Tonight the Australian Idol top 10 sang top 10 hits. But first of all we had to get to just 10 by eliminating one of our contestants. I was honestly shocked to see Kim Cooper and Sabrina Batshon sharing the bottom three spots with serial offender Casey Barnes. While I love Casey, when compared with those two girls he really deserved to go.
Sabrina Batshon kicked it off with “When Love Takes Over.” I really liked her enthusiasm, and the different approach she took on this song compared to the serious numbers we’ve had in the past. But I don’t think this was her best vocal performance. It was a little pitchy, and shrieky in places. It’s a shame, because I liked seeing this different side of her.
Toby Moulton stripped back and slowed down the ‘80s classic “Take On Me.” I love love love this song, and while it was a very different version, I loved it too. It felt very intimate, and to get that across to a television audience is very special indeed. This was just beautiful.
Kim Cooper embraced her pop roots with Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance.” This has never been one of my favourite songs, but I think she brought a new depth and edge to this track. I also appreciated that her vocals didn’t suffer with her dancing. Achieving that balance is a tricky one, and I think Kim managed it.
I think what I love most about Stan Walker is that he embraces this competition. He could so easily stick with soul, but by picking a song like “Straight Lines” he challenged himself again. By taking risks he avoids becoming predictable. And he’s just so lovely. This wasn’t as breathtaking as last week, but it was certainly enjoyable.
James Johnston did another of my favourite songs, Train’s “Drops of Jupiter.” He sang it well in terms of pitch and other technical elements, but it was incredibly bland. He took all of the quirks and personality out of it. I hated the arrangement, and I really missed the bridge (one of the best bridges in a modern pop song). I know things have to be chopped and changed to suit an Idol format, but I hated this.
When I heard Scott Newnham was taking on “Kiss From a Rose” I held my breath. This is one of the toughest songs in the world to sing. Initially it was really rough, but it picked up towards the end. I wonder whether when the band kicked in he felt less exposed and more comfortable. This wasn’t great, but it was a whole lot better than I anticipated.
Nathan Brake also showed us a new side of himself with Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You’ve Been Gone.” The pop thing really worked for him. While the judges panned his performance, I really enjoyed it. Although I wouldn’t necessarily mind if he went a little more camp!
Kate Cook showed us her vulnerable side with “Landslide.” This was truly stunning, a centred performance that gave me chills. To sit there and deliver a song so earnestly and honestly is a real gift. While so many of the contestants are struggling to show us who they really are, Kate does it with ease.
Tim Johnston made a really smart choice with Justin Timberlake’s “What Goes Around.” It’s the kind of song his fans will love. By opting out of the falsetto he didn’t expose his vocal weaknesses. And I have to disagree with Dicko; I think Tim’s a million times sexier than JT. The judges panned him, but I thought this was a very polished performance.
Hayley Warner brought a little rock edge to JoJo’s “Leave.” This has always been a really cool song, and I loved what she brought to it. Hayley is so magnetic, and tonight she showed she has that power no matter what style of music she’s singing.
This was a solid night, with a few slip-ups. A few people might be vulnerable, but I think Sabrina might be bundled out of there. If she couldn’t strike a chord with the audience last week, I doubt her Kelly Rowland turn will win her any new fans.