The third semifinal in our big week of Australian Idol kicked off with the announcement of two new finalists. I’m feeling a bit cocky about my tipping skills at the moment! Just as I predicted, Ashleigh Toole and Nathan Brake earned places in the top 12.
Daniel Raso opened up the show with The Real Thing’s “You To Me Are Every Thing.” There’s something so likeable about Daniel, and this was a really fun performance. It didn’t really show off his vocal chops, but it did highlight his mad performing skills. I agree that it was a strange choice, and probably a little too old-fashioned for the voting public, but I still liked this a lot.
There should be a rule not to sing “I Will Always Love You.” Only two people in this world can do it justice: Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton. It was simply too big for Aliqua Mao. Her voice is a little too thin, and she really pitchy. I know how hard this song is to sing. It’s one that I love to belt out. It was a risky move, and I don’t think it paid off, despite Marcia’s praise.
I was disappointed when Nicole Banks missed out on the top 12 last time, so I really wanted her to succeed this year. But I think her version of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” missed the mark. It started off really shaky, and definitely improved. But it simply wasn’t consistent. I’d think she was hitting her stride, and then it went off again. I admire her ambition and vision, but the execution fell short.
Jason Bartlett was next with “Tears in Heaven.” It was a really authentic and genuine performance. There were a few minor pitch issues, but he was believable. He inhabited those lyrics like few people I’ve seen this year. His performance was the first time tonight that I felt we might have found a finalist.
I seem to be immune to the charms of Scott Newnham. I think his version of “Run It!” was solid, but I didn’t like the song choice. I didn’t think he had the charisma or the attitude to pull it off. And perhaps I was feeling a little swayed by this morning’s Chris Brown verdict. But what do I know? The place erupted. While I was focusing on how clueless and charmless this boy appears to be, everyone in the studio was in raptures.
Sabrina Batshon closed the night with The Pussycat Dolls’ latest single “Hush Hush.” Sabrina is a real chameleon. We’ve seen her in every skin: vulnerable Sabrina, chanteuse Sabrina, and now sex kitten Sabrina. She’s a fascinating figure. But I’m not sure this will resonate with the voting public. She didn’t put a foot wrong, and her injection of “I Will Survive” was inspired, but I’m just not sure this will inspire people to pick up their phones. I hope I’m wrong though, because Sabrina intrigues me.
Despite my reservations, I’m pretty sure Scott’s going through to the top 12. I think Jason might join him, but I wouldn’t be disappointed if his place goes to Sabrina.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons