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?

It was a big night in Australian Idol last night, with our first two contestants through to the top 12, and the first six girls singing for their supper.

As the picture shows, Matt Corby and Jacob Butler are our first two top 12 contestants. Did you pick it? I think most of us guessed that Matt was a shoe-in, but I’m surprised by Jacob’s inclusion. While his performance certainly wasn’t horrible, I didn’t think he was distinctive enough to earn the nation’s votes. He may not have been one of my favourites, but I’m still happy to see him there. This boy’s nothing if not committed, and once his nerves settle and he starts taking some risks he could really pull out something special.

After an uncharacteristically speedy announcement, Channel Ten brought us the first group of ladies. I didn’t think it was as strong as the men’s group that came before, but the performances of a select few showed we’re going to have an amazing top 12.

Sally Van Der Zwert was first up, taking inspiration from the original Idol with her cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Never Again.” She has a pretty voice, but I felt she was a bit breathless and thin in patches. She’s a really attractive girl, but she’s lacking that elusive star quality. A decent, but ultimately unforgettable, performance.

Perhaps I forgot about Sally so quickly because Natalie Gauci came next. This girl captivated me, and the judges, from the start. I continued to be entranced by her cover of Christina Aguilera’s “Hurt.” I’ve never been a Christina fan, but I can appreciate the quality and difficulty of her songs. Natalie kept her cool, and was never daunted by the challenge of this powerhouse ballad. It was stunning, and while I’m biased, I thought it was better than the original.

Next up was a groovier Cheray Doughty than we’d previously seen. She moved and grooved her way around “Tell Me About It,” but I just don’t see her as Australia’s answer to Joss Stone. What I liked most about Cheray was her folky whimsical style, and I’d hate to see abandon that for this kind of disposable pop. The judges raved about her though, so apparently they saw something I didn’t.

While Cheray disappointed me, Tarisai Vushe delivered more than I’d ever expected. I’d originally perceived this African beauty as just another Whitney wannabe, with a big voice but little substance. But her dynamic performance of “River Deep, Mountain High” proved me wrong. As a matter of fact, she could be one of the most exciting performers we have. I loved the way Tarisai built this, from a tender ballad to a rock powerhouse. She’s a bundle of sass and sunshine, and there’s no justice if she doesn’t get through.

Next up we had Jesse Curran, with a country take on the U2 classic “One.” She sang beautifully, but following Tarisai made her look ordinary. It’s a shame as Jesse was already disadvantaged following the tabloid news about her relationship with country crooner James Blundell. When the public has branded you a home wrecker, it takes something spectacular to make them like you. This performance wasn’t enough.

Lana Krost closed the show with the number one hit, “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” It was a pleasant effort, but I felt she didn’t really understand what she was singing about. This is another girl with so much potential, but she seems a little too inexperienced to really make an impression on the competition.

So who will go and who will stay? This one seems a lot more clear-cut to me. If Natalie and Tarisai don’t make the top 12 after their consistent brilliance, I’ll be shocked.