The pointy end of Australian Idol kicked off tonight with the first final. But before the performances, we learned that Toby Moulton and Hayley Warner (audience choice) and Casey Barnes and Tim Johnston (judges’ choice) would join our top 12.
Ashleigh Toole kicked off the night with Kelly Clarkson’s “Miss Independent.” It wasn’t a break-out performance, but it was a solid one. While she didn’t wow me, there’s something incredibly likable about her.
Scott Newnham is a bit of a crowd favourite, and he showed why with his version of “Come Together.” He performed the pants off it, and kept the vocals right where they should be. That’s an achievement. He’s such a raw talent, and he’s only going to grow through this competition.
Casey Barnes was up next with Powderfinger’s “On My Mind.” It was great to see him rocking a little bit harder. I also really liked seeing him with his guitar. He seems much more comfortable with it, and he’s got some serious skills. I was surprised he got a wildcard spot over Lauren Street, but performances like this show he deserves a place in our top 12.
Watching Hayley Warner perform “Light Surrounding You” was the first time I was wowed tonight. There’s an incredible honesty about her. She’s an open performer, and while she doesn’t sound the prettiest she makes me feel. That’s much more powerful.
James Johnston gave an acoustic treatment to “How To Save A Life.” I haven’t always enjoyed what James has done, but this was really good. By stripping everything back he allowed the lyrics to shine and really made the song his own. His vocals were also a lot fuller and more mature than I’ve heard them in the past. Following Hayley was always going to be hard, but James definitely stepped up here.
Sabrina Batshon confused the hell out of me with “Earth Song.” She sung the pants off it, but it felt a little old school Idol to me. Just too much, too much. And the song was never one of MJ’s finest. It was a confusing choice, which got really screechy in places. This wasn’t one of her best performances, but it certainly wasn’t middle of the road. And perhaps that ability to inspire a reaction, whatever that reaction might be, is enough.
Nathan Brake took the judges’ advice to bring a more contemporary flavour to his performances. “Stop and Stare” fitted the bill. I just adore Nathan. He brought the same theatricality and flair to this song that we’ve seen with the classics. I can’t wait to see what Nathan brings us week after week. He really excites me.
Stan Walker could sing the phone book and I’d be happy. His version of “Umbrella” didn’t really bring anything new, but it was a lot of fun. His voice is so distinctive, and I think he’s got all the potential in the world.
Toby Moulton has a weird knack for picking songs by bands I hate. Coldplay, U2, now Radiohead. But I still loved this. And I also loved his tight jeans. I agree with Dicko that perhaps he’s not gritty enough for Radiohead, but he did it well, falsetto and all, and I can’t fault that.
What a night of Idol it’s been. Kim Cooper grunged it up tonight with a stripped back performance of “Best of You.” She was in danger of becoming a bit of a Barbie pop girl, but by going in this direction I think she showed a side of her that the girls could relate to as well. This was a really smart choice from a girl who’s proving herself to be incredibly versatile.
Tim Johnston bombed with his version of “Halo.” While the song got a little better in the second half, it never got where it should be. His falsetto wasn’t strong enough, and even the mid-range notes never really hit for me. This was a big banana skin as far as I’m concerned.
Kate Cook is another of those contestants that is just so likable. She’s a joy to watch, and everything she does is so enjoyable. Her take on “Stuck in the Middle With You” wasn’t a leap off the page performance, but that didn’t matter. She knows who she is, and she does what she does, and that’s enough
I think Tim’s in real danger after tonight’s performance. But we’ll see what happens next week!