The new and improved, Jay Dee Springbett judging Australian Idol competition really kicked off tonight with the first semi-final. With the no talent losers out of the way, we could all sink our teeth into the really good stuff. And there was certainly some of that.
Hayley Warner started the show with Diesel’s “Cry in Shame.” It was an interesting choice, a little less contemporary and a little more soulful than we’ve seen her. I always find it intriguing when women cover male songs. It definitely works for her. She’s got a masculine energy that’s exciting, and she’s a born performer. It wasn’t her best performance, but it’s so refreshing to see a genuine rock chick in the mix.
Seth Drury was up next with his take on The Fray’s “You Found Me.” I really wanted to like Seth’s performance. He hasn’t received a lot of screen time, but what I’ve seen from him has been really cool. He’s from my home town of Newcastle. And he’s pretty cute. But his performance felt really pedestrian for me. There was none of the spark I’ve seen in the past, and with such a tough group of individuals I’m not sure solid is quite good enough.
Jamila Ioane took on Stevie Wonder’s classic “For Once in My Life.” She sang it well, but I honestly hated it. The arrangement stripped away all of the bounce and passion, so we were left with lounge music for the better part of the song. It picked up towards the end, but at this stage of the competition you don’t have very long to impress. I want a whole song of great, not just a snippet of one. I also felt like she was singing pretty rather than really connecting with the lyric. Jamila’s a real talent, but right now she’s not offering me anything I haven’t seen before.
Toby Moulton is one of my early favourites. There’s something about the older contestants. I love that they know who they are. That maturity is so appealing. But I also hate Coldplay with a fiery passion. Toby didn’t do anything to encourage me to rethink that position. I’m not sure his falsetto was strong enough to pull this off. I don’t think it really took off the way it needed to, even though sections hinted at it. Toby’s lovely, but I’m just not sure whether this was enough. But I hate “Yellow,” so take my words with a grain of salt.
There’s something so appealing about Kate Cook. “Your Mama Don’t Dance” was a clever song choice: a little bit country but not so much that it would alienate the mainstream audiences. Her enthusiasm and energy was infectious. She’s a real character, but she delivers the goods on stage. For me she was the stand-out of the night.
Stan Walker is another of those Idol hopefuls who captivated me from the get go. I’m not normally a big R ‘n’ B fan, but there’s something unique and compelling about this voice. Having said that, his performance of “If I Ain’t Got You” disappointed me. It had some really great moments, but there was a lot that felt all over the place. Too high, too low, generally undisciplined. It felt like the key changed a zillion times. But he’s an untrained talent, and I see massive potential in him. He could definitely grow in this competition if given the opportunity, and I’m pretty sure the girls are going to give it to him. If they don’t, the judges definitely will come wildcard night.
So who’s going through? If we’re basing it on performance alone, I’d say it should be Kate and Hayley. However, it’s never just about that. I’m predicting Stan’s boyish charms may see him edge out Hayley. But it’s going to be a close night!