere,” so my expectations of his debut album Losing Sleep were pretty high. I’m thrilled to say it didn’t disappoint. In fact, I’ve listened to very little else since its release.
What keeps me coming back time and time again is the sheer variety of material. My first introduction to Axle was as an Australian Idol contestant way back in season one. His jazz leanings alienated the voting audience, who didn’t even send him through to the top 12. Perhaps he’s learned something from that, or perhaps he’s just developed to appreciate a wider collection of sounds. Either way, the eclectic mix here is fantastic.
Losing Sleep opens with a flurry of energy in the form of the “Satellite.” He downshifts a little in the cruisy radio hit “I Don’t Do Surprises,” before slowing it right down with the romantic “You.” Funk, soul, pop, electronica, and even a dash of country grace the recording, and it’s so much richer for it.
This lush album should put to rest talk of Axle simply being a poor man’s Chris Martin. There are vocal similarities – both have pure voices which can sell a lyric. But Axle’s songs are much more vibrant and considerably more accessible than much of Coldplay’s work.
This album will come as a revelation to those who’ve only seen Axle as a disgraced television host or karaoke singer on the first season of Australian Idol. It’s a superb debut, and well worth a listen.
The world’s most famous pop star Katy Perry will strut her stuff in Australia next month.
The Californian singer will head Down Under to support her new album One of the Boys. It’s a quick visit, with a show at Sydney’s The Forum on October 10 and another at Melbourne’s Prince of Wales on October 13.
If you want to see Katy in the flesh, get your tickets when they go on sale on September 13. Considering she’s playing such intimate venues, they’re not going to last.
I had high hopes for the third Australian Idol semifinal, as it contained four of my favourite singers in the comp. Of course the sad part of that is that two would miss out on the top 12 tomorrow. But I planned to just lap up the music and enjoy it.
Of course, hearing Tom Williams had made the top 12 put a dampener on my mood. I’m sorry, but he’s just not good enough. And so many other people were. This is what happens when you give young kids mobile phones I swear. Seeing Thanh Bui so rightly take his place beside him softened the blow.
As a fellow Coastie, I was right behind Matt Parsons. To be honest though I wasn’t impressed with his version of “In the Summertime.” There were pitchy moments, and the song operates on one level so he wasn’t allowed to really show any light and shade. It was happy and fun, but just a bit safe. He’s an awesome talent, but I’m just not sure whether this is good enough or memorable enough to get him through to the finals.
Sophie Paterson is a real star. What’s more, she’s consistent unlike many of the other contestants. Her take on The Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction” was brave, and I won’t say that it completely worked for me. But I’m a stuffy old fart who struggles to warm to people messing with the classics. The good news, most people who’ll vote for her won’t feel that way. While the arrangement wasn’t to my taste, I can’t help but admire what she did.
Teale Jakubenko is a pretty boy who’s thankfully got the talent to back up his looks. Evermore’s “Running” was a brilliant choice, and he took command of it from start to finish. His voice soars and it’s got such an interesting quality to it. I’m not sure I agree with Dicko that he needs to sex things up. The girls may fall over him, but I don’t think that’s what he’s looking for. In fact, if he comes out and tries “Sexual Healing” I predict he’s going to fall on his face.
Brooke Schubert is another one of those consistent artists. The choice of “When Will I Be Loved” was perfect in my opinion – just country enough to be true to her roots but mainstream enough to appeal to the wider audience. I don’t know what Dicko’s talking about in that respect. Linda Ronstadt has always been a little bit country, hasn’t she? On a side note, isn’t it lovely to see so many bigger girls in the comp this year?
Mark Spano is a total pro, and he pulled it out for a commanding rendition of “Come Said the Boy.” Like Marcia I’m a big fan of the song, but I do worry about its appeal to the people who actually vote. Maybe I shouldn’t be considering how much the judges raved. This guy has so much depth, and I really hope Australia recognises it.
I don’t normally go for soul singers, but there’s just something about Roshani Priddis that I adore. She’s incredibly cool. Case in point: her choosing to perform the original Eddie Floyd version of “Knock On Wood.” Does Kyle realise how ignorant of music he sounds when he whines about wanting the disco version? Anyway, Roshani performed with such energy and personality that I didn’t even notice her pitch problems. I just gave myself over to what she was doing, and loved it.
I agree with Dicko. Tonight is the hardest semifinal outcome to predict: it was just that good. I think Sophia Paterson and Roshani Priddis may be the ones to scrape through, but really it’s anybody’s guess. I would be happy to see any of these people in the top 12.
Acclaimed singer songwriter Martha Wainwright is bringing her latest show Down Under.
Martha and her band will play some intimate venues all around the country to support her latest album I Know You’re Married, But I’ve Got Feelings Too. Fans can look forward to new tracks from the new record as well as some old favourites.
Get your tickets when they go on sale next Wednesday, 10 September. Martha will play the following venues in November.
12 November 2008 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
13 November 2008 – The Forum, Melbourne
15 November 2008 – Meeniyan Hall
18 November 2008 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
19 November 2008 – Wrest Point, Hobart
21 November 2008 – The Gov, Adelaide
22 November 2008 – Fly By Night, Fremantle
It’s one of the most unlikely comebacks in the business. Jason Donovan is recording a new album.
The former Neighbours heart-throb hasn’t had a hit in 15 years, and those tracks were pretty pathetic. But he’s not going to let that stop him. At least this time around Jason’s going to have some good songs! His album Let it Be Me features a mix of covers and originals inspired by the music of the 50s and 60s.
“Well, I’ve finished the vocals and it sounds pretty good,” he said yesterday. “But I haven’t finished the whole production side of it. I think you’ll like it.
“There’s a good selection of songs on there. It’s sort of difficult doing a cover-based album, but there’s three new songs on there.”
But that’s not all. Jason’s also planning a tour to support the release.
Let it Be Me is scheduled for release on November 10.
Australian Idol semifinal two got straight to business tonight, announcing Chrislyn Hamilton and Wes Carr have made it into the Top 12. I’d suspected it might go this way, and I’m definitely not disappointed. They’re such different performers, but both so very strong. I look forward to watching their journeys!
Luke Dickens was up first to perform with “Mustang Sally.” I thought it was a perfect song for his big raspy voice, and I really enjoyed it. His performance was a bit stiff, but you can learn that sort of stuff. He’s so likeable and quintessentially Australian. A really solid start.
Oh Brooke Wilkie. My heart broke for her. I was really enjoying her take on Paulo Nutini’s “New Shoes” for the first verse, but then her lack of voice seemed to catch up with her. She’s clearly sick, and without the experience of knowing how to handle it the whole song came crashing down around her. She’s a talent and hopefully she’s feeling better for the wildcard round. It’d be a shame to have her journey end just through bad luck.
Tom Williams was probably thrilled to follow Brooke. It made his version of “You Raise Me Up” seem almost adequate. The truth is, he’s just not up to a song like this. It started out OK, but he by the end it was paling it comparison. I really hope the teenage girls don’t vote him through just because he’s cute.
Things really kicked up a notch when Natalie Colavito took to the stage. I’ve heard Idol contestants sing “Listen” time and time again. It’s one of those songs, with all the big notes and inspiration lyrics. Yet Natalie brought something different to her performance and I lapped it up. There’s a sincerity about her, a quiet strength, which is just so appealing.
Amanda Grafanakis followed with Pink’s “Who Knew.” I really like the different flavour she brings to the competition, but I’m not sure she really showed us what she can do here. It’s a shame. We need a rock chick. While it was enjoyable, I’m not sure she did enough to comvince the voters of that.
Thanh Bui closed the show with a rousing rendition of “One.” There’s no denying this guy has a killer voice. It reminds me a lot of John Farnham’s, which isn’t a bad compliment is it? He hits some big notes, but he also delivers them with the passion that I’ve felt has been missing in some Idol contestants of the past. The stand-out of the night for me.
If this was just a singing competition, I’d say Thanh Bui’s going through to the finals and that either Natalia Colavito or Luke Dickens will join him. But it’s not. And I’m a little concerned that because of that Tom Williams may just claim one of those elusive top 12 positions.
No doubt all the kids still getting turned on to Harvest so many decades after its release will be thrilled at the news. While the BDO bill is sure to be killer, it’s probably not going to excite a lot of Neil Young’s older fans.
They’ll be pleased to know he’s already announced some sideshows in the major capitals. Tickets for these gigs go on sale on September 19.
See this living legend at the following venues:
21 January 2009 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
24 January 2009 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney
28 January 2009 – Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
The Australian Idol semifinals are underway! Predictably there were some nerves and some flashes of brilliance. So let’s get into it!
Chrisyln Hamilton was up first. What a big job for a 17-year-old, but she showed she was up to the task. Her decision to take on Tina Turner’s version of “Proud Mary” was a little predictable, but it was also a smart choice. It allowed her to show a little light and shade and deliver those big crowd-pleasing notes. This girl’s got bucketloads of personality and I’d love to see her in the finals.
Country boy Mitchell Steele’s another one of our teenagers. He made a really smart choice, singing Tom Cochrane’s “Life is a Highway.” It stayed true to his country roots while veering a little closer the mainstream. Vocally there wasn’t a lot to fault, but he really needs to loosen up. He was holding on to the microphone stand for grim death and he looked petrified when he left it!
Jaden Dowd was up next with “Finally.” It’s such a big song and I honestly didn’t feel like she did it justice. Was it just me or was she pitchy? She did perform the hell out of it, but I think perhaps the energy she gave there made her vocals suffer. Either way, it was disappointing.
Olly Corpe performed next with James Morrison’s “Wonderful World.” He didn’t do a bad job of it, but it was a little shaky. He’s a young kid and the Idol stage is such a high pressure environment, it’s not surprising he was nervous! Despite a few pitchy moments though, I enjoyed it. When his voice really kicked in, it soared. Olly’s got a lovely presence. But I wonder whether he might feel a little more comfortable if he chose those quirkier tracks as Dicko suggested.
Nicole Banks was like a breath of fresh air with her jazzy take on Sam Sparro’s “Black and Gold.” Again I find myself agreeing with Dicko: it was an inspired song choice and one which will hopefully pay dividends with the voting public. I’ve always liked her, but seeing her sing alongside everyone else I grew to love her.
They really did save the best for the last tonight. Wes Carr followed Nicole with an excellent take on the Foo Fighters’ “Times Like These.” The reworking was fresh without losing the song’s intent. Wes is such a natural performer, and his experience showed.
If Wes doesn’t get through tomorrow night I’m a poor judge. I’d like to think Nicole will take the second slot in the top 12 based on her performance tonight, but there’s a lot of support out there for Chrislyn so she may scrape through to the finals. I think I’d be happy either way. There’s always the wildcard round after all!
I lapped up Axle Whitehead’s singles “I Don’t Do Surprises” and “Anywhere,” so my expectations of his debut album Losing Sleep were pretty high. I’m thrilled to say it didn’t disappoint. In fact, I’ve listened to very little else since its release.
it into the Top 12. I’d suspected it might go this way, and I’m definitely not disappointed. They’re such different performers, but both so very strong. I look forward to watching their journeys!