With just three singers left in the Australian Idol competition, I expected big things from tonight’s show. Instead there were some standouts, but a few performances that were more miss that hit. So who smashed it and who sank? Here are my thoughts!
Luke Dickens opened the show with “Stuck in the Middle with You.” This is a good fun song, and Luke enjoyed himself. I loved the rasp of his voice on this song, but I don’t think it was outstanding. At this stage of the competition that’s what I’m looking for. Instead it was the standard I’d expect to see on a good night at the pub. But he was back in form with his take on the Elton John classic “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues.” Luke knows who he is, and he’s got a voice that is just so recognisable. At this point he’s going to have a great career regardless of what happens tomorrow night.
Mark Spano was next up with the Fuel song “Bad Day.” Like Dicko, I didn’t know this one but he was just so convincing that it didn’t matter. It’s risky to perform a song the audience doesn’t know, but when you do it so competently the gamble pays off. I was very impressed. However I was less so with Mark’s rendition of “Smooth.” Maybe I was too harsh on him because Rob Thomas is my favourite singer on earth. But to me this just seemed like a pale version of the original.
It was a similarly lopsided night from Wes Carr. He never does a bad job, but I felt his version of “Easy” was a bit average. I loved the harmonica, but the rest of it lacked energy. You can be taking it easy without making us fall asleep Wes! There were no problems with the energy of his second song though. I was nervous when I heard Wes was doing “Get Back” as this song tends to get a little shouty, but it was a standout. Well deserving of the TV throw and the touchdown Wes!
With just one week until the Sydney Opera House finale I have no idea who’s going. Wes has to be there at the end, but I’m not sure who his rival will be. Mark is so talented, but Luke’s the Aussie battler and my nation always loves an underdog. I adore all three boys so I don’t really care which way it goes!